bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PR-015-09605-R01 Extended Low Flow Range Metering
Authors: George  , Hawley
Published: August 2023

Natural gas meters are often used to measure flows below their minimum design flow rate. This can occur because of inaccurate flow projections, widely varying flow rates in the line, a lack of personnel available to change orifice plates, and other causes. The use of meters outside their design ranges can result in significant measurement errors. The objectives of this project were to examine parameters that contribute to measurement error at flow rates below 10% of a meters capacity, determine the expected range of error at these flow rates, and establish methods to reduce measurement error in this range.
The project began with a literature search of prior studies of orifice, turbine, and ultrasonic meters for background information on their performance in low flows. Two conditions affecting multiple meter types were identified for study. First, temperature measurement errors in low flows can influence the accuracy of all three meter types, though the effect of a given temperature error can differ among the meter types. Second, thermally stratified flows at low flow rates are known to cause measurement errors in ultrasonic meters that cannot compensate for the resulting flow profiles, and the literature suggested that these flows could also affect orifice plates and turbine meters. Several possible ways to improve temperature measurements in low flows were also identified for further study.

Next, an analytical study focused on potential errors due to inaccurate temperature measurements. Numerical tools were used to model a pipeline with different thermowell and RTD geometries. The goals were to estimate temperature measurement errors under different low-flow conditions, and to identify approaches to minimize temperature and flow rate errors. Thermal conduction from the pipe wall to the thermowell caused the largest predicted bias in measured temperature, while stratified temperatures in the flow caused relatively little temperature bias. Thermally isolating the thermowell from the pipe wall, or using a bare RTD, can minimize temperature bias, but are not usually practical approaches. Insulation of the meter run and the use of a finned thermowell design were practical methods predicted to potentially improve measurement accuracy, and were chosen for testing.
PR-309-05203-R01 Field Feasibility Testing of lon Sense Technology On Typical NSCR Engines
Authors: Beshouri  , Richter
Published: August 2023

The objective for this research was to conduct field-testing of typical Non Selective Catalytic Reduction (NSCR) Fitted Rich Burn pipeline engines to assess the feasibility of utilizing Ion Sense for cylinder level combustion diagnostics, load balancing and air fuel ratio indications. Sufficiently define the potential benefits of lon Sense in this application so that third party manufacturers and/or other funding agencies will consider further development and commercialization.
PR-004-04312-R01 Remote Field Eddy Current Inspection of Unpiggable Pipelines
Authors: Teitsma  , Maupin
Published: August 2023

This effort evaluates the use of remote field eddy current (RFEC) for the assessment of unpiggable pipelines. Assessments were performed on 6", 8", and 12" pipelines. Tests were performed with metallic robotic components were performed to assess the potential for electromagnetic interference. Power requirements were also assessed.
PR-343-06604-R02 Smart USM Diagnostics - Phase 2
Authors: Zanker
Published: August 2023

It has long been known that all ultrasonic flow meters, especially those that exploit multiple paths to achieve higher accuracies, are capable of extensive self-diagnosis. However, each manufacturer of the technology has tended to develop diagnostic tools peculiar to his particular device. This has led to a confusing mix of offerings that are not transportable between meters, and whose interpretations are not always consistent. This report addresses: � Verification of the Phase 1 models against available field data; � Implementation of field-tested methods offered by PRCI users; � Trending the diagnostics with time to detect changes; � Establishing the significance of the changes (magnitude of error); � Deciding if the changes require intervention (maintenance, re-calibration); � Tuning of the Phase 1 models based on this experience; � Verification of the models using experimental testing.
PR-218-104507-R01 Improved Methods for Estimating Remaining Fatigue Life of ERW Pipelines
Authors: Kolovich  , Rosenfeld  , Richie
Published: August 2023

This report describes in full detail the calculations used by KAI in its software product PIPELIFE which is used to calculate fatigue crack-growth life. The results of analyses performed for standard benchmark cases supplied by PRCI were reported for comparison with the results obtained by other practitioners participating in the exercise. Preliminary comparisons of those results indicated that KAI�s results were in good agreement with those obtained by other participants. A more-thorough comparison of the results presented herein identified the apparent differences in the calculations.

Several potential factors that could be further investigated for refining the calculations were considered. It is likely that some of them could have important influences, if the effects could be accounted for correctly. However, of those that may be significant, insufficient data exists to enable a user to accurately and reliably implement them. Performing an analysis predicated on an assumption that certain effects, such as retardation or thresholds, are operative when in fact they are not to the extent assumed could lead to results that are nonconservative, and subsequently to poor integrity management choices. Thus KAI recommends that either (a) further, and probably costly, research be conducted to better define under what circumstances such refinements are or are not appropriate, or (b) the present conservative approach continue to be followed for the time being.

