Determination of the critical length of the crack-like flaws and its effect on safety

Methodologies of API 579 have been widely accepted as the de-facto standard guideline for fitness for service assessment on crack-like flaws in pressure equipment. For different purposes and needs, the evaluation is divided into three levels, from critical length estimation in level 1, use of the failure analysis diagram (FAD) in level 2, to performing finite element stress analysis in level 3, that is from simplified to accurate. It is generally considered safe as long as the crack is smaller than the critical crack, but not all of them are actually the case. Therefore, it is very important to study the physical meaning behind the critical crack and understand the conservativeness of it.In this study, numerous examples of critical cracks determined according to API 579 Level 1 were put into Level 2 analysis for comparison. Each case is mapped onto the FAD of level 2 analysis to see its position and distance from the borderline between safe and danger zones. A huge amount of examples covering the majority of possible scenarios, including the geometry, thickness, inner diameter, pressure and half-length of the flaw, depth of the crack, crack tip and crack bottom, as a whole, there are 960 cases to be analyzed.Results show that cracks on the circumferential direction of the cylindrical and spherical vessels are distributed tightly in a small area far from the borderline on the FAD diagram. In these cases, the vessel is actually not as dangerous as the critical crack implies, since most of the points lie quite far from the danger zone. As for the longitudinal cracks of a cylindrical vessel, the results are scattered around, and three data points are located outside the allowable zone. The peculiar results are partly due to a discrepancy of interpolating procedure as the influence coefficient is being computed. Through this study, it is also found that the cumbersome process of estimating the critical crack length can be greatly simplified for longitudinal cracks in a cylindrical vessel.     

API Standard 521 new alternative method to evaluate fire relief for pressure relief device sizing and depressuring system design

Since the 1950's, API Standards have provided guidance on determining relief loads for equipment exposed to pool fires. The API method is empirical based on tests performed in the 1940's. There is increasingly widespread interest in analytical methods based on heat transfer principles to model fire heat input. The API committee agreed to include an analytical method in the 6th edition of API Standard 521 to establish relief loads for pressure relief devices and to design depressuring systems for the fire scenario. The analytical method provides more flexibility than the empirical method but has limitations (e.g., too many permutations are possible leading to potential under-sizing of the pressure relief device).This paper discusses the basis for the empirical method in API Standard 521 and provides comparisons of the empirical and analytical method with two more recent large-scale pool fire tests. This pool fire test data indicates that the empirical method will provide a conservative estimate of pool fire heat input for most applications and is still the method of choice when designing pressure relief systems. However, these recent tests indicate the empirical method needs to be modified when a vessel or equipment is partially confined by adjacent embankments or walls equal or greater than the vessel height. In such cases, the wetted area exponent should be 1.0 instead of 0.82.The analytical method is useful in determining time-versus-temperature profiles for heating unwetted vessels of varying wall thicknesses and materials of construction. These profiles, which depend upon the type of fire (e.g., unconfined pool fire, jet fire, etc.), can be combined with tensile strength and stress-rupture data to specify a depressuring system's pressure-versus-time profile. This will minimize failure and/or mitigate the effects of failure due to overheating from fire exposure.     

复合板压力容器点腐蚀缺陷运行适应性评价

为准确反映含点腐蚀缺陷复合板压力容器的安全状态,在复合结构弹性力学分析的基础上,通过工程实例,采用运行适应性(FFS)评价方法对其进行安全评定与剩余寿命评估。结果表明:复合板压力容器安全评定时应考虑覆材的影响,依据提出的力学模型分别对覆材厚度计入和不计入强度设计2种情况进行应力校核,同时结合蚀孔的分布特征,对其特征尺寸进行统计学平均后计算剩余强度。在剩余寿命预测中,已考虑蚀孔直径和深度随时间变化对剩余强度的影响。通过计算最大工作压力(MAWP)参量,已对某一压力容器进行寿命评估。     

基于双剪屈服条件的输油管道腐蚀剩余强度可靠性研究

提出基于双剪屈服塑性极限条件的管道可靠性爆破压力可靠度模型,在基于剩余强度可靠性理论基础上,着重分析随机参数,即腐蚀深度、腐蚀长度和运行压力的分布情况,通过经典可靠性计算方法、JC法将非正态分布转化成标准正态分布,从而建立起基于双剪屈服条件的管道腐蚀可靠性计算模型。通过提取现场实验数据进行验算,其结果表明:双剪屈服强度理论算得的爆破压力更接近实验结果,该方法降低API579的保守性,大大提高了可靠性的计算精度。     

基于ANSYS-PDS的含缺陷压力容器可靠性分析

为更准确地分析含缺陷压力容器的可靠性,提出采用ANSYS软件中的PDS模块建模求解,从本质上克服API 581压力容器可靠性分析的局限性,采用将压力容器的内径、原始壁厚、缺陷深度、压力容器内压设置为服从正态分布的随机变量的方法,基于响应面法结合蒙特卡洛法抽样分析,通过编写APDL代码,探讨含缺陷压力容器的可靠性.结果表...     

