COURSE OVERVIEW:

The meaning of Fitness-for-Service (FFS) within the pipeline industry is the quantitative engineering evaluation performed to demonstrate the structural integrity of an in-service component that contains a flaw or damage. This course focuses on the application of API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 standards to pipelines originally designed under ASME B31.4 or B31.8 codes. By applying these multi-level assessment techniques, operators can move beyond conservative design-based rejection criteria to a more sophisticated, risk-based approach that determines if an asset can continue to operate safely at current or reduced pressures.

The scope of this training involves the detailed study of various damage modes, including brittle fracture, general and local metal loss, pitting, and geometric distortions. Participants will be guided through the three levels of assessment: from the simple Level 1 screening used by field inspectors to the advanced Level 3 finite element analysis used by specialist engineers. The course provides a rigorous mathematical and physical foundation for calculating the Remaining Strength Factor (RSF) and the Failure Pressure Ratio (FPR), ensuring that decisions regarding the future of a pipeline are based on sound engineering data.

The coverage of the course includes twelve comprehensive modules that detail the step-by-step logic of an FFS evaluation. The curriculum addresses the specific requirements for data collection, including NDT accuracy and material property verification. Special sections are dedicated to the assessment of crack-like flaws using Failure Assessment Diagrams (FAD) and the evaluation of fire damage or creep in high-temperature piping. The course concludes with a focus on the integration of FFS results into an overall Integrity Management Plan, providing a clear pathway for "Run-Repair-Replace" decision making.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

• Define the relationship between construction codes and post-construction FFS standards.
• Execute Level 1 and Level 2 assessments for uniform and localized metal loss.
• Apply the concept of the Remaining Strength Factor (RSF) to piping components.
• Calculate the Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP) for degraded sections.
• Evaluate the impact of pitting clusters on the integrity of high-pressure lines.
• Assess the risk of brittle fracture for vintage pipelines in cold climates.
• Utilize the Failure Assessment Diagram (FAD) to evaluate crack-like flaws.
• Analyze the severity of geometric distortions, including bulges and out-of-roundness.
• Determine the remaining life of assets subjected to fatigue and cyclic loading.
• Interpret the results of advanced stress analysis and finite element models.
• Formulate technically sound repair recommendations based on FFS outcomes.
• Document FFS assessments to meet regulatory and insurance audit requirements.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is designed for Pipeline Integrity Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Pressure Vessel Inspectors, Plant Reliability Specialists, and Maintenance Managers responsible for asset life extension.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximize the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.