Fluid-7 Frequently Asked Questions
A revolution in fluid membrane technology.
A Major Step Forward in CIPP Pipeline Technology
Fluid-7 presents the oil and gas industry with a unique and timely solution designed to significantly improve pipeline ROI.
Below are some of the questions we are commonly asked.
What differentiates Fluid-7 from existing pipeline relining solutions?
Unlike existing relining solutions like FFRP liners and foldable PE/TPU Fluid-7 is a fully structural Pipe within a Pipe solution with a multi-fluid capability that future-proofs your existing pipeline. It is available in a full range of sizes from 2” (DN50) up to 48” (DN1200).
Fluid-7 does not depend on the host pipe for structural integrity, meaning the original pipe can disintegrate and the lining maintains full operational integrity.
What are the key benefits of Fluid-7's CIPP technology?
Fluid-7’s CIPP technology offers several advantages, including:
- Fully structural Pipe within Pipe or standalone new pipe solution
- Lowest CO2 emissions in its class.
- Broad temperature ranges from -40°C to 88°C
- High seismic tolerance.
- Enhanced flow capacity.
- Efficient flat-packed shipping.
- Trenchless installation capability.
- Extended lifespan and futureproofing.
- Superior strength-to-weight ratio.
- Comprehensive global supply chain support.
Is Fluid-7 only for relining?
No. Fluid-7 is available both as a Pipe within a Pipe for remediating or future proofing existing pipelines or as a completely new standalone pipeline with the significant project benefits of being shipped flat packed and then formed onsite including the ability to shape bends.
What is Fluid-7’s Multi Fluid Capability?
Unlike competitor products that are specific to one type of fluid our product contains a breakthrough multi-fluid membrane which means your pipeline is “Future Proofed” for us with Water, Sour Gas, Natural Gas, Crude oil, Refined Petroleum (gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, home heating oil) Raw Co2, Butane, Ethane, Propane, Methane, Ammonia and Hydrogen, making pipelines adaptable to future energy transitions.
How does Fluid-7's Pipe within Pipe technology compare to traditional steel and other products?
Fluid-7’s CIPP technology surpasses traditional steel and other products in several ways, including lower CO2 emissions, higher seismic tolerance, enhanced flow capacity, and more efficient shipping and installation processes. Our composite solution has a 4:1 higher strength to weight ratio than steel and is engineered for a lifespan between 50 and 75 years.
Compared to steel it does not corrode externally or erode internally, suffer from stress fractures, running failures or any increase in operating costs throughout its life. Unlike steel, Fluid-7 requires no corrosion protection or pigging, further reducing operational costs.
Can Fluid-7's CIPP technology be used in extreme conditions?
Yes, Fluid-7’s CIPP technology can operate in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 88°C(190°F), making it suitable for diverse and demanding environments.
What is the environmental impact of Fluid-7's CIPP technology?
Fluid-7’s CIPP technology has significantly lower CO2 emissions compared to traditional steel (65% less embodied carbon) and reduces energy pumping costs by up to 60% due to lower coefficient of friction aligning with sustainability initiatives and regulatory requirements. Being flat packed for shipping reduces costs by up to 90% compared to steel and slashes carbon emissions associated with logistics and transport to site.
How does Fluid-7 ensure the quality and availability of its products?
Fluid-7 is backed by a mature ISO9001:2015 certified supply chain with over 50 years of experience, ensuring reliable, consistent product availability and global support.
All products are subjected to a 28-point quality check before being shipped.
What is the maximum crush or dent limit of Fluid-7 product and is it suitable for use in areas prone to earthquakes or ground movement?
Our composite pipe has been tested to 61.5% internal deflection at 13.85kN (1412.3kg) and returned to its original shape and was still fully functional meaning that it has high seismic tolerance which is critical for reliability in horizontal infrastructure.
What are the ideal parameters for installation?
Ideal Ambient Conditions typically 10C to 30C, below 85% humidity.
What is the maximum length of pipe you can reline at a time?
Depends upon several factors; pipeline internal friction influences maximum pulled length, diameter of pipeline influences maximum steam volume, available access and egress points, depth of pipeline cover, waterways and rivers affect thermal dissipation.
As a guide, the maximum length between joints is currently 1 mile(1600m) in optimum conditions but this will be advised project by project.
Are there options for repairing the pipeline in the event of accidental damage (e.g., third-party strikes)?
Yes. Damaged section is quick to remove and replace with circular pipe cutters and mechanical joints. It can be performed between line breaks if required.
Are there options for future installation of off-takes (e.g., hot taps) through the reinforcement layer?
Yes, at the point of the required offtake a small section of the pipe is removed (~3ft / 1m) and a grouping of couplings including an accessory adapter for multiple take-offs/accessory attachments (gauge etc.) is connected to the pipeline. Designed to maintain both mechanical and fluid integrity.
What is the maximum pressure rating Fluid-7 solutions can achieve?