玻璃纤维-砂浆管试件动态拉伸破坏特性试验研究

为了探究动载作用下GFRP（玻璃纤维）-砂浆管的动态拉伸破坏特性,采用分离式SHPB试验装置对2种空心率的水泥砂浆管和GFRP-砂浆管进行动态拉伸试验。结果表明:空心率越小、冲击气压和壁厚越大,试件峰值抗拉强度越大;GFRP-砂浆管的峰值抗拉强度随GFRP管壁厚的增大而不断增大,在空心率为0.292时,峰值抗拉强度随GFRP管壁厚增大呈对数函数递增,而在空心率0.187时,峰值抗拉强度随GFRP管壁厚增大呈指数函数递增;无GFRP管时水泥砂浆管呈对称四块破碎,GFRP-砂浆管在0.5~0.7 MPa冲击气压下仅有细小裂纹产生,在0.8 MPa冲击气压下,与入射杆接触部分产生“楔形”破坏,但总体保持为管状、破坏程度仍低于水泥砂浆管,表明GFRP管对水泥砂浆管具有较好的保护作用,可有效提高其动态抗拉强度。     

API standard 521 guidance on mixing of hot/cold liquids and prevention of superheat limit explosions

American Petroleum Institute (API) standards and recommended practices have identified inadvertent mixing of hot and cold liquids as a potential cause for equipment overpressure since 1955. The limited guidance has been informative but provides minimal if any details on conditions that could cause an overpressure and its potential severity. Therefore, the user must interpret how and when to prevent and/or mitigate the scenario. This guidance has changed little over the years. In June 2020, API published the 7th Edition of API Standard 521 which now provides specific guidance as to conditions whereby pressure relief devices can be considered for protection and conditions where prevention remains as the only recourse. This paper discusses the basis for the revised guidance in API Standard 521 and includes supplemental guidance.     

复杂气井套管力学分析与可靠度评价

为建立考虑地层和套管参数随机性的套管可靠度评价理论方法,以便得到复杂井况下套管传统设计安全系数与可靠指标之间的关系,提出了非均匀地应力和内压联合作用下,沿套管最大外挤力方向管壁任意位置发生屈服失效时外壁等效均匀外挤力的计算方法;建立了套管抗挤和抗内压三轴强度计算公式以及有效内压计算方法;根据套管载荷和强度影响因素统计参数以及评价过程中参数测试标准值,利用蒙特卡洛法（MC）建立了完整的套管可靠度计算和评价方法;通过实例对传统安全系数与可靠指标的对应关系进行了研究。研究结果表明:指定条件下,套管安全系数与可靠指标之间存在对应关系;利用建立的方法编制计算程序可以为传统设计法中安全系数代表的安全程度进行量化;可靠度评价方法能够为安全系数的选取提供指导。     

基于环空带压临界值确定高温高压气井临界产量

高温高压气井环空带压现象日益严重,环空带压过大可能破坏井筒的完整性,基于能量守恒定律和井筒径向传热机理,建立了井筒多环空温度场计算模型;综合考虑环空温度效应和体积效应,建立了环空带压控制方程,以某高温高压气井为例,开展了基于环空带压临界值确定高温高压气井临界产量的具体分析。研究结果表明:环空温度随产量和生产时间的增大先增加后逐渐稳定,相比生产时间,产量对环空温度的影响更加明显;环空带压越大,井下管柱安全系数越小,综合对比API RP 90标准和环空带压安全评价2种方法的结果,确定了各环空最大允许带压值,结合环空带压与产量的关系可得到高温高压气井的临界产量。研究结果对合理制定高温高压气井的生产制度具有理论指导意义。     

基于API 581的燃烧与爆炸后果分析方法研究

为了研究基于风险的检验（RBI）中燃烧、爆炸后果分析方法在实际应用中的效果,以API 581为基础,介绍了Level 1分析法、Level 2分析法及分析流程;然后,以油气分离器为例,根据API 581推荐的Level 1分析法编写VB程序,计算后果面积,采用PHAST软件计算Level 2分析法的后果面积;对比分析两种方法的计算结果,以及二者计算准确性的主要影响因素。研究结果表明:Level 1法比Level 2法简单,但其计算准确性较低;后果面积计算准确性的主要影响因素包括潜在泄漏质量、能量调整系数和液相后果计算面积公式选用等;应用时应兼顾两种方法的计算精度和经济效益,并选取合适的分析方法。     

