Fracture Arrest Assessment of Low Toughness Pipelines

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Stephens ◽  
Mark Fuglem ◽  
Wytze Sloterdijk
Keyword(s):  
Probabilistic Approach ◽  
Evaluation Process ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Pipe Material ◽  
Additional Material ◽  
Line Pipe ◽  
Propagation Resistance ◽  
Scenario Evaluation ◽  
Sample Data ◽  
Fracture Arrest

In support of the development of Fracture Control Plans for older pipelines, a probabilistic approach has been developed for evaluating the susceptibility of these potentially low toughness lines to ductile and/or brittle propagating fractures. In characterizing the fracture arrest capability of these lines, the methodology explicitly accounts for the uncertainties associated with imperfect fracture arrest models, the inherent variability in line pipe material properties, and the added uncertainty associated with estimates based on limited amounts of sample data. A PC-based software implementation of this methodology has been developed that can be used to first prescribe a fracture arrest criterion in terms of a target proportion of arrest joints, and to then estimate the likelihood that a given pipeline segment will meet this target value based on the available line-specific material toughness data. Where the prescribed fracture arrest criterion is not met, a scenario evaluation process can be employed to assess the value of collecting additional material toughness data. The scenario evaluation process involves estimating the likelihood that similar additional sample data will reduce the effects of sample size uncertainty to the point where the chosen fracture arrest criterion is satisfied. The results of this type of propagation susceptibility analysis are useful in assessing the implications of a possible line failure from both a business/financial perspective as well as a life safety perspective. The approach can be used to demonstrate that older existing lines satisfy the intent of current codes with regard to propagation resistance, or to determine the change in operating conditions necessary to achieve a target level of fracture propagation resistance.

Effects of Soil Cohesiveness and Depth on Dynamic Ductile Fracture Speeds

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Rudland ◽  
D.-J. Shim ◽  
G. M. Wilkowski ◽  
S. Kawaguchi ◽  
N. Hagiwara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ductile Fracture ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Crack Arrest ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Total Density ◽  
Pipe Material ◽  
Pipe Steels ◽  
Line Pipe ◽  
Fracture Arrest

The ductile fracture resistance of newer line pipe steels is of concern for high grade/strength steels and higher-pressure pipeline designs. Although there have been several attempts to make improved ductile fracture arrest models, the model that is still used most frequently is the Battelle Two-Curve Method (TCM). This analysis incorporates the gas-decompression behavior with the fracture toughness of the pipe material to predict the minimum Charpy energy required for crack arrest. For this analysis, the influence of the backfill is lumped into one empirically developed “soil” coefficient which is not specific to soil type, density or strength. No attempt has been made to quantify the effects of soil depth, type, total density or strength on the fracture speeds of propagating cracks in line pipe steels. In this paper, results from small-scale and large-scale burst tests with well-controlled backfill conditions are presented and analyzed to determine the effects of soil depth and cohesiveness on the fracture speeds. Combining this data with the past full-scale burst data used in generating the original backfill coefficient provides additional insight into the effects of the soil properties on the fracture speeds and the arrest of running ductile fractures in line pipe materials.

The Effects of Soil Properties on the Fracture Speeds of Propagating Axial Cracks in Line Pipe Steels

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Rudland ◽  
G. Wilkowski ◽  
B. Rothwell
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Ductile Fracture ◽  
Soil Type ◽  
Small Diameter ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Total Density ◽  
Pipe Material ◽  
Pipe Steels ◽  
Line Pipe ◽  
Fracture Arrest

The ductile fracture resistance of newer line pipe steels is of concern for higher grade/strength steels and higher-pressure pipeline designs. Although there have been several attempts to make improved ductile fracture arrest models, the model that is still used most frequently is the Battelle Two-Curve Ductile Fracture Arrest Model, which incorporates the gas-decompression behavior with the fracture toughness of the pipe material to predict the minimum Charpy energy required for crack arrest. For this model, the effect of backfill on the propagating crack fracture speeds is lumped into one empirically based “backfill coefficient,” which does not distinguish different soil types or strengths. Some modifications to this backfill coefficient have been proposed for frozen soil as a function of moisture content, and for water backfill for offshore applications, but no attempt has been made to quantify the effects of soil type, total density or strength on the fracture speeds of propagating cracks in line pipe steels. This paper presents the results from a series of small diameter pipe burst tests that were conducted with different soil backfills. The soils’ moisture content, density, and strength were fully characterized in situ and in the laboratory. In addition, fracture speed data in both unbackfilled and backfilled conditions were recorded. The comparison of the change in fracture speed as a function of soil type, moisture and strength gives valuable insight into the effects of soil on the arrest of running ductile fractures in line pipe materials.

