Assessment techniques cover flaws/damages including: general and localized corrosion, localized pitting, weld misalignment and shell distortions, crack-like flaws, groove-like flaw.......on pressure vessels, piping and storage tanks.
Base on API 579-1 Fitness-For-Service (FFS) or ASME FFS-1 code to provide suitable means for evaluation of the structural integrity of these post-construction component.
An FFS assessment is an engineering analysis (mainly stress analysis) to determine whether the component is fit for continued service, typically until the next shutdown.
The product of a FFS assessment is a decision to run as is, monitor, repair, or replace. Guidance on an inspection interval is also provided.
a. FFS benefits
- Provide technically sound consensus approaches that ensure the safety of plant personnel and the public while aging equipment continues to operate.
- Can be used to maintain availability and enhance the long-term economic performance of plant equipment.
b. Assessment Levels
- Level 1
Can be performed by plant inspection or engineering personnel. It includes simple calculations.
Most conservative result and easy to use.
-Level 2
More complex than Level 1 and can be performed by only engineers with experience in API/ASME FFS.
More precise result as compared to Level 1, more detailed analysis /data.
- Level 3
Most advance assessment level and can be performed by highly expert engineers.
Include computer simulations like FEA (finite element analysis)
Generally ANSYS or Solidwork Software is used.
- Contact us for details!
c. Procedure
There are 8 steps in the FFS assessment procedure:
- 1. Identification of flaw and damage mechanism
- 2. Applicability and limitations
- 3. Data requirements
- 4. Assessment techniques & Acceptance criteria
- 5. Remaining life evaluation
- 6. Remediation
- 7. In-service monitoring
- 8. Documentation
- Contact us for details!
d. Who performs?
- High expertise engineer (years of experience > 20) from Ultragen Canada.
© 2024 VENAS