MANUFACTURING CONSTRUCTION OPERATION COATING AND CP DEFECT INTERACTION
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ACAW
.
S
PIPELINE DEFECT
S
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We are grateful to allthe colleaguesand friends in the pipeline industry that have contributed materialandconstructive commentsduring the preparation of this book. In particular we wish to thank the following organisationsandindividuals:
MACAWEngineering Ltd GE PIIPipeline Solutions KD Efird
J O'Shea
Lithgow Associates
David Norman Corrosion Control TWI -TheWelding Institute
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~DITiJHlr.. UABO Editor:
Dr Colin Argent Technical Ed ito rs:
Dr Kevin Prosser (Metallurgy & Welding) David Norman (Coatings)
Associate Editors: Peter Morgan Roger Weatherhead
"'00LI5JlER - Macaw's Pipeline Defects ISBN 0-9544295-0-8 Publi shed by:
Yellow PencilMarketing Co. Ltd. IPHouse,London Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG24 7J L UK
~--- ---
----Neither the publishersor the authors, editorsand contributorsand their employingorganisations, nor any persons actingon behalf of them a) makesany warranty,express or implied,with respect to the useof anyinformation,apparatus, method or processdescribed inthis publicationorthat suchuse may not infringe privately owned rights or b) assume anyliabilities with respect tothe use of,or for damagesresulting from the use of any information,apparatus, method orprocess disclosed inthis publication,and the useof anysuch materials,processesor methods is solely at theriskof the user. Data containedwithinthispublicationis protected by copyright.All rightsreserved. No partof thispublication may be reproduced,stored in a retrieval system,or transmitted in any form or byany means electronic, mechanical,photocopying, recording orotherwise with the prior permission of the publisher.
•
MA
CAW
'S
PIPELINE
DEFECTS
INTRODUCTION
Theaimofthis book is to illustratethe rangeofdefectsthat maybe encountered in high pressure steel pipelines and pipeline coatings.It givesadviceon the probable cause and significance of the defects and commentson appropriate remedialactions.Thisbookisnot intended as a complete"Do It Yourself Manual"for thediagnosis and analysis of defects and useofthismanualwillnot maketheuser an"Instant Expert': Many ofthedefects require analysisand diagnosis bya qualified expert using specialist analytical techniques.The defects included in this book encompass allaspects of high pressure steel pipeline manufacture,construction and operation.
The section on manufacture includes defectsin steel plate, seamless pipeand seam weldsproduced by electrical resistancewelding (ERW) and submerged arcwelding (SAW). Girth weldsaredealt
with in the section on construction along with poor construction practicessuch as lackof cover, electricalshorts, poor pipe support etc.
The section dealing with operational defectsencompassesinternal corrosion, externalcorrosion,erosion,fatigue,third party damage,denting and buckling. Faults intheexternal corrosion control system aredealtwith in separate sections. Coating defectsare shown forthecommon typesofmillapplied pipecoating and field appliedgirth weld coatings.Common problemswith cathodic protection schemesare also illustrated. Thefinal sect ion of the book shows examplesof the inter-action between fault conditionsto create anew integrity riskto the pipeline;for exampleshieldingof the cathodic protectionby adisbonded coating to createthe conditionsforstress corrosion cracking.
Each section in thisbook has been compiled and edited by experienced engineers with many yearspractical experiencein pipelineengineering, metallurgy, welding, coatings and corrosion.Webelievethisvolume will provide a useful pictorial reference for engineersworking inthepipelineindustry. We would welcome constructive comment,suggestions or contributions that wouldenhancethepracticalvalueof future editions.
All photographs and information contained in this document are intended for guidance only.No comment or suggestionshould be adoptedasan authoritative action without seeking additional guidance from the relevant codes,procedures or specialistadvisors. No responsibility canbetakenfor any problems whichmay ariseas aresultof the use of any information contained within this document.
,~; MACAW'S PIPELINE DEFECTS
MANU
FACTURI NG
DEFEGSTne first section dealswithdefectsthat occur during steelrnakinq, rolling of the platefor pipe manufacture and the manufacturing process itself. In principle, all critical defectsof this kind should be eliminated in the proof test carried out in the pipe mill.
Thesecond section considers defects that maybe introduced into the pipeline during the construction process. Critical defectsof thiskind should be detected in the post construction hydrostatic pressure test.
OP
ERATtONAl.
DEFEOSThe third section of the book deals with defects that initiate andgrowafterthe pipeline has been commissioned. These defects may initiate from a pre-existinq fault within the pipe or they may initiate from anareaof thepipe surfacethat is freeof any manufacturing or
const ructionfaults.
Operational faults represent the largest problem for the pipeline operator who must assesswhichdefects are likelyto develop,the rate at which they will develop and the consequences for pipeline safety.
Allof these issuesaredealt withinthe operational riskassessmentforthe pipeline and the findings of this risk assessment will decide the frequency and type of periodic proof tests or inspections designed to prevent operational failures.
MA
CAW 'S
PfP EU NE DEF ECTS
CONTENTS
COATING AND
CP DEFE
CTS
The fourthsection dealswith defects in the external pipe coating and the cathodic protection system. These faults create theconditionsin whichexternal corrosion can develop.
DEFECT INTERACTION
The final section provides examplesof how defects interact to generate new or modified risks to pipeline integrity.
MANUFACTURING DEFECTS
INTRODUCTION
This sectiondealswith defectsgenerated intheplate, thepipeorthe seam weldsup to the timewhen the pipe passesthe final milltestand isdeclared 'fit for purpose' and isshipped to theclient.
Major manufacturing faults will be detected bythe NDT inspection inthe pipe mill,during the cold expansion ofthe pipe(thisis applied to most U-and-D formed,straight seam, submerged arc welded (SAW) pipe and some spirally welded pipe) orbyhydrostatictesting of the individual pipes.
Ifthe pipe wasnot subject to a high-level milltest thenthecriticaldefectsshould be detected in the post construction proof test.
Wherethereisnorecord ofeithertype of testasignificanceofdefect assessment may be required for mill defects identified from intelligent pit inspections or non destructive testing examination.
Boththe milltests andthe post
construction pressuretestaredesigned to locate defects with a significant'through wall'cornponent.Thesetests are not optimised to locate defects running paralleltothepipewall,such as centre line segregations or laps.Defectsrunning parallel to the pipe wall may assume greater significancefor structural integrity in specificoperating conditions, for examplewherethe pipelineis subject to bending loads induced from ground movement or where sour service corrosion mechanisms areactive.
Minor surface irregularities, such as small lapsor rolled inscale,pose no immediate threat to pipelineintegrity but can initiate pitting corrosion.Much pipeis shipped by sea,asdeck cargo,orcoatedat coastal coating plants.Ineither case these small irregularities canaccumulatesalt and moisture below thepipesurface.Special cleaning isrequiredto remove alltracesof
salt and moisture, including pre-heating, waterwashing and chemicaltreatment. Surface defects such as laps,sliversand blisters alsocreate 'holidays:or defectsin thin film coatings.
