Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)


Print Feedback Export to File
6892212 
Journal Article 
Asbestos abatement in pipeline repair 
Howell, D 
2020 
0 
Pipeline and Gas Journal
ISSN: 0032-0188 
247 
1 
45-47 
English 
There are millions and millions of feet of vintage pipelines in use throughout the US with an exterior coating that contains asbestos. There is probably an equal amount of footage existing in out-of-use, idled or abandoned pipelines. All of these pipelines were installed prior to 1980. In almost every instance when it comes to older or vintage pipelines, lines that are over 40 years old are being referred. Most pipelines today are built and designed to have a life span of 25-40 years, but many will stay in service much longer. Their heavier walled predecessor pipelines might be 50 to 80 years of age. These predecessor pipelines have a 90% chance of having 10%-50% chrysotile asbestos in their coal tar or felt type coating. The asbestos in the coating is an excellent insulator and protector of line pipe and serves the industry well as seen in the hundreds of thousands of miles of pipeline that are still in operation with good bonded coating intact and serviceable. Wear and tear eventually takes a toll, and disbonded coal tar coatings often reveal anomalies such as stress cracking or corrosion that lead to leaks, eruptions, and explosions.