MAKHACHKALA, April 16 – RIA Dagestan. Researchers at Dagestan State Technical University have introduced an innovative three-layer composite pipeline design intended for gas and oil transport infrastructure. This novel approach replaces traditional heavy, steel-intensive solid-walled pipes with a “sandwich” structure comprising spaced outer and inner layers.
In energy engineering, mainline pipelines with large diameters, exemplified by projects like Power of Siberia and Turkish Stream, rely heavily on extensive steel use for their thick walls. Minor miscalculations in wall thickness can lead to excessive steel consumption by thousands of tons. Addressing this inefficiency, a young DSTU scientist, supported by a Russian Presidential Grant, developed a composite pipeline with separated channels for simultaneous transport of different fluids.
Comparative numerical analyses and experiments demonstrate that, for equivalent steel amounts, the composite design reduces stress by 50%, and compared to conventional pipes with similar performance, it requires 95% less steel. These findings suggest substantial material and cost savings, while maintaining structural integrity and enabling dual-medium flow.
In summary, this three-layer composite pipeline provides a structurally sound, economically efficient alternative to traditional solid pipes, promising significant steel conservation and enhanced functionality in pipeline engineering.