Development of X90 and X100 Steel Grades for Seamless Linepipe Products

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Toma ◽  
Silke Harksen ◽  
Dorothee Niklasch ◽  
Denise Mahn ◽  
Ashraf Koka
Keyword(s):  
Wall Thickness ◽  
Deep Water ◽  
High Strength ◽  
Oil And Gas Industry ◽  
Pipe Material ◽  
Line Pipe ◽  
Materials Development ◽  
Additional Tool ◽  
Technical Requirements ◽  
Steel Grades

The general trend in oil and gas industry gives a clear direction towards the need for high strength grades up to X100. The exploration in extreme regions and under severe conditions, e.g. in ultra deep water regions also considering High Temperature/High Pressure Fields or arctic areas, becomes more and more important with respect to the still growing demand of the world for natural resources. Further, the application of high strength materials enables the possibility of structure weight reduction which benefits to materials and cost reduction and increase of efficiency in the pipe line installation process. To address these topics, the development of such high strength steel grades with optimum combination of high tensile properties, excellent toughness properties and sour service resistivity for seamless quenched and tempered pipes are in the focus of the materials development and improvement of Vallourec. This paper will present the efforts put into the materials development for line pipe applications up to grade X100 for seamless pipes manufactured by Pilger Mill. The steel concept developed by Vallourec over the last years [1,2] was modified and adapted according to the technical requirements of the Pilger rolling process. Pipes with OD≥20″ and wall thickness up to 30 mm were rolled and subsequent quenched and tempered. The supportive application of thermodynamic and kinetic simulation techniques as additional tool for the material development was used. Results of mechanical characterization by tensile and toughness testing, as well as microstructure examination by light-optical microscopy will be shown. Advanced investigation techniques as scanning electron microcopy and electron backscatter diffraction are applied to characterize the pipe material up to the crystallographic level. The presented results will demonstrate not only the effect of a well-balanced alloying concept appointing micro-alloying, but also the high sophisticated and precise thermal treatment of these pipe products. The presented alloying concept enables the production grade X90 to X100 with wall thickness up to 30 mm and is further extending the product portfolio of Vallourec for riser systems for deepwater and ultra-deep water application [1, 3, 4].

Full-Scale Reeling Tests of HFI Welded Line Pipe for Offshore Reel-Laying Installation

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Christoph Meiwes ◽  
Susanne Höhler ◽  
Marion Erdelen-Peppler ◽  
Holger Brauer
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Testing ◽  
Mechanical Test ◽  
Strength Properties ◽  
Full Scale ◽  
Bending Test ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Pipe Material ◽  
Deformation Capacity ◽  
Line Pipe ◽  
Tension And Compression

During reel-laying repeated plastic strains are introduced into a pipeline which may affect strength properties and deformation capacity of the line pipe material. Conventionally the effect on the material is simulated by small-scale reeling simulation tests. For these, coupons are extracted from pipes that are loaded in tension and compression and thermally aged, if required. Afterwards, specimens for mechanical testing are machined from these coupons and tested according to the corresponding standards. Today customers often demand additional full-scale reeling simulation tests to assure that the structural pipe behavior meets the strain demands as well. Realistic deformations have to be introduced into a full-size pipe, followed by aging, sampling and mechanical testing comparable to small-scale reeling. In this report the fitness for use of a four-point-bending test rig for full-scale reeling simulation tests is demonstrated. Two high-frequency-induction (HFI) welded pipes of grade X65M (OD = 323.9 mm, WT = 15.9 mm) from Salzgitter Mannesmann Line Pipe GmbH (MLP) are bent with alternate loading. To investigate the influences of thermal aging from polymer-coating process one test pipe had been heat treated beforehand, in the same manner as if being PE-coated. After the tests mechanical test samples were machined out of the plastically strained pipes. A comparison of results from mechanical testing of material exposed to small- and full-scale reeling simulation is given. The results allow an evaluation of the pipe behavior as regards reeling ability and plastic deformation capacity.

scholarly journals An Introduction Into the Clearance Management of Ansaldo GT36 From Development to Validation

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Boeller ◽  
B. Feuillard ◽  
G. Filkorn ◽  
S. Olmes ◽  
F. Prou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Evaluation Process ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Active Management ◽  
Test Plant ◽  
Pinch Point ◽  
Load Range ◽  
Clearance Prediction

