For pressure vessels, loss of thickness detected during scheduled maintenance utilizing UT scans can be assessed based on Level 1 or 2 analyses as per API 579 guidelines. However, Level 1 and 2 analyses can point to excessively conservative assessments. Level – 3 assessments utilizing the finite element method can be performed for a more accurate estimate of the load carrying capacity of the corroded structure. However, for a high fidelity structural response prediction using the finite element method, the characteristics of the model must be accurately represented. Although the three nonlinearities, namely, the geometric, material, and contact nonlinearities can be adequately included in a finite element analysis, procedures to accurately include the thickness measurements are not readily available.
In this paper, a tool to map thicknesses obtained from UT scans onto a shell based finite element models, to perform Level – 3 analyses is discussed. The tool works in conjunction with Abaqus/CAE and is illustrated for two different structures following the elastic-plastic analysis procedure outlined in the API 579 document. The tool is intended only as a means to reduce the modeling time associated with mapping thicknesses. The results of the analyses and insights gained are presented.
Stress analysis of cylindrical pressure vessels with closely spaced nozzles by the finite-element method. Volume 1. Stress analysis of vessels with two closely spaced nozzles under internal pressure. [BWR; PWR; MULT-NOZZLE code]