‘Pacifica,’ new software from Quest Integrity Group
is designed to help operators analyze and manage pressure cycle fatigue
analysis in aging pipelines. Pipeline failures can occur after long run
times due to an accumulation of pressure cycles. Pacifica is based on
the American Petroleum Institute’s advanced fracture mechanics
methodology and is compliant with regulatory expectations and industry
best practices.
The solution
compares actual real time Scada pressure data with hydraulic models to
estimate pressure loading at potential crack locations along the
pipeline. The tool is claimed to produce accurate crack growth
predictions, storing pressure data for future analysis. The data is
used to prioritize investigations, hydrotesting and in-line inspection
schedules. The system is also claimed to increase the information yield
from existing investments in Scada systems and on-line monitoring
sensors.
This article originally appeared in Oil IT Journal 2014 Issue # 4.
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