Simulación computacional del procedimiento de soldadura en servicio empleado en la reparación estructural de un gasoducto

Abstract

In this paper, an analysis of structural integrity to the repair of a gas pipeline is presented. The study is based on a simplified two-dimensional finite elements model. The residual stresses of thermal origin caused by the welding process are evaluated considering the pipeline flowing fluid and the pressure exerted by the fluid. Pipelines in Argentina are periodically inspected following the standards of the American Petroleum Institute (API) and specifications, criteria and experiences developed by each plant. The modeling allows determining weakened areas caused by corrosion or by different types of defects or cracks. This allows planning and prosecuting a localized repair within acceptable safety margins.