ejmse.2025.10.02.109

PLASTIC PIPES FOR HYDROCARBON TRANSPORT AND GENERAL USE

European Journal of Materials Science and Engineering, Volume 10, Issue 2, 2025
PDF Full Article,  DOI: 10.36868/ejmse.2025.10.02.109,   pp. 109-124
Published: June 20, 2025

Mavis Sika OKYERE 1,*
1 Ghana National Gas Limited Company, Department of Pipelines and Stations, # 225 Osibisa Close, Airport West, Accra – Ghana.

* Corresponding author: mavis.nyarko@ghanagas.com.gh / mariiooh@yahoo.com

Abstract

Traditionally, steel pipelines have been used for the construction of hydrocarbon pipelines, with the use of plastic pipes being restricted to water and sewage applications. There has been a trend to substitute traditional steel pipes with plastic pipes for constructing pipelines used in the transportation of hydrocarbons. Plastic pipes can also be used for various associated applications, including seawater cooling lines, water injection lines, drilling effluent lines, ballast lines, fire mains, potable water lines, and sewage lines. Using plastic pipes for hydrocarbon transport and terminal applications is generally driven by cost. However, the material’s corrosion and chemical resistance properties give it distinct advantages over ferrous materials. This research gives information on the selection process for the acceptance and suitability of plastic pipes for the transportation of hydrocarbons and general utility applications at terminals and pump stations.

Keywords: Plastic, Polyethylene, Glass reinforced plastics, Corrosion resistance, Chemical resistance, Flexibility.

References:

  1. Zhang, D., Li, H., Ding, N., Zhang, Z., & Shao, X. Transport Behavior of Pure and Mixed Gas through Thermoplastic-Lined Pipes Materials. Journal of Testing and Evaluation, 52(4), 2024, pp. 2503–2514. https://doi.org/10.1520/JTE20230477.
  2. Mensah, B. Special topics in material science and engineering: polymer. Lecture notes, Material Science & Engineering – University of Ghana, 2022.
  3. Okyere, M. S. Mitigation of Gas Pipeline Integrity Problems. CRC Press, USA, 2020.
  4. Crippen, K., & Lever, E. The Impact of Heavy Hydrocarbon Permeation on PE Pipe. Plastic Pipes Conference Association (PPCA), Chicago, IL, 2014.
  5. Fabrizio, S. Plastic Pipes for the Oil & Gas Industry: HDPE, PA11/12, PEX, RPT, PVC/CVPC, GRE/GRP Types. Projectmaterials, n.d.
  6. Wagner Technical Services. Installing a 12-Inch Plastic Gas Main. Wagner Technical Services. Accessed March 12, 2025. https://wagnertech.com/installing-a-12-inch-plastic-gas-main/
  7. Freire, J. L. de F., Gomes, M. R. R., & Gomes, M. G. Handbook of Pipeline Engineering. Springer, ABCM – Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-33328-6
  8. Schwarz, W., White, P. J., & Mihm, M. S. Sustainable Design of Pipelines: Guidelines for Achieving Advanced Functionality. American Society of Civil Engineers, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784415979
  9. Research and Markets. Flexible Pipe Market Report by Raw Material, Application, End Use Industry, and Region 2024–2032. Research and Markets, 2024. https://www.researchandmarkets.com/report/flexible-pipe
  10. Crawford, S. L., Cumblidge, S. E., Doctor, S. R., Hall, T. E., & Anderson, M. T. Technical Letter Report – Preliminary Assessment of NDE Methods on Inspection of HDPE Butt Fusion Piping Joints for Lack of Fusion. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 2008. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc901884/
  11. ASTM International. Standard Specification for Filament-Wound “Fiberglass” (Glass-Fibre-Reinforced Thermosetting-Resin) Pipe (ASTM D2996-23). ASTM International, 2023.
  12. Rishi, S., Hetan, C., & Mansingh, M. Implementing an Adaptive Algorithm for Hybrid EVs: Recognising Driving Patterns with Artificial Intelligence. E3S Web of Conferences, 540, 2024, 02020. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202454002020
  13. Lining With Pipe Segments. Trenchlesspedia, 2017. https://trenchlesspedia.com/definition/2875/lining-with-pipe-segments
  14. What Is High-Density Polyethylene Pipe? (Usage, Pros & Cons). PEDredgePipe, 2024. https://www.pedredgepipe.com/resources/what-is-high-density-Polyethylene-pipe-usage-pros-and-cons.html
  15. ASTM International. Standard Specification for “Fiberglass” (Glass-Fibre-Reinforced Thermosetting-Resin) Sewer and Industrial Pressure Pipe (ASTM D3754-24). ASTM International, 2024.
  16. ASME NM.2: Glass-Fibre-Reinforced Thermosetting-Resin Piping Systems (NM.2-2022). ASME, 2022.
  17. ASME B31.4: Pipeline Transportation Systems for Liquids and Slurries (B31.4-2022). ASME, 2022.
  18. ASME B31.8: Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems (B31.8-2022). ASME, 2022.
  19. ASTM International. Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe (DR-PR) Based on Controlled Outside Diameter (ASTM D3035-23). ASTM International, 2023.
  20. ASTM International. Standard Specification for Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe (SDR-PR) Based on Outside Diameter (ASTM F714-23). ASTM International, 2023.
  21. ASTM International. Standard Specification for High-Density Polyethylene (PE) Line Pipe (ASTM F2619-23). ASTM International, 2023.
  22. ASTM International. Standard Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Pipe and Fittings Materials (ASTM D3350-23). ASTM International, 2023.
  23. ASTM International. Standard Specification for Type PSM Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Sewer Pipe and Fittings (ASTM D3034-22). ASTM International, 2022.
  24. Aramco Adopts Cutting-Edge Pipeline Practices. Aramco. Accessed March 12, 2025. https://www.aramco.com/en/news-media/news/2019/cutting-edge-pipeline-practices.