Session: 03-03-10 Feature Assessment Case Studies - Material Properties I

Paper Number: 133494

133494 - A Practical Approach to Manage Hard Spot Threat 

Abstract: 

This paper aims to offer a practical, step-by-step, easy-to-implement approach to managing hard spot threats in vintage pipeline systems. The approach combines daily integrity threat management experience, knowledge of hard spots, a statistical review of failure data, the latest industry findings, recent PRCI studies, and advancements in detection and in-ditech NDE investigation technology. Numerous leading researchers and scholars have published in-depth studies on hard spots, detailed in the Research Compendium – Pipe Hard Spot Management PRCI catalog PR-00-22COMP-R02. This paper supplements past studies with hands-on practice, providing a ground soldier's perspective on how to apply industry knowledge to daily management.

A hard spot is defined by RIN2 as steel pipe material with a minimum dimension greater than 2 inches (50.8 mm) in any direction and hardness greater than or equal to Rockwell 35 HRC, Brinnel 327 HB, or Vickers 345 HV10. It has been observed that elevated hardness is often referred to and regarded as a hard spot, which could result in reduced efficiency and effectiveness in hard spot management. Industry failure data has shown that there are no hard spot incidents when hardness is below 350 Brinnel. Additionally, hard spot failure is caused by an environmentally assisted mechanism. The martensite structure of the steel, sufficient stress level, and atomic hydrogen are essential conditions for hydrogen-induced cracks to initiate and propagate. The focus should be on understanding why certain hard spots fail and how to manage them. This paper will share insights on whether and when reassessment or reanalysis of ILI is required, the impact of CP changes on hard spot stability, the effect of soil on crack initiation with hard spots, the latest ILI tool advancements, and field NDE techniques. Recommendations will be provided regarding continuous improvement and a holistic approach to assessing hard spots through interactive feature evaluation.

Presenting Author: Jing Wang TCE

Presenting Author Biography: Jing Wang is a threat lead at TC Energy, focusing on manufacturing & construction threats and deformations. Jing has over 10 years of experience in pipeline design, material specification, construction management, and integrity program. She’s actively engaged with research and innovation through PRCI, currently leading two hard spot research projects. Jing graduated from Wayne State University with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. In her leisure time, she enjoys hiking in the Rocky Mountains.

Authors:

Jing Wang TCE
Paul Young TC Energy
Patrick Adamski TC Energy
Zach Locks TC Energy
Lauren Schulz TC Energy
Marc Packard TC Energy