The FEA analysis executed to guarantee the stability of a Sour Condensate Flash Drum under PWHT (Post Weld Heat Treatment) conditions is examined in this case study. Validating the drum’s design against important industry standards including ASME Sec VIII Div. 1 and 2, ASME Sec II Part D, and 32-SAMSS-004 was the main goal of this investigation. In order to guarantee structural integrity and compliance, buckling assessments and elastic-plastic stress analysis were important considerations.

# Introduction

An FEA was conducted to ensure the stability of a Sour Condensate Flash Drum under PWHT conditions, focusing on validating its design against industry standards, with a specific emphasis on elastic-plastic stress analysis and buckling considerations. Relevant design codes include ASME Sec VIII Div. 1 Ed. 2019, ASME ection II Part D Ed. 2019, and 32-SAMSS004_01 FEB 2018, while the analysis followed ASME Sec VIII Div. 2 Ed. 2019.

# Challenges

The Sour Condensate Flash Drum faces challenges in a sour service environment, demanding materials resistant to cracking. Post Weld Heat Treatment adds complexity, requiring a robust design analysis. Convergence under global and local criteria, compliance with elastic-plastic stress analysis, and resistance against buckling are crucial considerations.

# Solution

Material selection prioritized resilience to sour service conditions, and a thorough PWHT simulation ensured accurate predictions of the flash drum’s behavior. The Finite Element Analysis showcased convergence under applied loads for global and local criteria, confirming overall stability. Compliance with elasticplastic stress analysis indicated suitability for challenging conditions, and the design’s resistance against buckling aligned with ASME guidelines.

# Benefits

The FEA ensured structural integrity, meeting ASME standards for stress and buckling. Thorough material analysis minimized risks in sour service, while design adjustments enhanced safety and operational efficiency.