This project also investigated whether it is feasible to rely on pipe mill nondestructive examination to define pipe initial quality for purposes of establishing initial flaw size to calculate fatigue life. This could provide significantly longer predicted times to failure than those obtained where the commissioning hydrostatic test is the measure of pipe initial quality. It was determined that this could be reasonable for pipe manufactured after 1968 when API 5L imposed both length and depth limits on NDE reference standards. Prior to that time such a strategy would not be conservative. Between 1963 and 1968, such a strategy could be acceptable with knowledge that no hydrostatic test failure occurred. The non-occurrence of test failures suggests that pipe manufacturers were imposing NDE standards.
PR-015-10200-R01 Alternatives to Gas Turbine Expansion Starters
Authors: Allison
Published: August 2023

Existing expansion-type starters at pipeline compressor stations require a significant quantity of start gas for purge, startup, and slow roll operating conditions, but they are widely used due to their relatively low cost and black-start capability. This effort examines the potential for available, easily adaptable, and new starter concepts and ranked them for various applications.
PR-186-0936-R01 Determine the Effectiveness of the -850 mV On-Potential Criterion for Cathodic Protection
Authors: Thompson Neil
Published: August 2023

In this study, data for two pipelines were analyzed and the effectiveness of the on-potential criterion was compared to that for the off-potential criterion for those pipelines. Review of the literature for conditions where the on-potential criterion is applicable resulted in a discussion of the complexities of applying on-potential and off-potential criteria, including situations for which the on-potential and off-potential may not provide accurate measurements. The majority of the effort was placed on establishing a methodology to be used in conjunction with the on-potential criterion to verify its effectiveness.
PR-396-113704-R02 Methods for Detection of Gases and VOCs from Floating Roofs of Aboveground Storage Tanks
Authors: Tzonev Nick , Pesty Eric
Published: August 2023

Describes the development of an automated system that can effectively replace the EPA-mandated in-service and out-of-service inspections of the Internal Floating Roofs (IFR) in Aboveground Storage Tanks (ASTs). The ultimate goal is to increase the internal inspection interval to twenty (20) years, which would coincide with the interval used by the American Petroleum Institute's (API) Standard 653 for out-of-service general mechanical inspection of the entire tank. Extending the IFR internal inspection interval will eliminate the negative elements associated with additional AST entry events and will reduce VOC emissions associated with IFR landing and tank degassing/cleaning, while minimizing safety risks and saving operating capital.
PR-015-12601-R01 USM Accuracy Effects with Pressure and Temperature Variations from Initial Calibration
Authors: Witte  , Hawley  , Grimley
Published: August 2023

Static environmental chamber tests and flow tests at various pressure and temperature conditions were conducted to determine the effects on flow measurement values for two ultrasonic meters from two different manufacturers. Mechanical dimension changes produced by stress from pressure and thermal expansion or contraction at state conditions different from dry calibration and flow calibration conditions in the meters were predicted. The predicted flow measurement error was compared with the actual flow measurement error.
PR-015-11211-R02 Mechanical Seal Auxiliary Systems Best Practices Summary
Authors: Poerner
Published: August 2023

The primary research objective of this project was to summarize the best practices for design, operation, and maintenance of pump mechanical seal auxiliary systems in a reference document for pipeline pump operators. This was achieved by meeting several secondary objectives outlined below.

Define the types of mechanical seals and seal auxiliary systems which are used in pipeline stations
Determine the reliability of the auxiliary system components as reported by end-users
Outline typical and recommended design, operation, and maintenance practices for seal auxiliary systems
Based on reliability, design, operation, and maintenance practices identify the best practices for pipeline pump seal auxiliary systems

Once these secondary objectives had been achieved, this report was written to summarize the findings.
PR-283-12209-R01 Collecting Cold Ambient Emissions Field Data on Solar's Titan 130 SoLoNOx Gas Turbine
Authors: Cowell Luke
Published: August 2023

Emissions and combustion dynamic pressure data were collected from two Titan 130-20502S compressor packages at an existing station owned and operated by TransCanada in Alberta, Canada. The goal of the project is to assess if the emissions warranty range of the Titan 130 can be extended from 0�F to -20�F and to engine loads below 50% rated at the operating ambient temperature.

Requires a NDA with Solar to access.
PR-015-07603-R02 Effect of Orifice Plate Manufacturing Variations on Orifice Meter Performance - Unblinded
Authors: Nored  , James
Published: August 2023

An investigation to flow test and measure a large set of orifice plates to determine the proportion of existing orifice plates have measured discharge coefficients outside of the Reader-Harris/Gallagher equation 95% confidence limits. The research determined if the existing tolerance specifications adequately describe the dimensions of an orifice plate required to conform to the Reader-Harris/Gallagher equation calculated discharge coefficient. The testing also underscored the influence of manufacturing variations on orifice plate performance.
PR-179-12603-R02 Energy Meter Performance Assessment Phase 1 Amendment - Unblinded
Authors: Olsen  , Wise
Published: August 2023

