bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PR-378-083601-R01 Effect of Pressure Fluctuations on Growth Rate of Near-Neutral pH SCC
Authors: Chen
Published: August 2023

This report summarizes the work completed in Year One of the three-year project: PRCI SCC-2-12 Effect of Pressure Fluctuations on Growth Rate of Near-Neutral pH SCC. The investigation in Year One has been primarily focused on the validation of the software being developed for crack growth and remaining life prediction using SCADA Data. A total of 9 pressure spectra, 4 for oil pipelines and 5 for gas pipelines, have been collected and used as inputs for the software. It was found that a pressure spectrum can be quantified using a parameter termed as Spectra Factor to represent the severity of load/pressure interactions in terms of crack growth rate. A spectra factor higher than one indicates the enhanced crack growth rate by load interactions, such as the case where unloads are frequently present in the pressure spectra, while a spectra factor lower than one may be associated with a retarded crack growth, which can be seen in pressure spectra with predominant overloading events. The oil pipelines are characterized with more frequent and larger pressure fluctuations, and crack growth is directly caused by these cycles. The gas pipelines are characterized with minor cycles with high stress ratio and the subsequent underloading cycles with low stress ratios, and crack growth rate can be enhanced by a factor 10 under the combined minor-underload pressure fluctuation cyclic loading scenarios. The software allows the SCADA/pressure fluctuation data with Excel spreadsheet format to be directly analyzed producing a projected remaining life of the pipeline based on the past pressure fluctuations and assumed future pressure fluctuations.
PR-380-104500-R01 Minimum Permissible Bend Radii for Layered Composite Materials
Authors: Kanninen
Published: August 2023

The research utilized a closely coordinated combination of full-scale bend/burst testing and highly detailed finite element analysis (FEA) modeling of representative HPIR constructions in a two-phase iterative approach. The fundamentally sound methodology that was developed and validated in the research has the potential for optimizing the design of HPIR systems in regard to safely negotiating tight bends while renewing energy transmission pipelines in a wide range of operating conditions. The combination of FEA modeling and the full-scale bend/burst testing utilized in this research has led to an important conclusion in regard to the burst strengths of HPIR designs . In a 10D radius of curvature (RoC) bend (i.e., a multiple of 10 times the nominal diameter of the host pipe), the burst strength of an HPIR design is only 5% less than its burst strength in a straight segment. In addition, the analyses have strongly indicated that much tighter bends can also be accommodated without encountering drastic burst strength reductions. It has also become clear from this work that the further research needed to establish a full set of minimum allowable RoC values for HPIR installations must be based upon the stresses arising from the combination of RoC, bend angle, diametrical clearance, and axial tension. . A preliminary application of the methodology for an HPIR installation in a cased crossing rehabilitation is included in this report to demonstrate that this new technology has already been implemented and that it has made a significant impact in a commercial installation. Recommended further research that would generalize and substantiate a broad-based methodology for determining the minimum permissible RoC of a pipeline bend that can be negotiated in an installation of the HPIR system beyond the 10D value established in this research is also outlined in the report.
PR-369-08609-R02 Investigate Active Meter Cleaning Concepts (Phase 2)
Authors: Gipson
Published: August 2023

Due to having the entire process video taped the requirements were to followup with a brief summary of the process high lighting attributes and possible concerns of this process. We feel that this process will provide the requirements that were requested in the beginning of
this project from the PRCI Team Members. In this process we have taken in first the safety issues, second efficiency of the cleaning process, and replacing the cleaning process over the traditional disassembly methods.
PR-015-113601-Z01 Enhancement and Validation of Internal Corrosion Threat Guidelines-Phase 1
Authors: He Xihua
Published: August 2023

This study collected and analyzed more field data to enhance the probabilistic model for predicting internal corrosion threats in nominally dry natural gas pipelines developed previously, especially in the region where the internal corrosion risk is higher. The Excel� tool developed previously was also updated with the enhanced model for predicting internal corrosion risk based on basic operating conditions, (i.e., average gas operating temperature, seasonal gas operating temperature amplitude, and operating pressure). In this project, a general-purpose Excel tool was created to allow calculation of residual hydrotest water evaporation time for one or more liquid water pools located in low spots in the pipeline based on water volume, pipe low spot geometry, and gas flow conditions. Another Excel tool also was developed to predict water stream length when gas from the inlet branch line at higher temperature injects water stream into the main gas transmission pipeline and the time to reach steady state condition before the water is completely evaporated for many types of pipeline scenarios.
PR-179-12200-R01 Power Cylinder Timed Lube Oil Injection to Reduce Consumption and Catalyst Fouling
Authors: Luedeman  , Olsen
Published: August 2023