Manufacturing defects are not normally considered to posea major risk to pipeline integrity if they have been subject to a mill test andapost construction hydrostatic pressure test. Reassessment of
manufacturing defectsmay be required wherethere is evidencefor growth in service,for example by corrosion or fatigue. Manufacturing defects are dealt within four sections.
r, MACAW'S PIPELINE DEFEers 2
MANUFACTURING DEFECTS
INTRODUCTION
Section One describesdefects in rolled plate including structural featuresthat become apparent during standard tests. Platedefectsmay be carried forward into straight seam,ERW and spirally welded pipe.
SectionTwodeal swith seamlesspipe that is formedfrom a steelbillet.Thebillet ispiercedand then progressivelyformed into apipe.Seamless pipeshowsvariable
wallthickness along itslength due tothis pipeforming process.Many ofthe defects found in seamless pipe originate as defectsin theingotfrom which the pipe wasformed.
Section Three deals with ERW,Electric Resistance Welded,pipe.Early ERWseam weldswerecreated by passingan electric currentthrough thearea of theweld fromcontactson eitherside ofthefusion line.Controlof weld quality wasa particular problem with this type of
welding.Modern ERW pipe is produced
using the HFI, High Frequency Induction, technique and thisgenerally produces seam weldsof consistent quality.Most of thefeaturesshowninthissection relate to weld quality but featureslisted under plate defectsmay alsobepresent.
Section Four dealswith straightseam DSAW (double submerged arc welded) pipe and concentrateson seam weld defects.Thesedefectsmay alsobe found inspirallywelded DSAW pipe.In both these typesof pipe the edgesof the plate
arecrimped before the plate isformed
into the pipeshape.Thiscrimping action gives more precise'fit-up'for the sea m welding process. The crimp geometry will be removed in cold expanded pipe but
this area may be subject to higher strain during hydrostatic pressure testing.
Features listed under platedefectsmay alsobe presentin both straight seam and spirally welded pipe.
MANUFACTURING:
PLATE DEFECTS
BLISTERS
A void, close to the pipesurface,enclosed
by athin filamentof steel.
Entrapment ofgasreleased duringthe solidification ofthe steel.
Not structurally significant
Maycause problems with holidaysin thin
filmcoatings.Superficia lblisters may be
removed by grinding before applicat ion
of the coating.
Possibleinitiation sitefor pitting corrosion if theblister is contaminated
with soluble saltsduring storageor
transport.
MANUFACTU RIN G: PLATE DEFECTS
CENTRE LINE SEGREGATIONS
Concentrationsof non-metallic matenal in the mid-wall position Including carbon and manganese rich bands.
During solidification non-metallic material maybecome concentrated at the centreof theingot which isthelast area to solidify.
Centreline segregationsare generally not structurally significantfor pressure retention.
Theymay provide aninitiation point for cracking insourservice and may contribute to weld defects.
MANUFACTURING: PLATE DEFECTS
CENTRE LINE SPLITS
Cracking aong tbe cenueline ofthe plate in test pieces.
Line of weaknessin thematerial caused by aligned inclusions or segregations.
These features area symptom ofthetest and are not usually structurally
significant.
MANUFACTURING: PLATE DEFECTS
INDENTATIONS
Adepression inthepipe surface.When viewedin sectionthegrain structurein the steel follows theoutline of the depression.
Pieces of scrap or foreign bodies that have beenrolled intotheplatesurface.
Commonly thesefeatures are relatively shallow and are too small to be
st ructurally signincant.
Indentations should be checked with
respect to the pipe specification.
~ ' MACAW'S PIPELI NEDEFECTS
MANUFAUURING:
PLATE DEFEUS
LAMINATIONS
A discontinuity lying parallel to the pipe
surface,usuallymarked by a
concentration of non-metallics,
Rolling-out of inclusions, blow holes 0 1
pipes in the parent material.
Large laminations may be structurally significant.Some older pipelinescontain
pipes with large laminations that have
not created asafetyhazardinmany years service.
Surface breaking laminations may contribute to coating faultsand may serve asan initiationpoint for pitting corrosion.
Superficial laminations may be removed
by grinding before application of the
coating.
MANUFACTURIN
G:
PLATE DEFECTSLAPS
A Rap of metal lying flat on the pipe surface,usuallywith atrapped residue of
oxide or scale beneath it.
A metalprotrusion that is folded and rolledintothehot metalsurface during
rollingofthe platefrom whichthe pipeis made.
Generally small laps have littleor no
structural significance. Laps do create
holidays, or defects,in thinfilm coatings.
Soluble saltstrapped inthe scaleor oxidesbeneath the lap mayinitiate corrosion pitting.
Superflcial lapsmay be removed by grinding beforeapplication ofthe coating.
MANUFACTURING: PLATE DEFECTS
SEPARATIONS, CHARPY
Cracks, or crack like featuresthat appear inthefractureface of mechanicaltest
pieces.
Separationsappearin ( harpy, CrackTip Opening Displa cementand Drop Weight
TearTest pieces.Theiroccurrencemaybe
influenced by steel chemistry and plate
rolling conditions, particularly heavy deformationat low rolling temperatures.
Thecrack like featuresare related tothe steel structure,for examplefine bandsof martensite.
." MACAW'SPIPELINEDEFEGS
MANUFACTURING: PLATE DEFECTS
SEPARATIONS, CTOD
Cracks,or cracklikefeatures that appear in the fracture face of mechanicaltest pieces.
Separationsappearin Charpy. CrackTip Opening Displacement and Drop Weight
TearTest pieces.Their occurrencemay be
influenced by steel chemistry and plate rolling conditions, particularly heavy
deformation at low rolling temperatures.
The cracklike featuresare related to the
steel structure,forexampiefinebandsof
martensite.
MANUFACTURING:
PLA
TE
DEFECTS
SEPARATIONS, DWTT
Cracks,or cracklikefeatures that appear in thefracture faceof mechanicaltest pieces.
Separationsappearin Charpy, CrackTip Opening Displacement and Drop Weight Tear Test pieces.Theiroccurrencemay be influenced by steel chemistry and plate rolling conditions, particularly heavy deformation at low rolling temperatures. The crack likefeaturesare related tothe
steel structure,forexamplefine bandsof martensite.
MANUFACTURING: PLATE DEFECTS
SLIVER
•
A thin.Elongatedflap ofmetal rolled into thepipesurface,oftenwith oxide or scale trapped beneath it.
Rolling out of surfaceasperities, protrusions or solidified splashesof
molten metal.
(OMMENF ~ - --- ~- -.- ~
Small sliversare not structurally
significant.Soluble salts contained wit hin
scale or oxidesbeneath the slivermay initiate pitting corrosion.Sliversalso createholidaysin thin film coat ings. Superficialsliversmay be removed by grinding before application of the coating.
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-MANUFACTU RI NG: SEAMLESS PIPE DEFECTS
COPPER PENETRATION
Crack like features normally at right anglesto the pipe or plate surface.
Copper contamination occurs during the Pilger Mill process, For example following external contamination from defective equipment.Copper on thepipe surface penetrates into grain boundaries and forms a lineof weakness that may open up,into crack like features,under st ress.
In extreme cases the cracks can extend through thepipewall.
Copper cracking should be detected by the Quality Control and pipe inspection proceduresinthe pipe mill.
