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thermal expansion in piping due to solar radiation

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mohd

Mechanical
Jan 3, 2001
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hello:
Thermal loading of fluid in a circular pipe due to solar heating would result in excessive temperature rise in the fluid and pipe wall. Although the thermal expansion of pipe tolerates some fraction of pressure build up inside the pipe due to fluid thermal expansion, usually, fluid expansion becomes more than the pipe wall expansion. In this case, the fluid pressure inside the pipe rises, which in turn causes excessive mechanical stresses acting on the pipe wall. For a case when stress levels higher than the yielding strength of the pipe, a fracture occurs in a pipe wall. This problem can occur in oil pipelines when the flow in the pipe is blocked and the pipe is exposed to a solar radiation. Consequently and from safety point of view, investigation into pressure build up in a pipe due to fluid thermal expansion becomes necessary.
could you please add on that, any ideaes, any good and/or recent(new)sources on the subject,
i know that there are some softwares already developed on this regard, anyone know a good one with explinatory files?
i would appraciate any help offered.
thx alot
m&a
 
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API 520/521 deals with this subject.

A worst case assumption for relief load could be based on max. solar radiation (W/m2) and no cooling assuming that the exposed surface is eq. to 1/2 pipe outer area.

Best Regards

Morten
 
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