Uniform Corrosion and Its Effect on Tubing Simulation Study

Abstract

The API Barlow and the Tri-axial equations cannot be applied to predict burst pressure in the case of pitting corrosion. The main reason for this is that these models are derived from continuum mechanics, but fracture mechanics is more relevant to pitting corrosion damage. However, up to this level of research, the author was unable to find any analytical documented model used to predict de-rating loading in pitting damage.

The simulation results show that the API models can only be applied in the case of uniform corrosion. In pitting corrosion, a FEM-based model presents a more trustworthy prediction of burst and collapse. Based on the findings of this research, the author believes that FEM modeling is very reliable for any types of damage.