New technology to fight pipeline explosions

Over the last decade, nearly 1000 pipeline explosions have occurred in the US. These explosions have led to more than 350 deaths, close to 1500 injuries, and more than US$ 700 million in property damage. According to investigators, the majority of the explosions were caused by material, weld and equipment failures, coupled with internal or external corrosion around piping connections.

Garlock Pipeline Technologies, the world’s leading manufacturer of critical-service flange systems, spring-energised jacketed seals and electrical flange isolation kits for the oil and gas, water/wastewater, chemical, energy, construction and infrastructure industries, today announces a new tool in the fight against pipeline explosions. The Garlock Pipeline Technologies’ ElectroStop® monolithic isolation joint is specially engineered to eliminate dangerous leaks and corrosion while permanently sealing pipe connections.

The system uses two static, self-energised, certified FKM Grade GF O-ring seals housed in precisely machined grooves that reliably seal and protect the unit against corrosion and leakage. A two-part epoxy coating, applied both internally and externally, protects against contamination and corrosion. A proprietary, high temperature glass reinforced epoxy (GRE) is used to increase internal component thermal capabilities to over 400 °F (204 °C) – the highest in the industry. ElectroStop® monolithic isolation joints feature no bolted connections that can corrode and potentially cause leaks, short circuits or be tampered with, which makes them ideal for use both above ground and below ground to isolate the flow of electric current in piping systems.

Each ElectroStop® monolithic isolation joint is manufactured in Houston, Texas, using US-produced steel and is available for shipment through stocking distributors. Welds are performed on an automatic welding machine designed to ensure a smooth, consistent weld surface with a significant reduction in crevices that could otherwise lead to joint failure. All welds are thermally monitored to insure no damage to internal components.

Garlock Pipeline Technologies tests each ElectroStop® monolithic isolation joint for hydrostatic and cyclic pressure performance, as well as electrical isolation. Ultrasonic magnetic particle and ultrasonic weld inspections also ensure the integrity of all welds to eliminate risks of failure.

Adapted from press release by Hannah Priestley-Eaton

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/19112014/new-technology-to-fight-pipeline-explosions/