Many pipelines utilize system chromatographs at delivery locations. The energy content of the gas delivered can have a significant time skew from the chromatograph. Therefore, the energy content of the gas at a delivery point may differ significantly from its associated system chromatograph. On lean burn engines with tight emission controls, changes in the energy content of the fuel gas can significantly alter the amount of air required to maintain emissions compliance. A reliable, low cost, and fast responding energy meter is desired for both scenarios described. Four Energy Meters are evaluated with six different gas compositions representative of gas compositions encountered on natural gas pipelines. The Energy Meter data is compared to a Micro GC to assess accuracy. After evaluation of the Energy Meters the same six gas compositions were operated in a CFR engine to measure methane number. The measured methane numbers are compared with methane numbers computed from energy meter data.
PR-015-14609-R01 Study of Sample Probe Minimum Insertion Depth Requirements
Authors: George  , Grant
Published: August 2023

Probes for natural gas sample collection and analysis must extend far enough into the pipeline to avoid contaminants at the pipe wall, but must not be so long that there is a risk of flow-induced resonant vibration and failure. PRCI has sponsored a project to determine the minimum probe depth for obtaining a representative single-phase gas sample in flows with small amounts of contaminants. To this end, Phase 1 of the project involved a review of existing literature and industry standards to identify key probe design parameters. Several current standards for sampling clean, dry natural gas were reviewed, and their requirements for sample probe dimensions and mounting arrangements were compared. Some of these standard requirements suggested probe designs and sampling approaches that could be used to collect gas-only samples from two-phase flows. A literature review identified many useful studies of two-phase flows and phase behavior. While few of these studies evaluated probe designs, the majority examined the behavior of gas and liquid in two-phase flows, methods of predicting flow regimes, and methods of predicting flow conditions that define the minimum probe depth for gas-only samples in gas-liquid flows. Useful recommendations were provided for selecting general probe features where liquids must be rejected from the gas sample. A basic design procedure was also provided to select the minimum sample probe insertion length and optimum installation position for known flow conditions. Plans to test the recommendations and the design procedure in Phase 2 of the project were also discussed.

This report has a related webinar.
PR-328-103602-R01 Improved Site-Selection Modeling by Correlating ILI with Operational-Geotechnical Data
Authors: Tandon Samarth , Cazenave Pablo , Gao Ming
Published: August 2023

The primary objective of the research is to establish better correlations between SCC severity and operational and geotechnical characteristics, and to develop improved models for site-selection for SCCDA excavations, hydrostatic testing or in-line inspection (ILI). This report summarizes the modeling efforts and results, gaps and direction for future studies.
PR-312-12208-R03 USEPA AERMOD Plume Rise and Volume Formulations and Implications for Existing RICE
Authors: Panek  , Krol  , Huth
Published: August 2023

AERMOD is the EPA recommended dispersion modeling tool for evaluating impacts from typical compressor station engine sources. This is a companion document to two previous PRCI reports that addressed AERMOD Fortran compiler issues and a subsequent report that examined AERMOD Plume Volume Molar ratio Method (PVMRM) issues that lead to conservative model over-predictions. This report further explores AERMOD plume rise and volume estimates as a possible cause or contributor of model over-prediction and resulting plume chemistry concerns. AERMOD over-prediction bias has significant negative implications for permitting new sources, permit renewal for existing sources, and NAAQS compliance analyses, where modeled impacts are compared to the NO2 NAAQS at or beyond the facility fenceline. AERMOD conservatism also impacts state agency State Implementation Plans and resulting control strategies. Permitting requirements associated with the new 1-hour standard could impose unnecessary controls, overly stringent controls, and a significant compliance burden. Where mitigation may be warranted, costs will escalate due to �over-control� in response to model conservatism and deficiencies in model performance.
PO-015-14613-R01 The Effect of Orifice Plate Bore Thickness on Orifice Flow Measurement
Authors: Grimley
Published: August 2023

A set of test matrix points were made on a 10" Daniel Senior orifice fitting with different orifice plates to assess the impact of 'e' thickness of an orifice plate on measurement accuracy.
PR-403-123706-R02 2012 Right-of-Way Automated Monitoring Program- Machinery Threat Flight Test Results
Authors: Price Donald
Published: August 2023

In May 2012, the RAM Program completed a comprehensive flight test to evaluate the performance of airborne sensor technologies for detecting machinery threats on pipeline ROWs. The field trials were conducted on an operating pipeline Right Of Way (ROW) to provide realistic conditions for assessing the capabilities and limitations of automated systems that are currently available or are under development for identifying and reporting machinery encroachment. Four (4) separate vendors (American Aerospace Advisors, ATE Aero Surveillance, GeoEye, and New Era Technology) participated in the field trials. Each participating vendor brought a unique approach and technology package for threat detection. The findings from the flight tests show that automated technologies for pipeline patrol continue to advance at a rapid pace and are now competitive with traditional aerial patrols. While the technologies included in the flight tests are in varying stages of development, they are all near the point of being made available for routine pipeline patrol and surveillance.
PR-004-14604-R01 Miniaturized Gas Chromatography and Gas Quality Sensor
Authors: Bora
Published: August 2023

