American Petroleum Institute (API) awards bolt fatigue testing program contract to DNV GL

Columbus, Ohio, 11 December 2018: The American Petroleum Institute has awarded a contract to DNV GL, the technical advisor to the oil and gas industry, for the full-scale S-N* fatigue testing of large diameter bolts. The objective of the program is to improve fatigue assessments of critical bolted connections particularly in subsea applications by generating new test data.

• API aim to improve fatigue assessment of critical bolted connections
• Testing will utilize two of DNV GL’s global laboratory network in USA and Norway
• Test data will be available via Veracity, DNV GL’s industry data platform 
• Enhanced knowledge of fatigue performance will enable cost effective designs ensuring safe operations of critical equipment.

This testing will take place within DNV GL’s global laboratory network involving its sites in Columbus, OH and Norway, which provide extensive corrosion expertise and the ability to test up to capacities of 7500 kN. These laboratories have key subject matter experts in the areas of fatigue of subsea equipment, bolting connections, cathodic protection and instrumented tests.  

The program will be performed in a strictly controlled environment. The tests will be highly instrumented to record the number of cycles, stresses, strains, current, pH and oxygen level. The testing is scheduled to be completed by late 2019. 

The new test data will be shared on DNV GL’s digital platform Veracity throughout the program. Veracity provides a secure platform for sharing not only key findings and test images, but all logging data with the API project team so they can monitor tests and carry out independent analyses. 

“The safety of our operations is priority number one in our industry. Our standards, technical and certification programs are part of the many ways we help industry and companies achieve quality management and safety goals. Through research and testing such as the work that DNV GL will complete, we contribute to a culture of safety, innovation and continuous improvement in the natural gas and oil industry,” said Debra Phillips, vice president of API Global Industry Services.  

Frank Ketelaars, Regional manager Americas, DNV GL - Oil & Gas stated “It is encouraging to see API taking a leading role in enhancing industry safety. The type of fasteners tested are used in critical subsea applications and are often exposed to fatigue loads combined with high pressures and temperatures. Enhanced knowledge of fatigue performance will enable cost effective designs ensuring safe operations of this critical equipment.” 

*S-N Fatigue testing is the graphical presentation of the dependence of fatigue life (N) on fatigue strength (S) 

About DNV GL 

DNV GL is a global quality assurance and risk management company. Driven by our purpose of safeguarding life, property and the environment, we enable our customers to advance the safety and sustainability of their business. Operating in more than 100 countries, our professionals are dedicated to helping customers in the maritime, oil and gas, power and renewables and other industries to make the world safer, smarter and greener. 

As the technical advisor to the oil and gas industry, we bring a broader view to complex business and technology risks in global and local markets. Providing a neutral ground for industry cooperation, we create and share knowledge with our customers, setting standards for technology development and implementation. From project initiation to decommissioning, our independent experts enable companies to make the right choices. 

DNV GL is well experienced with fatigue testing and calculations as well as fracture mechanics and is the owner of the recommended practice Fatigue design of offshore steel structures, DNVGL-RP-C203,widely used by the offshore industry for selecting of S-N curves. 

About Veracity 

Veracity is designed to help companies unlock, qualify, combine and prepare data for analytics and benchmarking. Veracity will give you access to industrial applications and data analytics services that can help you make better use of your data to optimize your operations. Here you can combine your own data with other data sets available for purchase or subscription, to create new insights or solutions. https://www.veracity.com/  

About American Petroleum Institute

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the natural gas and oil industry, which supports 10.3 million U.S. jobs and nearly 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 600 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 47 million Americans.