MAN
UFACTURING :
SEAMLESS PIPE DE
FECTS
DOUBLE SHELL
A discontinuity inthe pipe wallthat In
extreme cases, splits the pipewall into two segments.
Commonly associated with an
interrupted pour at the ingot stage which
allowssurface oxidation to occurwithin
the partiallyformedingotTheline of oxide remainsasa zone of weakness in
the finished ingot and separation occurs
along the zone during forging.
Separationsthat run at an angletothe
pipe wall may be structurally significant
and should be detected by the inspection proceduresin the pipe mill.
Separationsthat run paralleltothepipe surfacemay not bedetected,but may not be structurallysignificant.
MANUFACTURING: SEAMLESS PIPE DEFECTS
INGOT DEFECTS
Irregular shaped crack-like defects running intothe pipewallatahighangle to the pipe surface.
Defectsin the surfaceof the original ingot that have not been removed during scarfing in the pipeforming process.
Smallsurfacedefectsarenot structurally significa ntbut maycreate defectsin thin film coatings.
Superficial defects may be removed by grinding before application of the coating.
MANUFACTURING: SEAMLESS PIPE DEFECTS
LAMINATIONS
A discontinuity lying parallel to the pipe surface, usuallymarked by a
concentration of non-metallics.
Rolling-out of inclusions,blow holes, pipesor ingot cracks in the parent material.
Largelaminations may be structurally significant. Some older pipelinescontain pipes with large laminationsthat have not created a safetyhazard in many years service.However,such defects could pose aproblem if through-thickness stresses are generated in thepipe wall,for exampleduring top tap or repairwelding operations.
Surface brea king laminations may contributeto coatingfaultsand may serveasan initiation pointfor pitting corrosion.
e: MACAW'S PIPELINE DEFECTS 18
M
ANUFACTURING :
SEAMLESS PIPE DEFECTS 'LONGITUDINAL SURFACE LAPS
Afiapof metallying fiatonthe pipe surface, usuallywithatrappedresidue of oxide or scalebeneath it
A metalprotrusionthatis folded and deformedinto thehot metal surface during the pipe-forming process.
Generally small laps have little or no structural significance.Laps do create holidays, ordefects,inthin film coatings. Soluble salts trappedin the scale or oxidesbeneath the lap mayact asa corrosion 'hot spot' andinitiate pitting. Superficial surface laps may be removed bygrinding beforeapplicatio,n ofthe coating.
MANUFAUURING: SEAMLESS PIPE DEFECTS
MANUFACTURING DEFECTS
Irregularshapeddefects in thepipewall
Solidification defects in the ingot that are carried through into the pipeor piecesof lapped materialthat havefallenout.
Significant manufacruring defects should
be identifiedby pressure testing in the pipe mill orduring the pre
commissioning pressure test.
MANUFACTURING: SEAMLESS PIPE DEFECTS
SLAG INCLUSIONS
Non-metallic inclusions In the pipe wall.
Caused whenaningot iscontaminated with slag.ln wellcontrolled pipe production most slag inclusions are removed during the piercing process and when theendsof the ingot are trimmed during the pipe forming process.The shapeoftheslaginclusionwill be governed by the forging process.
Slaginclusionsare usually too smallto be structurally significant.However, surface brea king slag may initiate a corrosion'hot spot'or a defect in athinfilm pipe coating.Superficial slag inclusions may
be removed by grinding before " ,
application of the coating.
,
MANUFACTURING: SEAMLESS PIPE DEF ECTS
SURFACE DEFECTS
Shallowdefects thatappear atthepipe surface.
Variouscauses including ingot defects,
longitudinal surface laps, slag inclusions, slivers,transversetearsand surFace
roughness.
Most defects are not structurally significant but may create defectsinthin filmcoatingsand act as an initiation
point for pini ng corrosion.
'f, MACAW'S PIPELINEDEFEGS
MANUFACTURING: SEAMLESS PIPE DEFECTS
TRANSVERSE TEARS
Crack like features atthe pipe su rface
running in the hoop direction.
Cracks intheingot,for example transverse shrinkage cracks, maybe
carriedthrough to the pipe if insufficient
material is removedfrom the ingot
surfaceduring thescarfing process.
Transverse tears may create defects in thin film coatings. Superficial transverse tears may be removed by grindingbefore application of thecoating.
8
MANUFACfURING: SEAMLESS PIPE DEFECTS
UNEVEN WALL THICKNESS
Seamless Pipe
Variation in wallthickness along apipe,
commonly in a spiral pattern.
:
j
Variationinwallthicknessmay occurE during the Pilger process.Thepipeis
E I 5 rn rn Q) 4 t: .>c: u 3
~
2~
0 - rotated as it progressesthrough thePilgermill andthisresultsinthe spire] pattern of wallthicknessvariation.The variation may be -5 - 10% of wall
-
I
thickness,but in extreme cases the variation mayexceed 1O%.
j
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0 60 12 0 18 0 240 30 0 360
Location - Degrees
MANUFACTURING:
ERW PIPE DEFECTS
BURN MARKS
Local area of transformed,hardened, microstructure.It occurs oneitherside of
the seam weld on the outersurfaceof thepipe.Burn marks may beassociated with lack of fusion intheseam weld.
Poor or intermittent electrical contact between the rollers used to introduce the electrical current to the pipe.The rollers are locatedeithersideofthejoint lineon
the outersurfaceof the pipe.Burn marks arenot found on HighFrequency Induction welded pipe.
Good maintenance and operation of the pipemaking equipment in the mill.Repair is not usually required unless the burn marks are extensive when local dressing of the pipewall,within acceptable
g ri nd~ g limits, and subsequent NDT
inspection to confirmfreedomfrom cracking should be carried out.
MANUFACTUR
ING:
ERW PIPE DEFECTSDIVERTED INCLUSIONS
•
Aligned,non-metallicinclusionsin the
parent strip are diverted through 90
degrees at the weld seam causing a plane of weakness.
Poor quality,dirty,parent strip.The inclusions become realigned as a
consequenceofthewelding process.
Use good quality, clean, strip.
Repair isnot usually required unlessthe
planeof weaknesshas resulted in a fracturethrough thepipewall.When repair is required, replace the pipe or
installa repairclamp.
LINEOFWELD
MANUFACTURING: ERW PIPE DEFECTS
HOOK CRACKS
Internalor externalcracks within theweld, usually curved in shape.The cracks are axial andat right anglestothe pipe surface.
Poor quality, dirty strip.
Use
goo
d
quality,cleanstrip.Replace pipe or install repair clamps or repair shellsas appropriate.MANUFACTURING:
ERW PIPE
DEFECTS
LACK OF FUSION
Axial,crack like, planarfaultsat the mid point of the weld.
Incorrect welding parameters,for example low welding current input which leads to insufficient resista nce heating atthejoint line.
Lack of fusion may be associated with burnmarks onthe outersurface of the pipe.
Ensure good maintenanceand operation of the pipemakingequipment inthe mill. Replace pipe or install repair clamps or shellsasappropriate.
i', MACAW'S PIPELlNE.DEFECTS
MANUFACTURING: ERW PIPE DEFECTS
MISSED NORMALISING
Lackof grain refinedstructure atthe weld line,leading to poor weldlinetoughness. Visibleon the macro-section asthe well defined heat affected zone on either side
of the line of the weld.
