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PRCI PR-276-0010
- Compendium of Updated Pipeline Girth Weld ECA Methodologies to Support Revisions to Existing Code Practices
- Report / Survey by Pipeline Research Council International, 09/01/2001
- Publisher: PRCI
$148.00$295.00
L51841e
Engineering Mechanics Corporation of Columbus
Need: The U.S. Department of Transportation requires that the girth welds of oil and gas pipelines be inspected for defects [1]. The conditions under which the girth welds must be repaired or replaced are based on the requirements in API Standard 1104, Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities [2]. The API 1104 is one of the most commonly used standards for welding oil and gas pipelines. It has undergone many changes since its inception some 50 years ago, reflecting the significant advances in welding and inspection technologies during that time. The 1104 document is incorporated into the Federal Register (49CFR195 and 49CFR192). Experience has shown that the use of the standard results in structurally safe girth welds. On the other hand, some of the girth welds that are rejected by the standard could also be structurally sound.
Result: Significant progress has been made since the mid-1980's in understanding the role of weld defects in pipeline integrity. Unfortunately, this new knowledge has not been incorporated into Appendix A. More significantly, new line pipe materials and welding processes since the mid-1980's have created conditions that were not anticipated in the original code, and that can lead to unsafe designs. This project was commissioned to produce a document to provide the technical basis for the revisions of Appendix A. The technical and historical background of several internationally recognized girth weld ECA (Engineering Critical Assessment) procedures are reviewed. Some recent developments in further refining the girth weld ECA procedures are described, with particular emphasis on the work funded by PRCI. These new developments lead to the recommended revisions to API 1104 Appendix A. The Canadian code, CSA Z662 Appendix K, is the process of adopting some of these developments.
Benefit: This report is intended to provide the technical basis required for revision of API 1104 Appendix A. Acceptance by the API will require the active support of pipeline companies. Cost savings will not be realized until the standard is revised and accepted by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Engineering Mechanics Corporation of Columbus
Need: The U.S. Department of Transportation requires that the girth welds of oil and gas pipelines be inspected for defects [1]. The conditions under which the girth welds must be repaired or replaced are based on the requirements in API Standard 1104, Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities [2]. The API 1104 is one of the most commonly used standards for welding oil and gas pipelines. It has undergone many changes since its inception some 50 years ago, reflecting the significant advances in welding and inspection technologies during that time. The 1104 document is incorporated into the Federal Register (49CFR195 and 49CFR192). Experience has shown that the use of the standard results in structurally safe girth welds. On the other hand, some of the girth welds that are rejected by the standard could also be structurally sound.
Result: Significant progress has been made since the mid-1980's in understanding the role of weld defects in pipeline integrity. Unfortunately, this new knowledge has not been incorporated into Appendix A. More significantly, new line pipe materials and welding processes since the mid-1980's have created conditions that were not anticipated in the original code, and that can lead to unsafe designs. This project was commissioned to produce a document to provide the technical basis for the revisions of Appendix A. The technical and historical background of several internationally recognized girth weld ECA (Engineering Critical Assessment) procedures are reviewed. Some recent developments in further refining the girth weld ECA procedures are described, with particular emphasis on the work funded by PRCI. These new developments lead to the recommended revisions to API 1104 Appendix A. The Canadian code, CSA Z662 Appendix K, is the process of adopting some of these developments.
Benefit: This report is intended to provide the technical basis required for revision of API 1104 Appendix A. Acceptance by the API will require the active support of pipeline companies. Cost savings will not be realized until the standard is revised and accepted by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
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