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The following is a partial list of cases we have worked on. See some of our other cases here.

Coke Oven BatteryBrake RotorNASA Space Telescope
Steam GeneratorAir TankNASA Space Shuttle Main Engines
Pollution Control EquipmentCompressorTurbine Shaft
DuctworkTank WeldsVessel Weld Overlay
Ore UnloaderHeat ExchangerBellows
Propane PumpLift HookProcess Vessel
Gas Well PipeConveyorHoist


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Coke Oven Battery Analysis
Analysis of coke oven battery FEA of coke oven battery FEA of oven wall
A comprehensive engineering analysis was performed on a coke oven battery roof and heating walls. Premature grouting of the roof was a major consideration in evaluating the structural integrity and projected life expectancy of the battery. O'Donnell Consulting (OCE) made extensive use of finite element engineering analysis to calculate temperatures, deflections, strains, and stresses using time-dependent creep analysis methods to evaluate the long term integrity of the roof and heating walls.

When in operation, coke oven batteries normally undergo time-dependent deformations, and creep, due to static and cyclic thermo-mechanical loads. Using finite element analysis methods, evaluations were carried out for a 25-year operating period. OCE performed analyses of the refractory material properties to determine input for engineering analysis. The boundary conditions are used to model the type and direction of constraints on the battery. Three dimensional, non-linear models were developed to quantify the stability of the heating walls and evaluate the wall stresses. These models were subjected to cyclic pressure and thermal loading conditions, due to charging. The effects of operating conditions on the as-built battery with construction imperfections were evaluated to determine the battery displacements and stresses vs. time. The finite element results showed that the battery oven walls would not deflect enough to induce instability. The construction imperfections had no meaningful effect on the structural integrity, robustness, or longevity of the battery. Such studies are quite useful in planning battery maintenance efforts.


Review of Replacement Steam Generator Analysis
O'Donnell Consulting performed a third party review of the Babcock & Wilcox (B&W) analyses of the head/divider plate/tubesheet/shell complex for the replacement steam generators that were being manufactured for Baltimore Gas & Electric. The review was performed, addressing the calculation of effective elastic and plastic material properties to be used in representing the perforated tubesheet as an equivalent of solid material, material instability strain computations for SB-18, a plastic collapse analysis of the head/divider plate/tubesheet/shell complex, predictions of the maximum divider plate strain under hydrotest conditions, an estimate of the maximum elastic stress intensity range for cyclic loading, and shakedown analysis.

In addition to the third party review of the B&W analysis, OCE performed efficient Primary Stress analyses of the BG&E steam generators for design and hydrostatic test conditions using elastic-plastic analyses. An independent finite element model was used to perform these analyses, which had more detail and a finer mesh density than the B&W models. The results showed that the design met the Primary Stress Allowables of the ASME Code, Section III, Subsection NB.


Pollution Control Equipment
Analysis of pollution equipment Analysis of pollution equipment
The growing need for efficient electric power generation led to the use of pulverized coal as a basic fuel for large steam generating units in the United States around 1920. The combustion of coal that has been pulverized to tiny particles results in the creation of even smaller ash particles, known as flyash particles. About 80 percent of these flyash particles are swept up by by the moving stream of combustion gas and carried out of the boiler. Such particles would be discharged from the chimney and create a major air pollution problem in the atmosphere, unless they are removed from the flue gas. Thus, an electrostatic precipitator was used to remove particulate matter (flyash) from the boiler flue gas prior to emission from the chimney. Electrostatic precipitators immediately achieved wide acceptance for the efficiency removal of flyash. For hot-side precipitator designs, ductwork designs included temperatures exceeding 700 F, which had to allow for "thermal breathing". When these movements are restrained, large forces are created, which can cause tearing, cracking and buckling of the steel. Sliding supports, expansion joints, and appropriate elevated temperature structural design practices are therefore used to avoid restraining thermal movements. O'Donnell Consulting performed structural and design life analyses of the electrostatic fly-ash precipitator system, determining errors in the design of the ductwork system.


Cracked Ductwork
Cracked ductwork Analysis of cracked ductwork
When reinforced ductwork failed shortly after being placed in service, O'Donnell Consulting performed an extensive failure analysis. The results determined that that the ductwork was overly-constrained. Thermal breathing and bending due to a thermal gradient that existed between the top and bottom surfaces were constrained, creating high thermal stresses. Finite element analyses (FEA) were used to quantify the fracture conditions. During expert testimony, O'Donnell used the finite element analysis results to explain how the ductwork failed - pioneering the application of FEA technology in litigation.


