Offshore staff
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The American Petroleum Institute has contracted DNV GL to perform full-scale S-N fatigue testing of large diameter bolts, the goal being to improve fatigue assessments of critical bolted connections, particularly in subsea applications.
Testing will take place at DNV GL’s laboratories in Columbus and Norway, which can test up to capacities of 7,500 kN.
Both labs are also said to have relevant specialists in the fatigue of subsea equipment, bolting connections, cathodic protection, and instrumented tests.
The tests, due to be completed by late 2019, will be instrumented to record the number of cycles, stresses, strains, current, pH and oxygen level.
Results will be shared on DNV GL’s digital platform Veracity throughout the program. This is said to provide a secure method of sharing key findings and test images, and for logging data with the API project team so they can monitor tests and perform independent analyses.
Frank Ketelaars, regional manager Americas, DNV GL - Oil & Gas said: “The type of fasteners tested are used in critical subsea applications and are often exposed to fatigue loads combined with high pressures and temperatures.
“Enhanced knowledge of fatigue performance will enable cost effective designs ensuring safe operations of this critical equipment.”
12/11/2018