The natural gas industry currently relies on gas chromatography to evaluate the composition of natural gas including alkanes, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and oxygen. The higher and lower heating values, Wobbe Index, Hydrocarbon Dewpoint, Methane Number, and viscosity are all calculated from the gas composition. The need to understand the composition of fuel gas and to monitor its components is crucial to the natural gas industry. Monitoring the composition of the fuel gas provides the industry with the capability of protecting valuable underground assets, delivering gas that meets end-usage requirements, and tracking of constituents for both billing purposes and to ensure compliance with tariff agreements. As with any technology, there are limitations to gas chromatography. Limitations can include high cost, time delay, inability to sample at high pressure, and selectiveness of gas chromatography detectors. This project consisted of a technology assessment of currently available and emerging technologies including micro gas chromatographs, optical spectrometers, and mass spectrometers for their ability to determine gas composition compared to current GC technology. Technologies were investigated and assessed by their analytical characteristics (what components they could analyze and detection limits), their sampling characteristics (sampling pressure limits, scan time, and emissions), and their operational characteristics (availability, cost, consumables, maintenance, and packaging). Recommendations for further testing were made on the technologies whose characteristics showed the most promise for analysis of natural gas at custody transfer points.
PR-302-133606-R01 Improving the Performance of the ECDA Methodology
Authors: Zurcher John , Leewis Keith
Published: August 2023

This study evaluated the effectiveness of ECDA as an inspection methodology and integrity assessment process. This was performed through a series of steps including the following:

- Developing and sending out questionnaires to a broad array of pipeline companies. The questionnaire looked for successes and failures with the ECDA process, correlation with other assessment methodologies and issues/gaps with processes and standards.

- Conducting interviews with various pipeline companies' integrity management and corrosion control personnel to ascertain ECDA performance and usefulness among other attributes based on the results of the questionnaires.

- Performing a literature search for ECDA write-ups on the use, effectiveness and limitations of ECDA as a process and practice.

- Performing procedure reviews of leading pipeline companies ECDA process and related corrosion control procedures. Procedures were compared to industry standards and leading practices in order to help determine overall effectiveness of the ECDA processes.

This report has a related webinar.
PR-316-15606-Z01 Equations of State Comparison for Pipeline Compressor Applications
Authors: Ridens  , Simons  , Brun
Published: August 2023

In order to have an improved understanding of the applicability of standard EOS in pipeline applications, a set of gas physical property tests were undertaken with sweet and sour natural gas and CO2 mixtures at typical pipeline compositions and conditions, including new high pressure dense phase applications. Specific gas properties tested include gas density (?), specific heat at constant volume (cv), and speed of sound (c or SOS). These results were compared to several of the most commonly used EOS, including NIST, GERG, AGA8, PR, SRK and BWRS, which were also compared to each other.
PR-266-06204-R01 Development of a Turbocharger Component Matching System - Phase I
Authors: Chapman
Published: August 2023

This report outlines the development of the Turbocharger Component Matching System (TuCMS) software package that can be used to inexpensively analyze turbocharger performance, and match turbocharger components to integrate and optimize turbocharger-engine performance. The software system was developed with the intent to reduce the time taken to experimentally match a turbocharger with an engine, a key task to engine reduced engine emissions.
L52003 Application of the Crack Layer Theory for Understanding and Modeling of SCC in High Pressure
Authors: Hair
Published: August 2023

A stochastic features of SCC colony, such as corrosion pit distribution, SC crack initiation from the pits and SC crack aspect ratio, SC crack cluster formation, SC cluster interaction and instability, are observed and characterized. A concept of a single crack equivalent to a cluster of cracks is introduced to simplify computational work on clusters evolution and instability. Various criteria of equivalence for different stages of clusters evolution are discussed. An accelerated test with a number of accelerating factors has been designed and performed for simulation of individual SC crack growth. Corrosion products at each stage of single crack propagation are investigated by means of Raman and FTIR analysis. The crack layer theory is adopted for modeling of SC crack growth. It provides the formalism for modeling of the effect of such processes as electro-chemical reactions, hydrogen embrittlement, and mechanical loading rates on crack growth rate. Finally, a computer simulation of SC crack growth was performed and validated by the available set of experimental data.
PR-004-03127-R01 Gas Coupled Ultrasonic Pipeline Inspection
Authors: Teitsma  , Shuttleworth
Published: August 2023

