The Finite Element Method in the function of corrosion damage assessment of pipelines

Abstract

Pipelines, with specifics in design, construction, testing and safety requirements must be designed based on all relevant influences to ensure that they are safe during their working life. Allowable stresses must be limited by possible errors in working conditions, in order to completely eliminate the uncertainty arising from the production, the calculation model, the actual working conditions and the characteristics and behavior of the material. In the paper, on the example of modeling and calculation of the corrosion-damaged structure of the ammonia (NH3) transfer pipeline, a methodological approach to the calculation using the Finite Element Method (FEM), is shown, in accordance with the methods defined by the new and general approach to standardization and technical harmonization for pressure equipment (Pressure Equipment Directive - PED 97/23 EC). The paper uses advanced modeling techniques of corroded surfaces, based on FEM, with the aim of developing a procedure for assessing the residual strength of steel pipelines operating in the environmental conditions of the chemical products industry. The presentation of possible damages and consequences caused by the corrosion of steel pipelines in the chemical products industry is also given, and the possibility of taking measures to prevent such occurrences is discussed.