Mechanical & Structural Engineering Archives - The Equity Engineering Group, Inc.

Analysis of Piping Surge Events

Nov 25, 2024

Authors: Bob Davis, P.E., Consulting Engineer II; Curtis Koether, P.E., Senior Engineer II

Surge events in piping systems can lead to severe displacements, loud noises, and operational challenges. Using a case study, this article highlights the factors behind surge events, including rapid changes in liquid velocity and pressure, and how forces generated during these transient events can impact piping systems. The authors discuss how a few targeted support modifications effectively resolved these issues without resorting to costly system overhauls or potentially problematic specialty equipment.

Reformer MOV Cracking FFS Case Study

Oct 25, 2024

Authors: Kraig S. Shipley, P.E., Piping & Fired Heaters Principal Engineer II; Anthony J. Feller, Group Head, Senior Engineer II; Seetha Ramudu Kummari, Ph.D., P.E., Consulting Engineer I

This case study explores fatigue cracking in motor-operated valves (MOVs) used to cycle flow in and out of reformer unit reactors. Surface flaws were discovered during a recent turnaround which prompted further investigation. As only a few of the MOVs were opened and inspected, the owner-user was concerned about the extent and severity of cracks in additional valves. In this article, the authors share the details of the case study and how Equity’s recommendations helped the client make informed repair decisions.

Are Dents Really a Problem?

Sep 24, 2024

Authors: Kevin Haley, P.E., Consulting Engineer I; Daniel Spring, Ph.D., Consulting Researcher II & Consulting Engineer II

Pipelines are susceptible to dents. There are currently several assessment procedures available for evaluating this damage mechanism and determining whether a dent poses a viable threat to the integrity of a component. In this article, Kevin and Daniel discuss common analysis methods for the critical failure mechanisms, potential failure mechanisms such as creep, complex dent configurations, and highlight the value of using a Level 3 finite element analysis (FEA) to determine whether the dent is truly a problem.

Advanced Analysis of Equipment Repairs and Alterations

Jul 30, 2024

Authors: Derek Slovenec, Ph.D., P.E., Group Head – Senior Engineer II; Daniel McArthur, Ph.D., P.Eng., Senior Engineer II; Neal Wagner, Staff Engineer II

Maintenance programs require a significant investment of time, energy, and money to keep facilities and equipment operating safely and reliably. Despite these efforts, there will always be a need for repairs, replacements, or alterations. In this article, the authors use a variety of case studies to discuss how advanced analysis techniques can support several post-construction activities. They offer insight into how to evaluate weld repair plans and post-weld heat treatments, validate rerate conditions, and ensure structural integrity.

Advancements in Risk-Based Inspection Strategies for Ammonia Storage Tanks

Apr 30, 2024

Authors: Maria Rennillo, Engineering Solutions Lead, Staff Engineer II; Matthew Kaiser, E.I.T., Staff Engineer I; Katelyn Gustoff, Consulting Engineer II

Developing a repeatable, in-service inspection strategy for ammonia storage tanks is difficult; however, it will help improve operational reliability and minimize the probability of failure from several damage mechanisms, including ammonia stress corrosion cracking (SCC). In this article, the authors discuss Equity’s multi-disciplinary approach to navigate the challenges of these high-consequence ammonia storage tanks. Read how we integrate risk-based inspection (RBI), fitness-for-service (FFS), and materials and corrosion expertise to provide a comprehensive and practical inspection strategy.

PSA on PSA Reliability

Mar 26, 2024

Authors: Neal Wagner, Staff Engineer II & Kate Gustoff, Consulting Engineer I

Learn how pressure swing adsorbers (PSAs) are crucial yet challenging in gas separation, and how a comprehensive lifecycle management plan based on engineering and fitness-for-service (FFS) can enhance reliability and extend equipment life. In this article, Neal and Kate discuss the importance of remaining life and inspection optimization studies in managing severe cyclic fatigue service, highlighting how pre-emptive fatigue studies guide inspection plans for PSA vessels. You will learn about inspection strategies and how to maximize capital investments through engineering strategies.

Leveraging EP-7-3-3 Series for Equipment Repairs

Nov 1, 2023

Authors: Derek L. Rinas, P.Eng., Consulting Engineer I; Neal Wagner, Staff Engineer II

The need for post-construction equipment repairs and maintenance best practices has led to ASME PCC-1 and PCC-2 standards becoming valuable resources for many owner-operators, yet these standards inherently maintain a level of generality. In this article, Derek and Neal will explain how the Equity Engineering Practices (EEPs), specifically EP 7-3-3, address the gaps and provide the extra context, details, and guidance to provide more comprehensive solutions for post-construction equipment repairs.

Fitness-for-Service for Asset Management of Air Coolers

Sep 25, 2023

Authors: Kate J. Gustoff, Group Head, Consulting Engineer I; Ben M. Lopez, Staff Engineer II

Air-cooled heat exchangers (ACHEs) are designed to use ambient air to cool or condense a process fluid, which eliminates the need for large cooling water capacities. In this article, Kate and Ben discuss how a fitness-for-service (FFS) assessment can be a very powerful tool in air cooler lifecycle management to improve inspection planning and guide run, repair, or replace decisions.

Large-Scale SFS Projects

Jun 27, 2023

Authors: Robert Davis, P.E., Consulting Engineer II; Stephanie Dux, Staff Engineer II

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires owner-users to maintain essential documentation authenticating adequate design and maintenance of pressure vessels and storage tanks. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to find equipment operating in industry with minimal or no documentation. In this article, Bob Davis and Stephanie Dux discuss how large-scale SFS projects are an efficient and effective way to evaluate equipment on a defined schedule. SFS projects provide guidance on roles and responsibilities, methodologies, assumptions, and documentation of results.

Basics of Rerating Equipment

Jun 27, 2023

Authors: Matt Schaser, P.E., Senior Engineer II; Ben Lopez, Staff Engineer II

Today, most in-service equipment remains in use for many years, or decades, beyond its intended design life. Throughout that extended service life, the process conditions can change, affecting equipment reliability. In this article, Matt Schaser and Ben Lopez discuss the importance of conducting rerates on equipment to meet jurisdictional requirements and use a variety of case studies to highlight some options available when performing a rerate assessment.

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