There are many reasons cranes fall down. One of the most common causes is ground support failure. Let’s take a closer look at ground failure and discuss what steps we can take to prevent this unnecessary misfortune. Cranes are rated by stability and structural competence. By law, crane manufacturers have to designate the limiting […]
Buried steel pipe is prone to pitting due to external (soil-side) corrosion and internal (water-side) corrosion and biofouling. Preventive and mitigative measures include periodic inspection, cleaning, chemical and biocide treatments, and repairs. A cost-effective alternative consists in replacing the buried steel pipe with a non-metallic pipe, in particular high density polyethylene (HDPE). This alternative, widely […]
Successful organizations have embraced a philosophy of multi-level management for decades; it is embedded within all their processes. Have you ever considered how those leading organizations have applied the same concept to Safety? Within the corporate community, it’s a known fact that the more effectively processes and procedures are implemented throughout that organization, the better […]
CFD was used to confirm that poor design of the steam inlet nozzle was the main contributor to deaerator head to shell weld cracking, and confirmed proposed design improvements. This recent Becht project illustrates one of the causes of deaerator cracking. A through-wall crack had been found at the head-to-shell junction at the steam inlet […]
In the US and throughout much of the world, pressure equipment for oil refining services is designed according to ASME Codes (possibly augmented by API standards) and the integrity is assured by performing periodic inspection and maintenance according to equipment strategies, which often are developed in accordance with and guidance from API recommended practices and […]
Coke drums used in the delayed coking process have historically been subjected to severe operating conditions which result in numerous mechanical problems. The Coke Drum is far from your typical pressure vessel. However, the industry standard foundation, shimming, grouting and anchor bolt design continue to be identical to a typical pressure vessel. There is a […]