The optimization and evaluation of blading clearance is important for gas turbine efficiency and performance. The Ansaldo GT36 gas turbine offers high efficiency together with outstanding flexibility across a large load range. Active management of engine clearances during the complete development process followed by a thorough validation on the Ansaldo test plant facility in Birr, Switzerland enables the GT to attain ambitious clearance targets. The clearance at baseload must be minimized but is limited by the pinch point clearance during cold, warm and hot start-ups — including normal and fast ramp-up and/or shutdown. Therefore transient analysis is necessary for covering the different operating conditions. A well-established process of 2d finite element modelling of the whole engine model (WEM) comprised of axis-symmetric and plane stress elements was used during the design process from concept to detailed design to optimize the clearances. It delivers the transient stator and rotor deformation and together with the compressor and turbine airfoil deformation based on 3D models the basic clearance evaluation process is defined. The GT engine design was significantly influenced, starting with a simplified version of the WEM for identification of the most promising variants. Subsequently a detailed WEM was developed which is fully validated against measurements on the test engine. Different 3D effects are considered separately at identified critical transient conditions and overlaid on the 2d clearances which lead to the final optimized clearances. In addition to this, limitations from each step of the manufacturing process were identified and improved to reduce tolerances and uncertainties to their minimum. The results of the calculation and clearance prediction process are compared against clearance measurements during all kinds of GT operation and cooldown. Passive clearance indicators showing the remaining gap till rubbing would occur and rub marks, in areas that tolerate it, further validate the clearances and clearance prediction process.

Qualification of TMCP Pipe for Severe Sour Service: Mitigation of Local Hard Zones

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. D. Newbury ◽  
D. P. Fairchild ◽  
C. A. Prescott ◽  
T. D. Anderson ◽  
A. J. Wasson
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Steel Plate ◽  
Companion Paper ◽  
Test Methods ◽  
Pipe Material ◽  
Line Pipe ◽  
Hydrogen Damage ◽  
Current Test ◽  
Industry Practice ◽  
Sour Service

Abstract C-Mn steels are extensively used as line pipe material for sour service oil and gas applications, i.e. in the presence of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), because of their ease of fabrication, weldability and significantly lower cost compared to Corrosion Resistant Alloys (CRAs). However, use of C-Mn steel in sour conditions can be limited by its susceptibility to various hydrogen damage mechanisms such as sulfide stress cracking (SSC) and hydrogen induced cracking (HIC). Presently, there are several industry standards which provide guidelines for materials selection and qualification testing to ensure the integrity of carbon steel pipelines in sour service. In recent years, examples of line pipe susceptibility to SSC have occurred due to undetected Local Hard Zones (LHZs) produced during steel plate manufacture. A companion paper (Fairchild, et al, [1]) describes historical and one newly recognized root causes for LHZs. Due to this newly recognized root cause, the adequacy of the current industry practice for specifying and qualifying C-Mn line pipe for severe sour service should be evaluated. In this work, a new approach to monitoring steel plate manufacture during Thermo Mechanical Controlled Processing (TMCP) in order to manage LHZs is explained. Results from implementing this qualification approach will be discussed. In addition, several gaps were identified in the current test methods and various potential modifications to address these gaps were identified. Based on the results of these studies, recommendations to the test methods are made to improve the robustness in the materials qualification process used for sour pipeline projects.

scholarly journals Knock Intensity Distribution and a Stochastic Control Framework for Knock Control

2019 ◽  
Vol 141 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mateos Kassa ◽  
Carrie Hall ◽  
Michael Pamminger ◽  
Thomas Wallner
Keyword(s):  
Lognormal Distribution ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Fuel Efficiency ◽  
Probabilistic Approach ◽  
Engine Performance ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Control Approach ◽  
Spark Timing ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Knock Control

Abstract One of the main factors limiting the efficiency of spark-ignited (SI) engines is the occurrence of engine knock. In high temperature and high pressure in-cylinder conditions, the fuel–air mixture auto-ignites creating pressure shock waves in the cylinder. Knock can significantly damage the engine and hinder its performance; as such, conservative knock control strategies are generally implemented which avoid such operating conditions at the cost of lower thermal efficiencies. Significant improvements in the performance of conventional knock controllers are possible if the properties of the knock process are better characterized and exploited in knock controller designs. One of the methods undertaken to better characterize knocking instances is to employ a probabilistic approach, in which the likelihood of knock is derived from the statistical distribution of knock intensity (KI). In this paper, it is shown that KI values at a fixed operating point for single fuel and dual fuel engines are accurately described using a mixed lognormal distribution. The fitting accuracy is compared against those for a randomly generated mixed-lognormally distributed dataset, and shown to exceed a 95% accuracy threshold for almost all of the operating points tested. Additionally, this paper discusses a stochastic knock control approach that leverages the mixed lognormal distribution to adjust spark timing based on KI measurements. This more informed knock control strategy would allow for improvements in engine performance and fuel efficiency by minimizing knock occurrences.

