Challenge:
A high pressure vessel was found to have local erosion next to an inlet tee reinforcement and next to a weld between a channel and a tubesheet. Our client wanted to know if they can continue operation under the extant conditions without posing an imminent risk for collapse of the structure.
Resolution:
Our engineering team performed an FEA analysis as prescribed in API 579 “Fitness for Service” evaluation which accounts for the metal loss. It was determined that even considering the measured reduced thickness, there is ample margin against vessel collapse.
