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NIC and TWI into GRP Piping ISO Standard

Thu, 07 November, 2019

CAMBRIDGE, England, 31 October 2019 – The Non-metallic Innovation Centre (NIC) and TWI Ltd hosted a two-day consultation event related to the ISO 14692 standard for using glass reinforced plastics (GRP) piping in the petroleum and natural gas industries.

The event brought together stakeholders in the manufacture, specification / procurement, installation and operation of GRP piping, including Saudi Aramco Technologies Company (AramcoTech), BP, Future Pipe Industries (FPI), NOV, Amiblu, DRG, Fluor, KBR, Lloyd's Register, Bechtel Corporation, Flexible Manufacturing Solutions Ltd., and Z-Subsea Ltd. This informative two-day event was well received and provided a wealth of important information to drive progress detailing ISO 14692 in relation to the oil and gas industry.

"With our commitment to overcoming the current technology limitations of non-metallics, we can enable industry to exploit the true potential of these materials.”

Commenting on the event, Dr. Paul Woollin, TWI’s Director of Research and Technology said: “By pooling our collective knowledge and experience of developing solutions to structural performance challenges, NIC is focused on undertaking industry-driven R&D, to create benefit for companies operating in the energy industries by developing high integrity polymer, composite and mixed material products. With our commitment to overcoming the current technology limitations of non-metallics, we can enable industry to exploit the true potential of these materials.”

During the event, NIC and TWI hosted discussions regarding quality shortfalls in jointing and the associated competence requirements for operators and supervisors. Kees Rookus of FPI gave an insight into ISO 14692, and the needs of industry, including how these would inform standards activities.

Two separate discussions also took place regarding ISO 14692 and the fabrication, installation and operation of composite pipelines, as well as appreciation of the underlying need for examination and certification by third parties along with the current concerns of industry. The event also raised training challenges and delivery methods for the required knowledge and skills for GRP piping personnel in line with ISO 14692-4, while supporting individuals and employers.

The responsibility for ISO 14692 remains with ISO/IOGP and TWI and NIC has no intention of influencing IOGP/ISO work on ISO 14692 from a commercial angle, including Part 4.