DOE invests $33M into 10 natural gas pipeline rehabilitations

As part of the Rapid Encapsulation of Pipelines Avoiding Intensive Replacement (REPAIR) program, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) will invest $33 million into the retrofitting of 10 natural gas transmission pipelines.

These refurbishments will involve taking old cast iron and bare steel pipes and creating new, stronger pipes inside of them. Such legacy pipe systems make up approximately 3 percent of distribution pipes still in use but, according to the DOE, represent a disproportionate number of leaks.

“Natural gas is a crucial energy source for 75 million American households and businesses,” Lane Genatowski, ARPA-E director, said. “REPAIR teams will develop technology that enables gas utilities to update their distribution systems at low cost and continue to reliably service commercial and residential gas delivery needs nationwide.”

REPAIR intends to reduce deficiencies in these old networks and reduce costs by 10-to-20 times per mile. To that end, teams are working on smart coatings, inspection and 3D mapping tools, and robotic systems with which to line the inside of pipes. Researchers hope to extend the life of these rehabilitated pipes by at least 50 years and guarantee they will be able to operate without the exterior piping.

“The United States is now the world’s largest producer of oil and natural gas, and natural gas exports have quadrupled since President Trump took office,” Under Secretary of Energy Mark Menezes said. “In order to keep up with this growing industry, it is imperative we modernize and build out infrastructure to safely and efficiently bring this product to market.”