Determine the impact of mechanical damage
Reports compliant with US 49CFR 195
All results automatically stored in a SQL database
Determining the remaining strength of damaged pipe is a critical part of the asset integrity management program for pipeline operating companies. For corroded pipe, the remaining strength is a function of the metal loss for individual defects and the interaction between these defects. Pipeline FFS is a software tool for determining the remaining strength of corroded pipe. The Pipeline FFS Software allows for Level 1 or Level 2 assessments. The Level 2 assessment uses Effective Area or remaining strength (RSTRENG) of the pipe. This produces a much more accurate estimate of the metal loss and, consequently, a more accurate determination of the remaining strength.
How it Works
The burst pressure of an undamaged pipe is based on Barlow’s formula which states that the burst pressure is equal to the allowable stress multiplied by the pipe wall thickness divided by the radius of the pipe. This is often expressed as:
P=2ST
D
In the 1960’s W.A. Maxey developed a method for determining the maximum allowable pressure of a damaged pipe using Barlow’s formula. Maxey recognized that, for situations where failure was caused by hoop stress, the impact of surface flaws could be modeled as a reduction in the pipeline wall thickness over a cross sectional area.
This work led to the development of the ASME B31G, 0.85dL and RSTRENG (effective area) methods which have been validated through decades of burst experiments. Our software implements the results of over fifty years of research in pipeline safety. Our software, and the methods and algorithms that we use, have been extensively tested to ensure accurate results. Currently, our software and associated hardware tools, are deployed around the globe helping to keep critical assets safe.