Manufacturing pipe materials not only requires significant time and energy, but also large amounts of fuel resources that emit high rates of greenhouse gases. The iron and steel industry accounts for 11% of all carbon dioxide emissions, and they produce more emissions than other production processes (Swalec, 2021). Avoiding manufacturing new materials reduces GHGs, which can be achieved through asset recovery.

Asset Recovery for Pipe Assets: Turning Excess Into Value

Used Line Pipe

Line pipe is designed and manufactured for the transportation of liquids or gases over long distances. Most line pipe is constructed of high-strength carbon steel, but may be composed of stainless steel, plastic, or composite materials. Higher grades, such as API 5L X60, are used in higher-pressure and more demanding environments.

Line pipe can be reclaimed, refurbished, and reused through asset recovery at the end of its operational life. Reusing pipe through asset recovery often reduces the material costs, providing a cheaper alternative to purchasing new pipe from the mill. Raw materials can be expensive, so using existing pipe that is still structurally sound allows companies to avoid these high costs.

The Investment Recovery Association recommends pursuing these avenues of asset recovery (resale) before considering salvaging parts. This method produces the most return for the used assets and avoids the additional emissions released when melting scrap metal.

Repurposing  Vintage Lines

Pipe installed before 1980 may be coated with asbestos-containing materials (ACM). CPI understands the risk associated with ACM and implements safe removal processes that allow the pipe to be reused without risk of safety or regulatory violations.

Surplus Pipe

Surplus pipe is pipe ordered for a specific project that became unused, excess inventory due to cancellations or excessive ordering. Depending on the pipe’s condition and material, it can be repurposed for construction projects, water management, or small-scale infrastructure.

Large quantities of specific pipe can be readily available, skipping manufacturing timelines. Surplus materials that are properly stored and inspected can even be used for their original intent.

Choosing Sustainable Sourcing Models

As mentioned previously, the steel and iron industries are major contributors to emissions. Coal is the primary fuel source for these industries to smelt raw materials for steel products. Coal also happens to be one of the highest emitters of carbon dioxide, producing twice as much carbon dioxide per unit of energy as natural gas (EIA.gov).

Choosing products that are re-introduced back into the market after use is an effective alternative to purchasing new materials that also reduces overall emissions.

Making the Right Choice for Your Project

CPI Pipe & Steel has 140 acres of state-of-the-art facilities and pipe yards for storing readily available line pipe, used pipe, and surplus pipe for casing pipe, culvert, dredge pipe, road bore casing, caissons, piling pipe, bollards, and flume pipe. Choose the right materials from our readily available inventory.

Sources:

Swalec, Caitlin. “Guest post: These 553 steel plants are responsible for 9% of global CO2 emissions.” CarbonBrief. Last Updated 29 June 2021. Retrieved from: https://www.carbonbrief.org/guest-post-these-553-steel-plants-are-responsible-for-9-of-global-co2-emissions/