Structural Integrity Assessment of a Sour Service Low Pressure Production Trap Using Fitness-for- Service Methodology


Authors : Mohammed S. Al-Robai; Abdulrahman A. Alkhateeb

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 7 - July


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3tet8vhw

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/4e9d7ytd

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jul1697

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Abstract : This paper presents a real case study of a structural integrity assessment of a Low-Pressure Production Trap (LPPT) at a Gas Oil Separation Plant using Fitness-for-Service methodology. The equipment, constructed from carbon steel (CS A-516 Gr. 65) with a nominal wall thickness of 18.0 mm, operates in a sour environment prone to hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) and step-wise cracking. Automated ultrasonic testing revealed HIC and inclusions at depths ranging from 7.3 mm to 14.8 mm, with step-wise cracks up to 2.2 mm in height. Fitness-for-Service assessments, using API-579 Level 1 and 2, confirmed the equipment’s fitness for continued service, provided regular monitoring and protective measures are implemented. This study underscores the utility of Fitness-for-Service in extending the lifecycle of aging infrastructure while ensuring operational safety.

Keywords : Corrosion; Fitness-For-Service; Hydrogen-Induced Cracking; Sour Service.

References :

  1. API-579-1/ASME FFS-1 (2016). Fitness-for-Service. ASME.
  2. Al-Otaibi, D. A., et al. (2024). Circular Economy Opportunity Utilizing FFS Methodology for Aged HIC Defected Reboiler. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology.
  3. Anderson, T. L. (2005). Fracture Mechanics: Fundamentals and Applications. CRC Press.
  4. ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (2019). Section VIII, Division 1.
  5. Koh, S.U., Jung, H.G., Kang, K.B., Park, G.T., & Kim, K.Y. (2008). Effect of microstructure on hydrogen-induced cracking of linepipe steels. Corrosion, 64(4), 574–585.
  6. Milliams, D.E., & Tuttle, R.N. (2003). ISO 15156/NACE MR0175 – A New International Standard for Metallic Materials for Use in Oil and Gas Production in Sour Environments. Stainless Steel World, 63–68.
  7. Al-Dojayli, M., Chomyn, K., Ghorbani, H., & Barriault, P. (2018). Fitness-for-Service Assessment and Re-rating of Flawed Alumina Feeding Vessels. In TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition (pp. 49–55). Springer.
  8. Anderson, P., Bergman, M., Brickstad, B., & Dahlberg, L. (1997). A Procedure for Safety Assessment of Components with Cracks – Handbook (3rd ed.). SAQ/FoUReport 96/08, SAQ Kontroll AB.

This paper presents a real case study of a structural integrity assessment of a Low-Pressure Production Trap (LPPT) at a Gas Oil Separation Plant using Fitness-for-Service methodology. The equipment, constructed from carbon steel (CS A-516 Gr. 65) with a nominal wall thickness of 18.0 mm, operates in a sour environment prone to hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) and step-wise cracking. Automated ultrasonic testing revealed HIC and inclusions at depths ranging from 7.3 mm to 14.8 mm, with step-wise cracks up to 2.2 mm in height. Fitness-for-Service assessments, using API-579 Level 1 and 2, confirmed the equipment’s fitness for continued service, provided regular monitoring and protective measures are implemented. This study underscores the utility of Fitness-for-Service in extending the lifecycle of aging infrastructure while ensuring operational safety.

Keywords : Corrosion; Fitness-For-Service; Hydrogen-Induced Cracking; Sour Service.

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Paper Submission Last Date
31 - December - 2025

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