Combined Loading Tests of Large Diameter Corroded Pipelines

Author(s):  
Marina Q. Smith ◽  
Christopher J. Waldhart

Current methods for estimating the remaining strength of aging, corroded pipelines have been restricted to the capabilities of pressure based engineering models that rely on the definition of hoop stress in the pipe wall. Because in practice, pipelines are subjected to a variety of loading conditions (e.g.; axial bending from settlement and thermal stresses) that act in concert with those derived by internal pressure, a multi-year combined testing and analysis program was initiated by the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company aimed at developing computer tools for the prediction of rupture and wrinkling in corroded pipes. During the program, seventeen full-scale tests of mechanically corroded 48-inch diameter (1219-mm), X65 pipes subjected to internal pressure, axial bending, and axial compression were performed to provide data necessary for the verification of analytical models and failure prediction models. While all of the tests were designed to produce rupture, wrinkling, as defined by the occurrence of a limit moment during the application of bending loads, was produced in eleven of the tests either prior to or instead of rupture. Loading of the pipe was intended to simulate that which would be observed by a pipe in-service and included both load control and displacement control of the applied bending load, and in some tests, intended to define the amount of additional pressure required to cause burst after wrinkling was produced. Results of the tests showed that two different failure modes are produced depending on whether the bending moment is transmitted to the pipe as a fixed load or a fixed displacement, and consequently, the burst capacity of the corroded pipe may not be compromised by the presence of axial loads. This paper discusses the tests performed, including a description of the load schedule and corrosion geometries, and key results of the tests that were used in the development of a new strain-based burst prediction procedure for corroded pipes subjected to combined loads.

Author(s):  
Виктор Миронович Варшицкий ◽  
Евгений Павлович Студёнов ◽  
Олег Александрович Козырев ◽  
Эльдар Намикович Фигаров

Рассмотрена задача упругопластического деформирования тонкостенной трубы при комбинированном нагружении изгибающим моментом, осевой силой и внутренним давлением. Решение задачи осуществлено по разработанной методике с помощью математического пакета Matcad численным методом, основанным на деформационной теории пластичности и безмоментной теории оболочек. Для упрощения решения предложено сведение двумерной задачи к одномерной задаче о деформировании балки, материал которой имеет различные диаграммы деформирования при сжатии и растяжении в осевом направлении. Проведено сравнение с результатами численного решения двумерной задачи методом конечных элементов в упругопластической постановке. Результаты расчета по инженерной методике совпадают с точным решением с точностью, необходимой для практического применения. Полученные результаты упругопластического решения для изгибающего момента в сечении трубопровода при комбинированном нагружении позволяют уточнить известное критериальное соотношение прочности сечения трубопровода с кольцевым дефектом в сторону снижения перебраковки. Применение разработанной методики позволяет ранжировать участки трубопровода с непроектным изгибом по степени близости к предельному состоянию при комбинированном нагружении изгибающим моментом, продольным усилием и внутренним давлением. The problem of elastic plastic deformation of a thin-walled pipe under co-binned loading by bending moment, axial force and internal pressure is considered. The problem is solved by the developed method using the Matcad mathematical package by a numerical method based on the deformation theory of plasticity and the momentless theory of shells. To simplify the solution of the problem, it is proposed to reduce a twodimensional problem to a one-dimensional problem about beam deformation, the material of which has different deformation diagrams under compression and tension in the axial direction. Comparison with the results of numerical solution of the two-dimensional problem with the finite element method in the elastic plastic formulation is carried out. The obtained results of the elastic-plastic solution for the bending moment in the pipeline section under combined loading make it possible to clarify criterion ratio of the strength of the pipeline section with an annular defect in the direction of reducing the rejection. Application of the developed approach allows to rank pipeline sections with non-design bending in the steppe close to the limit state under combined loading of the pipeline with bending moment, longitudinal force and internal pressure.


2018 ◽  
Vol 140 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nima Mohajer Rahbari ◽  
Mengying Xia ◽  
Xiaoben Liu ◽  
J. J. Roger Cheng ◽  
Millan Sen ◽  
...  

In service pipelines exhibit bending loads in a variety of in-field situation. These bending loads can induce large longitudinal strains, which may trigger local buckling on the pipe's compressive side and/or lead to rupture of the pipe's tensile side. In this article, the post-buckling failure modes of pressurized X65 steel pipelines under monotonic bending loading conditions are studied via both experimental and numerical investigations. Through the performed full-scale bending test, it is shown that the post-buckling rupture is only plausible to occur in the pipe wall on the tensile side of the wrinkled cross section under the increased bending. Based on the experimental results, a finite element (FE)-based numerical model with a calibrated cumulative fracture criterion was proposed to conduct a parametric analysis on the effects of the internal pressure on the pipe's failure modes. The results show that the internal pressure is the most crucial variable that controls the ultimate failure mode of a wrinkled pipeline under monotonic bending load. And the post-buckling rupture of the tensile wall can only be reached in highly pressurized pipes (hoop stress no less than 70% SMYS for the investigated X65 pipe). That is, no postwrinkling rupture is likely to happen below a certain critical internal pressure even after an abrupt distortion of the wrinkled wall on the compressive side of the cross section.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael John Stephens ◽  
Simon John Roberts ◽  
Derek James Bennet

