Combination of hot-cured bonding and spot-welding solves strain-gage installation problem on oil pipe

For reasons of reliability, the operator of an underground pipeline for the supply of oil at a temperature of 160°C (320°F) was interested in finding the operational strains occurring in the pipe walls in the vicinity of the pipe bends.

For reasons of reliability, the operator of an underground pipeline for the supply of oil at a temperature of 160°C (320°F) was interested in finding the operational strains occurring in the pipe walls in the vicinity of the pipe bends. This information would enable the operator to take precautions against any expected damage to the pipeline.

Strain gages that could be applied to specified measuring points on the pipe presented a suitable measurement method. The regions of the pipeline to be tested had to be exposed and the bitumen covering removed which had been applied around the pipe for corrosion protection and thermal insulation. Figure 1 shows the section of exposed pipe.