Designing Envirolock for Pipelines

Envirolock - What Is It?

TCI’s Envirolock is a portfolio of pipeline integrity products designed for use in all service types and operational settings. This includes high pressure, large diameter, and hazardous material applications. Envirolock represents the leading edge of what is possible with pipeline integrity. Its revolutionary achievements include partially lifting a backhoe off the ground and containing a ~4600 psig rupture. With no ongoing maintenance needs and an innovative installation process, Envirolock provides substantial value to pipeline operators. TCI offers three standard configuration options:

Containment System (ECS)

Reinforcement System (EPRS)

Crack Arrestor (ECA)

Raising the Bar for Pipeline Integrity

What sets Envirolock apart? At its core, Envirolock reorients pipeline integrity to focus on the goal rather than the hazard. Instead of asking "how do we create a product to stop corrosion?", TCI asks "how do we create a product that protects pipelines, communities, and the environment?" This reframing recognizes that addressing individual threats is merely a means to an end. Operators do not care about the threat per se (as if a different type of threat would not matter). Rather, they care about its impacts: potential fatalities/injuries, contamination, liability, lost revenue, supply disruptions, etc. Put differently, if "integrity" is "the state of being whole..." then a true pipeline integrity solution must be holistic in its approach.

For that reason, we develop our customizable exterior containment and reinforcement systems to be COMPREHENSIVE, STRONG, and SELF-SUFFICIENT. Its remarkable capabilities are inherent in its design and broadly applicable to nearly any threat the pipeline may encounter during its useful life. Consequently, operators do not need to rely on any human, computer, or mechanical interventions to enact Envirolock's protections.

Designing Envirolock

Depending on the configuration, Envirolock may include up to three key components: the composite liner, the annulus, and the end caps/bulkheads. TCI will customize its exact parameters based on each pipeline's specifications and the client's needs.

Graphic rendering of the customizable Envirolock containment system for pipelines.

Annulus

(ECS Configuration) A porous mat-like PVC (or similar) material dubbed "Enviromesh" defines the annulus. It is wrapped around the pipe to an appropriate thickness. Principally, the Enviromesh is used to: 1) diffuse the energy (upwards of 5000 psi or more) of a leak "jet", and 2) provide the space to capture and contain any leaks within the annulus. In addition, the annulus houses a fiber-optic leak detection system. This safeguards the monitoring system from external threats and helps prevent false positives.

End Caps/Bulkheads

(ECS Configuration) These components chiefly prevent the migration of leaks to adjoining sections and into the environment while also reducing the possibility of "creep". In doing so, they protect ecosystems while enabling operators to pinpoint leaks without exploratory excavation. They are also cathodically sound and provide ingress into the system for leak detection cables.

Composite Liner

(ECS, EPRS, and ECA Configurations)

  • Inner Liner - The inner liner, principally comprised of polyurea, provides chemical resistance as well as the required thermal expansion. properties. If needed, we can also add a ceramic polymer to enhance protection against more severe chemical/temperature environments (i.e. carbon dioxide service).
  • Carbon Fiber - Multiple layers of carbon fiber are robotically wound around the inner liner to provide the required strength/reinforcement.
  • Outer Shell - The outer shell, comprised of polyurea, resists both external corrosion and impacts.

Learn more about Envirolock as well as the the risks and use-cases it can help you with:
Design Concepts & OptionsValidationInstallation & MaintenanceCompetitor Comparison
Impacts & GeohazardsDefects & DegradationCorrosion & PermeationRunning FracturesLeak & Rupture Events
Class Location ChangesNew Lines & RepurposingCode RepairsCrossing ProtectionRemote & Sensitive AreasOther Settings

If you have questions or would like to request a proposal, please contact us and we will be happy to help you!

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