Finite element modeling and experimental validation of rectangular pin buckle arrestors for offshore pipelines

Abstract

Offshore pipelines used for transportation of hydrocarbons in the oil industry are subjected to external pressure, internal pressure to ensure flow, temperature and axial compression which causes buckling. Finite element modeling was performed, and experiments were conducted on pipeline models made of stainless steel of grade SS304. Present research work focuses on the improvement in buckling strength of offshore pipelines stiffened with rectangular pin buckle arrestor along the length of a pipeline using finite element analysis and their experimental validation. The results of finite element analysis showed that an offshore pipeline model without buckle arrestors has a buckling load of 4.69 kN whereas offshore pipeline stiffened with buckle arrestors of length 1000 mm along the length of a pipeline resulted in maximum buckling load of 14.075 kN. Accordingly, pipeline models were fabricated for conducting experiments. Comparison of finite element analysis results and experimental outcomes showed that the efficiency of buckle arrestor increased significantly by incorporating buckle arrestor along the length of a pipeline. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.