The gas coupled ultrasonics (GCUS) project aims to develop a method for inspecting gas pipelines using a modification of the standard ultrasonic method that does not require a liquid couplant. Ultrasonic inspection is the highest accuracy inspection method readily available for measuring remaining wall thickness and measures it directly rather than inferring it from measurements of metal loss as occurs with other methods, for example MFL. Traditional ultrasonic methods require a liquid couplant between the transducer and the wall that, although it has been done, requires the unwanted introduction of a liquid in a gas pipeline for gas pipeline inspection. The problem with using gas as a couplant is that, even at high pressure, very little ultrasonic energy is transmitted into the pipe wall, most of it being reflected back to the transducer. The result is a huge signal from the front wall that masks the tiny signals from the back wall unless the transducer is highly damped, causing rapid ring down. Early requirements for a successful transducer were 80 dB ring down in 2 microseconds and electronics that could handle a dynamic range of 120 dB.
PR-015-15603-R02 Effect of Upstream Piping Components on Ultrasonic Flow Meter Accuracy
Authors: Hawley  , Thorson
Published: August 2023

This project investigated the velocity profile downstream from three commercially available dry gas filters and the effect of this profile on an ultrasonic meter installed in an AGA 9 default configuration. The inlet profile and condition of the filter element were varied to determine the sensitivity on the profile exiting the filter.
L52243 Modeling of Delayed Hydrogen Cracking for In-Service Welds
Authors: Dinovitzer
Published: August 2023

The objective of this research project was to demonstrate and develop a means of predicting the inspection delay time such that hydrogen cracking would not occur after inspection for in-service welds. Hydrogen cracking is an issue for in-service welding since this form of cracking may occur a significant time after the weldment has cooled to ambient temperatures. Hydrogen cracking has three necessary conditions including a tensile stress, the presence of hydrogen and susceptible microstructure. After weld cooling the microstructure is stable and it was assumed that the local weld stress state is constant, therefore, the potential for cracking is only affected by the change in local hydrogen concentration. It was asserted that after the peak local hydrogen concentration is reached the risk of cracking is over. The current project described the theory, validation and use of the BMT Hydrogen Diffusion and Cracking model. The results of this project was the demonstration of peak hydrogen delay time trends with in-service welding conditions and the development of formulae that estimate the time to peak hydrogen in a weldment as a surrogate for the time to hydrogen cracking. The results of this project provide information useful in establishing in-service weld inspection delay times for fillet weld applications.
FV387KR Temperature Effects on Threaded Couplings in Caverns
Authors: DeVries  , Nieland  , Wagg  , Xie
Published: August 2023

This report documents research performed to identify if gas injection and withdrawal temperatures of typical natural gas well completions could potentially result in failure of the casing through low-frequency cyclic fatigue. Finite element analyses of two salt cavern wells and one reservoir storage well were used to estimate the state of stress in the casing resulting from: (1) casing weight; (2) product pressures; (3) thermally induced stresses; and (4) external ground pressures, including salt creep. The range of stress and temperature conditions determined during simulations of gas service cycles at the lowest casing joint was used as input to another set of finite element models to predict the casing connection response when subjected to cyclic loads caused by pressure and temperature changes. The stress history at critical points in the connections was then used in cyclic fatigue analyses to determine the expected number of cycles the couplings can withstand before failure.
PR-015-08201-R01 Compressor and Pump Station Facility Integrity Program
Authors: Wilcox  , Brun
Published: August 2023

An investigation was performed of the causes of reportable incidents within compressor and pump stations with a goal of developing a research roadmap. This task was completed through a multi-stage process which involved collecting incident data, reformatting data for analysis, developing a ranking system for the incident data, completing an analysis to determine the top causes of incidents, identifying research projects that could address the top causes, and developing the research roadmap.
PR-318-08700-R01 Smart Gas-Using Chemicals to Improve Gas Deliverability-Phase II
Authors: Weiss
Published: August 2023

In water-wet gas storage reservoirs, the imbibition force promotes the retention of water in the pore space, which curtails the deliverability of gas to the wellbore during periods of high demand. Similarly, the injection of gas during the fill cycle is restricted. In addition, the pore space occupied by irreducible water is not available to hold gas. The objective of this Phase II project was to demonstrate in the field the new technology developed in the laboratory during Phase I. Wettability alteration was evaluated as a technique to improve gas deliverability from gas storage wells during Phase I. During the first year, two cost-effective surfactants were selected from 11 candidates through various laboratory screening and reservoir core tests. Reservoir cores from three gas storage facilities including sandstone and dolomite reservoirs were used to evaluate the two surfactants. The imbibition and core flood tests showed that gas deliverability and storage capacity were improved in surfactant-treated sandstone cores. However, these surfactants had a very limited effect on dolomite cores. An engineering analysis was conducted to develop an analytical method for evaluating future field tests of the new technology. It was concluded that the aquifer storage facilities are candidates for field testing. Results from Phase I provided the foundation for this Phase II project.
NR198205 Determination of Residual and Proof Test Stresses in Spiral Welded Line Pipe
Authors: Maxey
Published: August 2023