Rigorous Calculation of Critical Flow Conditions for Pressure Safety Devices

Sizing and verification of pressure relieving systems is an important topic in the design of process plants in order to assure equipments and people protection against malfunctions and hazards. The calculation of the critical flow (choke) condition is analysed with respect to existing standard calculations procedures (API and Omega methods) that implement approximate procedures and may not be extended to temperature/pressure regions near the thermodynamic critical point. These procedures may be replaced by a more rigorous calculation based on the evaluation of the local sonic velocity with equations of state. The method applies to systems composed of pure chemical components as well as to multi-component mixtures existing in the single phase and multi-phase regions. As a consequence of an exact calculation of the critical flow conditions, more accurate values of the discharged flowrate may be obtained. Comparisons with calculations performed using the standard API RP 520 procedure and Omega method are presented.     

气井环空带压临界控制值研究

为了保证环空带压气井生产阶段的井筒完整性,确定气井环空压力安全运行范围,建立了基于API RP 90-2推荐做法的环空带压安全评价方法,重点研究了气井环空带压临界控制值计算方法,提出了1套方便现场应用的环空压力管控图版,针对某环空带压气井进行了现场应用研究。研究表明:API RP 90是针对海上油气井环空带压安全评价的推荐做法,在API RP 90-2推荐做法发布以后已不再继续适用于陆上油气井;基于API RP 90-2的推荐做法考虑因素更为全面,推荐在陆上油气井使用;环空带压临界控制值不再是1个固定值,而是随服役时间增长以及相邻和自身环空压力变化等因素不断变化的值。     

无起爆药雷管内管装药密度对燃烧转爆轰的影响研究

起爆药雷管生产中产生大量有毒废水,且其运输、贮存存在安全隐患。为克服这些困难,笔者自行制备无起爆药雷管。采用圆筒式金属内管中装填超细PETN(季戊四醇四硝酸酯),作为起爆元件,代替起爆药部分,研究装药密度对内管燃烧转爆轰(DDT)的影响。研究结果表明,在内管壁厚1～2 mm,内径Φ4.0 mm,长25 mm,装压密度为0.8～1.14 g/cm3的范围内,内管能可靠实现燃烧转爆轰。     

An innovative three-dimensional approach for the simulation of pressure vessels exposed to fire

The present study introduces an innovative approach to the detailed simulation of the pressure build-up in equipment containing saturated liquids when exposed to fire. The approach is based on the adoption of a fully three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the inner fluid. Experimental data gathered from literature studies were used to validate the model considering vessels of several scales and geometries exposed to a full engulfing pool fire. The comparison between the results of the 3D CFD model developed and those of two-dimensional (2D) literature models was also carried out. This enabled deriving precise indications on the selection of the most suitable approach based on the type of accidental scenario to reproduce, confirming 2D models as sound and reliable tools to model the fluid behaviour when homogeneous heat exposure conditions are present. On the other side, limitations of 2D approaches in capturing edge effects on i) temperature profiles, ii) recirculation patterns, and iii) energy accumulation in the vessel lading during fire exposure were identified and discussed. The results obtained represent a valuable source of information to support risk management and emergency response planning.     

Risk-based inspection (RBI) of a gas pressure reduction station

One of the principles of corrosion management is proper inspection methodology, and in particular the risk-based inspection (RBI). Occasionally a large percentage of the total risk of a unit is concentrated in a small part of the equipment, which can be reduced by using risk management techniques. In this study, a semi-quantitative risk-based inspection method has been performed in a gas station with for its components (pipelines, filters, etc.), to identify the existing damage mechanisms and also to rank its equipment in terms of inspection intervals. In this regard, RBI was performed for the gas station which consisted of phases (Phase A & Phase B) with Class 300 and Class 600 equipment. According to documented conditions and reviewed records the main damage mechanism for the investigated components in the gas station was identified as wall thinning due to erosion corrosion and external corrosion. In terms of inspection, results showed that most of the equipment studied had medium risk level and a few had medium to high level of risk. In this regard, the corrosion rates of Class 300 and Class 600 equipment were also studied and compared, and it was indicated that the corrosion rates were higher at locations for Class 300 equipment where more pressure drop had occurred. Overall, based on the obtained corrosion rates and obtained risk matrixes, it was concluded that wall thinning (erosion-corrosion) was the determining risk factor for equipment inspected in the gas pressure reduction station.     

