Development of a QA Framework for a Thermoplastic Composite Coupling

The industrial partner is developing a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymer pipe product for use in the oil and gas sector. Discrete length pipe sections require assembly in the field, which is accomplished using heat-fused overlap couplers. The project will investigate the coupling manufacturing quality, and the objective is to deliver a quality assurance (QA) framework for the coupling. The industrial partner requires test or inspection procedures that will identify if couplings have been manufactured incorrectly in the factory. Numerical modeling of the coupling will be performed to assess possible test methods (e.g. mechanical) for their effectiveness of exposing couplings faults. Ultimately, a comprehensive QA is needed by the partner to market the product, and for operators to safely employ the product in the field.

Faculty Supervisor:

Pierre Mertiny

Student:

Partner:

Shawcor Ltd (AB)

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Advanced Manufacturing; Oil and Gas

University:

University of Alberta

Program: