Gas Speak Colloquium 2011

Dynamic Modelling of Natural Gas Piping Systems for the

Determination of Minimum Pipe Wall Temperatures
Helena Le
Process Engineer
KBR

Presentation Agenda
Aspen HYSYS software & the importance of dynamic process
modelling
Brittle pipe fracture
Consequences of poor
piping material selection
Case Study pipeline
depressurisation analysis
Temperature credits with
AS2885 / AS4041

Aspen HYSYS & Dynamic Modelling

Aspen HYSYS is one of the most commonly used process
simulation tools in oil and gas processing
Using dynamic modelling we can simulate natural gas piping
systems in real time
Model reacts to changes in pressure, temperature, flow

Aspen HYSYS & Dynamic Modelling...

Traditionally pipe material selection has been based on the minimum

gas temperature

Can result in over-specification of piping as min gas temp << min pipe
wall temp for transient events

Dynamic modelling refines the pipe material selection process in

allowing the pipe wall temperature to be analysed

Modelling based on approximations of thermodynamic processes and

can differ to field experience

Final design decisions require engineering judgement

Consequences of Poor Material Selection

When operating below minimum design temperatures, the metal

becomes brittle and can be susceptible to brittle fracture
In natural gas systems, cold temperatures are typically created by
Joule-Thomson cooling

Photo: Neal Noenzi (NY Times)

Brittle vs. Ductile Pipe Fracture

Ductile Fracture
Slow,, plastic
p
deformation
(preferred fracture)
Crack resists further extension
unless there is an increase in
applied stress

Figures from V.J. Colangelo and F.A. Heiser, Analysis of Metallurgical Failures
(2nd ed.), Fig. 4.1(a) and (b), p. 66 John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1987.

Brittle Fracture
Sudden,, catastrophic
p
((no
warning)
Crack propagation continues
without further applied stress

Aspen HYSYS Dynamic Modelling - Depressurisation

Case Study - Depressurisation

Depressurisation of natural gas pipeline via vent to atmosphere

Natural gas composition (97 mol% methane)
Pipeline gas pressure 15 MPag
Gas temperature & ambient temperature 15C
Pipeline 50km length, DN900 (36)
Vent line 50m length, DN200 (8), vent valve, Cv = 5000

What happens
pp
when we depressurise
p
the p
pipeline
p
from full p
pressure?

HYSYS Dynamic Model - Depressurisation

Normal flow

Depressurisation

Depressurisation Profiles DN900 Pipeline

Depressurisation Profiles DN900 Pipeline

AS2885.1 Credits for Pipelines

AS2885.12007 Figure 4.8.2 shows that for stress < 85 MPa, brittle fracture is
not a risk and fracture control due to low temperatures are not required. For
stress > 85 MPa,
MPa control of brittle fracture is required
required.

Assuming membrane stress is hoop stress ( =pD/2t) only:

For carbon steel piping example:

Pipe
Size

OD
(mm)

Wall Thickness
(mm)

Internal Pressure (MPag)

at 85 MPa Stress

DN900

914 4
914.4

9 53
9.53

1 77
1.77

Therefore, in this case at pressures less than 1,770 kPag, control of brittle
fracture due to low temperatures is not required.

Depressurisation Profiles DN900 Pipeline

Depressurisation Profiles DN200 Vent Piping

AS4041 Low Temperature Credits for Pressure Piping (MDMT)

AS40412006 Clause 2.11.4.3 gives credit for low stress installations for
facility/vent piping, as follows:
For stress (): 50 MPa 107 MPa, a 10C credit is given

Note: 107 MPa corresponds to (2/3).f.M for ASTM A333 Gr6 piping (for given design temperature)

For stress < 50 MPa, a 50C credit is given

This means that if the stress is less than 50 MPa, the minimum design metal
temperature (MDMT) shall be the minimum calculated metal temperature plus 50C
50 C

Assuming membrane stress is hoop stress ( =pD/2t) only:

Pipe
Size

OD
(mm)

DN200

219.1

Sch

Wall
Thickness
(mm)

Internal Pressure
(MPag) at 50 MPa
Stress

Internal Pressure
(MPag) at 107 MPa
Stress

80

12.7

5.80

12.40

Therefore, in this case for pressures < 5,800 kPag, a 50C temperature credit applies

Depressurisation Profiles DN200 Vent Piping

Depressurisation Profiles DN200 Tail Pipe

Depressurisation Profiles DN200 Tail Pipe

Case Study Summary

Section

Min Pipe Wall

Temp

Credits?

Final Min Design

Temp

36 pipeline

8C

No

8C

8 vent piping

3C

10C

13C

8 ttailil pipe
i

-61C
61C

50C

-11C
11C

Suitable minimum design temperature selection is NOT just about the

minimum temperature, but the coincident pressure in the piping system
as well

Prevents unnecessary over-specification of materials such as stainless

steel in cases where LTCS is sufficient

Credits
C
dit iin th
the A
Australian
t li St
Standards
d d are b
based
d on ttotal
t l membrane
b
stress (not just hoop stress) and requires final verification by piping
stress analysis

Final Thoughts
The importance of dynamic process modelling for appropriate
material selection (safety in design)

Dramatic brittle fracture of a Liberty ship

Disclaimer
These materials contain information of a general nature and are
provided for discussion p
p
purposes
p
only.
y Theyy do not in anyy
way represent engineering advice and KBR does not warrant the
accuracy, completeness or currency of the information in
these materials. Any person who uses or relies on these materials does
so entirely at their own risk.