Pipeline Fracture Resistance Testing
Materials used for pipelines must be capable of resisting a propagating fracture to prevent an uncontrolled propagating fracture resulting in a major hazard to the environment and loss of the pipeline asset. Both polymers and steel pipeline materials can be tested for their fracture resistance at Spadeadam.
Plastic pipe materials up to 700mm diameter can be tested at full scale in a facility incorporating a chilled trench. Tests can be conducted in accordance with Transco standard PL2 or appropriate National Standards or the draft European Standard prEN1555.
Steel transmission pipeline materials can also be tested for fracture resistance. An existing facility for 36" diameter pipe allows for tests up to 180bar involving natural gas or rich gas mixtures. A re-circulation system also allows for elevated or below ambient gas mixtures to be used. Extensive instrumentation allows for measurement of crack growth and gas decompression during the experiments which are initiated using shaped explosive charges.
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