Abstract:
To address excessive displacements and stress concentration in pipelines subjected to internal and external loads at pigging stations, it is essential to identify the causes of pipeline displacements and propose targeted control measures. A case study was conducted to manage the hidden hazards associated with pipeline displacements at a pigging station. The study employed the finite element method, pipeline stress and displacement monitoring techniques, and correlation analysis to assess stress, conduct dynamic monitoring, and analyze data from the pipeline sections adjacent to the pig launchers, considering factors such as temperature differences, transmission pressures, and soil constraints. The results indicate that the absence of effective mechanical isolation at the pipeline's station inlet and outlet, along with the temperature rise during the pressure test period, directly contributes to pig launcher displacements. Under current displacement conditions and extreme scenarios, the stress in the pipeline sections next to the pig launchers reached values of up to 74.15 MPa and 177.87 MPa, respectively. Additionally, the residual deformation from the pressure test period was found to influence the service performance of the pipeline. Based on these findings, a management strategy was developed, encompassing replacement using flexible materials, comprehensive monitoring, and dynamic control. Stress and displacement monitoring were conducted on the sections experiencing stress concentration. Further analysis of the monitoring data clarified the quantitative relationships between pipeline stress and transmission pressure at the pigging station, providing a reference for operational decision-making at in-service pigging stations.