(203a) Synopsis of Risk Assessment and Analysis Techniques for Brittle Fracture and Current Vulnerabilities

Olefins production facilities have significant risk for failure due to brittle fracture. Various techniques are available for risk assessment and analysis of brittle fracture. Different analysis techniques are covered in codes API 579 Part 3 and 9, ASME Sec VIII Div 1 and ASME B31.1. Owner-users and contractors have devised various techniques for risk assessment and MI programs that address brittle fracture concerns. This paper seeks to summarize the assessment methods, focusing on the risk of carbon steel materials, such as SA-212B.

In addition to discussing the approaches used for evaluating the risk for brittle fracture, this paper seeks to highlight current shortfalls in assessment methodologies and techniques and how they affect implementation of MI programs for brittle fracture. Examples of where these obstacles have arisen in implementing an MI program focused on brittle fracture will also be discussed.