Ore Unloader
During the delivery of a shipment of resin, damage occurred to a storage tank at a production facility in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Damage to the tank was apparently the result of tank overpressurization. O'Donnell Consulting performed a failure analysis of the tank, and determined that overpressurization was due to a "blow-down" following the transfer of resin from transport tanks to the storage tank. O'Donnell also inspected the tank and made recommendations on how best to repair the vessel.


Propane Pump
A propane pump explosion killed one worker and injured three others at a central Ohio factory. The pump was being used to charge aerosol cans with propane propellant at high pressure. The accident occurred when gas leaked past the pistons in the pump. Originally, the pump was built with metal pistons that wore rapidly against the seals. They were replaced with ceramic seals. Designed to pump mud, the ceramic components eventually cracked and loose pieces fell away, causing a massive leak. After examining the crack pattern and characterizing the ceramic material, O'Donnell engineers theorized that the cracking was due to the sudden chilling of the outer ceramic surface. Finite element stress analysis and testing confirmed the opinion.


Gas Well Pipe
O'Donnell evaluated a pipe rupture resulting from a gas well accident in which a worker lost a leg at a plant, north of Pittsburgh. The injured well tender, whose leg was severed below the knee, was initiating a "post-fracking" procedure-blowback operation to release pressure in the capped well-at the time of the mishap. When the main valve was opened, the pipe ruptured due to water hammer. The pipe, set off center, broke loose and whipped around, striking the well tender. O'Donnell engineers, conducting the evaluation on behalf of the worker, found that the pipe did not fail because of faulty material or construction.




Tank Welds
FEA of weld FEA of weld
O'Donnell Consulting Engineers performed structural analysis on imperfect welds in an accumulator tank. Metallurgical evaluations were performed in addition to finite element analysis. OCE determined that the welds met Code Safety Margins, and were able to withstand the anticipated environmental and vibratory loading conditions.


Threaded Closure Failure
Analysis of a wellhead Analysis of a wellhead
O'Donnell Consulting Engineers investigated the cause of an accident due to a failed threaded closure on a wellhead. Through metallurgical evaluations, material testing, and engineering analysis, it was determined that the cast iron nut had failed due to fatigue.


Panel Coil
Failure of panelcoil components in a large sterilizer was investigated. A failure specimen was examined, and it was determined that the cracking was due to fatigue. This observation led to an investigation of the possibility of the failure being caused by vibration due to the rotating agitator. Bounding calculations indicated that the panels possessed natural frequencies between 8 and 100 Hz. The forcing frequency of the six-bladed agitator was 15 Hz and vibration was therefore identified as the most likely culprit. Concurrently, finite element dynamic methods were used to established a natural frequency to account for the immersion of the panel in water, the frequency was close to 15 Hz. The two independent analyses both demonstrated the failure was induced by fatigue. Locations were provided for panelcoils supports to eliminate the lower modes of vibration. O'Donnell personnel provided further guidance to assure the adequacy of welding processes and welding materials to achieve modifications that subsequently performed reliably in service.


Coolant Injection Plate
During a shutdown of the Kuosheng 1 plant, Taiwan, operation of the LPCI system for normal shutdown caused failure of an LPRM. Testing by G.E. in their (HF)2 facility duplicated the failure, which has been attributed to flow-induced vibration of the LPRM. G.E. devised a flow-deflector to prevent cross-flow from the LPCI across core components. This deflector had to be installed in Grand Gulf very quickly to avoid delay in fuel loading. In order to increase assurance that the design, construction, and installation of the deflector plate were proper, Mississippi Power & Light Company asked O'Donnell to review the problem and the proposed solution. O'Donnell analytically determined that the fatigue usage factor, pump-induced vibration, low-pressure injection system head loss, fluence at welds, and the diaphragm connection of the LPCI line to the shroud were adequate. Subsequent testing confirmed the adequacy.


Space Telescope
Hubble telescope FEA of Hubble telescope
O'Donnell Consulting Engineers evaluated the nature of vibratory conditions in the framework supporting the Hubble Space Telescope. Combined analyses and tests showed that conditions were due to second order shortening of the transverse bracing members not found by conventional computer analysis. The vibration problems were then solved using lateral restraints on the transverse members.