Misalignment of pipe mill induction heat treatmentcoilsothat on-line post weld treatment misses theweld zone
Ensure correct set up of the weld line tracking equipment in the pipe mill. Missed normalising can lead to failure along the weld line by brittle fracture when the pipelineis subject tosevere service conditions. Thisproblem is only detected bypipeline failure so. replacement is necessary.
~ MACAW'SPIPE LINE DEF[-erS
LINE OF WELD
MANUFACTURING
:
ERW PIPE DEFECTSSEAM MISPLACED TRIM
LINEOF WELD
.Axial groove or depression aligned to onesideofthe seam weld.
Misalignment of the weldtrim grinding toolwiththeresultthat grinding is offset from the centre line of the weld.
Ensure correct set-up,maintenance and operationoftheequipment in the pipe mill.
Misplaced trim isunlikely to contribute to pipefailure,except inthe most extreme operating conditions, so repair is not normally required.
MA
NUFACTURING:
ERW PIPE DEFECTS
SEAM OVERTRIM
Axialgroove or depression onthe lineof the seam weld.
Excessgrindingof the weld flash.
Ensure correctmaintenance, set-up and operation of the pipe making equipment in the mill.
Overtrlrn is unlikely to contribute to pipe failure exceptin the most extreme operatingconditions.Repair is not
normally necessary. LINEOF WELD
MANUFACTURING: ERW PIPE DEFECTS
SEAM UNDERTRIM
Linearfeaturestanding proud of the pipe
surface ontheline of the seam weld.
"
Insufficient grinding of the weld flash
Ensure correct set-up, maintenance and
operation ofthe equipment inthe pipe
mill.
Undertrim is unlikely to contribute to
pipefailure,except in the most extreme operating conditions,sorepairis not normally required.
UNE OF WELD
MANUFACTURING:
S
AW
/
SPIRAL P
IPE
DEFECTS
'
CONCAVE CAP
Concave profile in the weld cap.
Insufficientweldmetalcaused byatravel
speedthatistoo fastor bytoo fewweld
runs.Concave cap ismost common at
the3 o'clockand9 o'clockpositionson the pipe.
Use aslow travel speed.Add astripper' run to the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock
positions before cappinginorderto build up the thickness locally.
Not a significant defect if the total weld thickness isgreaterthan the pipe wall
thickness.
MANUFACTURING: SAW/SPIRAL PIPE DEFECTS
COPPER CRACKING
Cracking in the weld metal,normally close to theweld centre line. Cracks followtheweld solidification structure.
Accidental introduction ofcopper into the weld pool eitherfrom build up of copperdustfrom fillerwire coatingor from melting of electrode contact tube.
Ensurecorrect maintenance and operation ofthe seam weld equipment in the pipe mill.
Cut out affected pipe and replace.
MANUFAGURING: SAW/SPIRAL PIPE DEFECTS
END CRACK
Axial cracklocatedat the endof thepipe.
End cracksareusually small,<10 mm long.Theyarecaused by the stress inducedin thepipe whenthe end plugs areforcedinto thepipe during the mill hydrostatic test.
End cracks may not be identified in the hydrostatictest carriedout inthepipe millbecause theleakrate istoo smallto be detected.Thecracks arevisibleonthe radiographsof girthwelds and canbe detected at thisstage of construction. Leakratesmay betoolowtodetect in the pre-commissioning hydrostatic pressure test.
Cracks found during construction must be cut outand thepipere-welded.
©MACAW'S PIPELINE DEFEc rs
MANUFACTURING: SAW/SPIRAL PIPE DEFECTS
HARD SPOTS
Hardness Survey 4'0 0 m m 2 00 m m Local areaof hardmicrostructurein apipewhichmaybe susceptibleto in
service cracking.
Accidental rapid cooling of a smallareaof
the plateduring hot rolling,for example
by water contamination.
Ensure correct maintenance and
operation of the rolling equipment in the
plate mill.Hard spots may be susceptible
to hydrogen cracking ifthe service
conditions areconduciveto this.Cracking
would not be expected in hard spots
covered by an effective,adherent coating.
Shallow hard spots maybeground
followed by Non DestructiveTesting to checkfor cracking.Replace the pipe when the hard spot and associated cracking is too big to grind.
MANUFACTURING: SAW/SPIRAL PIPE DEFECTS
HOT CRACK
Solidification crackin the centreline of
theweld bead.Tendstooccur towards the end of a pipe in the last metal to solidify.
Low meltingpointimpuritiesintheweld
metal, possibly diluted from dirty parent
plate.Poor solidification profile in the
weld,forexampleahigh bead depthto width ratio.Stresson theweld during
solidiricanon.
Ensure correct welding procedures and welding conditions in the pipe mill.Cut
out the pipe section and replace.
MANUFACTURING: SAW/SPIRAL
P
IPE
DEFECT
S
HOT TEAR AT LAMINATION
Solidificationcrackin the weld bead that
has initiated from a band of segregation
in the parentplate.
Plane of weakness and highchemistry materialat segregated band inthe plate initiatesa crack in the adjacent weld bead during weld pool solidification.
Use clean plate.
Mayonlybediscovered ifthe pipe sees severe service.
Cut out and replace the affected pipe.
Alternative repair procedures may be acceptablesubject to afulldefect assessment.
MANUFACTURING: SAW/SPIRAL PIPE DEFECTS
HYDROGEN CRACKING
Transverse cracks in weld bead often lying on alternate 45° planes.Also referred to as'chevron'cracking.
Damp flux, high strength consumables.
Only found in thickwall (>25 mrn) and high strength (> API5LX60) pipe. Prevented by correct consumable storage and handling.
Mayonly cause problemsinsevere service conditions.
Cutoutand replacetheaffected pipe. Alternativerepairprocedures may be acceptablesubject toa fulldefect assessment.
MANUFACTURING: SAW/ SPIRAL PIPE DEFECTS
LACK OF FUSION, SIDEWALL
DE5CRIPlIQN
Lineardefect at weld sidewall,or in top
edgeof the weld.
Incorrect positioning of welding head or
incorrect welding parameters resulting in lack of fusion.
Ensure weldline trackingequipment is
functioning correctly.
Ensurecorrect welding proceduresare used.
May cause failure during cold expansion
inthe pipemill otherwise itmayonlybe discoveredifthepipe sees severe service
conditions
Cut out and replace the affected pipe.
Alternativerepair procedures may be
acceptable subject to a full defect
assessment.
MANUFACTURING: SAW/SPIRAL PIPE DEFECTS
LACK OF INTER PENETRATION
Linear deject between the inside and outsideweld beads.The cracklikedefect isaligned through the wall thickness.
Rootface too largeor weldingconditions incorrect.
Ensure accurate machining of the root face and correct choice of welding conditions.
I
~ Lookforsufficient interpenetrationofthe external and internal weld beads on macro-sections taken during the Manufacturers Procedure Qualification Test.Checkalso during routineQuality Cont rol testing.
May only be discovered if the pipe sees severe service.
MANUFACTURING:
SAW/SPIRAL PIPE DEFECTS
MISALIGNMENT
Lackof fusion in the seam weld.
