inspection of old Fiber glass/GRP pipes (4-1/2");

Ask the vendor, but 2 years under cover should be OK. Other than destructive test, I know of no "test" which can be done, but using GRP for casing pipe is new one to me - I hope you've done it before....

My motto: Learn something new every day

Also: There's usually a good reason why everyone does it that way

I've been hearing about GRP casing for years. In the early days it had a serious problem with cementing (the heat while curing wrecked o-rings and sometimes the collapse strength was inadequate for the hydrostatic pressure of the cement on the backside when the wiper plug was first run). I've heard those problems have been fixed, but I don't know. As to inspection, the only test I've ever done on the stuff is a Hydro. Since you don't want to make it up more times that absolutely necessary, I don't think that would be a good idea. Actually, I don't have a clue how you would confirm that this stuff is fit for purpose after 2 years in storage.

David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering

"Belief" is the acceptance of an hypotheses in the absence of data.
"Prejudice" is having an opinion not supported by the preponderance of the data.
"Knowledge" is only found through the accumulation and analysis of data.
The plural of anecdote is not "data"

I had the same issue with some really old (20 year) GRE pipes trying to get data togehter to determine if they could be life extended another 10 years from their original 20. Had to get a spare piece we had cut out because it broke and send for all sorts of mechanical tests, bending, fatigue, accelearated life tests etc etc, i.e. just like what they do when they make it.

All came back virtually as good as new. New types of GRE are no way near as bad at UV aging as the original stuff made 30 years ago and if it's been covered, why would there be an issue. Tryong to prove a negative is never easy, but some sort of destructive test is all you've got in my opinion unless the vendor comes up trumps and certifies it after an "inspection" costing you (or your client) several thousand dollars....

ISO 14692 part 4 appendix B gives guidance on storage and all four parts should be in your possession. As long as those guidleines have been followed then you should be Ok. Of course if you're using 2 year old epoxy glue ot fix these things then that's another story..

My motto: Learn something new every day

Also: There's usually a good reason why everyone does it that way

Gents, thanks for your quick response.

What are mechanical tests to be carried out and which ASTM standard shall we refer to?

Regards

Here are the standard tests used to evaluate the mechanical integrity of some old GRP tanks:

ASTM D 3299: Standard Specification for Filament Wound Glass Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Resin for Corrosion Resistant Tanks.
ASTM 2563 Level II: Standard Practice for Classifying Visual Defects in Glass Reinforced Plastic Laminate Parts Level II.
ASTM D 2583: Standard Test Method for Indentation Hardness of Rigid Plastics By Means of a Barcol Impressor.
ASTM D 2344: Interlaminar Shear Strength by Short Beam Method

It's not exactly what you are doing, but close. Maybe it'll lead you to the right solution.

I'll repeat LI's advice, ask the vendor. You want the old pipe to pass the same specs as new pipe being produced today. Can you send them samples for testing?

Good luck,
Latexman

Technically, the glass is always full - 1/2 air and 1/2 water.

After a visual inspection, the end user may be wanting a burst test as per ASTM D1599/API 15HR to confirm integrity.

Steve Jones
Corrosion Management Consultant


All answers are personal opinions only and are in no way connected with any employer.