ASM were involved in various investigations where existing equipment needed to be modified, or where equipment did not meet the original design criteria after some time in operation. In these instances, structural integrity were assessed in accordance with API 579 Fitness-for-Service (FFS). The Code provides guidelines for taking non-linear geometry effects as well as elastic-plastic material behaviour into account, thus allowing the use of reduced design margins. These methods were used to assess Code compliance of heat exchanger and pressure vessel components. |