Archives: Answers

You cannot safely send a 500°C flammable gas directly to a typical carbon steel flare line without addressing the following key issues: Standard carbon steel used in flare headers and piping typically has a maximum operating temperature of around 425°C (797°F). At 500°C, carbon steel can: Experience significant loss of strength and mechanical integrity,  Be prone to creep, scaRead More…

In situations where post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) of entire pipelines is impractical or costly, localized heat treatment techniques like induction heating can be employed. Induction heating selectively heats specific areas of the weld joint, relieving residual stresses and improving the microstructure without heating the entire pipeline, thus minimizing downtime and energy consumption.Read More…

Composite pipes, made from materials like fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) or carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), offer advantages over traditional materials in corrosive or demanding environments. Beyond their corrosion resistance, composite pipes exhibit superior fatigue resistance, making them ideal for applications subjected to cyclic loading, such as offshore risers or piping in seismiRead More…

While techniques like corrosion coupons or electrical resistance probes are well-established for monitoring corrosion rates, emerging technologies such as electrochemical noise analysis (ENA) offer a more nuanced approach. ENA detects and analyzes small electrical signals generated by corrosion processes, providing early warnings of corrosion activity even before visible signs appear.Read More…

Traditional insulation materials like fiberglass or mineral wool have limitations in extreme temperatures or corrosive environments. Emerging insulation technologies include aerogels, which offer superior thermal performance and are highly resistant to corrosion. Aerogel-based insulation is also more compact, allowing for thinner insulation layers without compromising effectiveness.Read More…

Pigging refers to the practice of using devices called “pigs” to clean, inspect, or maintain pipelines. Advanced pigs now incorporate various sensors, such as ultrasonic or magnetic flux leakage sensors, to detect defects or measure pipe wall thickness more accurately. Additionally, smart pigs equipped with GPS and inertial measurement units can precisely track their location and movement within tRead More…

Hydrostatic testing is a standard procedure for ensuring the integrity of pipelines. One less-known trick is the use of “stress-relief cuts.” These cuts are made at specific intervals along the pipe circumference before testing. They help to alleviate stress concentrations during pressurization, reducing the likelihood of failure.Read More…

Heat treatment is used on materials to relieve the stresses set up in the material after hot or cold working to modify the structure of the material and to change grain size.Read More…

The key difference between elastomer and polymer is that a polymer is any large molecule which is built with small units called monomers whereas elastomer is a special type of polymer which has elastic property.Read More…

Integral lagging extension is for stem of valve. Basically, this is used for insulated or jacketed valves like in cryogenic service valves. This is used for ease in handling operation of valve without obstructing any insulation or jacketing.Read More…