This project is driven by concerns over excessive cylinder lubrication in large bore two-stroke natural gas engines (LBNGE). Excessive cylinder lubrication can lead to: - Increased operating costs due to high lubricating oil consumption. - Poisoning of catalytic converters. - Increased pollutant emissions. Development of an electronically-controlled, power-cylinder lubricator (ECPCL) is a likely solution that could decrease excessive cylinder lubrication. This lubricator would optimize cylinder lubrication by controlling both the injection rate and injection timing, relative to piston position.
PR-015-12600-R01 Ability of Ultrasonic Meters to Measure Accurately in Compressor-Induced Pulsating Flows
Authors: George  , Hawley
Published: August 2023

Transmission and storage operations frequently move natural gas using reciprocating compressors that may generate flow pulsations. Most measurement systems cannot accurately measure the flow rate of a pulsating gas stream, and the resulting errors can cause inaccurate gas volumes and accounting imbalances. Recent advances in ultrasonic meters may provide the ability to function without measurement error in pulsating gas streams. Tests were performed to examine the relationship between ultrasonic meter transducer sampling rates, the frequency and amplitude of pulsations from reciprocating compressors, and meter accuracy as a possible basis for using ultrasonic meters in gas pipelines with varying pulsations. Two ultrasonic natural gas meters of current design were tested at SwRI in flows that simulated reciprocating compressor pulsations. Diagnostics and flow data were collected from the meters and analyzed to identify pulsation conditions in which the meters read accurately, or in which meter data could be used to correct measurement errors.
PR-328-073511-R01 Detection and Discrimination of Mechanical Damage using Improved ILI Tools
Authors: Krishnamurthy  , Gao
Published: August 2023

The primary objectives of this study are to improve understanding of the capabilities to detect and discriminate mechanical damage for current ILI technologies. Specifically:

Identify a consistent in-ditch protocol for dent assessment using the best available technology, and
Evaluate the accuracy of ILI dent and dent with metal loss characterization using data from the identified actual in-ditch evaluation..

The in-ditch mechanical damage characterization was performed following the protocol developed during the project. The advanced portable 3D laser scanner was successfully leveraged and utilized for dent in-ditch measurements and profiling. The provided data included dent dimension, details of associated anomalies and laser scan 3D dent profiles. The dents were profiled with axial resolution of 5mm and circumferential resolution of 10.6mm (2deg).
PR-313-063527-R01 Define Operating Conditions in Which No SCC Exists
Authors: Fessler
Published: August 2023

A survey was conducted of gas and liquid pipeline operators to determine if there were any kinds of coating, surface preparation, design pressure, or years of construction that could be identified with conditions under which no stress-corrosion cracking (SCC) has occurred. The only condition that was identified was pipe coated with fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE) following a thorough grit blast. The probability for high-pH SCC was found to be low at distances greater than 20 miles (32 km) downstream of compressor stations, under asphalt coatings, and in liquid pipelines and at stresses below 60 % of specified minimum yield strength (SMYS). The probability of near-neutral pH SCC was found to be low under coal tar coatings and at stresses below 60 % SMYS. Trends for liquid pipelines differed from those for gas pipelines, possibly because corrosion fatigue cannot be differentiated from SCC, and corrosion fatigue is much less likely to occur on gas pipelines than on liquid pipelines.
PR-179-13601-R01 CFD Analysis of the Heat Transfer Characteristics and the Effect of Thermowells
Authors: Xie  , Gao  , Olsen
Published: August 2023

Thermowells are widely utilized for temperature measurement in metering stations on natural gas pipelines. The use of thermowells induces errors in the measurements of gas temperature due to the heat transfer processes involved in the thermowell installations, which results in errors in the flow rate calculations. In order to study the temperature measurement accuracy of using thermowells, a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics study is performed and an in-depth investigation of the effect of the multiple variables on gas temperature measurement is carried out. The parameters under investigation include pipe diameter, thermowell type, thermal conditions at the pipe wall surface, and gas velocity. The study provides information on the sources of error and guidance to users on thermowell type selection and the pipe-thermowell installation, in order to improve the reliability and accuracy of gas temperature measurement.
PR-408-124500-R01 Mechanical Damage Instantaneous Failure Model Numerical Simulation of Physical Tests
Authors: Francis Andrew , Jandu Chas , Taylor Mike
Published: August 2023

