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Addressing Piping Vibration in the Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical Industries: The Upcoming API 579 Part 15

With the recent API Fall Meeting, it is timely to revisit this November 2023 article on API 579 Part 15, Methodologies of Piping Vibration, featuring insights from one of the new standard’s co-authors, Mike Bifano. This article discusses the three-tiered evaluation system and explains how vibration fits into a mechanical integrity program. Read more and learn about the highly anticipated improvements to our industry standards.

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Damage Mechanisms Affecting Catalytic Reformer Units

This article offers a detailed look at catalytic reformer units, highlighting key components and operations like octane improvement and hydrogen production. The discussion on damage mechanisms, from high-temperature hydrogen attack to chloride stress corrosion cracking, provides valuable insights and lessons learned from industry experience which address common operational challenges and failures.

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Reformer MOV Cracking FFS Case Study

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.

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Damage Review and Risk Assessment of Midstream Amine Processing Units

For those who had the opportunity to watch last week’s webinar presented by Brian and Shane, this article expands on the benefits of risk-based inspection (RBI) for amine processing units and offers a multidisciplinary approach. It begins with an overview of the process and rich/lean amine loading, identifies key damage mechanisms and areas of concern, and proposes options for corrosion mitigation.

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Are Dents Really a Problem?

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.

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Effect of Sigma Phase on FCC internals

Sigma phase embrittlement is a concern for austenitic stainless-steel components in FCC units and other internal welds in FCC regenerators. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to sigma phase formation, reducing toughness and ductility and increasing the risk of creep cracking. In this article, the authors explore preventive measures to mitigate sigma phase formation and the importance of weldability testing to increase the reliability of FCC units.

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Managing Refractory Degradation and Hotspots in Cold-Walled Equipment

Refractory linings are used to protect pressure vessels and piping components from hot process conditions but can degrade over time, leading to hotspots, creep damage, and potential failure. In this article, the authors discuss the benefits of conducting periodic inspection programs to manage refractory degradation and share an example to highlight the importance of detecting permanent material damage caused by creep or creep-fatigue.

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Advanced Analysis of Equipment Repairs and Alterations

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.

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Are There Gaps in Your Pressure Relief Program?

Pressure relieving systems serve as the last line of defense against the dangers of overpressures in our facilities, but this protection can be jeopardized by poor maintenance and degradation. Active safeguarding of this protective system is crucial to preventing catastrophe. While the requirement for pressure relief is rooted in the ASME code, it is the US CFR 29 1010.119 [1] that requires the proper documentation of relief system design and design bases.

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