Fitness For Service (FFS) evaluation of the high pressure pipe lines containing local metal loss defects

Fitness for Service (FFS) methodology assessment of defective pipes and pressure vessels in oil and gas industries is offered in API-579 standard. The defective pipes operation are allowed just if they have been evaluated based on FFS method and their operating pressure has been confirmed whether the defects caused by cracks or different corrosion types. Through the current study FFS evaluation procedure was benefited to find the safe operating pressure for a 16 inches defective pipe consisting a local metal loss defect (Max. depth of 8mm) with an internal pressure of 33 MPa. Furthermore, the time needed for the next FFS examination had been presented. The analyzed pipe was about 4 years in service and is located in an injection line of a natural gas reservoir. The required experimental data related to the thickness of this pipe were collected using phased array ultrasonic test on the operating site. The results indicated that the defective pipe could operate well in service for next two years without any demands for repair or replacement.