Dispute Resolution

Weld Failures in a High Pressure High Temperature Hot Water Pipeline

Contact: John McCullough

Type of Project
Mechanical
Welding and Metallurgy
Forensic

Outline of Project
A public body owned a pipeline conveying water at 180°C and 13 bar gauge in which the welds began to fail progressively. A court action was raised against the installers of the pipeline.

A senior member of Cadogan's staff was appointed as expert witness for the claimant.

The work included visual inspections, radiography, metallurgical examination, liaison with an expert on fracture mechanics, design checking and assessment of operation and maintenance. The welds were diagnosed as failing from stress-corrosion cracking. The stress levels in the welds were so high as to render a normally benign environment corrosive. Reports were written and submitted and the case settled in favour of the claimant before trial.

Cadogan Consultants was commissioned as Consulting Engineer for the replacement pipeline.

key skills used by cadogan consultants

• Engineering Analysis
• Welding and metallurgy
• Knowledge of design, operation and maintenance
• Report writing
• Assisting legal team