This paper will describe advances in the interpretation of seam weld flaws detected by ILI (In-Line Inspection) and how they can be applied to an Integrity Management Plan. Signal processing improvements, validated by in-field verifications have enabled detailed profiles of surface breaking defects at seam welds for ERW (electric resistance welded) pipelines to be determined. Using these profiles along with established fracture and fatigue analysis methods allows for reductions in the unnecessary conservatism previously associated with the assessment of seam weld flaws detected by ILI. ILI technologies can accurately detect and size both critical and sub-critical flaws within the pipeline. Combining these results with other available data, e.g dig verifications, previous hydrostatic testing records, enables more realistic and better-informed integrity and maintenance planning decisions to be made. A real case study conducted in association with a pipeline operator is detailed in the paper and quantifies the benefits that can be realised by using these advanced assessment techniques, to safely and economically manage their assets going forward.
Advanced engineering critical assessments of seam weld features in pressure cycled hazardous liquid pipelines
Moderne technische Gefährdungseinschätzung von Schweißnahtmerkmalen in zyklisch druckbeanspruchten Pipelines für gefährliche Flüssigkeiten
2008
9 Seiten, 11 Bilder, 2 Tabellen, 18 Quellen
Conference paper
English
Optimized sampling frequencies for weld reliability assessments of long pipelines
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