SCC, bacteria top items in pipe service failures

Journal Article · Mon Apr 20 04:00:00 EDT 1987 · Oil Gas J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5894712

Kiefner, J F; Eiber, R J

This conclusion of a three-part series updating causes of pipeline failures addresses failures due to stress-corrosion cracking (SCC), mechanical damage, and anaerobic bacterial corrosion. These causes, along with hydrogen effects comprise a shift in pipe service problems evident in failures reported since 1979. This shift was identified in a major study by Battelle Columbus Division laboratories. Several failures involving external stress-corrosion cracking of line pipe were investigated. One investigation was conducted on a 30-in. (0.344-in.W.T. X52) pipe that experienced a retest failure 40 psig above the maximum operating pressure of the pipeline. In this instance, the failure was due to classic stress-corrosion cracks in the pipe in an area that did not appear to be unusual metallurgically. Fig. 16 shows the appearance of the stress-corrosion cracks on the external surface of the pipe. The pipe involved had been coated with coal tar and in service for 24 years prior to the retest failure. No prior stress-corrosion cracks had been observed in this section of the pipeline.

• Research Organization: Battelle Columbus Div., Columbus, OH
• OSTI ID: 5894712
• Journal Information: Oil Gas J.; (United States), Journal Name: Oil Gas J.; (United States) Vol. 85:16; ISSN OIGJA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420205* -- Engineering-- Transport & Storage Facilities-- (1980-)
BACTERIA
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COATINGS
CORROSION
CRACKING
DAMAGE
DECOMPOSITION
FAILURES
MICROORGANISMS
PIPELINES
PIPES
PROTECTIVE COATINGS
PYROLYSIS
STRESS CORROSION
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES