As the host pipe could potentially corrode through the wall the day after BAE application or tens of years later, consideration needs to be given to the impact of ageing of the applied resin. The testing will need to consider the saturation and ageing of the resin in a gas services environment and this will be undertaken separately by 3M.

The focus of the study outlined in this proposal will be to assess the suitability of the applied resin layer for use as a long term stand-alone pipe as more of the BAE pipe becomes exposed to the surrounding environment following the continuing deterioration of the host pipe.

There are a number of test that can be done to establish the ability of the applied resin to withstand the external loads which could be applied if the external water table is high. The resistance of the resin layer to collapse from external loading is related to the long term stiffness of the resin material and this will be established through a series of laboratory tests which establish test times for a range of loads which can be extrapolated to provide a modulus value for 50-year life. A number of specialist materials testing providers will need to be approached to ensure that the full range of requirements can be successfully undertaken.

Benefits

Of the two reports being produced from this project, the first will provide interim confirmation of the ability of the applied resin layer to resist the initial internal and external loading as the host pipe begins to deteriorate and fail. This will inform a decision to continue with the remaining programme activities. The second and final report will complete the assessment of the ability of the applied resin layer to continue to resist the applied loading throughout the lifetime of the installation. This will confirm that the lifetime of the resin material is sufficient to validate the technical and commercial viability of the solution, leading to full commercialisation.