I Have Pipe Corrosion. Do I Have to Replace, or Can It Be Repaired?

Plumbing corrosion is extremely common across industrial plants in Indiana. Whether you’re dealing with gas, steam, liquids or caustic chemicals, different grades of steel only stand up for so long before they start to compromise. When that happens, there’s immediate demand for a solution. The question becomes, can it be repaired, or does it have to be replaced?

Thanks to modern innovations in composite materials, the answer to this question is increasingly becoming the former. Composite repair on corrosion is extremely effective at restoring the integrity of industrial piping, and it does so in a long-term, reliable capacity.

Survey the severity of the damage

Composite pipe repair is an extremely durable solution to industrial pipe corrosion, regardless of the type of damage. Pitting, scaling and general corrosion can all be solved with composite repair—a composite supplement is shaped to the affected area of the piping and used to reinforce areas where corrosion has taken root. Fixes can range from simple patches to complete segment reinforcements for caissons and even flange reinforcements.

Why composite materials?

Composite materials are effective for many reasons. First and foremost, they’re relatively inert. They aren’t affected by the same corrosive factors as steel, and thus won’t compromise under continued exposure to them. The right composite epoxy can serve as a permanent solution that’s effective at reinforcing piping to a greater-than-original degree.

This inertness also comes into play when observing environmental detractors. High heat, for example, is a problem in many factories and can speed the corrosion of piping by putting materials under further duress. Composites are, again, relatively inert. They’re often applied at temperatures between 50 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit, yet when cured can withstand temperatures of up to 300 degrees! Best of all, there are no hot-work permits needed for composite repairs!

In addition to the inertness of the material itself, composite patches are extremely lightweight. When applied, they don’t affect the load dynamics of a section of piping. This ensures there’s no additional dead weight to worry about.

Finally, composites are conforming. From hole patches to splash zone repairs, composites assume the form they need to in order to deliver a repair. They’re malleable to work with, yet cure firmly in place for a formidable solution that’s ready to stand strong in industrial environments.

Do you need to replace?

There are situations in which complete piping replacements may be more cost-effective and beneficial for the long-term operation of the plant. However, these situations are becoming few and far between thanks to the utility of composite solutions. The variance of composite compositions also ensures a tailored solution for any type of piping, regardless of its media or the type of wear and corrosion affecting it.

To learn more about the many benefits of composite pipe repair and the process of composite repair on corrosion, consult with the team at ACMS Group. We’re Indiana’s authority on composite solutions for compromised or corroded industrial piping systems. We look forward to learning more about your project.

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