Abstract Understanding the structural limits of subsea connectors used in offshore environments is critical to ensure safe operations. The latest industry standards establish the requirement for physical testing to validate analysis methodologies for connector designs. In this paper, an analysis methodology, compliant with the latest API 17G standard, is presented for calculating structural capacities of non-preloaded connectors. The methodology has been developed for complex combined loading scenarios and validated using full-scale physical testing for different connector families. Detailed 3-D, non-linear, finite element models were developed for three different non-preloaded connections, which consisted of threaded and load shoulder connectors. A comprehensive set of combined tension and bending moment structural capacities at normal, extreme and survival conditions were calculated for each connection. The calculated capacities were validated for each connection by performing a test sequence using full-scale structural testing. A final tension or bending to failure test was also completed for each test connection to validate the physical failure mode, exceeding the latest API 17G requirements. For all connections tested, capacities calculated using the methodology were validated from the successful completion of the test sequences. The physical failure modes of the test connections also matched the predicted failure modes from the FEA, and the tensile or bending moment loading at physical collapse exceeded that predicted by the global collapse of the FEA model. Using the validated approach described in this paper significantly reduces the requirement of physical testing for connector families, establishing confidence in the structural limits that are critical for safe operations.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barry Stewart ◽  
Sam Kwok Lun Lee

Abstract Wellhead connectors form a critical part of subsea tree production systems. Their location in the riser load path means that they are subjected to high levels of bending and tension loading in addition to internal pressure and cyclic loading. As more fields continue to be discovered and developed that are defined as High Pressure and/or High Temperature (HPHT) these loading conditions become even more arduous. In order to ensure the integrity of HPHT components, industry requirements for components are setout in API 17TR8. This technical report provides a design verification methodology for HPHT products and some requirements for validation testing. The methodology provides detail on the assessment of static structural and cyclic capacities but less detail on how to assess the functional and serviceability criteria for wellhead connectors. Similarly, API 17TR8 does not include prescriptive validation requirements for wellhead connectors and refers back to historical methods. This paper describes a practical application of the API 17TR8 methodology to the development of a 20k HPHT connector and how it was implemented to verify and validate the connector design through full scale tests to failure. A methodology was developed to meet the requirements of the relevant industry standards and applied to the connector to develop capacity charts for static combined loading. Verification was carried out on three dimensional 180° FEA models to ensure all non axi-symmetric loading is accurately captured. Connector capacities are defined based on API 17TR8 criteria with elastic plastic analysis (i.e. collapse load, local failure and ratcheting), functionality/serviceability criteria defined through a FMECA review and also including API STD 17G criteria including failure modes such as lock/unlock functionality, fracture based failure, mechanical disengagement, leakage and preload exceedance. These capacities are validated through full scale testing based on the requirements of API 17TR7 and API STD 17G with combined loading applied to the Normal, Extreme and Survival capacity curves (as defined by "as-built" FEA using actual material properties). Various test parameters such as strain gauge data, hub separation data, displacements, etc. were recorded and correlated to FEA prediction to prove the validity of the methodology. Further validation was carried out by applying a combined load up to the FEA predicted failure to confirm the design margins of the connector. Post-test review was carried out to review the suitability of the requirements set out in API 17TR8 and API STD 17G for the verification and validation of subsea connectors. The results build on previous test results to validate the effectiveness of the API 17TR8 code for verification and validation of connectors. The results show that real margins between failure of the connector and rated loads are higher than those defined in API 17TR8 and show that the methodology can be conservative.


1972 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
M P Bond ◽  
R Kitching

The stress analysis of a multi-mitred pipe bend when subjected to an internal pressure and a simultaneous in-plane or out-of-plane bending load has been developed. Stress patterns and flexibility factors calculated by this analysis are compared with experimental results from a large-diameter, thin-walled, three-weld, 90° multi-mitred bend which was subjected to in-plane bending tests at various internal pressures.


Author(s):  
Shoichi Yoshida ◽  
Kazuhiro Kitamura

The 2003 Tokachi-Oki earthquake caused severe damage to aboveground oil storage tanks due to liquid sloshing. Seven single-deck floating roofs had experienced structural problems as evidenced by sinking failure in large diameter tanks at the refinery in Tomakomai, Japan. The pontoons of the floating roofs might be buckled due to circumferential bending moment during the sloshing. The content in the tank was spilled on the floating roof from small failures which were caused at the welding joints of pontoon bottom plate by the buckling. Then the floating roof began to lose buoyancy and submerged into the content slowly. The authors had reported the buckling strength of the pontoons with and without ring stiffeners subjected to circumferential bending load in the previous papers. This paper presents the buckling strength of the pontoons subjected to both circumferential and radial bending load. The axisymmetric shell finite element method is used in the analysis. Linear elastic bifurcation buckling analysis is carried out and the buckling characteristics of the pontoon with and without ring stiffeners are investigated.