Results of an experimental investigation to determine various stress states in 16"� x 0.375-inch spiral welded line pipe. Majority of measurements were made on the inside surface of the pipe, in the immediate vicinity of the weld line. Also results are presented for out-of-roundness investigations on 15-foot length pipe, which had not been in service. It should be emphasized that results generated by this investigation are specific to this particular section of pipe and should not be extended to spiral welded line pipe in general.Residual stresses were determined in two specimens. No conclusions were generated regarding the effect of pressure cycling on residual stress.
DTPH56-05-T-003A The Remaining Strength of Corroded Low Toughness Pipe
Authors: Chauhan Vinod
Published: August 2023

Methods including ASME B31G, Modified ASME B31G and RSTRENG and LPC have been developed, validated and matured to the extent that they are now incorporated in standards and regulatory requirements. However, these methods are based on the assumption that the pipe fails via a ductile mechanism, i.e., the line pipe material has sufficient toughness to prevent a toughness dependent failure. This limits the application of the existing methods to materials that have sufficient toughness.�A modeling study has been undertaken in the present project using the local approach to brittle fracture to predict failure probabilities for a range of corrosion defect geometries.
PR-224-03158-R01 Static and Cyclic Surface Loading on the Performance of Welds in Pre-1970 Pipelines
Authors: Chen
Published: August 2023

These are the notes and comments summarizing the incomplete work to assess stresses on vintage pipelines due to soil loadings.

The work was performed by C-FER Technologies, Battelle Memorial Institute, and Marina Smith. The overall objective was to develop an assessment tool that would allow pipeline engineers to evaluate the safety of shallowly buried pre-1970 pipelines under static and cyclic surface loads.

The work completed includes the development of a dynamic model. However, the weld capacity models were never completed.

Related documents (attachments can be found in the links below).
PR-003-03405-R01 Liquid Pipeline Operator's Control Room Human Factors Risk Assessment and Guide
Authors: McCallum  , Richard
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this guide is to document methodologies, tools, procedures, guidance, and instructions that have been developed to provide liquid pipeline operators with an efficient and effective means of managing the human factors risks in their control rooms. A companion technical report to this document has been prepared, which documents the technical basis for these methodologies, as well as the findings and recommendations resulting from this effort.
PR-015-07605-R01 Lower-Cost Liquid Meter Prover Calibration Method
Authors: Grimley
Published: August 2023

To maintain measurement accuracy, stationary volume provers must be re-proved periodically. The most direct method of determining a provers volume is through a process known as water drawing where water is circulated through the prover and swept into certified measurement volumes. Since the can volumes can be directly calibrated by national metrology agencies, the traceability chain is short. However, proving with water requires that the prover be first cleaned of any hydrocarbon product that may alter the working volume of the prover and create waste products that must be handled properly. The master meter method uses the flowing product instead of water for the prover calibration and, therefore, eliminates substantial on-site waste handling issues. A master meter system consists of a portable volume prover and a turbine or positive displacement meter that is plumbed in series with the stationary prover to provide the calibration. The increased uncertainty associated with the two-step process of proving with a master meter is specifically mentioned in the API references concerning liquid meter proving; however, there has not been significant published testing to assess the differences in the methods. The objective of this project was to provide a comparison between the volume determined via the water draw method and that determined via the master eter method. A new stationary prover was used as the target device for the prover trials. Two water draw calibrations were performed and compared to the factory-provided water draw volume. The water draw results showed that with consistent measurement techniques, the results from three independent sources were within 0.02%. It is important to note that one data set had to be adjusted (based on tests) to provide this level of agreement.
PR-179-07200-R01 Evaluation of NOx Sensors for Control of Aftertreatment Devices
Authors: Olsen
Published: August 2023

