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U.S. Department of Energy
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Fitness for service evaluation of a horizontal gas separator in a compressing unit

Book ·
OSTI ID:403547
;  [1]
  1. INTEVEP S.A., Los Teques (Venezuela)
An automatic ultrasonic inspection of a horizontal separator revealed cracking in various structural welds of the shell wall. The pressure vessel has been working in a gas compressing unit for several years. A review of the operation history (including fluids, pressure and temperature) indicated the cracking was probably associated with hydrogen induced cracking (HIC). To assure mechanical integrity a Fitness for Service Assessment was conducted based on fracture mechanics procedures. Using the fitness-for-service document and the computer software of the Materials Properties Council (MPC), limiting flaw size curves were obtained. The cracks were evaluated to determine their effect in the structural integrity of the pressure vessel, and to define the inspection program for the future.
OSTI ID:
403547
Report Number(s):
CONF-960706--; ISBN 0-7918-1783-0
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English