• PRCI PR-003-9531
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PRCI PR-003-9531

  • Field Studies to Support SCC Life Prediction Model
  • Report / Survey by Pipeline Research Council International, 01/11/1997
  • Publisher: PRCI

$448.00$895.00


L51866e

Battelle Memorial Institute

Need: Stress-corrosion cracking (SCC) was first recognized during the course of analyzing a gas transmission pipeline rupture that occurred in Louisiana in 1965. SCC involves the interaction between stress and a corrosive environment on a material to produce cracking where their independent effects would otherwise be benign. The type of SCC identified in 1965 has since become known as high pH SCC by reference to the relative pH of the environment identified with this cracking. Research has identified the mechanism for this SCC, which has laid the foundation for models of SCC, to help pipeline operators limit the extent of this cracking without adversely affecting the operation of the pipeline.

Result: One objective of this project was to gather and analyze SCC field data on lines being retested for use in assessing the validity of current or future SCC models. The scope of this initial study was limited to colonies of SCC in one valve section of a pipeline that runs from Texas to the northeast of the United States. This valve section had an early history of high pH SCC. The susceptibility since has been controlled through hydrotesting and modifications to the gas compression to meet upstream demand while reducing the discharge temperature. In addition to collecting data to validate models of SCC, data were also developed to evaluate the suitability of a hand-held tool to measure the depth of SCC, because such results can be critical in the use of models in making serviceability and maintenance decisions.

Benefit: The data collected in crack colonies found in the body of the pipe in eight field digs were found to correspond closely with a rather limited database developed using data from three other gas transmission companies. This report presents results from a continuing study of field cracking characteristics that can be used to validate models of SCC, so that such models can be used with confidence to help pipeline engineers make cost-effective operating and maintenance decisions.

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