新型大采高钻采法采煤机工业试验及工作面安全监测研究

国内外尚没有一种很好地适应厚煤层中小型矿井短壁开采的采煤工艺和综采设备,晋城煤业集团研制的新型高效一次采全高钻采法采煤机及其配套设备可解决这一难题。将新型采煤机在大采高综采工作面进行了工业试验,结果表明,首创"采内放外"采煤工艺的新型钻采法采煤机,具有先进性、低耗能性,经济高效。工作面矿压实测结果表明:工作面老顶为II级老顶,来压显现明显;回采期间,巷道支护效果良好;液压支架工作阻力具有良好的安全储备,能够有效地控制顶板,保证工作面安全,为新型采煤机的安全开采提供设备支持;新型采煤机安全高效开采表明其具有广阔应用前景。     

Importance of accounting for the piping system and boundary conditions in determining the maximum surge pressure following heat-exchanger tube-rupture

Shell-tube type heat exchangers are often used to exchange heat between a high-pressure fluid and a low-pressure fluid, and the pressure difference between the two fluids could be significantly high. If the difference in the design pressure between the low-pressure (LP) and high-pressure sides is greater than that covered by American Petroleum Institute (API 520 and 521) 10/13^th rule, dynamic analysis is required to ascertain that the maximum surge pressure that could be reached does not compromise the integrity of the LP side of the exchanger. API guidelines also notes that attention should also be given not only to the shell-side of the heat exchanger under evaluation, but also to the “upstream and downstream systems” This paper offers further insight into the importance of including the surrounding piping systems around the subject heat-exchanger where a tube-rupture scenario is considered, and also directs attention to the importance of correctly specifying the appropriate boundary conditions (B.C.) at the far ends of both the upstream and downstream piping systems. It demonstrates the effects of specifying different B.C. on the maximum pressure surge via a case study of a hot separator vapour condenser in a bitumen hydrotreating unit, where the process fluid on the tube-side is a vapour–liquid mixture at 9660 kPa(g). The vapour mass fraction of the process fluid is approximately 0.5, and is mostly hydrogen. The fluid on the LP side is cooling water connected to the plant supply and return cooling systems as well as another adjacent low pressure condenser. The design pressure for the cooling water piping system and the adjacent condenser is 1380 kPa(g).     

承压类特种设备受压元件壁厚测定问题的探讨

壁厚是承压类特种设备结构的主要参数.针对几例因受压元件壁厚未测定所留下的安全隐患,本文对承压类特种设备壁厚测定的必要性进行分析探讨,并分别就锅炉、压力容器和压力管道在相应法规标准中对壁厚测定的要求和对监检机构的要求提出了建议.     

Modelling breakdown of industrial thermal insulation during fire exposure

The aging of many of the installations in the oil and gas industry may increase the likelihood of loss of containment of flammable substances, which could lead to major accidents. Flame temperatures in a typical hydrocarbon fire may reach 1100–1200 °C, which are associated with heat flux levels between 250 and 350 kW/m². To limit or delay the escalation of an initial fire, passive fire protection (PFP) can be an effective barrier. Additionally, both equipment and piping may require thermal insulation for heat or cold conservation. Previous studies have investigated whether thermal insulation alone may protect the equipment for a required time period, e.g., until adequate depressurization is achieved. The present study entails the development of a numerical model for predicting the heat transport through a multi-layer wall of a distillation column exposed to fire. The outer surface is covered by stainless-steel weather protective cladding, followed by PFP, thermal insulation, and finally an inner column of carbon steel of variable thicknesses. The model for the breakdown of thermal insulation is based on observed dimensional changes and independent measurements of the thermal conductivity of the insulation after heat treatment. The calculated temperature profiles of thermally insulated carbon steel during fire exposure are compared to fire test results for carbon steel with thicknesses of 16, 12, 6 and 3 mm. The model's predictions agree reasonably well with the experiments. The degradation of the thermal insulation at temperatures above 1100 °C limits its applicability as fire protection, especially for low carbon-steel thickness. However, the model predicts that adding a 10-mm layer of more heat-resistant insulation (PFP) inside the fire-exposed cladding may considerably extend the time to breakdown of the thermal insulation.     

基于风险的检验(RBI)在国内合成氨装置中的应用

利用API581基于风险的检验原理,采用RISKWISE分析软件对九江石化合成氨装置中的设备和管道进行了风险评估;并在装置采用的工艺、不同装置的设备和管道的失效机理和计算出的风险分布这3方面,将其风险评估结果与国内兄弟单位完成的其他合成氨装置的风险评估结果进行了比对;其结果体现了我国目前合成氨装置的设备和管道风险的大致分布,可供我国其他合成氨装置的风险评估参考,也为制定我国合成氨装置基于风险检验的法规标准提供了相关数据;同时,对国内采用针对装置的基于风险的检验的新模式进行了探讨。