The paper describes the laser pipe end measurement systems developed by Tenaris to perform the automatic dimensional inspection of pipe ends (measuring OD, ID, WT) and the software’s applications which analyze the collected data. The measurements performed by the Laser End Measurement System (LEMS) can give great advantages to end users and laying companies allowing a more efficient pipe alignment prior welding. This is of particular importance in offshore oil recovery industry, where the fatigue requirements of pipelines subject to high dynamic loads are continuously increasing, as the exploitation is moving in harsh environments. Fatigue is normally the limiting design criterion for products like Steel Catenary Risers (SCRs) or fatigue sensitive flowlines, and it represents its major engineering challenge. One way to minimize the risks of girth welds’ fatigue failure is to minimize the pipes abutting Hi-Lo [1,2]. This task could be accomplished by the use of laser pipe ends measurements analyses in conjunction with dedicated software. This paper provides details on the implementation and validation processes of automatic measurement systems (fixed and portable) to determine pipe ends dimensions with precision and repeatability. In addition, the features and the capabilities of the fit-for-purpose to the end user automatic applications are showed. These features include the Best Matching (search of the alignments which minimize pipes abutting Hi-Lo), the Counter-Boring (analysis of the best ID/OD to which machine the pipe ends counter-bore and of the forecast of the machined WT after counter boring), and the sorting in families (determination of pipes groups according to their ID/WT/OD tolerances).
Laser measurement systems (fixed and portable) have been developed by Tenaris to perform an automatic dimensional inspection of pipe ends. Measuring OD, ID and WT, this tool is helpful not only for pipeline producers, which can have a better knowledge of the manufactured pipe ends' geometry, but also for the laying companies and for the end users, giving useful information in order to perform more efficient pipe line-up prior welding. Since fatigue is normally the main limiting design criterion for fatigue sensitive products like flowlines and risers, representing a major engineering challenge, one way to minimize the risks of girth welds' fatigue failure is to reduce the pipes abutting Hi-Lo. This task could be accomplished by the use of laser pipe ends measurements analyses together with dedicated software. Improvement of line-up pipe is very important for offshore oil recovery industry, where the fatigue requirements of pipelines subject to high dynamic loads are continuously increasing, as the exploitation is moving in harsh environments. This paper describes the validation process and the implementation of automatic measurement systems for the inspection of the pipe ends' dimensions with high repeatability and precision. In addition, the following software applications are showed:–Division in families: determination of pipes groups according to their OD/ID/WT tolerances;–Best Matching: search of the alignments which minimize pipes abutting Hi-Lo;–Counter-Boring: analysis of the best pipe ends ID and/or OD to be machined and of the residual WT forecast after counter-boring. Introduction The increasing requirements of risers and flowlines subject to fatigue loads are leading to an interest of pipe ends laser measurements, aiming to enhance girth weld manufacturing and consequently their fatigue strength. Fatigue is becoming one of the most important aspects to be taken into account in the design of offshore floating production systems (e.g. Spar, Semi-submersible, Tension Leg Platform (TLP), Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO)). Due to their highly compliant nature, fatigue loading is accentuated particularly if compared to traditional fixed-bottom platforms. Fatigue loading arises due to production systems' motions that are caused by current action and waves. Some of the most fatigue critical components of these systems are the import and export Steel Catenary Risers (SCRs). Wave motions transmit significant fatigue loading to SCR, in particular at the touchdown location where the nearly vertical riser curves to join the pipeline or flowline on the ocean floor. In addition, the riser can experience fatigue loading due to vibrations induced by sea currents, like Vortex Induced Vibrations (VIV). These vibrations can occur at any number of locations along the riser length depending on the dynamic response of the structure and the current profile.
Oil and Gas industry in the last decades has increased the use and need of heavy wall thickness line pipes, in particular for onshore / offshore high pressures and high temperatures (HP/HT) and offshore deep water / ultra-deep water applications. The paper presents the results achieved by Tenaris on seamless line pipes in grades X65/X70, according to API 5L / ISO 3183, with wall thickness in a range from 40 to 60 mm and diameter between 6 5/8” and 16”, produced by hot rolling process followed by quenching and tempering. Such line pipes are able to withstand very demanding conditions, like sour environment, very high pressure and wide temperature range. In this publication, the main outcomes of laboratory testing activities on the mentioned materials will be presented as part of heavy wall line pipe qualification. For this purpose, a special testing program, including mechanical and corrosion tests, has been executed. Material demonstrated an excellent behaviour, exhibiting both mechanical, toughness and stress corrosion properties suitable for the envisaged harsh applications.
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