Failure Analysis of Pipelines in the Oil and Gas Industry

Abstract

The term “failure” can be defined as the inability of a part or assembly to perform its intended function. Despite the significant technological advances, failure incidents frequently occur, thus, causing human and financial consequences. The failure analysis is a crucial engineering tool. It aims to avoid similar cases in the future, thereby preventing accidents, reducing economic losses due to stopping plant production and keeping the environment safe. Furthermore, the failure analysis contributes to redesign, solve manufacturing drawbacks, save money and time, and in some cases, prevents fatality and saves lives. Conversely, failures can also improve engineering practices; indeed, through analyzing failures and implementing preventive measures, significant advances have been obtained in the quality of products and systems. Moreover, a beneficial outcome of failure analysis has been improved codes and specifications governing materials, for instance, API, ASTM, and ASME. In the current chapter, the failure analysis methodology will be discussed in detail with practical examples to know how to perform analysis for any failure cases, particularly in the oil and gas industry.