Earthquake Resistant Design Code and Validation of Local Metal Loss Procedure Based on the Experimental Data Collected in Japan

Abstract

Fitness-For-Service (FFS) assessments are performed to evaluate the components damaged in service to determine whether it is possible to continue their use. FFS assessment codes were recently standardized, and they are being used in many companies in Europe and the United States. In Japan, the regulation permits the use of FFS codes in nuclear power stations, but not yet in petroleum and petrochemical industries. The PAJ/JPCA FFS task group that consists of the members of petroleum or petrochemical companies has been studying and investigating one of the FFS Codes, API579-1/ASME FFS-1 [1], in an attempt to include it in the high pressure gas safety law [2], which regulates the pressure equipment operating at pressures greater than 1 MPa. We have now completed the adaptation of the FFS code for Japan, and it is in the process of being assessed by the authorities. It is required that the code is modified slightly because Japanese authorities and people are particularly nervous to matters regarding earthquake safety. This paper focuses on cylindrical equipment regulated by the high-pressure gas safety law. The margin for earthquake load of the actual equipment is shown, and the local metal loss assessment procedure according to API579-1/ASME FFS-1 is verified by using experimental burst test data with pressure and/or bending stress in order to determine whether or not the FFS code provides a sufficient safety margin for safe operations in Japan.