Fracture mechanics and fitness-for-service assessment for gas, oil and water pipelines.
We provide simulation and fracture-mechanics studies for cracks in oil, gas and water pipelines. Any broader integrity assessment, engineering conclusions and operating recommendations depend on the available data, applicable method, agreed scope and required authorizations.
A detected flaw raises an urgent question: is it safe to keep operating, at what pressure, and for how long? Conservative answers cost production; optimistic ones risk failure.
Inspection data review — Review ILI, UT, MFL or field inspection data, operating history, materials and design basis.
Flaw characterisation — Classify the defect — crack, dent, gouge, corrosion or weld flaw — and define its dimensions and location.
Finite element & fracture model — Build detailed FE models with the flaw, and compute stress intensity factors, J-integral or limit loads.
Crack growth & fatigue — Predict crack growth under pressure cycles and estimate the remaining life.
Fitness-for-service decision — Assess flaw acceptability using the method applicable to the defect and piping system. Proposed operating limits and inspection intervals are conditional on the assessment assumptions and operator approval.
Repair or mitigation — Recommend and, if needed, simulate repair options such as sleeves, composite wraps or replacement.