Technology Development and Joint Industry Projects

As part of IES’s dedication to applying advanced, practical knowledge to the solution of the most difficult engineering and asset integrity management problems, we often run into the limits of current industry knowledge and best practice. At that point, we are required to work beyond current industry capability and develop world leading knowledge and best practice. Our engineers have been successful in pushing the boundaries of many aspects of fixed equipment integrity, including developing:

• ASME PCC-2 Article 503 “Test Devices for Localized Pressure or Tightness Testing of Welded Repairs “
• Gasket seating surface inspection guidance contained within ASME PCC-1 Appendix D
• Bolted joint assembly bolt load selection and the effect of operational loading contained in ASME PCC-1 Appendix O, WRC 510, and WRC 538
• ASME VIII UG-44(b) [Code Case 2901] on external loads for pressure boundary bolted joints
• Hydraulic tensioner load-loss factors and joint assembly patterns, incorporated into ASME PCC-1 Appendix F and Appendix M.
• Flange hub dimension changes for ASME B16.5 and B16.47 standard flanges
• Justification of carbon steel outer tanks for large horizontal and vertical dual-wall LNG storage tanks (saving upwards of $1 million per tank)
• An industry leading method for measurement of assembly bolt loads, currently entering into commercialization (www.rt-bolt.com)
• Guidelines for the minimum NPT thread engagement before risk of catastrophic failure
• Elimination of piping vibration and small-bore offtake vibration, through redesign or the addition of external clamping/damping, enabling continued operation of the plant until replacement possible
• A library of Fitness-For-Service inspection verification blocks, designed to mimic the actual vessel configuration and flaws, increasing confidence in inspection results
• Industry adopted guidance on acceptable extents of corrosion for the components in a pressure boundary bolted joint, taking industry acceptance levels from 10% bolt diameter loss to >50% bolt diameter loss
• Failure analysis and development of solutions for the leakage of pressure seals on LNG loading arms, including the use of advanced 3D imaging
• Removal of material samples from a nuclear reactor, remotely through a NPS 2 (DN 50) nozzle for materials failure analysis.