Survey of Mechanical Property Enhancement Techniques for Piping Materials

Abstract

Failure of pipelines may pose significant hazards leading to detrimental environmental and economic impacts. Since the beginning of this millennium, nearly 600 severe gas pipe incidents were reported with more than 200 fatalities. This paper provides an exhaustive state of art analysis of piping materials, metallurgical enhancement methods, and surface engineering methods and how they are applied to pipeline and mechanical systems in the modern world. Both metallic and non-metallic piping materials are discussed, with emphasis put on their mechanical properties, corrosion, manufacturability, and ability to work in various service environments. Some of the key metallic materials include carbon steels, alloy steels, stainless steels and non-ferrous alloys are discussed together with non-metallic alternatives like polymers and fiber-reinforced composite materials highlighting their pros, cons and their use in industry. The paper also discusses the key mechanical properties that control the performance of pipes, including yield strength, tensile strength, ductility and toughness. Heat treatment, thermomechanical processing and severe plastic deformation are the methods of advanced metallurgical enhancement that are analyzed in terms of microstructure and mechanical performance enhancement. Also, surface engineering techniques, including, but not limited to, coating technologies, surface modification and thermal treatments are considered in terms of their effectiveness to increase wear resistance, corrosion protection and service life.