The overall objective was to develop two models for determining the effect of mechanical damage on the structural integrity of buried pipelines. The models that are to be developed are the instantaneous failure model (MD4-3) and the delayed failure model (MD4-4). The subject of this report is part of the work that has been undertaken in support of the development of the instantaneous failure model which is being undertaken within the remit of MD4-3. The overall objective of MD4-3 to produce a closed form expression that will be used as: (i) A Limit State Function in structural reliability and risk assessment methodologies and associated software. (ii) A means of determining the safety margin associated with known existing damage to establish whether immediate repair is required (iii) An initial condition for the delayed failure model (MD4-4) which is being developed separately. The objective of this report is to present the outcomes of detailed numerical simulation of physical tests that have been performed as part of MD4-1. The development is progressing based on a combination of physical testing and numerical simulation and analysis. The objective of this report is to present the outcomes of detailed numerical simulation of physical tests that have been performed as part of MD4-1.
PR-414-124507-R01 Guideline for Specification of AUT Systems for On-shore based on the Zonal Approach
Authors: Dijkstra
Published: August 2023

Despite the advantages of Automated Ultrasonic Testing (AUT) of pipeline girth welds, pipeline owners and / or pipeline contractors may still have reservations in applying this technique for their pipeline projects. One of the critical factors mentioned in this context is inconsistent expectations concerning the capabilities of ultrasonic techniques and inconsistency in AUT system performance, which may lead to confusion and frustration. This report was developed to help answer the question �What do I need if I want to use AUT for pipeline girth weld inspection taking into account all the critical parameters involved with the objective to achieve greater reliability and consistency in the application of AUT systems�.
PR-179-12214-R01 CO Sensor Experimental Evaluation for Catalyst Health Monitoring
Authors: Stevens  , Olsen
Published: August 2023

Oxidation catalysts and three-way catalysts can be used to reduce the amount of CO present in engine exhaust. For 2-stroke lean-burn engines, the oxidation catalyst degrades over time be-cause of the buildup of poisons such as sulfur, zinc, phosphorous, and calcium. Three-way cata-lysts used with stoichiometric engines also degrade over time. Emissions analyzers are often used to evaluate the degradation of oxidation catalysts and three-way catalysts, but it can be very time consuming and expensive. Ideally, a simple sensor system would be beneficial for operating companies to determine if the catalyst were out of compliance according to normal operating standards. An ECM CO sensor and recording device was acquired for testing. The CO sensor system was evaluated for its ability to monitor post-catalyst CO concentration. The results show that this CO sensor system is ineffective at monitoring post-catalyst CO concentration.
PR-244-093703-R01 Uncertainties of In-line Inspection Crack Detection Tools Phases 1-2
Authors: Skow
Published: August 2023

This project was carried� to develop better approaches to deal with in line crack inspection tool uncertainty. The primary objectives of the project were as follows:

To develop practical and defendable methodologies to quantify the de facto tool accuracy for a specific pipeline, taking into account the limitations associated with field excavation programs.�
To develop methodologies that can be used to incorporate the above mentioned tool characterizations into the crack management process.

The objectives were addressed in two parts: first by estimating the number of defects in the pipeline, and second by estimating the reliability of the pipeline given the defect count and size distributions. Sections 2 and 3 of this report detail the models used to estimate the number and size of defects in the pipeline. Section 4 details the reliability models used as a basis for crack management. API Standard 1163 titled �In line Inspection System Qualification Standards� provides performance based requirements for in line inspection (ILI) systems, including procedures, personnel and equipment. The standard provides a starting point and terminology for discussions on in line tool performance and is referred to throughout this report. In line tool accuracy is defined in API 1163 in terms of probability of detection (POD), probability of identification (POI), probability of false call (POFC) and sizing accuracy. Models for each of these performance measures is developed and exercised using four operator ILI and excavation data sets for stress corrosion cracking (SCC) defects. The model results are then applied to a crack management process that utilizes pipeline reliability as a basis for decision making. An overview of the models developed for POD, POI, POFC and sizing, as well as key results from the crack management process, is presented.
PR-015-123704-R01 Mobile Sensor to Monitor Water Hold-up and Corrosion in Pipelines
Authors: Caseres
Published: August 2023

The main purpose of this research effort was to test and validate the mobile sensor technology as a new integrity management tool that can supplement current expensive technologies for assessing the threat of internal corrosion to both piggable and unpiggable gas pipelines and to provide improved data sets for internal direct assessment determinations. Pipeline operators will have access to a fully validated, low cost integrity management tool for accurate spatial detection of water holdups in piggable and unpiggable gas pipelines subjected to a wide range of pressures under various gas flow velocities and pipe geometries. As a result, the potential payoff for practice is substantial. Inspection expense savings will accrue from the elimination of excavations and maximization of operational uptime, especially for the case of unpiggable pipes as well as properly spacing the use of more expensive inspection tools. This novel integrity management tool is also intended to directly improve reliability and safety of gas pipelines by assessing potential accelerated corrosion locations, so that immediate corrective actions can be implemented. A remarkable feature of this proposed low cost method for pipe inspection is that it makes it easier to repeat measurements to ascertain whether corrosion is ongoing.
PR-309-13208-R01 Field Demonstration of the Benefits of Continuous Engine Performance Monitoring for CORE
Authors: Bothwell  , Beshouri
Published: August 2023

