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Design/Specification of FCC Replacement Parts and Upgrades

Overview Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) units were first developed in the 1930s. Over the years this technology has evolved and it is one of the most important processes used in refineries. The FCC units are used to convert high boiling point, high molecular weight hydrocarbon fractions of crude oils to gasoline, olefinic gases, and other products. […]

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Fatigue Evaluation of Welded Joints

In welded structures, fatigue failures typically occur at the welded joints. Stress concentrations and small flaws in the welds are key parameters in determining the fatigue life of weldments. Traditionally, fatigue analysis of welded joints has been performed by attempting to determine the peak stress at the welded joint and then entering an appropriate “S-N curve” to estimate […]

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Fitness-for-Service of Damaged Buried Pipe — What Code Case N-806 Is and Is Not

This article outlines the procedure to evaluate the fitness-for-service of corroded buried pipe, and explains what CC N-806 covers … and what it does not cover. What are the Damage Mechanisms in Metallic Buried Pipe? The inspection of a buried metallic pipe, after years of service, can reveal that the pipe has little if any […]

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An Integrated Approach to Limit the Effects of Water Hammer on Piping Systems

This article describes an integrated study of thermal-hydraulic and structural loading of bounding piping systems, to establish an operating envelope, screening criteria, and rules of good design practice to protect piping systems from damage caused by valve closure water hammer.  Introduction In many cases of operation or flushing of piping system, it is necessary to […]

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Shaft Fatigue Failures – Part I

Many years ago when I first started my career in a rotating equipment maintenance organization, I was spending the day with a senior metallurgist, which was part of my orientation process as a new technical employee.  He was well known to not have the best “bedside manner” and it was clear he was not thrilled […]

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Shaft Fatigue Failures – Part II

Note:  This blog is a continuation from the previous article from Becht Engineering, “Shaft Fatigue Failures – Part I”.  It is suggested that the reader review “Shaft Fatigue Failures – Part I” before proceeding with this article.  Click Here to view Part I. Before getting into the calculation methods, first a quick refresher on high […]

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State Approval of Used or Relocated Pressure Vessels

Achieving “State Special” designation for a pressure vessel can require a fair amount of effort in documentation development.   This process is warranted – for example – when a company wants to move a pressure vessel from one facility for operation in a facility located in another state, or when they purchase a used vessel located […]

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