Comparison of ASME and BS-EN Codes on Design by Analysis for Subsea Pipeline Components

Abstract

Design by Analysis (DBA) based on nonlinear finite element analysis provides an efficient method to design subsea pipeline components. This approach is widely used in oil and gas industry for subsea pipeline components design and pressure vessels. In contrast to linear analysis and stress linearization/categorization, the nonlinear finite element analysis approach provides a more accurate and efficient design route. The design codes encourage the use of the nonlinear analysis approach especially for components with complex geometry. In this paper, the Design by Analysis approach of ASME VIII D2 and BS-EN-13445-3 using nonlinear finite element method are compared and discussed. These two codes are widely used standards for design of pipeline components and pressure vessels. The philosophy of both codes is limit state involving load and resistance factors. In this paper, emphasis is given to component design in ultra-deep water condition and its significant effect on design during operational cyclic loads. For comparison purpose, a subsea inline Tee is designed to both codes and subsequently the design outcomes are compared and discussed.