Prior PRCI funded projects, identified the ability of a Continuous Engine Performance Monitor, (CEPM) to fulfill the likelihood of industry acceptance as a Performance Monitoring alternative to a Continuous Emission Monitoring System CEMS in future monitoring requirements for typical pipeline engines. This current project installed a CEPM monitoring system on a pipeline engine equipped with a CEMS and assessed the ability of this CEPM system to detect potential engine emission excursions. In summary, successful implementation of a CEPM system requires functioning knowledge of the test engine in addition to well calibrated instrumentation. Characterization of Air Fuel Ratio (AFR) and combustion performance should be established with a preset check list of engine conditions which should be the standard prior to mapping and all data collection. This current CEPM project has shown that the use of AFR and combustion performance indicators can result in a cost efficient emission/performance monitoring tool.
PR-015-14608-R01 Technical Review of Standards for Thermowell Design
Authors: George  , Grant
Published: August 2023

A thermowell design standard published by ASME was recently updated to incorporate new knowledge about dynamic loads on thermowells and other factors affecting thermowell integrity and measurement accuracy. There are concerns that assumptions in the ASME standard may cause significant measurement inaccuracies or conservative designs that require significant changes to natural gas installations. To avoid thermowell damage and measure natural gas temperatures accurately, pipeline operators have requested additional guidance on thermowell design and installation. This study investigated current thermowell standards and research to provide PRCI members, meter station designers, and the natural gas industry with guidelines to design thermowells that meet accuracy and integrity requirements. Relevant design requirements from ASME and other thermowell standards were examined to summarize and compare insertion length requirements, recommended materials, and guidance for temperature accuracy. Research publications were reviewed for experimental data to identify design parameters that affect thermowell integrity and measurement accuracy, and to determine whether separate natural gas design guidelines could be developed or whether modifications should be recommended to the ASME procedure. Priority was given to experimental results over analytical and computational data. The review also focused on thermowell performance in natural gas at transmission pipeline conditions, defined here as pressures up to 1,800 psig (124 barg) and flow velocities up to 125 ft/s (38 m/s). Key design parameters were identified that can be used as a starting point for a natural gas thermowell design and installation procedure. A gap analysis identified further research needs for thermowell performance in natural gas service.
PR-328-133600-R02 Probabilistic Corrosion Growth Models and ILI-Based Estimation Procedures - Phase II
Authors: Maes Marc
Published: August 2023

The overall objective of Phase II covered by the present report, has been to implement the preferred Phase I stochastic metal loss analysis model in an effective self-standing Excel tool for matched repeat ILI data: the Hierarchical Stochastic Corrosion Growth Model (HSCGM). This analysis tool can deal with up to 5 repeat inspections and up to 1,000 (hierarchical) defects. It is a deliverable of this Project and it has been satisfactory verified and tested; its main mission is to allow flawless experimentation with the practical use of consistent stochastic metal loss processes in the context of repeat ILI inspections for pipeline integrity assessment, to explore its numerous analysis options, features, and results in the context of CGRs for pipeline integrity assessment.

This report provides all the details and technical features of the HSCGM analysis tool, based on the Bayesian stochastic process approach described in the Phase I report.
PR-309-14211-R01 SCR Application to Typical Two-Stroke Cycle Pipeline Engines
Authors: Fischer  , Bothwell
Published: August 2023

Future emissions regulations for the natural gas industry are imminent and will be, in some cases, very severe.� One of many possible technologies that may be applied to meet these regulations is an exhaust gas after treatment called Selective Catalytic Reduction or SCR. Application of SCR to 2 stroke cycle internal combustion engines offers a unique set of challenges unlike any other in existing SCR systems.

This paper reviews these various challenges in detail, enumerates a functional specification for a �typical� compressor station, evaluates a selection of possible SCR system candidates� and offers some suggestions for a successful application. Due to the complexity of select issues, further investigation may be needed.
SM-403-148100-R01 Mineral Wells 2012 RAM Gas and Oil Leak Detection Field Study Results
Authors: Price Donald
Published: August 2023

