Pipeline repair using couplings weld+ends 3

[Pipeline06]

Hi all,

Are Pipeline repairs using couplings weld+ends allowed by industry codes?

Thank you

Pipeline06

 

[engineeringguy]

Depends what code you're referring to. Using the word "pipeline" defaults me to DOT (USA) which is pretty strict and most likely doesn't allow it. See here for 49 CFR:

http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/regs

If you know you have failures in your line, chances are there are others coming. . .



"If experience was always the only factor, how would we get to the moon?"

http://www.piping-designer.com

 

[jte]

I'll give you credit for patience! thread378-129177

I've used Plidco's Weld+Ends

http://plidco.com/public/products/weld_ends.php

couplings. They were absolutely the right product for the situation at the time. On a DOT pipeline. But not in Canada.

If you need clarification on code acceptability for a particular application... why not call Plidco and ask their tech guys to provide the proof that their products are suitable for your intended use, including Code references?

jt

 

[rneill]

I believe that the Plidco products are generally considered to be temporary repairs when clamped but permanent repairs if fully welded after installation. However, ultimately your regulatory requirements (and applicable code) would govern.

In Canada you would generally refer to Section 10.10 of CSA Z662 for permanent repair methods and it does provide some language to say that bolt on pressure containment repair sleeves may be used for permanent repairs provided they are suitable for welding and fillet and seal welded to have the ability to contain pipeline pressure within the sleeve. Refer to Z662 for which specific defect types this might apply to. Also refer to local provincial regulations in case there is something that supersedes Z662 locally.

With regards to other Industry codes and standards, you might want to look at the following as they all address acceptable methods of pipeline repair to one extent or another:

API RP 1111
API RP 1160
API RP 2200
ASME B31.4
ASME B31.8
and, ASME B31.8S

There is also a very good report freely available for download from the Health and Safety Executive in the UK using the following weblink:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/otohtm/2001/oto01038.htm

 

[rneill]

You might also be interested in the Pipeline Repair Manual published by the Pipeline Research Council ....

http://www.prci.com/publications/L51716e.cfm

 

[Pipeline06]

Thank you guys for all the relevant feedback,

jte: thank you, yes I am a patient guy.

I asked the question because I didn't find a direct mention in the industry standards for the use of this technique and I was wondering if I was missing something or if I just didn't do a proper search. Plidco indicates that the repair is considered to be permanent when welded without referring to a code that allows the technique.

RNeill: In Canada, I didn't hear someone mentioning the use of the technique but I recently came across an NEB Safety Advisory that mentions the technique:

http://www.neb.gc.ca/clf-nsi/rsftyndthnvrnmnt/sfty/sftydvsr/2009/nbs200901-eng.html

Pipeline06

 

[rneill]

Pipeline06, you won't see any reference to "weld+ends" couplings in any of the codes or standards as this terminology is trademarked/copyrighted by Plidco. The standards publishing organizations (API, ASME, CSA, etc.) don't reference products/methods using manufacturer specific terminology. They try to use generic industry terminology so that products from a range of manufacturers would be permitted.

For example, in CSA Z662, the terminology used is "bolt on pressure containment repair sleeve". Other documents may use variations of this or may have different terminology to address "Weld+Ends" couplings so it might be a bit of work to figure out where they fit in.