Prediction of Failure Pressures in Pipelines With Corrosion Defects

Abstract

The mathematical model to predict failure pressures in corroded pipelines proposed in this work is based on the analysis of the original model by Cronin and Pick. New definitions and interpretations in order to obtain this new model are given. As a consequence of this, the model can be more adequately interpreted and easier to apply under practical conditions. The new model and the finite element method are applied to predict failure pressures for pipelines with corrosion defects of elliptic and irregular geometries, and the predictions are similar. The model is used to predict the failure pressure in actual defects and compared to results of experimental tests and the original model. This study shows that pressures predicted by the model presented here are comparable to those of experimental tests.