Gas Pipeline Failure Caused by In-Service Welding

2015 ◽  
Vol 138 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Farzadi
Keyword(s):  
Failure Analysis ◽  
Gas Pipeline ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Pipe Material ◽  
Natural Gas Pipeline ◽  
Repair Operation ◽  
Repair Procedure ◽  
Hydrogen Assisted Cracking ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Material Information

In the research presented in this paper, a failure analysis had been carried out to identify causes of an incident, which had taken place after an operation to repair a leak in an interstate natural gas pipeline. In this operation, a partial encirclement reinforcement (patch) was welded to the carrier pipe according to an available hot taping procedure, while gas was flowing in the pipeline. The failure analysis commenced with preliminary steps of information gathering of background data regarding the repair operation and then several samples were extracted for macroscopic and microscopic metallurgical examinations. In addition to fractographic analyses of fracture surfaces, pipe material was examined because the pipeline had been in service for prolonged period and there was not any official material information available. The analyses disclose that hydrogen-assisted cracking, wrong design of branch connection, paint coating, and pipeline operating conditions were major factors contributing to the failure. The work undertaken also included development and recommendation of a repair procedure to avoid similar failures in the future.

The Practical Application of Fracture Control to Natural Gas Pipelines

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. A. Widenmaier ◽  
A. B. Rothwell
Keyword(s):  
Natural Gas ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
High Strength ◽  
Fracture Initiation ◽  
Opening Angle ◽  
Pipe Material ◽  
Design Factor ◽  
Line Pipe ◽  
Natural Gas Pipelines ◽  
Crack Tip Opening

The use of high strength, high design-factor pipe to transport natural gas requires the careful design and selection of pipeline materials. A primary material concern is the characterization and control of ductile fracture initiation and arrest. Impact toughness in the form of Charpy V-notch energies or drop-weight tear tests is usually specified in the design and purchase of line pipe in order to prevent large-scale fracture. While minimum values are prescribed in various codes, they may not offer sufficient protection in pipelines with high pressure, cold temperature, rich gas designs. The implications of the crack driving force arising from the gas decompression versus the resisting force of the pipe material and backfill are examined. The use and limitations of the Battelle two-curve method as the standard model are compared with new developments utilizing crack-tip opening angle and other techniques. The methodology and reasoning used to specify the material properties for line pipe are described and the inherent limits and risks are discussed. The applicability of Charpy energy to predict ductile arrest in high strength pipes (X80 and above) is examined.

Brittle Fracture Arrest in High Charpy Energy Steels: Comparisons With Some Existing Data

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Wilkowski ◽  
D-J. Shim ◽  
Y. Hioe ◽  
S. Kalyanam ◽  
M. Uddin
Keyword(s):  
Brittle Fracture ◽  
Pipe Steels ◽  
Shelf Energy ◽  
Line Pipe ◽  
Pipe Burst ◽  
Sensitivity Studies ◽  
Shear Area ◽  
Fracture Arrest ◽  
Pipeline Design ◽  
Very High

Current line-pipe steels have significantly higher Charpy upper-shelf energy than older steels. Many newer line-pipe steels have Charpy upper-shelf energy in the 300 to 500J range, while older line-pipe steels (pre-1970) had values between 30 and 60J. With this increased Charpy energy comes two different and important aspects of how to predict the brittle fracture arrestability for these new line-pipe steels. The first aspect of concern is that the very high Charpy energy in modern line-pipe steels frequently produces invalid results in the standard pressed-notch DWTT specimen. Various modified DWTT specimens have been used in an attempt to address the deficiencies seen in the PN-DWTT procedure. In examining fracture surfaces of various modified DWTT samples, it has been found that using the steady-state fracture regions with similitude to pipe burst test (regions with constant shear lips) rather than the entire API fracture area, results collapse to one shear area versus temperature curve for all the various DWTT specimens tested. Results for several different materials will be shown. The difficulty with this fracture surface evaluation is that frequently the standard pressed-notch DWTT only gives valid transitional fracture data up to about 20-percent shear area, and then suddenly goes to 100-percent shear area. The second aspect is that with the much higher Charpy energy, the pipe does not need as much shear area to arrest a brittle fracture. Some analyses of past pipe burst tests have been recently shown and some additional cases will be presented. This new brittle fracture arrest criterion means that one does not necessarily have to specify 85-percent shear area in the DWTT all the time, but the shear area needed for brittle fracture arrest depends on the pipeline design conditions (diameter, hoop stress) and the Charpy upper-shelf energy of the steel. Sensitivity studies and examples will be shown.

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