NASA Space Shuttle Main Engines
O'Donnell developed an analytical procedure for predicting thrust chamber life limited by the small number of firings. In an operating rocket thrust chamber the hot-gas-wall ligaments separating the coolant and combustion gas are subjected to pressure loading and severe thermal cycling. The resulting stresses cause plastic straining resulting in incremental bulging of the ligaments during each firing cycle. This mechanism of creep ratcheting was analyzed considering combined bending and membrane loading. The incremental permanent deflection and progressive thinning near the center of the ligaments was evaluated. Creep and tensile instability were identified as the limiting mode of failure. Results of these analyses compared favorably with available experimental data and allowed design changes which extended the design life.


Heat Exchanger Analysis
Heat exchanger analysis FEA of heat exchanger FEA of heat exchanger
O'Donnell Consulting performed an extensive engineering analyses of a high-temperature heat exchanger for NASA. The results showed that the cracks were caused by excessive cyclic thermal stresses, and a repair redesign was developed.


Maritime Mooring
Analysis of a mooring FEA of failed mooring
O'Donnell Consulting performed structural analyses of a barge mooring that had failed during a flood condition on the Monongehela River in Pittsburgh, PA. Engineering and finite element analyses showed that the bow and stern mooring lines were subjected to excessive loads as the river water levels increased, causing failure of the u-bolts and other structural elements of the mooring.


Boiler Tube Failure
Analysis of failed boiler tube FEA of failed boiler tube
O'Donnell Consulting performed an extensive failure analysis of a boiler tube. The results showed that the tube failed due to a combination of deposit buildup in the return bend, and excessive cyclic thermal stresses.


Turbine Exhauster
Failed turbine exhauster Failed bolt
O'Donnell Consulting investigated an accident involving a turbine exhauster, which is a high speed, three-stage centrifugal compressor, used to pump exhaust gases out of a coke oven battery. All three compressor stages are located on the same shaft and housed in the in a common casing. The third stage compressor suffered severe damage, and caused subsequent damage to the facility. O'Donnell performed finite element, engineering analysis, metallurgical, and material testing on the disk and blades. It was concluded that small flaws that had been detected earlier had not been correctly evaluated, and were growing to critical size during normal operating conditions. As the crack grew, the stresses in the disk increased - to the point of disk rupture.


Lift Hook
FEA of lift hook FEA of lift hook
O'Donnell Consulting investigated the failure of a lift hook. A Three dimensional finite element model consisting of over 75,000 elements and 120,00 nodes was constructed to evaluate the failure mode. The results determined that the hook failed by metal fatigue.


Large Diameter Ductwork
During operation of a ferro-silicon furnace in Washington State, a nine foot diameter duct failed. This duct carried exhaust from furnace stacks to a baghouse. It was made of one-half inch thick low alloy steel. The failures were predominantly located at the duct supports. Stress analysis and material evaluations showed that the cause of these failures was low cycle thermal fatigue. O'Donnell redesigned the ductwork and support system to reduce the amount of constraint on the duct. The rebuilt system has been operating successfully for many years. O'Donnell later evaluated the work of the original designer and the depositions of witnesses, and provided legal testimony, resulting in a $7.4 million verdict on behalf of the claimant.


Analysis of Turbine Shafts
O'Donnell Consulting performed the structural integrity and the remaining life assessment of the main shafts on a hydroelectric plant. Inspection of the main shaft had detected linear indications at the outer surfaces of the shaft. Elastic fracture mechanics analyses indicated that the existing cracks could propogate to unacceptable levels. A solution was then designed, analyzed, and performed to extend the life of the shaft.


Conveyor System
A West African bauxite company was awarded $16 million in a U.S. District Court after a tippler building sustained severe structural damage. Bauxite was dropped twenty-two feet from rail cars onto the conveyor of a crusher system in the tippler building. The conveyor system and concrete support beams were most seriously affected. O'Donnell engineers determined that the impact loading of the bauxite boulders weighing up to ten tons had been grossly underestimated in the design of the building. They concluded that the structure had been under-designed for the anticipated and applied loads.


Bellows
An engineer was seriously burned when a thirty-nine inch expansion joint ruptured while workman were performing temporary repairs at a Texas refinery. The ruptured bellows spilled hot catalyst from a fluidizer catalytic cracking unit on the deck which the engineer had to cross to reach safety. The plaintiff alleged that the selection of Type 321 stainless steel by the process designer was unsound, and led to the rupture. O'Donnell was retained to establish why the bellows failed. We found that the stainless steel had not been heat-treated properly during the making of the steel itself and it was sensitized during fabrication and made susceptible to corrosive attack.


