Oil & Gas Engineering Services for Reliable Energy Operations

Pipe-support lift-off occurs when thermal expansion or dynamic loading causes the supports to lose contact, resulting in overstress in other areas. At Ideametrics, we model supports realistically in CAESAR II and ANSYS, evaluating multiple operating scenarios using piping stress analysis. This ensures compliance with ASME B31.3 while preventing hidden overstress.

Yes. API-579 / ASME FFS-1 provides structured evaluations (Level 1–3) to determine if a damaged or corroded vessel can continue in service safely. An FFS study can help avoid premature replacement and guide rerating. Ideametrics delivers complete FFS assessments with rerating support for pressure vessels and piping systems.

A negative Remaining Strength Factor indicates the component cannot safely withstand design conditions. At Ideametrics, we conduct detailed Level 2/3 assessments, incorporating finite element analysis and local stress evaluation, to provide actionable repair or rerating options in accordance with API-579 guidelines.

At high pressures, code compliance is critical. Per ASME B31.3/B31.4, butt-welded joints with full penetration and qualified weld procedures are required. Threaded and slip-on joints are prohibited in most high-pressure services. Ideametrics reviews joint selection for safety and compliance in high-pressure pipelines and subsea systems.

FFS evaluations determine whether components with corrosion, cracks, or thinning can safely remain in service. By quantifying safety margins and suggesting rerating, they often extend vessel or pipeline life by 5–10 years, reducing CAPEX. Ideametrics applies API-579 methods, supported by advanced FEA, for enhanced accuracy.

Pipeline design involves stress analysis, route selection, material checks, wall thickness calculations, and dynamic simulations to ensure optimal performance and safety. Codes such as B31.4 and B31.8 define the requirements. Ideametrics offers comprehensive pipeline design services, encompassing CFD flow studies, flexibility analysis, and construction support.

Structural systems must be able to handle static, dynamic, seismic, wind, and fatigue loads. Offshore platforms demand fatigue life assessments; refineries require robust pipe racks and foundations. Ideametrics uses STAAD and ANSYS to design, validate, and optimize critical oil & gas structures, ensuring global compliance.

PSVs venting to flare or atmosphere can create large reaction loads that overstress discharge piping. At Ideametrics, we calculate PSV reaction forces, perform dynamic stress analysis, and redesign supports or layouts to eliminate failure risks.

When done correctly, FEA provides highly accurate stress evaluations and complements code-based methods. At Ideametrics, we combine analytical B31.3 calculations with detailed FEA simulations to validate compliance while accounting for complex geometries and load cases.

RCA identifies the true cause of equipment failures, whether due to design flaws, corrosion, fatigue, or operational issues. Ideametrics combines RCA with FEA/CFD simulations and metallurgical inspections to provide actionable solutions that prevent costly repeat failures.