In June 2012, the RAM Program conducted a comprehensive field study to evaluate the performance of current off the shelf sensor technologies for detecting gas and oil leaks on pipelines. This study had three key objectives: 1. Evaluate the capabilities of current technologies that are offered commercially for methane leak detection monitoring using standard pipeline patrol aircraft 2. Provide a test location for development of emerging technologies that are not yet commercially available for pipeline leak detection 3. Assess the feasibility of using airborne sensors to detect staged liquid oil leaks The field study was conducted on two of Enbridge�s operating pipelines located near Mineral Wells, Texas. This location provided realistic conditions for assessing the capabilities and limitations of automated sensor systems that are currently available for leak detection. Three airborne leak detection vendors (Lasen, Pergam, and New Era Technology), and one ground vehicle vendor (Picarro), completed the field study. The field study was performed as part of the 2012 PRCI RAM program that is primarily focused on leak detection technologies using aerial platforms. The study tested a range of sensors designed for gas leak detection using systems mounted on helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. Enbridge staged a series of controlled gas releases simulating pipeline gas leaks. Qualified operators released a series of prescribed natural gas leaks from 8 known locations along the pipelines in order to simulate transmission leaks of varying sizes. Additionally, Enbridge placed 8 liquid petroleum targets along the test pipelines. These gas and oil targets allowed for a direct comparison of technology performance against a known set of conditions. Standard leak patrol methods (ground survey with foot patrol) were also used to identify any emission sources other than the controlled releases. The results from the field study show that 3 of the 4 vendor sensor technologies tested are now feasible alternatives for gas leak detection. The findings for liquid leak detection were promising, but inconclusive due to plume overlaps between gas and oil targets. The sensors used by the vendors in this field test were optimized for detecting methane gas and not oil vapors. Therefore, until additional studies are performed on liquid hydrocarbon volatilization, it is premature to conclude that the tested technologies are or are not appropriate for oil leak detection.
PR-453-134504-R01 Pipeline On-Bottom Stability Software Upgrade Milestone I
Authors: Abdolmaleki Kourosh , Rawlinson Andrew
Published: August 2023

The PRCI software (version 3.0) which assesses hydrodynamic stability of submarine pipelines was revised. There are three 'levels' of analysis available in this software. The main technical revisions are for:

- Level 1 : -The addition of the logarithmic boundary layer formulation.

- Level 2: -The addition of the logarithmic boundary layer formulation -The addition of the JONSWAP spectrum -The addition of the Verley and Lund pipe-soil clay model -The resolution of the issue of excessive embedment in current dominated conditions.

- Level 3 are:

-The addition of the logarithmic boundary layer formulation

-The addition of the JONSWAP spectrum.

In terms of software, the Fortran code, which undertakes the calculation, was converted to a more recent version and a number of improvements made. The user interface was re-written in languages and an environment which are currently supported. Code was written for the future implementation of the absolute stability method of DNV-RP-F109. An investigation of lift forces which act on a submarine pipeline when subject to current at low angles of attack was undertaken. This showed that, though usual practice underestimates the lift force, the magnitude of the difference is not significant in terms of pipeline stability.

This work has a related webinar.
PR-392-133716-R01 Inspection of Mechanical Damage Test Samples
Authors: Goldfine Neil , Dunford Todd , Haque Shayan , Grundy David
Published: August 2023

This effort is a continuation of JENTEK�s 2012�project under the NDE 2-2 program for imaging and characterization of mechanical damage regions in PRCI and PRCI member samples. It is aimed towards the adaptation of JENTEK MWM-Array technology, being developed under DOT and JENTEK Internal Research and Development funding, for imaging and characterization of mechanical damage samples at the PRCI Technology Deployment Center in Houston, TX. Three capability demonstrations were performed under this funded effort, with the data generated from the demonstrations analyzed and reported.
PR-015-16601-R01 Variation in Orifice Plate Flow Performance as a Function of Geometric Plate Tolerances
Authors: Grimley  , Grant
Published: August 2023

Flow measurement tests were conducted with more than 25 API 14.3 compliant orifice plates that had been geometrically characterized. Possible sources for the variability in the flow measurement performance of these plates were investigated relative to the measured plate geometry elements.
PR-266-14200-R01 Modeling of NSCR Performance with Natural Gas Exhaust
Authors: Hohn  , Zeng
Published: August 2023

There is a need for highly efficient processes for treating the engine exhaust from natural gas-powered engine in order to meet current and potential environmental regulations. One means to do so is to employ dithering, where the air to fuel ratio sent to the engine is cycled between high and low values around the stoichiometric point. There is limited experimental data to suggest that dithering can be effective, but little is known about how dithering impacts the performance of a three-way catalyst to destroy pollutants from natural gas-powered engines. This research simulates the performance of a three-way catalyst for destruction of pollutants when dithering is applied to a natural gas engine. The model is used to understand the detailed chemistry occurring during dithering.
PR-214-114504-R02 Development of Sleeve End Fillet Weld Fitness for Service Assessment Tools
Authors: Dinovitzer Aaron
Published: August 2023

