Numerical model of interaction of a mobile lift chain with a main gas pipeline pipe in the process of repair work

Abstract

The paper proposes an original design of a mobile lifting device for diagnosing and repairing support nodes of above-ground segments of gas pipelines without stopping gas transportation. When using such a device, the rollers of the lifting chain interact with the surface of the pipe, which can possibly cause additional stresses in the gas pipeline. At the first stage of studying this problem, a model of a typical gas pipeline overhead crossing for the Carpathian region was built and the maximum operating force that should be developed by the mobile lift during repair operations was determined. At the second stage, a finite-element model of the interaction of the mobile lift chain with the main gas pipeline pipe was built. The additional equivalent stresses arising from the contact of the rollers of the lifting chain with the pipe surface were estimated. Recommendations are given to ensure the safe operation of the gas pipeline when using a mobile lift for local lifting of the pipe above the support of above-ground segments of gas pipelines.