MSE Colloquium: Doug Fairchild, Strain-Based Design Pipelines, a Challenge for Materials and Welding

Sr. Metallurgical and Welding Consultant, ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co.

All dates for this event occur in the past.

264 MacQuigg Labs
105 W. Woodruff Ave.
Columbus, OH 43210
United States

Abstract

Traditional pipeline design focuses on pressure containment (circumferential pipe properties); however, in some regions of the world, ground movements can subject pipelines to large longitudinal strains.  The term strain-based design (SBD) refers to pipelines for which the design loads and material performance are quantified in terms of longitudinal strain and the pipelines are designed to sustain a prescribed level of strain without rupture.  ExxonMobil has conducted a comprehensive program to characterize the tensile strain capacity of welded pipelines and to develop the necessary materials and welding technology for strain-based applications.   Design and materials engineering work has been conducted to enable SBD pipelines that can withstand longitudinal plastic strains of up to about 4%.  ExxonMobil has designed and/or installed 13 strain-based design pipelines ranging in grades from X60 to X80 and diameters 8" to 52".  This presentation will describe relevant materials and welding research and will highlight aspects of a SBD pipeline recently constructed in Papua New Guinea.

Bio

After obtaining his MS in Welding Eng. at OSU, Doug joined ExxonMobil in 1982, worked for 7 years, took a leave to obtain his PhD at OSU, and then returned to ExxonMobil.  He has worked primarily in R&D focusing on the areas of welding engineering, physical metallurgy, fracture mechanics, and failure analysis.  Doug has conducted extensive work in the area of high strength steels.  His work has applications to the design and fabrication of structures used for the exploration and production of oil and gas.  These structures include pipelines, offshore structures, ships, pressure vessels, and liquefied natural gas facilities.  His work on, and the naming of, local brittle zones provided the basis for the industry standard API RP2Z.  Doug’s work also includes the welding technology that was used to construct the world’s strongest pipeline, X120, in 2004.  Doug has produced about 70 publications and 10 patents.

 

fairchild_paupa_new_guinea.jpg