Introduction to vintage and modern
Line Pipe, Metallurgy, and Manufacturing
for Integrity Engineers
Instructor: David Futch
October 26-27, 2022 | Online

This new course provides an understanding of pipeline materials, stresses, and geometries, how these and other factors impact NDE and ILI data, and in turn how to optimize data quality from inspections to improve the accuracy of assessments. Issues such as coincident defects, repeat inspections and confidence levels are given particular attention. This course will be especially helpful in performing the engineering critical assessments mandated by the PHMSA mega-rule.

Course Description and Learning Objectives

Individuals will learn how materials properties, processing, and performance ties together with manufacturing of pipeline steel. Individuals will learn the basics of steel microstructure, how that microstructure varies based on processing, and how these fundamentals are used when manufacturing steel pipe, both vintage and modern. Individuals will gain an additional perspective regarding how pipeline material has evolved over the years.

Course Outline

1. Introduction to Steel Metallurgy:
1. Ferrite, Pearlite, Martensite, etc.
2. Influence of thermal cycles on microstructure
3. Influence of microstructure on material properties
2. Introduction to Mechanical Testing:
1. Which properties are important and why?
2. Strength
3. Hardness
4. Toughness
3. Line Pipe Steel Manufacturing:
1. Ingot vs continuous casting
2. Processing and its effect on microstructure/properties
3. Influence of chemistry
4. Pipe Types and Flaws Present during Manufacturing:
1. Vintage Pipe Material: Lap Welded and Furnace Butt Welded
2. Autogenous Welded Pipe: Flash Welded, Electric Resistance Welded
1. Discussion on LF-ERW vs HF-ERW and influence on integrity
3. Arc Welded Pipe: Longitudinal and Helical Submerged Arc Welded Pipe
4. Seamless Pipe
5. Welding of Line Pipe Steel:
1. Weld metal selection and welding process overview
2. Introduction to heat input
3. Formation of heat affected zone and its influence on properties

Continuing Education Units

Upon completion of the course, participants will be eligible to receive .8 Continuing Education Units.