Development of Tools for Assessing the Severity and Life of Dent Features

Under Development

BMT Fleet Technology Limited More »

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)

Threats and Integrity Management -- Pipeline Testing, Analysis and Repair

This project used elements of the previously validated dent assessment tool to develop a mechanical damage assessment strategy, validate it and ultimately develop an easily applied mechanical damage fatigue life assessment tool. The existing BMT “plain” dent assessment model was extended to consider 1) geometry of dents interacting with welds and 2) operating conditions, such as the effect of line pressure. The primary objective of the project was to predict the local stress-strain state of a dented pipeline segment and to develop criteria for ranking and estimating the remaining life of dents.

Failures in transmission pipelines are often the result of mechanical damage. Results of this research provide a useful tool for assessing mechanical damage and useful remaining life of dents.

Increased Safety - This technology enhances safety, reliability and damage prevention by providing a tool for assessing mechanical damage (dents, gouges).

Greater Reliability -

PHMSA, https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/matrix/PrjHome.rdm?prj=358