INSPECTIONS – FFS of Pipelines

1. Metal Loss
The majority of the FFS assessments we complete are for metal loss defects in pipelines. Assessments will
determine the impact of all reported metal loss on the immediate and future integrity of the pipeline.
Assessments are frequently combined with our CGApro service to ensure a cost-effective but safe repair
plan for corrosion defects. The assessment can be completed using a variety of methods (API 579, DNVGL-
RP-F101, ASME B31G among them) and can account for local regulations (for example US DOT). The
underlying causes of any defects will be analyzed with input from our own experts in corrosion, materials,
welding and integrity, and a clear set of mitigation actions will be provided to stop or deter defect growth and
initiation. A repair plan and a recommendation for ILI re-inspections will also be provided.

2. Dents
By combining a number of assessment codes, ROSEN has developed an initial screening assessment for
dents, which accounts for depth, weld and defect interaction. Top-of-line (TOL) dents will also be identified
and cross-referenced with previous data sets to ensure they are not a product of recent third-party damage.
If dents fail an initial screening check, then a detailed surface strain assessment can be completed to check
for potential cracking. Close collaboration with ILI data evaluators and a thorough understanding of ILI tool
behavior ensure that any spurious data points and false strain indications can be removed.

The remaining fatigue life of the dents will be determined through the EPRG screening method, and, if
needed, our FE-DAT program, which has been developed and proven in collaboration with Stress
Engineering Services, can be utilized to generate stress concentration factors (SCF) for a less conservative
assessment using S-N curves. Critical dents will be identified and their contribution to remaining life
calculated, allowing for the generation of a repair plan.

3. Free Spans
It is a widely accepted good practice to evaluate unsupported sections of pipe or “freespans” to confirm that
they will not be adversely affected by vortex-induced vibration and that they will not generate unacceptable
bending stresses due to excessive length.

ROSEN offers three levels of freespan assessment, all in accordance with the state-of-the-art industry
guidance given in DNVGL RP-F105, starting with a simple screening assessment to a more thorough FEA-
based. The level I screening assessment includes a check for local buckling and a basic fatigue assessment
considering both in-line and cross flow natural frequencies. Maximum allowable freespan lengths will be
developed, allowing for clients to gauge the need for freespan assessments following future ROV surveys.

A level II detailed assessment can be conducted for spans which fail the level I assessment, with software
applied to an enhanced level of data to determine the acceptability of spans. A level III assessment
consisting of an FEA model to consider further details – like the effect of pipe-soil interaction – will be
conducted if spans fail the level II assessment. The FFS will determine the criticality of the freespans, and
an ROV interval survey will be provided for those spans subject to level II and III assessments.

4. Bending Strain
This assessment identifies the limit strain values for tensile fracture and compressive local buckling. Strains
calculated based on measured pipe curvature are compared to the limit values for acceptability. The
assessment can take account of any pipe body anomalies that have been identified on the pipeline within an
area of high bending strain (for example near areas of metal loss and girth weld anomalies). A more detailed
assessment can be conducted with an FEA model for individual sites to consider the impact of pipe/soil
 interaction and to predict the strain introduced by future movement. Specialist pipeline geotechnical experts
guide our clients through the bending strain assessment process.

5. Cracks
The results of ILI and in-field investigations will be consolidated and features assessed to determine their
impact on the immediate and future health of the pipeline. A range of assessment methods will be
considered (BS 7910, API 579, NG-18) and the most appropriate chosen – with client consultation. The
future integrity assessment will consider fatigue and environmental (i.e. SCC) growth mechanisms where
applicable. A summary of any associated activities – such as root cause analyses and metallurgical testing –
will be included with the results of the assessment to provide a comprehensive list of mitigation and repair
actions. We also provide comprehensive crack management within our crack management framework.