Author(s):  
Celal Cakiroglu ◽  
Amin Komeili ◽  
Samer Adeeb ◽  
J. J. Roger Cheng ◽  
Millan Sen

The cold bend pipelines may be affected by the geotechnical movements due to unstable slopes, soil type and seismic activities. An extensive experimental study was conducted by Sen et al. in 2006 to understand the buckling behaviour of cold bend pipes. In their experiments, it was noted that one high pressure X65 pipe specimen failed under axial and bending loads due to pipe body tensile side fracture which occurred after the development of a wrinkle. The behaviour of this cold bend pipe specimen under bending load has been investigated numerically to understand the conditions leading to pipe body tension side fracture following the compression side buckling. Bending load has been applied on a finite element model of the cold bend by increasing the curvature of it according to the experimental studies conducted by Sen [1]. The bending loads have been applied on the model with and without internal pressure. The distribution of the plastic strains and von Mises stresses as well as the load–displacement response of the pipe have been compared for both load cases. In this way the experimental results obtained by Sen [1] have been verified. The visualization of the finite element analysis results showed that pipe body failure at the tension side of the cold bend takes place under equal bending loads only in case of combined loading with internal pressure.


Author(s):  
Satoshi Nagata ◽  
Shinichi Fujita ◽  
Toshiyuki Sawa

Abstract This paper is a report of the studies on the mechanical behaviors and leakage characteristics of pipe-socket threaded joints subjected to bending moment as well as internal pressure by means of experimental tests and finite element simulations. The paper dealt with the 3/4″ and 3″ joints, and the joints for both sizes have two different combinations of thread types in the pipe and socket, i.e. taper-taper thread combination or taper-parallel one, respectively. Experimental bending leak tests showed that the taper-taper joints could retain internal pressure under bending load up to nearly plastic collapse. The taper-parallel joints, however, could hardly keep internal pressure against bending moment even the sealing tape was applied to enhance the sealing performance. Finite element analysis was carried out to simulate those bending tests, especially to clarify the deformation and the stress distribution in the engaged threads in detail. The analysis demonstrated that the sealing performance of the joints highly depend on the contact conditions not only at the thread crest to thread root but also in between flank surfaces. A complicated leak path across the engaged threads under bending moment was identified by the simulation.


2012 ◽  
Vol 134 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Vishnuvardhan ◽  
G. Raghava ◽  
P. Gandhi ◽  
M. Saravanan ◽  
D. M. Pukazhendhi ◽  
...  

“Ratcheting” is a phenomenon which leads to reduction in fatigue life of a structural component by loss of ductility due to cycle by cycle accumulation of plastic strain. Ratcheting occurs in a structure subjected to a combination of steady/sustained and cyclic loads such that the material response is in inelastic region. Ratcheting studies were carried out on Type 304LN stainless steel elbows, subjected to steady internal pressure and cyclic bending. The elbows filled with water were pressurized between 27.6 MPa and 39.2 MPa. Cyclic bending load, under opening and closing moments, was applied on the elbows at ambient temperature. Number of cycles corresponding to occurrence of a through-wall crack was recorded. Crack was observed in the bent portion at one of the crown locations in all the four specimens. Maximum strain was observed at the intrados and crown locations of the elbows. The ratcheting strain increased with number of cycles at crown and intrados locations. However, the strain accumulation rate decreased with number of cycles. Strain was observed to be minimum at the extrados location and the same stabilized toward the end of the tests. The specimens have failed by occurrence of through-wall axial crack accompanied by simultaneous ballooning. The ballooning was found to be varying from 3.8% to 5.8% with respect to the original circumference in the bent portion. The reduction in thickness was found to be around 12%–15%.


2013 ◽  
Vol 135 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas P. James ◽  
Brendan A. Andrade

Cyclic loading of surgical plating constructs can precipitate bone screw failure. As the frictional contact between the plate and the bone is lost, cantilever bending loads are transferred from the plate to the head of the screw, which over time causes fatigue fracture from cyclic bending. In this research, analytical models using beam mechanics theory were developed to describe the elastic deflection of a bicortical screw under a statically applied load. Four analytical models were developed to simulate the various restraint conditions applicable to bicortical support of the screw. In three of the models, the cortical bone near the tip of the screw was simulated by classical beam constraints (1) simply supported, (2) cantilever, and (3) split distributed load. In the final analytical model, the cortices were treated as an elastic foundation, whereby the response of the constraint was proportional to screw deflection. To test the predictive ability of the new analytical models, 3.5 mm cortical bone screws were tested in a synthetic bone substitute. A novel instrument was developed to measure the bending deflection of screws under radial loads (225 N, 445 N, and 670 N) applied by a surrogate surgical plate at the head of the screw. Of the four cases considered, the analytical model utilizing an elastic foundation most accurately predicted deflection at the screw head, with an average difference of 19% between the measured and predicted results. Determination of the bending moments from the elastic foundation model revealed that a maximum moment of 2.3 N m occurred near the middle of the cortical wall closest to the plate. The location of the maximum bending moment along the screw axis was consistent with the fracture location commonly observed in clinical practice.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document