Mitigation of Frost Heave of Chilled Gas Pipelines Using Temperature Cycling

Author(s):  
Vincent Morgan ◽  
Bipul Hawlader ◽  
Joe Zhou

A number of recent studies have been undertaken by the pipeline industry to improve understanding and design capability of frost heave issues related to the operation of large diameter chilled gas transmission pipelines through areas of discontinuous permafrost. These studies have included the assessment of methods of reducing the effects of frost heave on pipeline integrity, in particular the onset of significant bending strain due to differential vertical displacement of the pipeline. This paper will present one component of a study to investigate and assess the use of temperature cycling of the product as a means of reducing long-term frost heave of a pipeline system. The use of chillers at compressor station locations is considered a feasible method of controlling the gas temperature in the pipeline. The studies were undertaken using a geotechnical centrifuge as a cost effective means of obtaining physical test data under realistic soil stress conditions. The potential benefits of cyclic temperature operation in reducing pipeline strain are discussed.

Author(s):  
Rajith Sudilan Dayarathne ◽  
Bipul C. Hawlader ◽  
Ryan Phillips

Frost heave and thaw settlement are two critical factors that need to be considered in the design of chilled gas pipelines in cold regions. Due to the variation in seasonal temperature and operating conditions (e.g., pressure and temperature at the compressor stations), the pipeline temperature in some segments might vary from subzero to above-zero during winter and summer. This study examines the freezing and thawing for cyclic and constant temperatures at the pipeline and ground surfaces based on the response of fourteen model pipes tested in a geotechnical centrifuge. The cyclic (temperature) operation reduces the frost heave rate per year and causes net settlement in some cases. When the thaw bulb resulting from an above-zero operating temperature is less than the previously developed frost bulb, upward water flow occurs through the thawed soil, which could alter the pipeline–soil interaction behaviour. Five types of freeze-thaw-induced vertical displacement of the pipe have been identified from the centrifuge test results.


Author(s):  
Istemi F. Ozkan ◽  
Daryl J. Bandstra ◽  
Chris M. J. Timms ◽  
Arthur T. Zielinski

The Arctic onshore environment contains regions of discontinuous permafrost, where pipes may be subject to displacement-controlled bending in addition to high hoop stresses due to the pressurized fluids being transported. Considering the displacement-controlled nature of the deformations, strain-based design methodologies have been developed for permafrost pipelines when they are subject to bending and tension, which limit the longitudinal compressive and tensile strains. The widely accepted methodology in the industry to obtain the compressive strain capacity of line pipes subject to bending is to conduct Finite Element Analysis, incorporating material and geometrical nonlinearity calibrated against benchmark full-scale tests (bend tests) [1,2]. During these tests, compressive strains can be measured by various methods. The seemingly obvious choice is to apply strain gauges along the compression face of the specimen with respect to bending (intrados). This method will provide reasonable results until the compressive strain pattern begins to vary due to the initiation of buckle formation, which typically occurs shortly after yield. In order to measure average compressive strain beyond yield and up to buckling, the method used by C-FER Technologies (C-FER) involves using rotation measurement devices (inclinometers) to calculate the strain change between the most compressive and tensile fibres of the specimen (intrados and extrados, respectively) with respect to the bending direction. This value is then subtracted from the tensile strain gauge readings as measured by the strain gauge(s) located on the extrados of the specimen. The average compressive strain values derived from the inclinometer and extrados strain gauge measurements are based on the assumption that the plane sections remain plane. Recently, five large diameter pipes were bend-tested at C-FER’s testing facility in Edmonton, Alberta. In addition to the compressive strain measurement method used by C-FER described above (C-FER method), a visual image correlation (VIC) camera system was used to survey the strain distribution on the compressive face of the specimens. This paper gives a brief description of the test setup and instrumentation of this test program. The VIC camera setup and measurement technique are described and the overall strain distribution on the bending intrados as measured by the VIC cameras is presented. Strain measured by the VIC system is compared with gauge measurements at local points as well as the average compressive strain behaviour of the specimens obtained through the C-FER method described above. The results show that the VIC system can be a candidate to replace the conventional measurement techniques employed for compressive strain limit testing in support of strain-based design of arctic pipelines.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (16) ◽  
pp. 7577
Author(s):  
Lin Wu ◽  
Xiedong Zhang ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Xiancong Meng ◽  
Hong Guo

