Pipeline Stress Analysis
While oil and gas pipelines are typically buried, there will be above ground portions and stresses in this piping must meet the allowable stresses provided in the pipeline Code. Typical such facilities we have evaluated are:
· Compressor Stations
· Pump Stations
· Meter Stations
· Pig Receivers and Launchers
· Block Valves
Analysis of stresses in the buried portion of a pipeline includes the additional consideration of pipe-soil interaction. The properties of soil are not as predictable as steel pipe, the displacement response is typically non-linear and the combined stresses (longitudinal and circumferential) often have to be accounted for. It may also be necessary for our evaluation to include the use of specialized FEA software such as ABAQUS.
We have worked with the Canadian CSA Z662 Code as well the American ASME B31.4 and B31.8 Codes. Examples of pipeline design and construction issues we have reviewed are:
· Bend Analysis (sidebends, overbends and sagbends)
· Lowering-in During Construction
· Pipeline In-service Lowering
· Surface Loading Effects (eg. API 1102)
· Buoyancy Control
· HDD Crossings
· Global Buckling Analysis
· Gas Pipeline Blow-Offs
· Analysis in Poor Soil
· Stress Mitigation using Ethafoam and Z-Bends
While oil and gas pipelines are typically buried, there will be above ground portions and stresses in this piping must meet the allowable stresses provided in the pipeline Code. Typical such facilities we have evaluated are:
· Compressor Stations
· Pump Stations
· Meter Stations
· Pig Receivers and Launchers
· Block Valves
Analysis of stresses in the buried portion of a pipeline includes the additional consideration of pipe-soil interaction. The properties of soil are not as predictable as steel pipe, the displacement response is typically non-linear and the combined stresses (longitudinal and circumferential) often have to be accounted for. It may also be necessary for our evaluation to include the use of specialized FEA software such as ABAQUS.
We have worked with the Canadian CSA Z662 Code as well the American ASME B31.4 and B31.8 Codes. Examples of pipeline design and construction issues we have reviewed are:
· Bend Analysis (sidebends, overbends and sagbends)
· Lowering-in During Construction
· Pipeline In-service Lowering
· Surface Loading Effects (eg. API 1102)
· Buoyancy Control
· HDD Crossings
· Global Buckling Analysis
· Gas Pipeline Blow-Offs
· Analysis in Poor Soil
· Stress Mitigation using Ethafoam and Z-Bends