Pipeline defects such as cracks, dents and corrosion often require permanent pressure retaining repairs. Full encirclement metallic repair sleeves with fillet-welded end connections to the pipe-line are often used for this purpose. In-service failures have occurred at pressure retaining sleeves as a result of defects associated with the sleeve welds, such as hydrogen-induced cracks, undercut at the fillet welds and inadequate weld size. At present, accurate quantitative fitness for service assessments for circumferential defects in sleeve fillet welds are difficult to carry out due to a lack of detailed stress intensity factor solutions for finite length cracks. The primary objective of the project was to improve the assessment of circumferential defects in sleeve fillet welds through the development of more accurate stress intensity factors and plastic collapse solutions for finite length sleeve-end fillet weld toe and root cracks. The stress intensity factors were estimated using detailed finite element analysis. These factors were then used to develop simplified parametric equations which are suitable for carrying out defect assessments on a wide range of pipe and sleeve geometries. These equations can be used in the assessment of fatigue crack growth and/or fracture using failure assessment diagram methods at sleeve end fillets alongside the results developed for other structural geometries in national standards.
PR-433-133700-R01 Pipeline Right-of-Way Automated Threat Detection by Advanced Image Analysis
Authors: Asari Vijayan , Sidike Paheding , Nair Binu , Arigela Saibabu , Santhaseelan Varun , Cui Chen
Published: August 2023

A novel algorithmic framework for the robust detection and classification of machinery threats and other potentially harmful objects intruding onto a pipeline right-of-way (ROW) is designed from three perspectives: visibility improvement, context-based segmentation, and object recognition/classification. In the first part of the framework, an adaptive image enhancement algorithm is utilized to improve the visibility of aerial imagery to aid in threat detection. In this technique, a nonlinear transfer function is developed to enhance the processing of aerial imagery with extremely non-uniform lighting conditions. In the second part of the framework, the context-based segmentation is developed to eliminate regions from imagery that are not considered to be a threat to the pipeline. Context based segmentation makes use of a cascade of pre-trained classifiers to search for regions that are not threats. The context based segmentation algorithm accelerates threat identification and improves object detection rates. The last phase of the framework is an efficient object detection model. Efficient object detection �follows a three-stage approach which includes extraction of the local phase in the image and the use of local phase characteristics to locate machinery threats. The local phase is an image feature extraction technique which partially removes the lighting variance and preserves the edge information of the object. Multiple orientations of the same object are matched and the correct orientation is selected using feature matching by histogram of local phase in a multi-scale framework. The classifier outputs locations of threats to pipeline.�The advanced automatic image analysis system is intended to be capable of detecting construction equipment along the ROW of pipelines with a very high degree of accuracy in comparison with manual threat identification by a human analyst.

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NR196502 Comparison of API and Battelle Rules for Rail Car Loading of Line Pipe
Authors: Rodabaugh  , Atterbury  , McClure
Published: August 2023

In many aspects the API Recommended Practice and the Battelle Supplementary Rules are quite similar, thus there is a need to for a comparison of API and Battelle Rules for rail car loading of line pipe.

The effort to investigate stresses imposed on pipe during shipment was initiated in 1962. The objective of the work was to determine the cause of a number of fatigue cracks in both small- and large-diameter pipe that had been observed and to arrive at loading methods,� primarily in rail shipment, to prevent both the fatigue cracking and other types of damage that occur to pipe.
L52227 Guidelines-Quality Standards for Transportation of Gas Containing Mixed Corrosive Constituents
Authors: Sridhar  , Song  , Nored
Published: August 2023

Gas quality specifications are set for commercial considerations and are influenced by several engineering factors including preventing corrosion, preventing blockages from freezing and hydrates, and the heating value of the gas. The Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) Enforcement Manual for internal corrosion control states that the operator should have a procedure to determine if the gas is corrosive. Violation exists if (1) the corrosive potential of the gas is not determined by appropriate tests, and (2) suitable monitoring methods are not used to determine the effectiveness of steps taken to minimize internal corrosion. The enforcement manual specifically calls for testing of the gas stream for oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and water content. Gas quality requirements differ between companies and sometimes business units, and no industry standard exists to address the issue. The results of this project were the development and approval of a guideline document, including a decision flow diagram, for accepting/rejecting gas for use by company materials/corrosion personnel. The gas quality acceptance guidance is a component of the overall approach to internal corrosion management. The three major components of internal corrosion management are gas quality data and acceptance that sets the basic parameters for internal corrosion, corrosion mitigation and monitoring that alleviates problems engendered by accepting gas of less than ideal quality, and risk assessment (including ICDA) that identifies and prioritizes monitoring and inspection of internal corrosion.
PGH376V A Comprehensive Update on the Evaluation of Pipeline Weld Defects
Authors: Wang
Published: August 2023