Train vibration from closely aligned adjacent tunnels could cause safety concerns, especially given the soaring size of the tunnel diameter. This paper established a two-dimensional discrete element model (DEM) of small (d = 6.2 m) and super-large (D = 15.2 m) diameter cross-river twin tunnels and discussed the dynamic characteristics of adjacent tunnels during the vibration of a train that runs through the tunnel at a speed of 120 km/h. Results in the D tunnel showed that the horizontal walls have the same horizontal displacement (DH) and the vertical walls have the same vertical displacement (DV). The stress state of the surroundings of the D tunnel is the decisive factor for DH, and the distance from the vibration point to the measurement point is the decisive factor for DV. Results in the comparison of the d and D tunnels showed that the D tunnel is more stable than the d tunnel with respect to two aspects: the time the tunnel reaches the equilibrium state and the vibration amplitude of the structure’s dynamic and static responses. The dynamic characteristic of the d and D tunnel is significantly different. This research is expected to guide the design and construction of large diameter twin tunnels.


Author(s):  
Hammam Zeitoun ◽  
Masˇa Brankovic´ ◽  
Knut To̸rnes ◽  
Simon Wong ◽  
Eve Hollingsworth ◽  
...  

One of the main aspects of subsea pipeline design is ensuring pipeline stability on the seabed under the action of hydrodynamic loads. Hydrodynamic loads acting on Piggyback Pipeline Systems have traditionally been determined by pipeline engineers using an ‘equivalent pipeline diameter’ approach. The approach is simple and assumes that hydrodynamic loads on the Piggyback Pipeline System are equal to the loads on a single pipeline with diameter equal to the projected height of the piggyback bundle (the sum of the large diameter pipeline, small diameter pipeline and gap between the pipelines) [1]. Hydrodynamic coefficients for single pipelines are used in combination with the ‘equivalent diameter pipe’ to determine the hydrodynamic loads on the Piggyback Pipeline System. In order to assess more accurately the dynamic response of a Piggyback Pipeline System, an extensive set of physical model tests has been performed to measure hydrodynamic forces on a Piggyback Pipeline System in combined waves and currents conditions, and to determine in-line and lift force coefficients which can be used in a dynamic stability analysis to generate the hydrodynamic forces on the pipeline [2]. This paper describes the implementation of the model testing results in finite elements dynamic stability analysis and presents a case study where the dynamic response of a Piggyback Pipeline System was assessed using both the conventional ‘equivalent diameter approach’ and the hydrodynamic coefficients determined using model testing. The responses predicted using both approaches were compared and key findings presented in the paper, in terms of adequacy of the equivalent diameter approach, and effect of piggyback gap (separation between the main line and the secondary line) on the response.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew F. Williams ◽  
Kristen A. Peterson ◽  
Peter D. Nardini ◽  
Rasko P. Ojdrovic

Author(s):  
Joe Zhou ◽  
Gordon Craig ◽  
Beez Hazen ◽  
James D. Hart

Long distance pipelines are actively pursued by the industry to transport natural gas from remote arctic regions to markets. A chilled gas pipeline is one of the options to minimize the environmental impact resulting from operation of such pipelines. When a chilled gas pipeline crosses discontinuous permafrost areas, differential frost heave can occur. The result is pipe being subjected to potentially high strains, primarily in the axial direction. Reliable prediction of strain demands is one of the key components for a strain-based design process and it is essential for both ensuring pipeline integrity and facilitating life-cycle cost optimization for the design and maintenance of pipelines. The prediction of strain demands resulting from frost heave of chilled gas pipelines involves three fundamental engineering analysis processes. They are gas hydraulic analysis, geothermal analysis and pipeline structural analysis. Not only are these three processes complex, they are also mutually interdependent. To reliably predict strain demands and fully capture the interactions among these processes, TransCanada Pipelines Ltd. (TransCanada) and its partners developed an integrated engineering model on the basis of three well established programs for the three individual engineering processes. This paper will briefly review the integrated model for strain demand prediction.


Author(s):  
Wenwei Zhang ◽  
Zhenyong Zhang ◽  
Jinyuan Zhang ◽  
Peng Yang

China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) has constructed large-diameter high-strength pipelines (X70 and X80) in the past decades in areas of seismic activities, mine subsidence, and slope movement using strain-based design (SBD) technology. More pipelines being constructed now traverse regions of active seismic activities, mine subsidence, slope movement, and discontinuous permafrost. CNPC is also interested in moving to linepipe grades higher than X80. In view of the recent development of various tensile strain models, work was undertaken to evaluate those models and determine the most appropriate models for current and future applications. In this paper, selected tensile strain models are reviewed and evaluated against an experimental database. The database of 80 tests from public-domain publications contains both full-scale pipe tests and curved wide plate tests with 46 tests from high strength pipes (X80 and above). The calculated tensile strain capacity from the selected models was compared with the test data. The models were evaluated and the applicability of the models to the linepipes of different strength levels was discussed.