Misalignment ofthe weld bead resulting
in lack offusion at somepoint in theweld profile.
Misalignment can producelargedefects
in the seam weld whichshould be
detected in the milltest orpre
commissioning hydrostatic test.Testing ZONE OF LACKOF FUSION IN below 105% ofthe specified minimum
D
S
A
W SEA
M
W
E
L
D
yield strength (SMYS) maynotrevealalldefects.
MANUFACTURING: SAW/SPIRAL PIPE DEFECTS
ROOF TOPPING
•
Peaking at the SAWseam weld.
Pipe milldefect caused byfailure to crimp the plate edges sufficiently before the 'Uand 0' pipeforming process.
Improve mill practice
May beacceptable withinspecified limits
if pipedoes notseesevere service.
Otherwise reject the pipe
MANUFACTURING: SAW/SPIRAL PIPE DEFECTS
SLAG INCLUSIONS
.
Non-rnerallic inclusions in the pipe wall.
Caused whenthe source steelhasahigh sulphur content and manganeseor
calcium sulphide Inclusionsareformed.
Theirshape dependson the type of inclusion and the plate rolling process.
Slag inclusionsareusually too smallto be structurally significant. However, surface
breaking Inclusions may initiate corrosion
orcreate a defect inathin filmpipe coating.
•
MANUFACTURING: SAW/SPIRAL PIPE DEFECTS
SURFACE LAP AT WELD
'
.
.
Crackingin close proximity to theseam weld and running parallel to it.
Longitudinalingot cracks that are carried
throughinto therolledplate.Suchcracks may occurat any point inthe pipeplate. Cracksclose tothe edge ofthe platemay open up during the welding process.
Assessthe structural Significanceof the cracksand repair or reject the pipe as
appropriate.
MANUFACTURING: SAW/SPIRAL PIPE DEFECTS
TOE CRACKS
Cracksat tne junction betweenthe submerged arc bead and the pipe
surface.
Causes of toe cracksinclude:platesurface
contamination,poor platesurface quality,
roiled in scale, inclusions that lead to
crackingat theweldtoe. Delaminationof inclusions may occurduring weld cooling with subsequent cracking during
cold expansion in the pipe mill or during a hydrostatic pressure test.
Useclean, high quality plate.
May only be discovered if the pipe sees severe service conditions.
MANUFACTURING: SAW/SPIRAL PIPE DEFECTS
TOP HAT CRACKING
Solidillcation crack in the weld bead initiated from a change in profile at the weld fusion boundary.
Poor weld bead profile leading to concentration of SHain during weld bead solidification.
Ensurecorrect choiceofwelding parameters,weld bead geometryand high purity pipe and welding consumables.
May onlycause problemsin severe service
MANUFACTURING: SAW/SPIRAL PIPE DEFECTS
UNDERCUT
.. ~.
Alin ardefectattheedgeofthe internal
or external weld bead.
Metalisremoved fromthe edge ofthe weld bead by the force of the welding arc when the welding current 15 toohighor when theangleof the welding electrode
incorrect
Undercut isusually aroundeddefect and, providedit isnot too deep,limited lengths ofundercut areallowedinmost
specifications.Undercut can be repaired,
if necessary, bygrindingoutthedefect and carrying out a local weld repair.
CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS
INTRODUCTION
Construction defects include girth weld faults, poor construction standards, mechanical damage,corrosion and ground loading.
Section One deals with girth weld defects.
These include lackof fusion, lack of penetration, cracking,porosity and slag intrusions. Girth welding proced ures and consumables should be carefully selected and shouldbe subjectedto a weld qualification procedure to verify that the proposed practices produceweldsof the required quality. Non-destructive testing of all welds should also identify major weld defects.
SectionTwo deals with poor construction standards. Poor construction standards produce features in the pipelinethat do not posean immediate threat to integrity but may contributeto thedevelopment of operationaldefects, for exampledueto stress concentration.
Mechanical damage,in the form of dents, kinks and gougingdoesoccurduring construction but significant faults should be detected in thepost construction, hydrostatic pressuretest. Some mechanica l damage will survivethistestand may be detected,many years later,duringan intelligent pig inspection.As a general rule all mechanical damage detected in this wayshould bereassessed asthoughit had occurred after construction. Mechanical damagedefectsareincluded under Operatlonal Defects.
Both internal and external pitting corrosion can occur in pipe if it isstored incorrectly during construction.After construction this corrosion will be dormant,in most circumstances:However, all corrosion
identified by an intelligent pig inspection should be considered'active' unless it can beclearlydemonstrated that it occurred during construction.Corrosion isincluded under Operational Defects.
CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS
CONTENTS
Arc strikes Burn Throug h Cap Unde rcut
Concave Root Copper Cracking Excess Cap Height Excess Penetration Fish Eyes H Cracking Cap HAl H Cracking, Root HAl
H Cracking,Weld Metal
Lack of Fusion, Int er Run
Lack of Fusion, Root
Lack of Fusion, Sidewall
Lack of Inter Penetration
Lack of Penetration
Misalignment Misplaced Cap
54 Parallel Slag Lines
55 Porosit y, Cluster 56 Por osit y, Holl ow Bead
57 Porosity, Isolated 58 Porosity, Pipi ng
59 Porosity, Scattered
60 Repair, Weld Crack
61 Root Bead Slag Intru sion
62 Root Undercut
63 Solid ificat ion Cracks 64 Stop Start Defect 65 Trapped Slag
66
Tungst en Inclu sion67
68 69 70 71 72 73 74 7576
7778
7980
8182
83 84Butt Welded Patch Cold Bend Kink Contacts
Eccentric Touching Case
Incorrect Pipe Support Lack of Cover
Lamellar Tearing Mit re Bend
No Field Joint Coating Unprotected Risk 85
86
87
88 89 90 91 92 93 94CONSTRUCTION: GIRTH WELD DEFECTS
ARC STRIKES
A localised heat affected zone on the surface of the pipe.Anarc strikemay produce hardening,andin high strength hardenablesteels cracking may occur.
Anarcstrikefrom amisplaced electrode during the welding process.
Arc strikes are an indication ofpoor workmanship and acceptance levels are normallydefined in thewelding specification.Pre-qualification of welders may also help to reduce arcstrikes.
During construction shallow featuresmay not require repair. largefeatures should be dressed or removed according to the weld acceptancespecification. Arcstrikes are generally notacause to
excavate a pipeline.Arc strikeslocated during other work may be dressed.
{, MACAW S PIPEliNEDEFEGS 54
CONSTRUQION: GIRTH WElD DEFECTS
BURN THROUGH
Localarea wherethe root bead ISmissing. Often covered by the next pass.
Alsoknown as'window:
Welding current too high.
Poor electrode manipulation.
Root face too small.
Use correct welding parameters and
weld geometry.
CONSTRUCTION: GIRTH WELD DEFECTS
CAP UNDERCUT
A smooth groove between the capping run of the weld and the parent plate.
Current too high.
Incorrect electrode manipulation.
Adjust current to the electrode diameter.
CO
NSTRUCTION:
GIRTH WELD DEFECTSCONCAVE ROOT
Concave profile of the root run.
Current too high.Incorrect joint preparation,for example the root gap is too large.Concave root occurs most commonly at the 6 o'clockposition on the pipe.
