Indian Journal of Science and Technology
DOI: 10.17485/ijst/2019/v12i43/144730
Year: 2019, Volume: 12, Issue: 43, Pages: 1-7
Original Article
Adjogbe A.S.1, Okoronkwo C.A.2, Igbokwe J.O.2, Ezurike O.B3,* and Oguoma O.N.2
1 Project and Program Division, Niger Delta Development Commission, Port Harcourt, Nigeria; [email protected]
2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria; [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected]
3 Department of Mechanical/Mechatronics Engineering, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Nigeria; [email protected]
Objectives: This study examined the effect of hydrostatic test practice on the mechanical properties of steel pipeline used in the oil and gas industry. Method/analysis: The method involves subjecting a 76.2 mm (3-inch) and 101 mm (4-inch) pipeline spools to predetermined maximum allowable operating pressures and designed hydrostatic pressures at designated data points. Thereafter, the spools were cut and samples prepared for experimental tests and analysis. Findings: The results showed that there is a significant change in the mechanical properties like fatigue strength and ultimate tensile strength. The result also showed a progressive increase in the fatigue strength from the control specimens to the hydrostatic pressure-tested specimens. The control specimens also exhibited a reduced fatigue strength compared to the maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP)-tested specimens. Thus, since the hydrostatic pressure-tested specimens exhibited the highest fatigue strength, this could be reasonably attributed to the strain-hardening behaviour. Novelty/improvement: The hydrostatic pressure-testing procedure, at least, is not detrimental to the integrity of the pipeline. At best, it is beneficial since it increases the strain-hardening of the material.
Keywords: Hydrostatic Testing, Service Pressures, Near Point, Far Point, Mechanical Properties, Integrity
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