The long-awaited 3rd edition of the API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 (API 579) Fitness-For-Service (FFS) standard has finally been fully approved by the API/ASME FFS joint committee and, barring any unforeseen delays, it is scheduled to be published by the end of 2021. Overall, over 100 ballots were approved by the API/ASME FFS joint committee since the last publication in 2016.
The next release of SagePlus™ leverages the latest technology upgrades included in the upcoming 3rd edition of API 579. Therefore, you can be assured that your assessments will comply with the state-of-the art FFS technology. This article provides a small glimpse into what you can expect with the next release of SagePlus™.
General Software Enhancements
In the output, you will see a comprehensive summary of results providing immediate feedback on whether all acceptance criteria for a particular FFS procedure are satisfied and all the applicability and limitations associated with the respective FFS procedure.
Technology Enhancements
Some of the technology upgrades include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Modified impact test exemptions for ASME B16.5 flanges and updated Level 2 procedure for calculating the stress ratio for components not exposed to general primary membrane tensile stress per API 579 Part 3 Assessment of Existing Equipment for Brittle Fracture
- Replaced the coefficient of variation (COV) check with a limitation on minimum measured thickness when utilizing the point thickness reading (PTR) approach in Part 4 Assessment of General Metal Loss
- Greatly enhanced assessment capabilities for performing fracture mechanics assessments per API 579 Part 9 Assessment of Crack-Like Flaws, including:
- Expanded K-solutions and reference stress solutions to cover thick-wall cylinders
- Updated Wallin Master Curve material fracture toughness correlation for carbon and low-alloy steels
- Added ductile tearing material property data
- Updated guidance on fracture toughness estimates for stainless-steel base metal and welds
- Incorporated guidance from WRC 562 Recommendations for Establishing the Minimum Pressurization Temperature (MPT) for Equipment and the API white paper The Effects of Hydrogen for Establishing a Minimum Pressurization Temperature (MPT) for Heavy Wall Steel Reactor Vessels to address material toughness modifications due to hydrogen and temper embrittlement effect
- Provided the option to implement the new API 579 Annex 9H Constraint Effects for Surface Flaws in Carbon and Low-Alloy Steel Components in the Ductile-Brittle Transition Region procedure to adjust material fracture toughness to take advantage of constraint effects for surface flaws in a Level 2 assessment
- Provided the option to implement the new API 579 Annex 9I Alternative Estimate of Mode I Stress Intensity Factors procedure to reduce conservatism with the Mode I stress intensity factors using an integrated crack-driving force over the crack front (rather than peak values) in a Level 2 assessment
- Added new MPC Omega material coefficients and WRC 541 revision 3 Larson-Miller material coefficients for more accurate creep assessments per API 579 Part 10 Assessment of Components Operating in the Creep Range
- Updated the Level 1 and Level 2 procedures, applicability and limitations, and acceptance criteria to align with the Pipeline Defect Assessment Manual (PDAM) in FFS assessments using Part 12 Assessment of Dents, Gouges, and Dent-Gouge Combinations
- Updated fatigue screening Method B, Method C, and Method D in accordance with Part 14 Assessment of Fatigue Damage
Summary
SagePlus™ is ready for the highly anticipated 3rd edition of the API 579 standard. You won’t have to wait to leverage all the advances in FFS technology; we are very excited to share this next release of the best FFS software tool available on the market. If you missed the previous articles outlining the other SagePlus™ improvements, please visit the links below:
- Part 1: 3D Visualization with Real-Time Graphics
- Part 2: User Enhancements
- Part 3: Overview of Technical & Code Updates
- Part 4: Calculation & Customized Reports
SagePlus™ User Group Meeting: What’s Next?
The first-ever SagePlus™ User Group will be held September 13-15, 2021. Don’t miss your opportunity to get a firsthand look at the latest innovations to the software, plus a sneak peek at what’s coming in the future. You have two options to attend – in person or virtually – so register now for this exclusive event. Learn more.