Adjustthe current to suit thejoint Width. Not significant if the contour of the root is smoothand the totalweld thickness is greaterthanthe wall thickness of the pipe.
CONSTRUCTION: GIRTH WELD DEFECTS
COPPER CRACKING
Finecracking inthe weld metal,often with associated copper inclusions, and concentrated at the grain boundaries.
Arc strikingonto thecopperbacking bar. Welding torch contact tip touching the side of the weld bead.
Contamination fromthermit orpin
brazing compounds.
Ensure clamp backing bars arein good conditionand thatweld fit upis good. Alternativelyuse cera mic backing strips.
Avoid contact tip touching the bevel. Usually only significant if the cracking is extensive. Smallareas maybe dressed by grinding followed by MPI inspection. Somestandards specifyacceptablelevels
of penetration for brazing of cathodic protection connections.
CONSTRUCTION: GIRTH WELD OEFEas
EXCESS CAP HEIGHT
.
-Excessweld reinforcement on the cap. usuallygreaterthan3mm.lt ismore commonat the6 o'clock position.
Incorrect electrode manipulation and too many weld runs.
Select current to match thejoint width. Adjust finalfiller passheight.for example
bygrinding, beforeapplying cover pass weld reinforcement.
Grind to a smooth profileorremove
completely by grinding and re-weld.
Excesscap height usually only has
I.
structuralSignificanceinafatigue situation due to increased stressconcentrationat the weld cap-to-pipe intersection.
(J MACAW'S PIPELINEDEfECTS
CONSTRUCTION:
GIRTH WELD DEFECTS
EXCESS PENETRATION
Excess weld metalin theroot of the weld,
usually morethan 3 mm.
Toolargearoot gap orincorrect
electrode manipulat ion. Excess penetration is most common atthe12
o'clock position.
Use the correct root gap and I,',oelding
technique.
Grind to asmooth profile.
@ MACAW'SPIPELINE DEFECTS 60
Weld metalhydrogenfissures, or 'fish eyes' arecircular orelliptical features on
weld fracturesurfaces,usually tensile
specimens, with a shiny grey appearance and adark'eye'at. the centre.
Dissolvedhydrogen 'Inthe weldmetal
which triggersa low duculny fracture
when the rnarerlal is strained.Found
especially in test speornens from welds madewrth cellulosic electrodes which arestrained ashort timeafterwelding.
Reqarded as an artefact caused by the test.ing process and of no significa nce For
rhe real weld They can be avoided by
using a low hydrogen welding process, by Increasing the delay time between welding andtesting,orbygl\ling the
weld a low temperature hydrogen .
removal trea tment.Repairis not
necessary.
CONSTRUCTION: GIRTH WELD DEfECTS
FISH EYES
CONSTRUCTION: GIRTH WELD DEFECTS
H CRACKI NG CAP HAZ
Cracking Originating at the edge of the weld cap and following the heat affected
lone.
Hydrogen from the welding process. Low interpasstemperature and rapid
cooling after welding.
Excess stresson the completed weld
Use a low hydrogen welding process.
Maintain adequate interpass
temperature,Wrap the complete weld to slow the cooling rate Avoid high stress on
new ly completed weld s.
CONSTRUCTiON: G!RTH WELD DEFECTS
H CRACKING, ROOT HAZ
Cracksinitiating inthe heat affected zone
of the root bead and propagati ng up the heat affectedzone or into the weldmetal. Alsoknown as 'cold cracks'or 'underbead
cracks'
Insufficient pre-hea t or insufficient
mrerpass temperature
Poor weldabilityof the pipeorfittings
Delay betweenthe root and hot pass welding
Lift height too greatdurtnq frontend
skidding
Damp consumables
CONSTHUCTION: GIRTH WELD DEFECTS
H CRACKING, WELD METAL
Cracking in the weld metal. Often
transversetotheweld aXIs and lying at an
angle of 45° to the weld surface.
May have a 'staircase' appearance at high
magnification
Insufficient pre-heat or rnterpass
temperature. Damp consumables High strenqth consumables
Heavy wall pipe,narrow weld
preparations
Cut out weld and remake
- - - -
-
-
-
-CONSTRUCTi ON:GIRTH WELD DEFECTS
LACK OF FUSION, INTER RUN
Lack of fusion between adjacent weld beads Alsoknown as'cold laps'
InsuffiClef1 l melting of groove faces dunng welding.
Insufficient current.
Contamination oroxidanonof the groove faces.
Adjust (he current to SUit the electrode
diameter and welding position.Clean \
groovefaces properly before welding.
CONSTRUCTiON: GIRTH WELD DEFECTS
LACK OF FUSION, ROOT
Lack of fusionbetweentheedgeof a fully penetrated root beadandthe root face
on onesideof the jomt,Also knownas
'missed edge'.
Incorrect electrode angle
Inadequate clea ning of the root face
Maybe acceptableif within specified length limits,typically 25mm in300mm of weld lengthoOtherwise grind out and repair by re-welomq
CONSTRUCTION: GIRTH WElD DEFECTS
LACK OF FUSION, SIDEWALL
Occurs as planardiscontinuitiesbetween successive weld passesor between the weld bead and the pipe.Lack of side wall fusion is especiallycommon in
mechanised gas metal arc welds.
Lack ofcompletemelting between weld beads or between the weld bead and the pipe caused bywrongelectrodeangle, Insufficient melting current or poor cleaning of thejoint faces.
Use correct welding parameters and clean the Joint faces.
Limited lengthsof lack of fusionare allowed In most standards, For example 50 mm In 300mm of weld.
• I _
f
,
CONSTRUCTION: GIRT H W ELD DEFECTS
LACK OF INTER PENETRATION
Failureof inside weld bead and outside weld bead to penetrate,especiallyIn mechanised gas metal arc"velds.
Root Face too large Bevel angle too narrow Welding current too low
May be accepta bleif thedimensionsare withinacceptable limits ,typically50mm
in 300 mm weld length.Otherwisegrind out and repair
CONSTRUCTION: GIRTH WELD DEFECTS
LACK OF PEN ETRATION
Ineom plete penetration of the weld through the full thickness of the JOi nt to leave an unFused crevice, typicallyin the root run,
Root gap too small Rootface too large Welding current too low Electrodeangle mcorrecr
May be acceptable
i
f
within specifiedlength limits,typically 25 mm in 300 mm of weld length.Otherwisegrind out and repalr,
CONSTRUCTION: GIRTH WELD DEFECTS
MISALIGNMENT
Misa lignment of thepipe ends acrossthe weld bead to produce an asymmetric weld Alsoknown as'Hi-La'
Poor Fit up, possibly caused by pipe ovahryroof topping at the pipe seam weld or handling damage to the pipe,
Improvefit up by the use of stronger clamps and JOinting bars,
Rotate pipes For betterFit up, Replace pipes or match endsof Individual pipes,
Repair not normally required jf the weld and cap Forma smooth rransmonwith the parent plate,
<;,MACAW'S PIPELlN[ DEFECTS 70
CON STRUCTION; GIRTH WELD DEF ECTS
POROSITY, CLUSTER
A group of poreswithin the weld metal
Lack of shielding gas or damp shielding gasfor gas metal arcweldsand gas tungsten arc welds.
liVlnd disruption of shield gas Arc length too long
Weld preparation damp or greasy
May be acceptable if evenly distributed within specified limits, usually based on disrnbunon diagrams Otherwise grind out and repair
CONSTRUCTION: GIRTH WELD DEFECTS
PARALLEL SLAG LINES
Linearvoids or slagInclusions most commonly Foundbetweenthefirstand second pass weldsIn manual'stovepipe' welds, and often appear on radiographs astw o parallellines Alsoknown as 'waggon track:
Slag resulting from insufficient grinding of the root bead external surface before making the second pass, or insufficient cu.rrent used for the hot pass.
