Analysis of the Cause of Gas Pipeline Burst in a Gas Production Plant

Abstract In order to reduce the failure of pipes, the macroscopic morphology, macroscopic crack, chemical composition, hardness, microstructure and so on were tested through the macroscopic analysis, physical and chemical property inspection, hydrogen-induced cracking test and sulfide stress cracking test. The SEM was used to analyze the microscopic cracks, fractures and element distribution at the failure site. The results show that the cracking zone of the failed pipe section has the characteristics of bulging deformation and thinning of wall thickness. The macroscopic fracture of the fracture is a typical 45° shear shape. The fracture was observed under the high magnification of scanning electron microscope and showed dimple morphology. The failure mode of the failed pipe segment is plastic fracture. The reason for the failure of this pipe is the special geographical location of this section of the pipeline, and the sudden increase of pipeline pressure after the well opening operation causes the water hammer phenomenon, which causes the local bulging of the pipe body, which further leads to burst failure.