Hydrostatic Burst Test of Multi-Angle Filament Wound Composite Pipe

Due to corrosion resistance, light-weighted and high mechanical properties, non-metallic composite pipe has been identified as a great alternative to conventional carbon steel pipe in oil and gas industries. The aim of this study is to determine the internal ultimate strength of non-metallic filament wound composite pipe working under monotonic pressure load. This study was also focused on the designing of the end-cap setup that was used throughout burst test. The test samples were first manufactured by filament winding method, employing E-glass fiber as reinforcement, epoxy resin as matrix and high density polyethylene (HDPE) as the liner through 30°/60° multi-angle configurations. The length of the sample pipe was approximately 500 mm with 94 mm thickness.
In order to suffice all requirements, internal pressure tests were done on the filament wound composite tube specimens according to ISO 11439 standard. The entire fabrication and testing of the pipes took place at SIRIM Permatang Pauh, Penang. The study was unfortunately hindered due to some problem associated with leakages. Improper design of the end-caps was identified as the main cause. The study was then preceded after several improvements were made. The burst test revealed that the modified end-cap design exhibited a burst performance of 125 Bar without any leakage. However, in an effort to replicate the test, it was found that the modified end-caps were yet still failed due to leakage. Therefore, further end-cap modification is required for future researches.