Development of a Commercial Model to Predict Stress Corrosion Cracking Growth Rates in Operating Pipelines

Project Categories

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• Onshore Transmission Pipeline
• Gas Pipeline
• Leak Detection
• Stress Corrosion Cracking
• Pipeline Maintenance

Main Objective

The objective of this proposed project is to develop a crack growth rate (CGR) model for pipeline operators to use to: a) Identify locations that should be given a high priority for assessment of stress corrosion cracking (SCC), and b) Determine the re-assessment and re-inspection intervals. The outcome of this project will be a tool to predict where SCC is most likely to occur, to prevent SCC failures, to ensure continued reliable pipeline operation, and to protect public safety. This project will help to achieve the pipeline operators' goal of zero failures by SCC.

Public Abstract

Leakages and sudden bursts or explosions of gas and liquid pipelines can be caused by stress corrosion cracking (SCC). In-Line Inspection (ILI) tools have been used to detect SCC susceptible locations but are limited to piggable pipeline segments only. For those not piggable, SCC Direct Assessment (SCCDA) methodology is often used. Crack growth rate (CGR) reflects the severity of a crack, and thus, can be used as one of key parameters to prioritize SCC susceptible locations for Direct Assessment (DA) and must be used to establish reassessment intervals. The CGR must also be used to establish re-inspection intervals for ILIs. The current practice of estimating CGRs is based on empirical approaches, relying on experiences, lab tests, field observations, empirical CGR models or by repeated inspections. Such CGR estimation is fraught with significant uncertainties.

The objective of this proposed program is to develop a commercial CGR model that is based on fundamental principles and on the success of previous projects. The model to be developed will be used to predict the growth of an existing crack, for prioritization of SCC susceptible locations, and for establishing re-assessment or re-inspection intervals. Such a model will make it possible to reduce conservatism for estimating CGRs while maintaining safe pipeline operation.

Quarterly Status Reports

2nd Quarterly Status Report - Public Page

PublicPage_18040DOT2ndQuarterlyReport-SCC.pdf (15,325 bytes) [View] [Download/Save...]

3rd Quarterly Status Report - Public Page

PublicPage_18040DOT3rdQuarterlyReport-SCC.pdf (15,256 bytes) [View] [Download/Save...]

4th Quarterly Status Report - Public Page

PublicPage_18040DOT4thQuarterlyReport-SCC.pdf (12,601 bytes) [View] [Download/Save...]

5th Quarterly Status Report - Public Page

PublicPage_18040DOT5thQuarterlyReport-SCC.pdf (13,126 bytes) [View] [Download/Save...]

PublicPage 18040DOT 1st Quarterly Report-SCC

PublicPage_18040DOT_1st_Quarterly_Report-SCC.pdf (16,321 bytes) [View] [Download/Save...]

6th quarterly report - Public Page

PublicPage_18040DOT_6th_Quarterly_Report-SCC.pdf (12,525 bytes) [View] [Download/Save...]