UCC Safely Completes Carbon Fiber Wrap Pipe Repair Services at Power Plant

Underwater Construction Corporation (UCC) recently delivered carbon fiber wrap pipe repair services at a Mid-Atlantic Region U.S. power plant ahead of schedule and under budget. UCC utilized a carbon composite repair system for structural strength upgrades to the power plant’s cooling water intake system.

Two of UCC’s offices, our newest office in Glen Burnie, MD, and our corporate office in Essex, CT, supported the power plant’s carbon fiber wrap pipe repair infrastructure project.

UCC delivered an engineered carbon fiber pipe wrap design solution to the power plant, which supported their limited shutdown options. The carbon fiber wrap pipe repair project plan required no excavations, heavy equipment, or special ventilation, with minimal operational disruptions during installation. Similar repairs utilizing this high strength, low weight, and corrosion-resistant carbon fiber wrap were previously performed on other piping systems, which resulted in significant schedule and cost reductions for this plant.

“In today’s energy-sensitive environment, reducing plant downtime when it is unavailable to produce power is paramount,” said Philip McDermott, UCC’s Vice President-Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regions. “For UCC and our customers, the Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) engineered solution is a perfect fit. This client’s 66-inch diameter pipes were prepared, wrapped, and cured in one week resulting in significant cost savings, increased system reliability, and extended piping life”.

The strength-to-weight ratio of CFRP exceeds fifty times that of steel. CFRP makes structures last longer at a fraction of the cost and time of conventional materials and techniques Many energy sector plants, including nuclear, hydro, and fossil, face significant challenges regarding conservation and repair of their critically vital raw water intake and discharge infrastructure, and would benefit greatly from this type of carbon fiber wrap pipe repair.

If you have questions about our carbon fiber solutions, our team is here to help. Contact us about your carbon fiber wrap pipe repair needs and we will find the right turnkey solution.

With 50+ years of experience, UCC and its staff of over 200 divers, supervisors and project managers comprise the largest inland commercial diving services company in the U.S. UCC operates from multiple regional locations in Connecticut, Maryland, Michigan, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Texas, South Carolina, and the United Kingdom.

Through our global network of offices and associates, UCC has performed projects in over 25 countries. Every job, no matter the size, receives the professionalism customers expect from UCC. Reach out today regarding your carbon fiber pipe wrap project requirements, and our dedicated team will collaborate with you to meet your specifications.