Pipeline rehabilitation Vs Repiping- What is a better approach?

 

Pipeline installations done ages ago to transport fuel, water or gas need constant monitoring. Casing insulators are used to insulate and provide long-term protection from corrosion. Due to aging, they are at constant risk of corrosion or leaks. The damage caused to these pipelines is not only losing the resources but also the environmental harm they will cause due to leaks or eruptions.

The question of whether to go for rehabilitation or repiping becomes critical for pipeline installation companies. It is important to access the pros and cons of both to come to a decision.

Cost is a critical factor

Pipeline rehabilitation and repiping both have a cost attached to them. Both labor and material costs should be considered before making the decision. While rehabilitation may be beneficial for the short term and may cost less than repiping it is important to take into account the cost of shutting down the pipeline for rehabilitation. The interruption during repair may also lead to expenses. But replacing the whole pipeline is definitely higher than repairing.

Minimum disruption

Cured-in-place pipe(CIPP) is the best technology for minimum disruption to the locals. The open-cut replacement may disrupt the local business and the environment. Therefore the pipeline installation companies prefer CIPP which is less invasive. The installation is quick and very easy.

Lesser lead time

Time s of the essence. Repiping may take a longer time to build and make the material reach the site. Also, it takes longer to replace a pipe than to repair. During the repair or replacement, the pipelines need to be shut. In the case of repairing the lead time for materials to reach and the pipeline to resume its function is lesser than replacing the pipeline.

Environmental hazards

Corrosion over a period of time causes the metal to lose its strength. Resulting in the discharge of potentially explosive material into the environment. It is necessary to monitor the pipelines and maintain them. Most of the pipelines are underground, hence it becomes essential to follow the non-invasive methods to fix the underground pipeline leak repair.

Assessment of the state of the pipeline

To make rehabilitation a success, the following should be accessed:

• Where is the pipeline located? Whether it is located in a rural area or urban area; whether it is near a water body or near a rail transport system.

• What is the size of the pipeline where the underground pipeline leak repair is required?

• How much time would be required to repair and how much time would the materials need to reach the site.

• How much would the whole task disrupt the locals?

• Most important the weather and temperature during the time of repair.

Before making a choice between pipeline rehabilitation or repiping, one must consider the cost and time factors. Though rehabilitation is less evasive, one can not ignore the cost of inspections and maintaining these old pipelines. The best pipeline installation companies rely on companies like Raci Spacer distributor UAE for repairing and maintaining pipelines. Their engineered solutions help companies to restore the old pipelines saving them cost and time in repiping. They offer trenchless rehabilitation for underground pipeline leak repair without excavating.