Girth weld defect acceptance criteria are set and enforced in pipeline constructions per federal regulations (CFR 49 Parts 192 and 195). With the increased use of mechanized welding and AUT (Automated Ultrasonic Testing) in new pipeline constructions, alternative defect acceptance criteria based on ECA (Engineering Critical Assessment) principles are frequently used in lieu of the traditional workmanship criteria that are in the main body of API Standard 1104. Unfortunately, the current alternative defect acceptance criteria of API 1104 Appendix A has not been kept up-to-date with new linepipe materials, welding processes, and pipeline service environments. The objective of this project is to provide technical basis for updating the alternative girth weld defect acceptance criteria in API 1104 Appendix A and other similar codes and standards.
There are two focus areas in this project. The first focus area is to update the alternative defect acceptance criteria to address the immediate need of pipeline constructions in the U.S., typically with pipeline longitudinal strains less than 0.5%, or alternatively termed stress-based design. The materials in the new constructions are typically of micro-alloyed type and the grades are moving higher, up to X80 and X100. These materials did not exist when the current API 1104 Appendix A was adopted. Their behavior is sufficiently different that a fresh look in the current environment is needed. The second focus area is to develop a set of procedures that may be used for determining the girth weld defect acceptance level under high longitudinal strains ( greater than 0.5% and up to 2-4%).
PR-312-12208-Z04 Summary of NO2 - NOx Ratio Test Data for Reciprocating Engines and Turbines
Authors: McCarthy James
Published: August 2023

A brief summary of NO2/NOx emissions data for reciprocating engines and gas turbines. Includes an Excel spreadsheet with the raw data that corresponds to the information in the report.
L52201 Baseline Study of Alternate In-Line Inspection Vehicles
Authors: Crouch
Published: August 2023

It was a goal of this project to identify and evaluate nonpiston vehicle concepts that could potentially carry inspection sensors and recording apparatus into both piggable and nonpiggable pipelines. It has been suggested that pipeline integrity management in some future time might include the use of autonomous robots that would "live" in a pipeline, taking power from the moving product stream and communicating to the outside of the pipeline, from time to time, information on the condition of the pipeline. The system then would include a vehicle, sensors, data recording, power generation, and communication. Work has been done in various research centers on each of these components. Some mention will be made of the other components, but the thrust of this report is on the vehicle.
L52117 Dual Magnetization MFL for Enhanced Assessment of Corrosion Anomalies
Authors: Nestleroth
Published: August 2023

Magnetic flux leakage (MFL) is the most commonly used in-line inspection method for pipelines and will most likely remain the preferred technology for many decades. However, MFL does have its limitations on sizing corrosion anomalies. This work investigates an enhanced MFL implementation to improve assessment of corrosion anomalies. This implementation uses signals recorded at two magnetization levels: high levels typical of modern commercial MFL tools and low levels near the knee of the nonlinear magnetization curve. A method for combining signals from both field levels was developed, which can detect plastic deformation stresses on smaller defects and define sharp geometry changes of larger defects. This method was tested on 21 corrosion anomalies with mixed results. Some unique information about stress at long, narrow corrosion anomalies was obtained from the two magnetization level signals. Unfortunately, an unexpected nonlinear geometry signal was also present in many of the corrosion anomalies that obscured the stress signal, limiting the general application of this technique to narrow anomalies.
ZZ44154 Circumferential Guided Waves for Defect Detection in Tar Coated Pipe
Authors: Rose  , Luo  , Minachi
Published: August 2023

The study reports on circumferential guided wave inspection potential and propagation in a tar coated pipe. A computer code based on a matrix technique was developed to calculate the circumferential guided wave dispersion curves and wave structures in a viscoelastic multi-layered pipe. Experiments utilizing the SwRI Magnetostrictive ILI inspection technique were conducted under different coating conditions. There was a favorable agreement with theory. This study provides an insight into attenuation effect, ways to improve propagation distance, and a baseline for further studies on wave scattering, defect classification and sizing.
NR198105 Stress-Corrosion Cracking of Line Pipe Steels by Aqueous Solutions of CO and CO2
Authors: Payer  , Berry  , Fessler
Published: August 2023

A study of stress-corrosion cracking (SCC) of line-pipe steels in aqueous solutions of CO and CO2 was initiated at Battelle's Columbus Laboratories in the late 1960's. It was in this period that transgranular SCC of steel exposed to CO-CO2 gas mixtures was recognized as a cause of failure in chemical plants and gas-storage cylinders in Japan and in components carrying and storing towns gas in Europe.

