METHOD FOR THE CALCULATION OF LIQUID HYDROCARBON PIPELINES REHABILITATION PRESSURE

Abstract

This work is based on Code ASME B31G Manual for Determining the Remaining Strength of Corroded Pipelines and ASME B31.4-2006 Pipeline transportation systems for liquid hydrocarbons and other liquids. Key factors in the method are the safe operation pressure for a pipeline system and the estimated reparation factor as a management index for rehabilitation programs of sectors in danger of failure. The method includes a security conditions and system operation diagnose for usual settings (pressures and flow rate), for a particular product and the identification of vulnerable sectors. A case study is presented, considering steady and non-steady flow. The utility of this method is to orientate the analysis to the integral evaluation of hydraulic security and to elaborate, as a consequence, proposals for its improvement.

Index Terms - hydrocarbons, oil pipelines, oil industry, rehabilitation pressure.