TPT May 2008

T echnology U pdate

Identifying pipe protection issues during storage

For as long as pipes have been in production, storage has been a major issue. A vital concern involves the safe storage of pipes, with protection required of both pipes and the people around them. Many companies provide their own solutions without analysing the risks. However, this can lead to dangerous, unforeseen situations. It is essential to identify the main purposes for pipe protection during storage. To protect both people and pipes, Dhatec, a specialist in line-pipe logistics, has developed a storage system in line with its transport system, System88. The storage system is engineered to hold more weight and should be used on an even area. Pipes

are raised from the ground, which prevents moisture penetration from beneath, thus preventing corrosion on uncoated pipes. The blocks that support the pipes are made of a PE material and will not damage the external surface of the pipe or coating while the pipes are stored. Another recent development is Dhatec’s pipe clamp, designed to keep pipes from rolling without damaging the internal coating. It also has the advantage that it can be used for different wall thicknesses. Closing the pipe during storage brings many advantages. The pipes not only stay free from dust, insects and small animals, but also from snow or rain, which results in less corrosion on the internal surface of the pipe. When the humidity inside the pipe is maintained at a low level, corrosion can be brought down to almost zero. To close off a pipe, a bevel protector can be used to clamp a foil or plug inside the pipe. An advantage of the bevel protector is that it also protects the pipe-end against physical shocks. To establish lower humidity, several desiccant bags can be placed inside the pipe before closing it. An indicator attached

 The pipe clamp is designed to prevent pipes from rolling

to the plug shows if the humidity is still acceptable or not. The last issue in storage is the influence of the sun on the coating layer. Continuous direct UV radiation will eventually cause the coating to degrade, and the coating will lose its primary function – the protection of the pipe. A special sheet can be placed over the pipes that will reflect or absorb the UV radiation. Dhatec is able to deliver not only pipe-end protection, but protection for pipes from pipe mill to storage to final destination. Dhatec BV – The Netherlands

 Dhatec’s System88

Fax : +31 497 55 53 99 Email : info@dhatec.nl Website : www.dhatec.nl

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M ay 2008

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