Integrated Fitness-for-service Program for Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline

천연가스 공급배관의 사용적합성 통합프로그램

For fitness-for-service analyses of underground natural gas pipelines, engineering assessment methods against possible defects need to be developed. The assessment methods for high pressure pipeline of KOGAS, was developed using the full size pipe burst tests and the finite element analysis. It included the defect assessment methods for a single and multi-corrosion, corrosion in girth welding part, corrosion in seam welding part, the mechanical damage defects as dent and gouge, crack and large plastic deformation of API 5L X65 pipe. In addition, we developed method to assess pipeline integrity by internal and external load to buried pipeline. Evaluation results were compared with other methods currently being applied to the gas pipeline. The program of Windows environment is made for easily using assessment methods. It provides a consistent user interface, so non-professional technician can easily and friendly use the FFS program from company intranet. Several evaluation programs is easily installed using one installer. Each program constitutes a common input interface and the output configuration program, and evaluation result store and can be recalled at any time. The FFS program based on independent evaluation method is used to evaluate the integrity and safety of KOGAS pipeline, and greatly contribute to safe and efficient operation of pipeline. This paper presents experimental, analytical and numerical investigations to develop the FFS methods for KOGAS pipeline, used as high pressure natural gas transmission pipeline within KOREA. Also, it includes the description of the integrated program for FFS methods.