Emissions reduction through exhaust aftertreatment is becoming more common. It is likely to play an important role in meeting new emissions regulations in the future. Currently, the predominate aftertreatment technology for NOX reduction in lean burn natural gas engines appears to be selective catalytic reduction (SCR). In SCR, a reducing agent is injected into the exhaust upstream of a catalyst. Supplying the optimal quantity of reagent is critical to effective application of SCR. If too little reagent is supplied then the NOx reduction efficiency may be too low. If too much reagent is provided then the ammonia slip may be too high. Control of reagent injection is an area where improvements could be made. In many current SCR systems, the rate of reagent injection is determined by engine loading. The relationship between engine loading and engine out NOX emission is determined during SCR system commissioning, and assumed to remain constant. Ideally, NOX emissions would be measured and used as feedback to the SCR system. It may also be advantageous to employ transient reagent injection based on time dependent variations in NOX mass flow in the exhaust. This would be possible with a fast response NOx sensor. Close loop engine control is an area of increasing importance. As regulatory emissions levels are reduced, compliance margins generally decrease. Precise control of air/fuel ratio and ignition timing become more critical. Cylinder-to-cylinder control of air/fuel ratio, ignition timing, and IMEP are also important. Advanced sensors are an enabling technology for more precise engine control. Ion sensing is an example of a technology that potentially can improve cylinder balancing and ignition timing. Cylinder-to-cylinder air/fuel ratio can be accomplished in several different ways. One approach would be to install individual sensors in the exhaust manifold, one for each cylinder. Ceramic based sensors (O2 and NOx) may be reliable enough at exhaust port temperatures. They are typically used in the exhaust of 4-stroke cycle engines, which have higher exhaust temperatures than 2-stroke cycle engines. Ceramic based NOx sensors have been under development for use, primarily, in Lean NOx Traps (LNTs). This technology is expected to be used on over-the-road Diesel truck engines in 2010. Therefore, the research effort has momentum. This provides an opportunity to capitalize on the efforts of another industry. In this project a NOx sensor will be evaluated using the SCR slipstream system on the GMV-4TF. The basic tasks are: 1. Identify commercial NOx sensors and procure most promising sensor 2. Design and modification of SCR slipstream system to accept sensors 3. Installation of sensors, sensor electronics, and data logging hardware and software 4. Sensor evaluation during SCR slipstream testing.
PR-244-094511-R01 Technology Readiness Evaluation of FAST-Pipe
Authors: Ozkan Istemi , Chen Qishi
Published: August 2023

FAST Pipe is a new pipeline technology that was developed by ConocoPhillips Company (ConocoPhillips). It has been proposed as an alternative to high strength steel (grade X80 or higher) for high pressure gas transmission pipelines. FAST Pipe is manufactured by tightly wrapping multiple layers of dry fibreglass (or other fibres like carbon fibre) circumferentially around a conventional steel pipe and then covering the fibreglass with a thermoplastic jacket, such as a high density polyethylene (HDPE) coating. By utilizing the steel pipe to carry axial and bending loads and the fibreglass to augment the pressure carrying capacity of the steel pipe, FAST Pipe offers performance and cost advantages. ConocoPhillips has made a substantial effort to experimentally and analytically assess the feasibility and performance of FAST Pipe. PRCI has set up an industry Steering Committee (SC) to provide input and enable peer review to address the technical challenges as well as research and development objectives for obtaining regulatory approval for this new technology. The objective of this project was to assist PRCI's SC to achieve the goals of assessing technology readiness, identifying requirements for obtaining regulatory approval, and developing short and long term plans to meet these requirements.
L52137 Risk Assessment Methodology for Releases from Underground Storage Near-Well Equipment
Authors: DeWolf
Published: August 2023

A risk assessment methodology was developed for atmospheric, accidental natural gas and highly volatile liquid releases from near-well equipment, for underground storage in caverns and formations (gas only). The assessment was based on certain standard configurations defined by an Industry Project Group associated with this study. Fault trees we developed for storage well components associated with the following equipment modules: the meter run, wellhead, downhole, emergency shutdown, and displacement brine (HVL storage only) subsystems. Risk was assessed as the probability of a significant hydrocarbon release. Data for populating the fault tree examples were taken from open literature sources of generic data; based on operator experience; and based on engineering judgment. Opportunities for further development and enhancement of the current methodology and results are discussed.
PR-328-163733-R02 Qualification of Acoustic Resonance Technology ILI Runs Made at PRCI's TDC
Authors: Cazenave Pablo , Gao Ming
Published: August 2023

The Pipeline Research Council International, Inc. (PRCI) engaged Blade Energy Partners, Ltd. (Blade) to conduct an evaluation of inspection data from a new In Line Inspection technology (Acoustic Resonance Technology - ART) by HalfWave obtained from testing on the 16 and 24 inch pipeline strings at the PRCI TDC by the members of the closed consortium project JSUB-3.

A series of pull-through tests were performed in water and air environments and the resulting data was analyzed, aligned, compared and evaluated by Blade.
PR-592-16208-R01 Effect of Variability in Fuel on Operation and Reliability of Gas Turbine
Authors: Lieuwen Tim , Kee Jared
Published: August 2023

Pipeline natural gas, while dominantly composed of methane, also contains various amounts of diluents, hydrogen, and hydrocarbons. The objective of this report is to describe how variations in fuel composition influence gas turbine emissions, operability, and operational range (turndown). A key point of this report is that these fuel composition sensitivities are not described by a single parameter, such as Wobbe index, but by different parameters depending upon the specific issue. For example, the autoignition time is an important parameter influencing autoignition risk, while flame speed has important influences on combustion instability and blowoff risk. This report explains these sensitivities, as well as approaches for identifying and mitigating operational risk.

