Pipe Movement and its control

(Static and Dynamic)

• The scope of this video is to establish
necessary knowledge on the different types of
pipe movements, including normal and up-set
displacements.
• This video also provides guidance for
identifying the type of movement and
recommendations to mitigate these
movements.
 Thermal Movement
• Thermal movement is the expansion and
contraction of materials due to change in
temperature.
• Thermal movement varies considerably
between different piping materials.
 Thermal expansion not considered in
design could result in:
• Bowing-up or upheaval buckling of buried lines
• Snaking: Lateral displacement which creates an S
shape deformation in the pipe straight runs.
• High stresses in the piping system
• Interfering / hitting another pipe or structure
• Pipe falling-off support structure
• Damaging insulations
• Flange leakage
 Bowing-up of buried lines
• Causes:
It is the tendency of the line to relief stresses
caused by the thermal expansion aggravated with
inadequate sand cover over the line and bends.
This indicates that the force exerted by the sand
cover is not sufficient to provide full-restraining
of the pipe.
This phenomenon is common in light pipelines,
e.g., small diameter, gas, empty, etc.
 Method to repair
1. Place the line out of service and allow it to cool
down.
2. Inspect the line for any damages and defects.
3. Excavate up to 20m upstream and downstream
of the affected section.
4. Once the lines return to its original location,
back fill the line with compact sand for a
minimum cover of 6ft above the top of the line.
5. To prevent reoccurrence at other locations,
survey the line and increase the sand cover at
similar locations.