Author(s):  
Gjertrud Elisabeth Hausken ◽  
Jo̸rn-Yngve Stokke ◽  
Steinar Berland

The Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) has been a main arena for development of subsea pipeline technology over the last 25 years. The pipeline infrastructure in the North Sea is well developed and new field developments are often tied in to existing pipeline systems, /3/. Codes traditionally require a pipeline system to be designed with a uniform design pressure. However, due to the pressure drop when transporting gas in a very long pipeline, it is possible to operate multi design pressure systems. The pipeline integrity is ensured by limiting the inventory and local maximum allowable pressure in the pipeline using inlet and outlet pressure measurements in a Safety Instrumented System (SIS). Any blockage in the pipeline could represent a demand on the safety system. This concept was planned to be used in the new Gjo̸a development when connecting the 130 km long rich gas pipeline to the existing 450 km long FLAGS pipeline system. However, a risk assessment detected a new risk parameter; the formation of a hydrate and subsequent blockage of the pipeline. In theory, the hydrate could form in any part of the pipeline. Therefore, the pipeline outlet pressure could not be used in a Safety Instrumented System to control pipeline inventory. The export pressure at Gjo̸a would therefore be limited to FLAGS pipeline code. Available pressure drop over the Gjo̸a pipeline was hence limited and a large diameter was necessary. Various alternatives were investigated; using signals from neighbour installations, subsea remote operated valves, subsea pressure sensors and even a riser platform. These solutions gave high risk, reduced availability, high operating and/or capital expenses. A new idea of introducing flow measurement in the SIS was proposed. Hydraulic simulations showed that when the parameters of flow, temperature and pressure, all located at the offshore installation, were used; a downstream blockage could be detected early. This enabled the topside export pressure to be increased, and thereby reduced the pipeline diameter required. Flow measurement in Safety Instrumented Systems has not been used previously on the NCS. This paper describes the principles of designing a pipeline safety system including flow measurement with focus on the hydraulic simulations and designing the safety system. Emphasis will be put on improvements in transportation efficiency, cost reductions and operational issues.


2015 ◽  
Vol 52 (11) ◽  
pp. 1762-1774 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boris Rakitin ◽  
Ming Xu

Pipeline water leakage has become a serious problem in many countries. It has been widely noted that most of the damage to the pipelines occurs in the joints where two pipes are connected to each other. This paper presents the results of a geotechnical centrifuge testing program in which the response of a 12 m long (in prototype scale) large-diameter reinforced concrete pipeline with gasketed bell-and-spigot joints subjected to three standard American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials design load configurations has been investigated. The results show that most vertical pipe movements occurred during the first 10 cycles of traffic loading. Under design tandem loading, the pipe joint displacements were significantly higher than those under the other two traffic load configurations. An increase of soil cover depth resulted in a reduced influence of surface loading, the effect of which was the most significant for two single pairs of wheels of design trucks in passing mode. Furthermore, two pipes on the left side and two pipes on the right side from the tested joint were influenced significantly by the surface loading, while the pipeline movements were not symmetrical. Although the joint directly under the load experienced the largest rotation, the possibility of leakage in the second joint in the spigot-to-bell direction was also high, due to large differential displacement between the pipes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junhui Zhang ◽  
Feng Li ◽  
Shiping Zhang ◽  
Jiankun Zhou ◽  
Houming Wu

An anchoring frame beam is a very common form of support for reinforced slopes, especially in alpine regions. Centrifugal tests have proved to be an intuitive and effective means of investigating the mechanism of action of frame beams. However, the data acquisition system of the geotechnical centrifuge in service has the problem of a small number of acquisition channels. A multi-channel selector based on the existing acquisition system was proposed, designed, processed, and manufactured, and it was debugged, tested, and applied in a no-load centrifugal test, static pressure model test, and centrifugal model test. The results show that the acquisition mode of the multi-channel selector connected with a maximum of 288 sensors has been changed from “one-to-one” to “one-to-many”. Its influence on various sensor signals is negligible. The multi-channel selector can work normally, which communicates and feeds back with the remote controller in the 1–120 g no-load centrifugal test. In the static load model test, 162 sensor signals were well collected through it. And only 51 channels were used to effectively obtain the signals of 187 sensors in a 70 g centrifugal model test of an anchoring slope with a frame beam. The multi-channel selector can be successfully applied in different use environments, saving time and reducing the cost of obtaining a single set of data.


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