Project Background
In response to soil settlement issues at a client’s Onshore Receiving Facility, 3S Engineering embarked on a critical project. The objective was to investigate the root cause of flange leakage in the pipeline system, attributed to soil settlement, and to determine the necessary repair timeline.
Methodology and Approach
The project harnessed the power of advanced finite element modeling techniques, specifically leveraging Abaqus’s Pipe-Soil Interaction (PSI) feature. This innovative approach allowed for a more accurate representation of the interaction between the pipeline and soil, using beam models to capture contact behavior without the need for complex 3D or 2D elements.
Additionally, the use of Gapuni elements in Abaqus facilitated the modeling of support structures, providing insights into the pipeline’s condition with minimal consideration of the supports. These elements were crucial in modeling the gap and friction between the support and pipe, ensuring a realistic representation of the pipeline’s behavior.
Challenges
The project faced challenges in accurately modeling the soil settlement’s impact on the pipeline. The nature of soil settlement, involving vast amounts of soil, posed difficulties in both analysis and potential repair strategies. Overcoming these challenges was crucial to ensure the pipeline’s integrity and safety.
Outcome
The project’s outcomes were significant:
1. Root Cause Identification: Confirmed that soil settlement was the root cause of the flange leakage, validated by modeling previous events and achieving matching results.
2. Repair Timing: Determined the timeline for necessary repairs to prevent future failures.
3. Operational Continuity: Enabled the client to continue operations by reducing pressure in the pipeline, avoiding downtime and unnecessary repair costs.
4. Resource Optimization: Provided guidance on the most effective repair methods, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
Collaboration and Compliance
The project involved collaboration with a main contractor, adhering to industry standards and regulations. Iterative analyses were conducted to ensure that the pipeline remained within acceptable limits, considering factors such as flange integrity and pipeline stress.
Key Messages
This project highlighted the importance of advanced finite element analysis in addressing complex engineering challenges. By accurately modeling the interaction between the pipeline and soil, 3S Engineering provided the client with actionable insights, enabling informed decision-making and enhancing the overall integrity of the onshore pipeline system.
Finite Element Analysis Engineer
