Effect evaluation of geosynthetic clay liner used in oil pipelines

In order to evaluate systematically the application effect of geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) in oil pipelines and solve the seepage control difficulties while oil pipelines run through the environmentally sensitive regions, the oil leakage principle, the effect of cathodic protection, the pipeline crossing and hydraulic protection technologies in the case of pipeline accidents were compared with the technical performance indicators and test data of GCL based on the its practical application in pipeline engineering. Then, it was comprehensively evaluated from the aspects of material performance, operation reliability, service life and economy. It is indicated that this material is not universally applicable. It can be used as one of the effective measures to control the seepage of small diameter and low pressure pipelines. For large diameter and high pressure pipelines, however, it can be used only after calculation. Besides, the evaluation method for oil pipeline seepage control was established, and it can be used as the reference for the future construction protection in other similar protection zones.