Finite-Element modeling of above ground wavy pipelines: Practical approach

This paper presents how finite-element analysis can be used as a tool to design aboveground wavy pipeline layouts in order to avoid any excessive lateral movements under normal operating conditions. The paper also presents some field measurements of a typical pipeline layout and outlines the remedial work required to avoid having the pipeline from falling off its supports. A sensitivity analysis on the factors that affect the pipeline structural integrity was conducted using finite-element modeling. The effects of operating pressure, temperature, pipe diameter and wall thickness, pipeline wavelength, friction between the pipes and their supports, as well as support spacing on the pipeline lateral movements have been studied. It was found that the maximum pipeline lateral movement increases as the operating pressure, temperature, pipeline wavelength, and support spacing increase; whereas it decreases as the pipe diameter and wall thickness, friction coefficient and pipeline offset angle increase. The finite-element results also indicated possible pipeline layouts that cause excessive pipeline lateral movements to fall off their supports. In addition, a developed artificial neural network model showed that the offset angle contributes significantly (≈51%) to the pipeline lateral movement and reduces it by 10 times for an offset angle of 10° as compared to a straight pipeline layout.