Ensuregrindingof theroot beadto remove convexity and to clean out slag at thesidewalls.Increasehot passwelding current.
May be acceptable Within specified limits. Otherwisegrind out and repair.
CONSTRUCTION: GIRTH WELD DEFECTS
MISPLACED CAP
Weld capping run IS misplaced to one
sideso that it does not fully cover the underlying filler pass, especially In gas metal arc welds,
Poor control of eiectrode position
Place electrode correctly Grind, if necessary, and re-weld
LINE OF W W
CO
NSTR
U
CT
IO
N
:
G
IRTH
WELD
D
EFECTS
POROSITY, ROOT
A continuous pore inthe centre orthe
root bead Also known as'ho llow bead:
Incorrect electrode angle
Root gap too narrow
lm punues or excessalloying In the parent plate
May be acceptable wit hin speofieo lengt h limits, typically 50 mm in 300 mm weld length,Otherw lse grind out and repair,
~' M,;ctSt'i PIPELlN[ DEFECTS
CONSTRUCTiON: GIRTH WELD DEFECTS
POROSITY, ISOLATED
Isolated gaspores in theweld metal
Minor disturbances In The g3s shielding or disruption of the weld pool dunnq solidIf/cation.
Gasshieldflow ratestoo high.
Weld preparation damp or greasy.
May be acceptable within specified limits, usually based on distribution diagrams.
Otherwisegrind out and repair.
COf\jSTRUCTION: GiRTHWELD DEFECTS
POROSITY
,
PIPING
reproduced wnh [heperrmsSIOn of ,WI Lid
Elong3tedporosity in theweldbead.
Also known aswormholesor herring
bone porosity.
Dissolved gasleaving theweld poolas it
solidifies.
Removethe sourceof dissolved gas, For
examplebettershielding,clean weld
preparation etc.
May be acceptablewithin specified limits, usually based on distribution diagrams Otherwise grind out and repair.
(, ~ MACAW'S PIPELINE DEFFCTS
CONSTRUCTION: GIRTH WELD DEF ECTS
POROSITY, SCATTERED
Scatteredgaspores In theweld metal.
Weld pool solidifying too rapidly whilst supersaturated with dissolved gas.
Remove source of dissolved gas. Increase welding heat input
May be acceptablewithin specified limits, usually based on distribution diagrams. Other wise grind out and repair.
• - - - - - - - - - > - - - - -
• <
CONSTRUCTION:GIRTH WELD DEFECTS
REPAIR, WELD CRACK
Hydrogen cracksassociated with repair
welds.
Poor repai r welding practice such as, lack
of pre-heat or use of si ngle back weld run instead of two.
Cut out the weld and remake it.
COf\JSTRUCTJON: GIRTH WELD DEFECTS
ROOT BEAD SLAG INTRUSION
Trapped slag at theinside edge of the
root weld bead,often asscdated with a cracklikelack of Fusion defect,
A Feature of stovepipeweldingwith
cellulosic electrodes which is not properlyunderstood but is thought to be associated with poor weld pool flUidity.
Pay particular attention to weld preparation dirnenstonsand jomrfit up. Change the type of cellulosic electrode.
Change 1:0low hydrogenelectrodeor other root bead process.
Maybe acceptable IFnot extensive.TlusIS
not covered by the normal pipe welding
standards,and ISoften interpretedas lack
of root fusion,and those defectlimits are applied. " -~ !vlACAW'5 9iPEUNE Dt ~~CTS
.
'
-' "~ I' r ' ;j' 79CONSTRUCTION: GIRTH WELD DEFECTS
ROOT UNDERCUT
A grO::lVe or channel melted into the pipe
metal adjacent to theroot or caprun which has not been filled with weld metal.
Too high a welding current Incorrect electrode angle
May be acceptable within specified length limits, typically25mrn In a 300 rnrn weld length Otherwi se grind out
and repair.
-.. ~ MAC,~W'S PI PEUNE DEF ECT) 80
CONSTRU CTION:GIRTH WELD DEFECTS
SOLIDIFICATION CRACKS
Crack Inthe centreofthe weld bead,
especiallywithin hot pass.Also known as
'hot tear'
Poor weld bead solidification pattern, for
example a large depth to width ratio.
Excessive restraint I stress on the weld during solidification.
Impurities in the weld pool
Correct deficiencies. Change weld
consumables. Grind out and repair
reproduced with the "ermilllOn of 7W1 Lrd
'"o f MACAW'S PIPELINE OEFEGS
CONSTRUCTION: GIRTH Wa D DEFECTS
STOP START DEFECT
Alack of fusion, alackoffillora lackof penetrationatthestop/ startposition, often in the root bead.Alsoknown as 'poor pick up.
Failureto overlapthe stop / startposition when changing electrodes.
Failure to grind the crater,failureto fillthe crateror Failureto establishweld pool properly when re-stnkinq,
Visually acceptable within specified limits,
depending on the type of defect.
P MACl\W'S PiPEUNE DEr=r-.:crs
- - --- -- - - - -- - - --
-CONSTRUCTION: GIRTH WELD DEFECTS
TRAPPED SLAG
-_.
.-Slag trapped between individual weaves of the weld run.Also known as'slag holes:
Current too low
Weaving technique too rapid
Maybe acceprablewithinspecified limits.
Otherwise cut out and repair.
CONSTRUCTION: GHH H WELD DEFECTS
TUNGSTEN INCLUSION
lsolatedinc!usions of undissolved tungstenin the weld bead.Appears as a white spot on the weld radiograph
Contact betweenthe tungsten electrode andthe weldpool when gas tungstenarc vveldmg ISused,especialiy manual GTAW. Occursespeciallywuhm stop
I
startsAvoid contact between the tungsten electrodeand the weld pool.
Use highfrequencystartingor soft start equipment insteadof theconventional touch starting.
May be acceptable within speofied limits, typicallyspecified as a maximum number per weld Otherwisegnnd out and repair
,.,' ~;A Ci\W ' S PIPELINE OtFi'CTS
CONSTRUCTION: CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS
BUTT WELDED PATCH
Butt welded patch in a pipeline
During construction a manhole hasbeen cut Into a pipe to gain access to the
Inside of the pipe for weld repairs.The 'cut out' is thenwelded backinto thepipeline
with a butt weld.
This is unacceptable construction practice.The area of the patch should be cut OUl and replacedor repairedwith a full encirclement sleeve.
CONSTRUCTION: CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS
COLD BEND KINK
Circumferential kink or rip ple in pipe that
has been subject tocoldbendingInthe field
Caused by poor control of the field
bending process
Discard the pipe or cut out affected area.
