Ensuring Structural Integrity in Offshore Engineering Projects

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At DOCAN, one of our specialist Advanced Engineering areas is Structural Integrity. Our expertise spans Fitness for Service Assessments (FFSA), Engineering Criticality Assessments (ECA), and Design by Analysis (DBA) to Div 2 and Div 3 standards.

The Challenge: Severe Sand Erosion on a Flowline Girth Weld

In a recent project, an offshore client faced severe sand erosion at a girth weld on a flowline operating under high-pressure service. The key challenge was determining whether the asset could safely continue operating until the next scheduled turnaround, without the erosion becoming too severe.

Our Engineering Approach

Working closely with the client, the DOCAN team applied a combination of linear and non-linear Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using ANSYS Mechanical. Our approach was guided by the methodologies outlined in API 579 and ASME VIII Div 2 (DBA).

During the assessment, our engineers focused on several critical areas, including:

Weld mismatch
Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) and parent material properties
Embrittlement mechanics
Global and local collapse
Fatigue and fracture behaviour
Erosion mechanisms and erosion rates
Minimum Design Metal Temperature (MDMT)

By analysing these factors in detail, we were able to assess the remaining life of the flowline and provide clear, actionable recommendations to support safe operation until the next maintenance window.

Taking the Stress Out of Structural Integrity

If you have 99 problems and you want to make stress not one of them – talk to the team at DOCAN. We specialise in taking the stress out of your situation, improving your asset integrity, and ensuring your equipment is truly fit for service.

If your system isn’t, we can help by re-designing, modifying, or re-rating your components to meet the necessary standards. Whether you need advanced engineering analysis, structural integrity assessments, or support with offshore or onshore assets, DOCAN is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your project and see how our “can-do” approach can deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective solutions.