The composite clamp which was developed by Petronas Research Sdn Bhd (PRSB), the research arm of Petronas with Cooperative Research Centre for Advanced Composite Structures (CRC-ACS) of Australia, is the world’s first composite solution designed for in-situ repair system for pipelines with through-wall defects. It comprises two half-shell parts that are bolted together around the leaking pipeline, providing leak and pressure containment.

The technology has many benefits over conventional metal clamps. It is not only cost-effective and light-weight, but also resistant to corrosion as well as can be custom-made and fabricated quickly.

Completed in November 2013, the technology had successfully undergone qualification testing, including a 1,000-hour long-term pressure test at an elevated temperature which was certified by Lloyd’s Register.

PRSB’s Head of Advanced Materials, Dr K H Leong accepted the award on behalf of Petronas at a ceremony held during JEC Europe 2014 Composites Conference on 11 March 2014 in Paris.