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Statistical Analysis of Non-Destructive Examination Data

In 2008, Becht Engineering was awarded a project by the Materials Technology Institute (MTI) to develop an inspection guideline document and software tool for the collection and analysis of inspection data for piping, piping components and pressure vessels. Dr. Eileen Chant , as project manager, collaborated with Bob Sims of Becht, Dr. Mark Stone of […]

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HF Alkylation Capabilities

Becht has a team of HF Alky experts that have established and led the alkylation networks and licensing activities for companies like XOM, BP, P66, Shell, and UOP. Becht SMEs have worked in over 95% of the refineries in North America and many others internationally and bring an owner-operator perspective of safety, reliability, quality, cost, […]

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Repair of Pressure Equipment and Piping in Nuclear Power Plants- Navigating ASME XI Repairs with PCC-2 as a Roadmap

Download/View as PDF Summary – This article assists engineers in selecting ASME XI options for the repair of ASME III nuclear components. In summary, the repair options in ASME XI are dispersed throughout Section XI and Code Cases, while, in contrast, the ASME PCC-2 repair standard (for non-safety related components) lists repair options in a […]

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Importance of Codes and Standards for Process Safety

Compliance with the Process Safety Management rule, OSHA 1910.119, is a requirement for plants processing certain highly hazardous materials exceeding threshold quantities. The rule requires the owner to demonstrate all equipment has been purchased and installed in accordance with recognized industry standards. Maintenance practices must also be according to Recognized and Generally Accepted Good Engineering […]

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Environmentally-Assisted Fatigue (EAF) in Nuclear Power Plants

Before we tackle environmentally-assisted fatigue (EAF), what is fatigue? In ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Section III Division 1, Subsection NB (in short, ASME III NB) fatigue refers to the damage caused by systems and components as a result of cyclic loads. The qualification of the primary coolant system of light water reactors (ASME III […]

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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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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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Refrigerated Storage Tanks – Managing Operational Integrity

Refrigerated Liquefied Storage Tanks have been used for over 60 years in the industry. A significant number of these tanks store liquefied Propane and Butane, Ethylene and LNG and Ammonia. The stored fluids are at atmospheric pressures with temperatures which range from -45 F to -270 Failures of refrigerated tanks have been quite infrequent over […]

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Explosive Failure of Vessels

FAILURE MODE – When an explosion (either a subsonic deflagration, or a supersonic detonation) occurs in a metallic vessel, one of three things can happen: Case 1 – Containment: The vessel can contain the explosion, elastically as if nothing happened, or with plastic bulging. Case 2 – Rupture: The vessel can rupture, without ejecting fragments. […]

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Why Do Coke Drums Tilt Over Time?

Background Refinery coke drums experience fatigue induced issues which can be attributed to the coke drum operating cycle; rapidly heating the drum with hot coking feed, and, following the completion of coking process, rapidly quenching of the drum contents with water prior to cutting.  Rapid temperature changes as the drum transitions between steady state temperatures […]

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