TPT May 2008

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May 2008 54
Technology Update
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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
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
Fax: +31 497 55 53 99
Email:
Website:
Identifying pipe protection issues during storage
 Dhatec’s System88

The pipe clamp is
designed to prevent
pipes from rolling