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Non-Metallic Component Fitness-for-Service Assessment Event

Thu, 02 September, 2021

The NIC is holding a webinar on 6 October 2021 to explore some of the features of existing fitness-for-service (FFS) techniques for metallic components. The event will investigate where there is potential for application to non-metallic components.

In addition, the webinar will outline future work programmes that will be required to adequately characterise non-metallic material resistances and damage driving forces, such that rigorous FFS methodologies may be applied to permit continued operation of damaged non-metallic components.

There are currently no globally-accepted FFS procedures for non-metallic components. As the oil and gas industry increasingly looks towards exploration and production from unconventional resources, so new material solutions have been sought for corrosion protection in demanding environments. For instance, reinforced thermoplastic polymer pipes have been gaining support as a reliable alternative to traditional carbon steel pipes.

Conventional metallic components have validated FFS procedures under a range of standards and codes in order to assess fabrication and in-service defects including corrosion damage, cracks, lack of fusion, fatigue damage, misalignment, or other shape defects (perhaps as a result of mechanical damage). An FFS assessment can be used to evaluate the remaining life of the component using an understanding of operating history, materials properties, and defect morphology to determine whether a component can safely serve beyond design life, perhaps with modified operating conditions.

You can find out more and register for this event here.