ID Drift (of pipe)

ID Drift: A Critical Consideration in Oil & Gas Pipelines

In the oil and gas industry, the term "ID Drift" refers to the phenomenon where the inner diameter (ID) of a pipe gradually increases over time. This increase can be caused by various factors, including:

Erosion: The flow of fluids, particularly those containing abrasive particles, can wear away the inner surface of the pipe, leading to a larger ID.
Corrosion: Chemical reactions between the pipe material and the fluids being transported can also erode the inner surface, expanding the ID.
Mechanical damage: External forces, such as vibrations or impacts, can cause dents or deformities in the pipe, ultimately increasing the ID.

Why is ID Drift a concern?

ID Drift can significantly impact the performance and safety of pipelines. Here's how:

Reduced flow capacity: As the ID increases, the pipe's cross-sectional area decreases, leading to reduced flow capacity. This can negatively impact production rates and efficiency.
Increased pressure drop: The reduced cross-section also results in increased pressure drop, requiring higher pumping pressures to maintain flow. This increases energy consumption and operational costs.
Potential for leaks: If ID Drift is severe enough, the pipe wall can become thin and weak, increasing the risk of leaks and potential environmental damage.

OD of the drift that will pass through the tube:

The outer diameter (OD) of the drift that can pass through a tube is directly related to the original ID of the tube. The drift's OD should be slightly smaller than the original ID to ensure a snug fit and prevent excessive wear on the tube's inner surface.

For example: If a tube has an ID of 4 inches, a drift with an OD of 3.9 inches would be a suitable choice.

Managing ID Drift:

Materials selection: Choosing corrosion-resistant materials and employing protective coatings can minimize the impact of corrosion.
Regular inspection: Frequent inspections using tools like ultrasonic thickness gauges help monitor ID Drift and identify potential problems early.
Flow optimization: Adjusting flow rates and minimizing the presence of abrasive particles can reduce erosion.
Remediation: In cases of significant ID Drift, repair or replacement of the affected pipe sections may be necessary.

By understanding the causes, impacts, and management strategies for ID Drift, oil and gas companies can ensure the efficient and safe operation of their pipelines, minimizing operational costs and environmental risks.

Test Your Knowledge

ID Drift Quiz:

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is ID Drift? a) The gradual decrease in the inner diameter of a pipe. b) The gradual increase in the inner diameter of a pipe. c) The change in the outer diameter of a pipe. d) The change in the length of a pipe.

Answer

b) The gradual increase in the inner diameter of a pipe.

2. Which of the following is NOT a cause of ID Drift? a) Erosion b) Corrosion c) Mechanical damage d) Temperature fluctuations

Answer

d) Temperature fluctuations

3. What is a significant consequence of ID Drift? a) Increased flow capacity b) Reduced pressure drop c) Potential for leaks d) Improved efficiency

Answer

c) Potential for leaks

4. How can ID Drift be managed? a) Using only steel pipes b) Ignoring the problem c) Regular inspections and maintenance d) Increasing flow rates

Answer

c) Regular inspections and maintenance

5. What is the relationship between a drift's OD and a tube's ID? a) The drift's OD should be larger than the tube's ID. b) The drift's OD should be smaller than the tube's ID. c) The drift's OD should be equal to the tube's ID. d) There is no relationship between the two.

Answer

b) The drift's OD should be smaller than the tube's ID.

ID Drift Exercise:

Scenario: A pipeline with an original ID of 6 inches is experiencing ID Drift. After a period of operation, the ID has increased to 6.2 inches.

Task:

Calculate the percentage increase in the ID.
Explain how this increase in ID might affect the flow capacity of the pipeline.
What potential risks are associated with this level of ID Drift?
Suggest at least two steps that could be taken to address this issue.

Exercice Correction

**1. Percentage Increase in ID:**

Original ID: 6 inches

Current ID: 6.2 inches

Increase in ID: 6.2 - 6 = 0.2 inches

Percentage Increase: (0.2 / 6) * 100 = 3.33%

**2. Impact on Flow Capacity:**

The increase in ID leads to a decrease in the cross-sectional area of the pipe, reducing its flow capacity. This means that less fluid can pass through the pipe at a given pressure and velocity.

**3. Potential Risks:**

- Increased pressure drop, leading to higher energy consumption.

- Thinning of the pipe wall, increasing the risk of leaks and potential environmental damage.

- Reduced production rates and efficiency.

**4. Addressing the Issue:**

- **Regular inspections:** Implement a program for regular inspections using tools like ultrasonic thickness gauges to monitor the ID Drift and identify potential problems early.

- **Flow optimization:** Adjust flow rates and minimize the presence of abrasive particles in the pipeline to reduce erosion and minimize further ID Drift.

- Depending on the severity of the ID Drift, repair or replacement of the affected pipe sections may be necessary.

Books

Pipeline Integrity Management: A Practical Guide by David A. Hill, Kevin C. Focke, and Paul D. Roberts (This book covers various aspects of pipeline integrity, including corrosion and erosion, which are key factors in ID Drift.)
Pipelines and Pipelining: Design, Construction, Operation and Maintenance by E.S. Pipes (This comprehensive book discusses pipeline design, construction, and maintenance, providing insights into factors that contribute to ID Drift.)
Corrosion Engineering by Dennis R. Croft (A classic textbook on corrosion, covering different types of corrosion and their impact on pipelines. This provides a foundation for understanding how corrosion contributes to ID Drift.)

Articles

"Internal Corrosion in Oil and Gas Pipelines: A Review" by N.K. Rastogi and R.K. Singhal (This article provides a comprehensive overview of internal corrosion mechanisms and their impact on pipeline integrity.)
"Erosion-Corrosion in Pipelines: Mechanisms, Mitigation Strategies, and Case Studies" by A.K. Singh (This article delves into the complex phenomenon of erosion-corrosion, a significant contributor to ID Drift in pipelines.)
"Pipeline Integrity Management: A Case Study of ID Drift" by M.J. Smith and J.D. Brown (This case study explores a specific instance of ID Drift and its impact on pipeline performance, highlighting management strategies employed.)

Online Resources

American Petroleum Institute (API): The API provides numerous resources on pipeline integrity management, including standards, guidelines, and technical reports related to ID Drift.
National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE): NACE offers resources on corrosion and its impact on pipelines, including publications, training materials, and case studies.
Pipeline Safety Trust: This non-profit organization provides information on pipeline safety and regulation, including resources related to ID Drift and its impact on pipeline integrity.

Search Tips

Use specific keywords: When searching, use keywords like "ID drift," "pipeline erosion," "pipeline corrosion," "pipeline integrity," and "pipeline maintenance."
Combine keywords: Combine keywords for specific topics, such as "ID drift + pipeline inspection" or "ID drift + flow optimization."
Include industry terms: Use industry-specific terms like "API 5L," "ISO 15800," and "API 1163" to refine your search results.
Explore academic databases: Use databases like Google Scholar, JSTOR, and ScienceDirect to find peer-reviewed research articles on ID Drift in pipelines.