This paper identifies several common pitfalls that operators must avoid when assessing seam-weld integrity or implementing an effective seam-weld integrity management plan (IMP). The lessons learned presented in this paper will educate operators on how to employ best practices when managing seam-weld integrity. The common seam-weld assessment pitfalls addressed in this paper are: 1. Conducting an analysis without fully understanding the quality of the inspection data. This challenge can be addressed by developing a statistical correlation between inline inspection (ILI) results and in-the-ditch non-destructive evaluation (NDE) results to validate tool performance. 2. The misapplication or selection of an inappropriate crack stability model. This paper will discuss the applicability of different models and how certain inputs such as fracture toughness must be handled depending on the crack stability model used. 3. Inaccurate flaw growth predictions using interpolation based on pressure versus time history. This paper presents an improved methodology for interpolating pressure data which corrects this issue. The information presented in this paper is intended to educate operators on areas for improvement. Operators should be mindful of these lessons learned and ensure that their current approach for maintaining seam-weld integrity takes this information into account.
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