As America’s energy infrastructure stretches across thousands of miles of varied terrain, pipelines are increasingly at risk from natural ground movement—especially in areas prone to landslides, seismic activity, or subsidence. A recent study from the University of Maryland’s Center for Risk and Reliability highlights a growing concern: many pipelines lack adequate protection against the shifting earth, putting energy supply, safety, and the environment at risk. Fortunately, innovations like DragX, a surface treatment solution, offer a strategic advantage in mitigating these vulnerabilities.
Why Ground Movement Poses a Major Threat to Pipelines
Pipelines are built to withstand internal pressure and corrosion—but not always external physical displacement. According to the UMD study, which introduced a new model to assess pipeline integrity against the ground movement, traditional pipeline coatings and materials may fall short under strain caused by shifting soil or seismic events.
“Pipelines may be exposed to differential ground movements due to landslides, ground settlement, or tectonic activity,” says the Center for Risk and Reliability. “This can lead to bending, buckling, or rupture—especially in aging infrastructure.”
The consequences can be dire. A rupture in a major gas pipeline disrupts energy flow and poses serious risks of fire, explosion, and environmental contamination. As such, pipeline operators and energy stakeholders are now placing a greater focus on advanced materials and protective strategies.
Introducing DragX: A Surface Treatment Built for Resilience
DragX, a nanocomposite-based surface treatment, was designed to reinforce pipeline integrity in high-risk environments. While its benefits have often been associated with flow assurance and corrosion resistance, DragX also plays a pivotal role in withstanding mechanical strain due to ground movement.
Key Advantages of DragX for Ground Movement Protection:
- Durable Coating Flexibility: DragX forms a resilient layer that flexes with pipeline deformation, helping to prevent cracking or coating failure during bending or shifting.
- Strain Tolerance: Its ability to reduce micro-cracking under stress supports pipeline longevity in unstable soil zones.
- Enhanced External Protection: DragX shields pipeline from moisture, oxygen, and abrasive particles in displaced soils, critical for preventing accelerated external corrosion.
- Low-Friction Surface: By minimizing frictional drag, DragX supports internal efficiency, helping operators maintain consistent throughput during periods of environmental stress.
By integrating DragX into new builds or retrofits, pipeline operators can proactively reinforce vulnerable sections against ground-induced stress.
A National Need for Strategic Pipeline Defense
With the U.S. entering an era of domestic energy expansion, protecting its infrastructure has become a national priority. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, natural gas consumption and pipeline capacity are expected to grow significantly over the next decade. However, over 60% of the nation’s pipelines are more than 40 years old—many of which were not designed with today’s ground movement data or materials in mind.
Combining advanced surface treatments like DragX with predictive modeling tools—such as the one developed by the University of Maryland—offers a dual-pronged approach: prevent failure through better design and defend infrastructure through superior materials.
Building a More Reliable Energy Future with DragX
As threats to pipeline integrity evolve with shifting landscapes and climate patterns, so too must our defense strategies. DragX offers a forward-looking solution that not only supports efficient energy delivery but also bolsters the physical resilience of our most critical infrastructure. For pipeline operators aiming to meet America’s demand for reliable and affordable energy, DragX isn’t just a protective layer—it’s a strategic investment in national energy security. Learn more about DragX with experts.