Pipeline integrity improved
through materials analysis.
Client: Pipeline operator
Tough Problem: A reducer on the fuel gas supply line to a compressor had cracked and started leaking in service. The client sought to determine what had caused the crack in order to prevent similar failures in future.
Practical Solution: SVT carried out a failure investigation involving fracture surfaces examination, dye penetrant testing, hardness testing, chemical composition analysis and microstructure examination.
We concluded that the failure resulted from sulphide stress cracking due to the presence of hydrogen sulphide in the gas stream.
SVT recommended that the client use forgings of a lower hardness, which will be more resistant to sulphide stress cracking.
The bottom line: Fuel gas supply pipeline repaired, with increased reliability due to better materials selection.