The purpose of the study was to determine the consequences of CO-CO2 SCC on the operation of gas-transmission pipelines. Results of the program which was carried out over several years, are summarized here.
L52208 Coating and Backfill System Optimisation
Authors: Thompson
Published: August 2023

This project focuses specifically on the mechanical properties of a pipeline coating in relation to the need to use imported or site-processed bedding and padding materials to create the pipelines habitat. This project assesses whether mainline and field joint coatings, typically utilized for pipeline protection, possessed sufficient mechanical resistance to withstand backfilling, commissioning and service with bedding and padding materials that had undergone minimal processing. The project was carried out in two phases, the first involved a series of large-scale tests to assess the impact, penetration and abrasion resistance of three mainline and two field joint coatings. The second phase involved a series of small-scale laboratory tests to assess the same three mechanical properties.

Includes a spreadhseet to help cost optimize backfilling pipelines.
PR-365-08608-R02 MEMS Technology for Natural Gas-Liquid Quality Measurement (Phase II)
Authors: Field  , Gunther
Published: August 2023

This report summarizes a follow-on task to the project in which SmallTech Consulting was asked by PRCI to undertake an evaluation of MEMS1 Technology for Natural Gas/Liquid Quality Measurement. SmallTech examined the feasibility of using MEMS-based sensors to determine chemical composition measurands of interest within a natural gas pipeline, at or near real-time. This update includes information on timing and estimated costs for collaboration with the most promising of the front-runner candidates as potential vendors or development partners for PRCI.
PR-015-10600-R01 Proposed Sampling Methods for Supercritical Natural Gas Streams
Authors: George
Published: August 2023

Deepwater natural gas production is a non-traditional operation that is very different than conventional shelf or onshore production, due to the extremely high pressures (2,000 psia, 13.8 MPa abs) and rich gases (1,300 Btu/scf, 48.4 MJ/Nm3) involved. Concerns have been raised about methods used to sample deepwater natural gas supplies in this supercritical state.

Sampling methods accepted for natural gas at pipeline conditions have been used to sample gas from offshore platforms and supercritical onshore storage facilities. However, the sample analyses have later been found to overestimate the energy content of the gas by as much as 300 Btu/scf (11.2 MJ/Nm3). Analyses of these samples have also been found to incorrectly estimate other properties of the gas, such as sound speed and density. Due to the potential financial impact of such discrepancies, the need exists to understand their causes, and to identify alternative sampling procedures or methods that can minimize them.

A literature search was performed to identify sampling methods with the potential to accurately sample natural gas streams in the supercritical region. The search included methods listed in existing natural gas sampling standards, such as API MPMS Chapter 14.1 and GPA 2166-05, variations and suggested improvements on these standard methods, and sampling methods applied in other sectors of the energy industry. No sampling methods were identified that are designed specifically for sampling supercritical natural gas. However, guidelines were found in various references that are useful in tailoring existing sampling methods or designing new sampling methods for supercritical gas service. These guidelines include means to avoid phase changes in the samples, methods of regulating pressure while maintaining sample temperatures, avoiding issues with adsorption and desorption on equipment, and recommendations for designing a sampling method for high-pressure service.
PR-457-14201-R02 Variable NG Composition Effects in LB 2S Compressor Engines Phase I Engine Response
Authors: Hedrick Jacob , Jacobs Timothy
Published: August 2023

This is the final report summarizing work completed during the first phase of the PRCI study on large bore two stroke lean burn integral compressor engine response to variable natural gas compositions for the purposes of engine control development. Accomplished tasks include the completion of a detailed literature review covering the research topic, a parametric study of laminar flame speeds and ignition delays for binary methane and ethane mixtures up to 30%, and a GT-Power engine model of the Colorado State GMV-4 research engine with associated validation data from CSU�s variable ethane effects study. The chemistry of the combustion reaction is crucial to accurate modeling; laminar flame speeds and ignition delays as function of composition were determined from the solutions to published chemical kinetics mechanisms GRI-Mech3.0 and Saudi Aramco Mech1.3, respectively. The Wiebe coefficients correlated to variations in ethane composition and spark timing were regressed from the crank angle resolved heat release rates. The Wiebe coefficients are the most significant achievement of this phase of the project, since they quantify the heat release as a function of composition. At this time, the Wiebe parameters only reflect the relative changes in the model since certain aspect of the models geometry are pending resolution. Future phases of the project could use the developed GT-Power model and Wiebe coefficients for development of control schemes that maintain emissions, speed and torque limits, and maximize thermal efficiency during a variable fuel composition event.
PR-201-164503-R01 Program to Assess the Effect of Pipeline Corrosion Wall Loss on Strain Capacity
Authors: Alexander Chris
Published: August 2023

The objective of the study was to provide experimental data to validate finite element modeling that will be conducted as another phase of this work. The experimental portion of the program involved machining simulated corrosion in full-scale pipe samples and loading them in tension until failure occurred. The results of this work will be used to develop a methodology for evaluating the fitness for service of strain-based pipelines with wall loss damage.