XHab™ FAQ

Comprehensive testing in both the laboratory and the field has been completed at independent third-party test facilities. Repair of corrosion damage (to the maximum 80% of wall thickness allowed by US federal regulations 49 CFR parts 192 and 195) has been tested in a series of 10" and 30" pipelines. The capacity of XHab™ for repair of dents has been proved in a PRCI-led study benchmarking 9 different repair products; Pipestream was one of only 3 products to complete the cyclic loading program in all instances.  Work is progressing with Stress Engineering Services in Houston on tests to demonstrating the up-rating capabilities of XHab. In all cases, Pipestream has made use of non-linear Finite Element Analysis (FEA) models to calculate and verify the physical performance of structural repairs and rehabilitation.

In addition, the raw materials used in the repair are inspected and tested, both at the point of manufacture and during the preparation phase prior to mobilization.  Rigorous QC checks are carried out during the machine application, which by its nature - readily allows for automatic inspection.  To request a Testing Summary, please click here.

No.  XHab™ meets US federal requirements for repair of a regulated pipeline, and the length of repair in accordance with these requirements is unlimited.  With Pipestream's automated method of application, lengths in excess of 300ft. (100m) of pipeline can be rehabilitated per day with a single crew.  To request a lead time and duration for your specific pipeline reinforcement project, please click here.

Several factors such as the nature of the anomaly being repaired (corrosion or dent depth) will dictate the number of layers of reinforcement; also the pipe diameter, ditch accessibility and geographic location can significantly affect the price per unit length.  In many cases, XHab™ can be 50% less than the cost of pipe replacement while the pipeline remains operational.  To request a quotation for reinforcement of a specific pipeline, please click here.

The entire XHab™ equipment set currently arrives to site on one road-going trailer (that can be modified to traverse difficult terrain) and is pulled along the right of way with a standard pipeline unit such as a side boom or dozer. A generator, air compressor, and daily material stocks are carried on-board the trailer alongside the pipe, while the machine propels itself along the pipe while being fed with power/air via a flexible umbilical from the trailer.  The first generation machine requires 24in. (~600mm) of clearance on the sides of the pipe and 20in. (~500mm) beneath the pipe to travel without obstructions.

The current machine is designed for 20” to 30” pipe. With minor modification it can be made to reinforce 16” pipe.  With some lead time (in the order of 6 months) for major rehabilitation or up-rating opportunities, equipment can be made available in any size requested.

XHab™ employs three levels of corrosion protection:

• Fusion Bonded Epoxy (FBE) coating is applied to the outside strip in a factory environment, in accordance with Canadian pipeline coating standard Z245.
• Pin brazing of the steel strips to the pipeline at regular intervals, to ensure electrical continuity and protection of the strips using the existing CP system.
• A final (continuous) layer of outer coating (usually a liquid Urethane or epoxy - used for repair or field joint coating) following the operator’s preference.

For more information regarding anti-corrosion performance of XHab, please click here.

Yes.  Pipestream have carried out extensive trials with two leading inspection companies, and have found that both the XHab™ repair and the pipe beneath it is inspectable using a combination of axial and spiral MFL. An excellent ILI benchmark can be achieved using these tools which will clearly detect the following: defects in the pipe wall, defects in the pipe wall under multiple XHab™ strips, parting of the XHab™ strips (either on top of, or in the middle of layers of reinforcement).

 If you wish to receive a copy of a joint technical paper published on this subject, please click here.

Similar to typical pipeline re-coating projects, XHab™ cannot be applied in the rain without cover, for similar reasons to field coating; the pipe temperature must be at least 3°C (5°F) above the ambient dew point.  XHab™ reinforcement can be applied in hot climates (up to 55oC) and cold climates (below 0oC); and it is believed it can be used in Arctic conditions with special operational provisions during construction.

XHab™ reinforcement has a yield strength in excess of 160ksi (1,100MPa), or approximately 3 times the strength of normal (e.g. X52) pipeline steel.  This allows for a low-profile repair with a stiffness that is matched only by high-end (very expensive) carbon fiber based composite repair systems.

XHab™ is an ideal solution for class change projects, where lowering MAOP, evacuation/hydrotesting, and costly pipe replacement are often the only options.  This currently requires a special permit application, but regulators who have seen and understand the XHab™ application have responded favorably. 

For more information regarding Pipestream’s progress with the U.S. and State regulatory agencies, click here.