Session: DA-08-01 Fitness for Service Evaluations-1

Paper Number: 154676

154676 - Fitness for Service Assessment of a Forged Nozzle Exposed to Temperature Above the Creep Threshold Limit 

Abstract: 

The exposure of metallic pressure components, to the temperatures above the Creep Threshold Limit, can eventually cause Creep Elongation, Creep Cracking or Stress Rupture. Depending on the stress level, and exposure time, the Creep life of the pressure component or equipment may vary. This paper contains, a Fitness-for-Fervice (FFS) assessment of a self-reinforced type forged nozzle of low alloy steel, located on a thick walled pressure vessel top head, which was exposed to high temperature due to localized damage of internal refractory lining during service. The skin metal temperature values were determined through remote thermography, and the exposure time was estimated based on the inspection history and thermosensitive paint discoloration. The Creep Life Assessment of the nozzle was performed as per API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 Part-10, while stresses on the nozzle and head junction, were determined through Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Based on the outcome of the FFS assessment, the equipment was successfully kept in service till the next available opportunity, and the internal refractory lining was replaced accordingly during the planned shutdown. To evaluate the impact of high temperature exposure on the nozzle material, in-situ metallography and hardness testing were performed in addition to volumetric non-destructive testing on the nozzle during shutdown and found with no significant degradation in the microstructure.

Presenting Author: Muhammad Raheel Rafique Petrokemya Arabian Petrochemical Co., SABIC affiliate

Presenting Author Biography: Experienced in Mechanical Design (Code Rules & Analysis) and Detailed Engineering of Static Equipment and Piping for Oil & Gas, Power Plant, Petrochemical and Refineries.

API-510, 570, 653, 571, 580 Certified.

Practical knowledge of Fitness for Service (FFS); Failure Mode Effect and Analysis (FMECA); Asset Life Assessment (ALA); material selection/ evaluation; and participation in reliability methodology studies as SME.

Working experience of commercial design packages:

ANSYS (Mechanical Workbench)
COMPRESS (PV & Heat Exchanger)
PV Elite (PV & Heat Exchanger)
SIGNAL (Fitness for Service)

Authors:

Muhammad Raheel Rafique Petrokemya Arabian Petrochemical Co., SABIC affiliate