This report has a related webinar.
PR-244-9827-R03 Preliminary Finite Element Analysis of Local Buckling
Authors: Chen
Published: August 2023

Numerical studies were carried out for NPS 20 and NPS 30 pipes with three corrosion configuration and varying internal pressures. The pipes under consideration has a yield strength range from 56 to 70 ksi and D/t ratio range from 64 to 91.
101407RPT01 Assessment of Non-Emissions Benefits of Enhanced Mixing and Combustion Techniques
Authors: Beshouri
Published: August 2023

This work collected the necessary data and then perform testing and analysis of Enhanced Mixing and Combustion Techniques (EMCT) on large bore reciprocating engines to assess the non-emissions related benefits offered by this technology.
BB78ES8 Vintage Line Pipe Properties via Battelle's Archives
Authors: Leis  , Flamberg  , Rose
Published: August 2023

Pipeline fitness-for-service and maintenance prioritization both require knowledge of the line pipe�s mechanical properties and fracture resistance. This report presents such information for a broad range of steels, including vintage Grades A and B as well as early X-grades up through X52 produced from 1930 to 1970. Thirty-six data sets for steels over this range of grades were presented in terms of full-range curves for steels produced up through 1960, while results for another ~150 steels produced until 1970 were summarized in tabular format. Strength and toughness (via CVN and/or DWTT) data were presented with pipe vintage, line-pipe geometry, seam type, steel chemistry, and supplier.
L52185 Assessment of Stainless Steel Filters
Authors: Treuhaft
Published: August 2023

An assessment of cleanable stainless steel oil filters.
NR198001 Acoustic Emission Evaluation
Authors: Harvey  , Hyatt
Published: August 2023

The objective of the project was to evaluate the current applicability of acoustic emission field testing (AEFT) to the inspection of buried gas-transmission lines. This report is comprised of four major sections and for each of these sections there was a corresponding task in the research program. In the first section, the acoustic emission related needs of the industry are described. This is followed by descriptions of the acoustic emission principles and the test methodology of the field testing companies that are applicable to the inspection of gas-transmission lines. All the available acoustic emission field test data on gas-transmission lines are summarized in the fourth section. The last section presents the conclusions as to the present status of AEFT and its applicability to inspection of buried pipelines.
NR198705 Testing and Modeling Stress-corrosion Cracking in Pipeline Steels
Authors: Parkins
Published: August 2023

The tapered test specimen test has now been in use some 3 years, since its intensive study in 1984, in assessing the cracking susceptibilities of pipeline steels. A reasonable amount of experience has therefore been gained in relation to this test, the time is opportune to assess the method and to consider modifications to it, if thought desirable in the context of that experience.

Consideration is given to the experience that has been gained from the use of the tapered specimen test in assessing the stress-corrosion cracking susceptibilities of pipeline steels in terms of their threshold stresses. The advantages and disadvantages of the method are considered, together with some minor modifications, which, if adopted, should improve its value.
L52110 Phased Array Wheel Probe for In-Line Inspection - Stage 1
Authors: Ginzel  , Moles
Published: August 2023

This report summarizes the work performed under GRI contract 8444 to develop an ultrasonic phased array wheel probe for in-line inspections of gas pipelines for SCC. Initially, the ultrasonics was modeled to optimize the array � a 256 element 4 MHz curved linear array. A hard wheel probe was designed in conjunction with SIGMA Transducers Inc. (wheel probe maker) and Eclipse Scientific (SCC inspectors). After preliminary trials, the phased array wheel probe was tested at BJ Pipeline Services pull rig in Calgary. The results were good; this Stage 1 wheel probe easily detected SCC down to a few percent of the wall. However, there are some design improvements recommended before implementation, e.g. a narrower wheel to fit off-specification curvature. The report concludes with a set of recommendations for a Stage 2 wheel probe.
L52021 Reliability Assessment Using the Improved ECA Procedure
Authors: Wang  , Chen
Published: August 2023

This project focuses on developing more realistic and precise girth weld integrity assessment procedures than those currently available to the pipeline industry.� It builds up the framework of reliability-based girth weld integrity assessment procedure established in two preavious projects.� The concept and reliability-based procedure established in the previous work and the associated GirthRel software showed good promise.� However, the deterministic procedure embedded in its reliability-based procedure and its software was not as rigorous and accurate as more recently developed deterministic procedure.� The primary objective of this project was to incorporate a newly developed and improved deterministic procedure into the reliability-based procedure and to implement the updated procedure in a new version of GirthRel software�
NR197811 Transverse Underbead Cracking in Bead-on-Plate Tests of Low-Carbon High-Strength Pipe Steels
Authors: Glover
Published: August 2023

A study was made of the weldability of five HSLA pipeline steels, with particular reference to transverse and longitudinal underbead cracking. The steels studied had a range of chemical compositions, microstructure, wall thicknesses and pipe diameters. In addition to detailed metallographic analysis, three welding tests were carried out in this program, namely, bead-on-plate, implant and a restraint test. All the tests were performed using a range of preheats and hydrogen levels. Heat inputs were typical of the stringer pass of a girth weld and the preheat levels varied from -40C to +100C and the hydrogen levels from 4 ml/100g to 60 ml/100g.