Our standard MaOP is 120 Bar(1740psi) engineered design, however we custom engineer each pipeline solution to meet customer engineering requirements so can exceed this by engineering a different laminate using more layers or using aramid fibres like Kevlar or Carbon to achieve higher strength ratings.
How is the Pipe within Pipe product installed?
Once manufactured, the flat packed pipe liner is transported to site in a container. On-site the liner is ‘wet-out’ with our structural resin whilst being winched into a small trenched open-end section of pipeline. Once the liner has been winched through to the next small trench it is secured at each end, inflated and cured under steam pressure for 4hrs. The fluid-tight couplings nests are installed quickly, these can also incorporate accessory access points.
How do you guarantee quality of installation?
Fluid-7 will only partner with experienced, reputable companies who have a proven history of pipe liner installations. We work together with the pipe liner installer and the manufacturer ensuring each solution is specifically designed to deliver >75 years of valued operation to the exact parameters you need.
The resin is batched for each project, chosen for its proven high tensile capabilities in Class 4 High Pressure Structural Cylinders. This is mixed on-site by an automated ratio system and the wet-out is undertaken on calibrated equipment designed to ensure both a full wet-out and a specific volume per area.
The curing follows a 40yr mature process utilising industry’s latest equipment that monitors and adjusts pressure and temperature along the entire length of the lined section. Tokens are taken from each end of the lined section and tested onsite (if
required) to ensure technical functionality.
How are the couplings installed?
Flanges are pre-welded onto each end of the section being lined. The coupling is attached to the flange and the end of the cured liner is fed through the inside of the coupling into a high-pressure gas tight liner. A conical insert creates a high-pressure seal onto the liner with the aid of a hydraulic installation tool.
How do I maintain my new pipeline?
Simple, you don’t! Your new asset requires no regular maintenance and is self-cleaning internally. It can be foam pigged if required.
How many vehicles and resources are required on-site for installation?
Like most CIPP liners they require a very small footprint, typically a 6-8 person installation team with 2-3 vehicles can achieve up to a mile per day of relining in optimum conditions. Wet-out equipment, generator, compressor, a winch and a steam boiler.
What maintenance is required on the original host pipeline?
None, if your operating conditions allow it all further maintenance can cease. No further cathodic protection or chemical inhibitors, no more pigging and we expect Opex to reduce >75%.
Can Fluid-7 be utilized subsea?
Great question and one we are asked constantly. Subject to further testing, we are confident in both the Fluid-7 relining solution and the new pipes’ suitability for subsea applications. We are seeking a suitable pilot project to test these applications.
Is the pipe liner conductive, can it be affected by cathodic protection?
No, the Fluid-7 lining is not conductive. This means the liner is not affected by existing cathodic protection and can also be installed close to power line easements.
What are the customization options for Fluid-7 pipelines?
Fluid-7 pipelines can be tailored to meet specific project requirements, including pressure ratings, fluid compatibility, diameter, and length. Customization ensures optimal performance for unique applications such as hydrogen transport or seismic zones.
Can Fluid-7 pipelines be used for carbon capture and storage (CCS)?
Yes, Fluid-7’s composite structure and proprietary membrane barrier are ideal for CCS applications, providing superior containment for CO₂ and other greenhouse gases with minimal permeability.
How does Fluid-7 contribute to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals?
Fluid-7 supports ESG initiatives by reducing embodied carbon by 65% compared to steel, enabling safe transport of green fuels, and minimizing environmental disruption with lower logistics costs and trenchless installation methods.
How does Fluid-7 pipe within a pipe compare to other composite liners in terms of durability?
Fluid-7’s unique composite design includes glass, aramid, or carbon fibers for enhanced mechanical strength and resistance to extreme conditions, surpassing typical RTP and fabric liners.
Is Fluid-7 suitable for projects aiming to generate carbon credits under sustainability initiatives?
Fluid-7 is highly suitable for projects seeking to generate carbon credits. Its advanced composite technology offers a 65% reduction in embodied carbon compared to traditional steel pipelines, directly contributing to lower lifecycle emissions.
Additionally, Fluid-7’s efficient flat-packed shipping design reduces logistics-related emissions by over 90%, and its trenchless installation further minimizes emissions and environmental disruption. These features align with the criteria for carbon credit eligibility under many sustainability frameworks, making Fluid-7 an ideal choice for an environmentally focused pipeline infrastructure.
What standards does Fluid-7 conform to?
Fluid-7 Pipe in Pipe and new pipe solutions meet or exceed Standards ASTM F2207 (2023) This standard specifies the requirements for cured-in place pipe (CIP) lining systems for the rehabilitation of metallic gas pipes.) and ASTM F1743(2022) (This standard covers the rehabilitation of existing pipelines and conduits by the pulled-in-place installation of cured-in-place thermosetting resin pipe.) As Fluid-7 technology is fully structural which neither of these standards consider we are working with certification agencies to develop a new standard. Aside from these standards our manufacturing and materials are produced in ISO9001:2015 certified facilities.