Example 1:

By: Eng. Abdel Halim Galala

The following is an example for determining the remaining life of a pipeline based on API 570 Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Rerating of In-service Piping SystemsEdition 98, Addendum 2006; SectionInspection Data Evaluation, Analysis, and Recording. Remaining life (years) = (tactual trequired) / corrosion rate [inches (mm) per year] where tactual = the actual thickness, in inches (millimeters), measured at the time of inspection for a given location or component. trequired = the required thickness, in inches (millimeters), at the same location or component as the tactual measurement, computed by the design formulas (e.g., pressure and structural) before corrosion allowance and manufacturer's tolerance are added. And to find the corrosion rate to be used in equation (1), we have to compute the two components of corrosion rate: LT and ST and select the greater value. The long-term (LT) corrosion rate shall be calculated from the following formula: Corrosion rate (LT) = (tinitial tactual) / time (years) between tinitial and tactual The short-term (ST) corrosion rate shall be calculated from the following formula: Corrosion rate (ST) = (tprevious tactual) / time (years) between tprevious and tactual tinitial = the thickness, in inches (millimeters), at the same location as tactual measured at initial installation or at the commencement of a new corrosion rate environment. tprevious = the thickness, in inches (millimeters), at the same location as tactual measured during a previous inspection.

Given:
Pipe NPS 30" & tactual = Pipe wall thickness after 15, t15 = 0.3789" (9.625 mm)

Pipe material API 5LX, ERW Code : ASME B31.8 Nominal pipe wall thickness, tnominal: 0.438" (11.125 mm) = tintial MAOP 910 psi SMYS 52 000 psi Pipe wall thickness after 5 years, t5 = 10.625 mm Pipe wall thickness after 10 years, t10 = 10.125 mm = tprevious

Required:
Determine the remaining life of pipeline after 15 years of inservice. Design thickness (Required thickness or Critical thickness), trequired, tr = PD / 2SFET where (from ASME B31.8); - Appropriate Design Factor, F = 0.72

- Longitudinal Weld Joint Factor, E = 1.0 - Temperature Derating Factor, T = 1.0

Solution:
trequired = PD / 2 SEFT = (910 psi)(30 in.)/[2(52000 psi)(0.72)(1.0)(1.0)] = 0.364" (9.260 mm) Long term corrosion rate (LT) = (tinitial tactual) / time (years) between tinitial and tactual = (11.125 mm) (9.625 mm) / 15 years = 0.1 mm/year Short term corrosion rate (ST) = (tprevious tactual) / time (years) between tprevious and tactual = (10.125 mm) (9.625 mm) / 5 years = 0.1 mm/year The higher value of corrosion rate is (both are the same) = 0.1 mm/year The Remaining life (years) = (tactual trequired) / corrosion rate = (9.625 mm) (9.260 mm) / 0.1 mm/year = 3.65 years