Typically, maintenance teams are focused on a facility’s pressure vessels, piping, and tanks, which leaves structural infrastructure to be overlooked. In this article, Derek shares several case studies that highlight how combining structural and mechanical engineering approaches can solve several unique fixed equipment challenges.
Up until the recent publication of ASME SBS-2023: Structures for Bulk Solids (ASME SBS), there has not been a comprehensive
Surge events in piping systems can lead to severe displacements, loud noises, and operational challenges. Using a case study, this article highlights the factors behind surge events, including rapid changes in liquid velocity and pressure, and how forces generated during these transient events can impact piping systems. The authors discuss how a few targeted support modifications effectively resolved these issues without resorting to costly system overhauls or potentially problematic specialty equipment.
This case study explores fatigue cracking in motor-operated valves (MOVs) used to cycle flow in and out of reformer unit reactors. Surface flaws were discovered during a recent turnaround which prompted further investigation. As only a few of the MOVs were opened and inspected, the owner-user was concerned about the extent and severity of cracks in additional valves. In this article, the authors share the details of the case study and how Equity’s recommendations helped the client make informed repair decisions.
There are several assessment procedures available for evaluating dents and determining whether a dent poses a viable threat to the integrity of a component. Read about common analysis methods for the critical failure mechanisms, potential failure mechanisms such as creep, complex dent configurations, and highlight the value of using a Level 3 finite element analysis (FEA) to determine whether the dent is truly a problem.
Maintenance programs require a significant investment of time, energy, and money to keep facilities and equipment operating safely and reliably. Despite these efforts, there will always be a need for repairs, replacements, or alterations. In this article, the authors use a variety of case studies to discuss how advanced analysis techniques can support several post-construction activities. They offer insight into how to evaluate weld repair plans and post-weld heat treatments, validate rerate conditions, and ensure structural integrity.
Developing a repeatable, in-service inspection strategy for ammonia storage tanks is difficult; however, it will help improve operational reliability and minimize the probability of failure from several damage mechanisms, including ammonia stress corrosion cracking (SCC). In this article, the authors discuss Equity’s multi-disciplinary approach to navigate the challenges of these high-consequence ammonia storage tanks. Read how we integrate risk-based inspection (RBI), fitness-for-service (FFS), and materials and corrosion expertise to provide a comprehensive and practical inspection strategy.
Learn how pressure swing adsorbers (PSAs) are crucial yet challenging in gas separation, and how a comprehensive lifecycle management plan based on engineering and fitness-for-service (FFS) can enhance reliability and extend equipment life. In this article, Neal and Kate discuss the importance of remaining life and inspection optimization studies in managing severe cyclic fatigue service, highlighting how pre-emptive fatigue studies guide inspection plans for PSA vessels. You will learn about inspection strategies and how to maximize capital investments through engineering strategies.
The need for post-construction equipment repairs and maintenance best practices has led to ASME PCC-1 and PCC-2 standards becoming valuable resources for many owner-operators, yet these standards inherently maintain a level of generality. In this article, Derek and Neal will explain how the Equity Engineering Practices (EEPs), specifically EP 7-3-3, address the gaps and provide the extra context, details, and guidance to provide more comprehensive solutions for post-construction equipment repairs.
Air-cooled heat exchangers (ACHEs) are designed to use ambient air to cool or condense a process fluid, which eliminates the need for large cooling water capacities. In this article, Kate and Ben discuss how a fitness-for-service (FFS) assessment can be a very powerful tool in air cooler lifecycle management to improve inspection planning and guide run, repair, or replace decisions.
Equity is committed to safety and reliability. Our specialized consulting services, technology, training, and corporate standards are dedicated to your safety and success. Using our technology-forward mindset, we solve complex industrial asset integrity issues and improve plant performance. Our practical and actionable solutions help you manage risk, control costs, and maximize equipment lifecycle.
Equity’s Quality Management System is certified to the ISO 9001:2015 quality standard by Amtivo.
Equity solves industrial asset reliability problems. We deliver purpose-fit solutions that prioritize safety, reliability, and performance. Together we offer specialized consulting services, training, software, and corporate standards for the energy sector and other industrial processing industries.
We are Technology Forward.
20600 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 1200
Shaker Heights, OH, 44122, United States
P: +1.216.283.9519
F: +1.216.283.6022
E: CustomerService@e2g.com
H&MB is critical for process design and optimization, aiding in identifying inefficiencies and optimizing conditions and equipment. It is a fundamental process engineering tool used to quantify the distribution of […]
Equity uses a multi-disciplinary approach to help improve facility-wide safety, increase inspection efficiencies, reduce equipment downtime, and maximize operational reliability. Our specialized engineering consulting services and technologies support the oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical, fertilizer, and other related processing industries.
Equity’s engineering and consulting services are focused on managing the entire asset lifecycle to provide you with practical recommendations to improve safety, increase equipment reliability, and mitigate risk.
Equity’s cloud-native software keeps you and your asset management projects moving forward. Our software is designed to simplify your day-to-day tasks while helping you develop expert-level analysis skills.
Equity offers training courses and webinars to support your professional growth wherever you are in your career. As active participants on API and ASME committees, our team uses this knowledge to develop high-quality and industry-relevant training courses and webinars.
H&MB is critical for process design and optimization, aiding in identifying inefficiencies and optimizing conditions and equipment. It is a fundamental process engineering tool used to quantify the distribution of […]
Equity is headquartered in Shaker Heights, OH, with offices in Katy, TX, Houston, TX, Calgary, AB, Canada, Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Hyderabad, India. Our specialized consulting services, technology, training, and corporate standards prioritize safety and reliability for industrial processing facilities.
20600 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 1200
Shaker Heights, OH, 44122, United States
P: +1.216.283.9519
F: +1.216.283.6022
E: CustomerService@e2g.com
