High Energy Piping Refloat Case Study

HRL engineers tailored a solution for the client which substantially increased the future safe operation of their piping system

Challenge

Inspections of high energy piping at a power station revealed dysfunction of many pipe supports. Coupled with piping flexibility analysis, high stress locations in the piping were identified which can lead to a reduction in the life of the piping and eventual failure. To ensure the future integrity of their assets, the power station required a solution to maximize the life of their piping system and return it to its  normal operating condition.

Solution

HRL engineers developed a methodology to refloat the piping, tailored specifically for the piping system. The methodology involved piping flexibility analysis combined with site works to adjust piping support positions to relieve stresses in the pipe. Once adjustments were complete hanger surveys were undertaken to confirm the adjustments had been successful and to quantify  the improvements made.

Results

HRL successfully completed the refloat work within the tight timeframe and without budget variations. The refloat resulted in a significant decrease in  the piping system stresses overall, which in turn substantially increased the future safe operational life of their assets. The results of the works undertaken have been incorporated into the client's risk-based inspection program, and will significantly reduce the amount of future inspection work. This translates into substantial cost and time savings  for the client.