Thu, 18 May, 2023
TWI has signed an agreement with Shawcor Limited (an NIC Associate) on behalf of NIC sponsor, Saudi Aramco Technologies, to support and accelerate current developments of reinforced thermoplastic pipes (RTPs) for high temperature aromatic hydrocarbon service using cost-effective material options coupled with efficient, low energy, and high speed RTPs manufacturing.
The agreement was signed at Aramco’s office in London by Khaled Mamour, Director International Markets at Shawcor, and Jon Blackburn, Business Group Manager, Strategic Capability Programmes at TWI.
Khaled Mamour, Director International Markets at Shawcor (Front Left), and Jon Blackburn, Business Group Manager, Strategic Capability Programmes at TWI (Front Right)
RTPs offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive choice for various industries. One of the key advantages is the exceptional resistance to corrosion, which eliminates the need for costly maintenance while also extending the service life.
RTPs’ high strength and durability enable them to withstand high pressures and external loads, while the lightweight nature simplifies transportation and installation, making it suitable for challenging locations. The flexibility of RTPs allows them to accommodate ground movements and thermal expansions without compromising performance while their smooth inner surfaces promote efficient fluid flow and, in turn, minimize the risk of deposits. Additionally, RTPs are environmentally sustainable, recyclable, and contribute to significant (up to 50%) reduction in energy footprint (A. Zubail, A. Traidia, M. Masulli et al., 2021).
Overall, these benefits position RTPs as reliable and cost-effective solution for fluid transport applications. However, to expand the utilization and applications of RTPs, there is a need push the operating envelop (i.e., pressure, temperature and/or diameter) of existing non-metallic pipes in general.
The collaboration between the NIC stakeholders in this project brings together their complementary expertise, resources, and experiences, ensuring a comprehensive approach to achieving the project objectives. All parties will leverage their strengths to overcome challenges, foster innovation, and deliver cost-effective piping system solutions that will support the expansion of non-metallic pipe applications.