.'.;MACAW'SPIPEUNf DHEGS 86
CONSTRUCTION: CONSTRUCTION DEF ECTS
CONTACTS
The pipeline is In electrical contact with
'foreign' structures such as pipe supports or reinForcing bars In concrete
Poor construction practice
Electrical contacts createa drainonthe
applied cathodic protection current and may prevent effective protection.
Galvanic or interference current corrosion
may resultand lead to rapid pittlllg and throughwall penetration in theaffected area.
CONSTRUCTION: CONSTRUCTION DEF ECTS
ECCENTRIC TOUCHING CASING
The casing IS not alignedparallelwith the carrier pipe and,in extreme cases IS In
contact with the carrier pipe
Poor construction practice or ground
movement after construction
Electrical contact betweenthe casing
and the carrierpipe may create alocal drain on the applied cathodic protection and create a localised corrosion cell.
CONSTRUCTION: CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS
INCORRECT PIPE SUPPORT
Aboveground pipe issupportedon objectsotherthan manufactu redor shaped pipe supports.
Poor construction practice.
inco rrect pipe supp orts may create problems that Include stress
concent ration,damage to the protective coating or electrical contactsthat interferewith theefficientoperation of the applied cathodic protection.
CONSTRUCTiON: CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS
LACK OF COVER
Shallow depth of burial.
Poor construction practice.
The pipe is particularly vulnerable to third
party mechanical damageand
vandalism.
CONSTRUCTION: ONSTRUCTIOl\j DEFECTS
LAMELLAR TEARING
A crack like Feature within the plane of
the plate
La mellar teannq is associated With Al let welds Through thickness stress, associated With the ,Neldlng process, causes opening In non-metallic Inclusions.
Can occur dunnq construcuon under attachment welds but lamellar tearing is more likely to occur when welding Fittings to old pipelines for repair or for hot tapping purposes.
Lamellar rearing is most marked in dirty plate.Small tears may not require attention but large tears should be assessed.
CONSTRUCTION: CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS
MITRE BEND
Mitre bends, also known as'lobster back bends'are made by welding together short piecesof pipe with mitred ends.
Mitre bends are not SUi tablefor high pressurepipelines. Possible problems include difficulty in ensuring satisfactory weld quality and poor fatigue
performance of the resulting bend. Mitrebendsshouldbe replaced with forged bends In high pressure pipelines
CONSTRUCTION:
CON
STRUCTION
DEFECTS
NO FIELD JOINT COATING
Coatingofthe fieldjoint areais incom plete
Poor construction practice
The exposed bare metal creates a drain on the applied cathodic protection will
induce coating undercutand subsequent disbonding if stored In this condition for
prolonged period s.
CONSTRUCTION: CONSTRUCTlON DEFECTS
UNPROTECTED PIPE
The pipeline IS exposed above ground
without security FenCing or other protective measu res.
Exposed pipe may be susceptible to vandalism,sabotage or accidental damage.
,' MACAWSPIPH Ir<f DEf ECTS 94
OPERATIONALDEFECTS
INTRODUCTION
Operationa l defects include the range of feat uresthat initiate and grow whenthe pipeline is in service.The defect grol'vt h mechanisms include:
• External corrosion
• Internal corrosion
• Erosio n
• Fatigu e
• Mech an ical damage
• Ground movem ent Failure mod e
Corrosion, erosion and fatigue are time depende nt processes for which the time frame betwee n initiation and Failure may run to many years.Intlus case theoperator can manage the problem within the accepted safety envelope for the pipeline, with an integrated prog ramme of monitor ing, remedial treatme nt,
rehabilitation or renew al.
96
Mech anicaldamage and ground movem ent can develop almost instantaneously.The pipeline operato r must therefore focuson prevention.
A corrosion risk assessme nt is norm ally carried out at the desrq n stage of a new pipeline.Thisallow s the designer,and operator,to identi fythemajorrisksto pipeline integrity and to Include measures for their prevent ion or cont rol.
The risksto pipeline inte grity may change with time.For example,urban
development may encroach on a buried pipeline and increase the risk of third
party damage.The product carried in gathering line system may beco me prog ressively sour as the hydrog en sulph ide content in the product increases due to contamination of the reservoir. Repeat riskassessments are therefore advisab le.
Section One deals with external
corrosion. Externalcorrosion is controlled by the combined use ofaprotective
coating and cathodic protection.Afault, or anomaly, IS required in both the
coating and the applied cathodic protection for corrosion to occur. On high pressu re pipelines a form of stress modified
c
orros
.
on
stress corrosioncracking, may be a risk.
"
-
..,
, I //
"""'
~~,
~
- -- ' - - I - -' : l.lSection Two deals with internal corrosion
that,in mostcases,requires the presence of free water for corrosion to be active. Mechan isms include sweet corrosion. in
the presence of water and carbon dioxrde.andsour corrosioncracking Sour
service requires thepresence of
hydrogen sulphide in the transported
product.Graphsinthis section usethe
clockfaceas ameansof pipe orientation
(see diagram bottom left).
SectionThree dealsWith erosion. Erosion occurswhere particles, dropletsor bubbles in the flow impinge on the metal surface and remove small particles of the pipe wall.
Section Four deals with fatigue and fatigue cracking under an operating
regime in which the internal pressureof the pipeline is subject to fluctuations.
OPERAfIONALDEFECTS
INTRODUCTION
Section Five deals with mechanical damage from earth rnovinq and excavation equipment, piling and other
agricultural or construction practices.
Section SIX deals with ground movement.Ground movement may be
slow and progressive, as in the caseof soil
creep on ahillside.Itmay alsobe
instantaneousas inthe caseof
earthquakes, landslips,and collapseInto subterranean VOids.Ground movement
becomes a problem when il generates
significant strain in the pipeline.
Section Sevendealswith pipelinefailure
modes, and in particularrupture.
OPERATIONA L DEFECTS
CONTENTS
Arcing 99 CO-C0 SC2 C 110 Fatigue 126
Damage and Co rrosion 100 Condensat io n 111
Gen eral Corrosion 101 General 112
MIC 102 Groo ving 113 Dent 127
NAEC 103 HAZ Corrosion 114 Gouge and Crack 128
Pitting 104 HIC 11 5 Gouge and Dent 129
SCC, Hig h PH 105 Mesa 11 6 Gouging 130
SCC, Init ial Stag es 106 MIC 117 Penetrat ion 131
SCC, Near Neutra l 107 Pitting 118
Stray Current 108 Pooling 119
Weld Area corrosion 109 SOHIC 120 Buckle 132
SSCC 121 Landslip 133
Weld Co rrosio n 122 Stress Relief 134
Subsidence 135
Washout 136
Ero sion Co rro sio n 123 Particulate Erosion 124
Turb ulent Flow Erosion 125 Ducti le Tearing 137
Rupt ure 138
Seam Weld Failure 139
blank page 140
•
OPERATIO NAL: EXTERNAL CORROSION
ARCING
Sev
e
re.
localised meta!losswhichmay show signs ofmolten material, such as solidified globules.Direct shorting from power lines
In thisfault condition through wall
penetration may occurin a veryshort
time.