Sprinkler Analysis
Analysis of a failed sprinkler Failed sprinkler Failed sprinkler
O'Donnell Consulting performed a failure analysis of a sprinkler pipe system. The investigation included structural analysis, metallurgy, and material testing. Although material thickness was suspect, it was concluded that the failure of the pipe was due to tensile overload.


Process Vessel
For a major food processing company, O'Donnell engineers analyzed the failure of a horizontally mounted low pressure process vessel. The sequential failure of several of the nuts holding the closure head caused it to blow off, seriously injuring a worker. A review of the original design showed that the vessel had not been built with the number of nuts and swing bolts shown on the drawings or on the Manufacturer's Data Report. Metallurgical analysis of the nuts which had failed showed that they were fabricated of weaker material than that originally specified. Information provided by the operating personnel indicated that several of the nuts were generally not used because of inconvenient access. A finite element analysis of the closure head accounted for the maldistributed nuts. These errors taken together exactly used up the safety-factor of five required for pressure vessel bolting design.


Blower Fan
Failure analysis of a blower fan used to cool electronics was performed to determine root cause. The fan failed within the first two months or approximately 1400 hours of continuous operation. The investigation determined that defective bearings most likely caused unusual bearing loads, and subsequent fan failure.


Induction Furnaces
Induction heating is caused, as the name implies, by induced electric currents in a material. Just as electrical current can produce a magnetic field which ultimately can be used to power a motor, so can a magnetic field be used to produce secondary current in a material. The principle is exactly the same one used in constructing a voltage transformer whereby one AC voltage across the primary windings of a tranformer will induce a different AC voltage (higher or lower) across the secondary windings. The voltage ratio of the transformer is solely dependent on the ratio of coil windings due to electromagnetic principles, and the frequency is the same for both AC voltages. In an induction furnace, the metal to be heated becomes the "secondary" path. In a coreless induction furnace, shunts are used to cover a significant portion of the furnace coil which are used to focus the magnetic field back into the crucible/metal. These shunts contain layers, with insulating barriers. O'Donnell investigated the ongoing issues of such induction furnaces undergoing upgrades.


Quartz Tubes
O'Donnell performed an independent failure mode analysis to determine the cause of the failure of quartz tubes in a water purification system. The flow conditions around the quartz tube were evaluated using ANSYS computational fluid dynamics software. Natural vibration frequencies of the quartz tube and stresses for various loading conditions, such as shell distortion and impact damage, were evaluated using the ANSYS structural software. The natural frequencies of the hollow quartz tube were analyzed, in order to determine the flow rates at which shedding vortices would excite these frequencies. Mode shapes for each of these frequencies were obtained in order to determine whether the dynamic forces caused by shedding vortices would excite these mode shapes, causing the quartz tube to absorb energy from the flow.


Pressure Swing Absorption Vessel
For a major chemical producing client, one out of ten PSA vessels had developed a leak after 14 years of cyclic service. O'Donnell performed an independent analysis of the PSA vessels to quantify fatigue life and recommend either to continue in operation, repiar, or replace the vessels. It was determined that although imperfections in the fabrication were within ASME Code allowables, stress levels at the longitudinal weldments shortened their fatigue design life. It was recommended that the vessels be replaced.


Failure Analysis of a Gearbox
Failed gearbox Damaged gearteeth Failed pin
O'Donnell Consulting investigated the failure of elevation gearboxes used to control an earth-station antenna.


Seismic Analysis - Sprinkler System
For a client that designs and installs fire protection systems, O'Donnell Consulting performed a seismic analysis for qualification to Section 132 of the Uniform Building Code. The fire protection system included pumps, tanks, manifolds, piping, and a structural support frame. Finite element analysis was performed to evaluate the stresses and deflections under seismic loading conditions.


Marine Air Compressor System
Air compressor Air compressor
When an air compressed system used to control the engine and steering controls for a marine transport barge failed, O'Donnell Consulting Engineers performed an extensive analysis of the system. It was determined that the system contained a defective safety valve which was the primary root cause for the system failure, which caused a collision with another vessel. The valve had a latent defect exonerating the ship owner per Maritime Law.


Stress Analysis of Decanter
O'Donnell Consulting performed a stress and buckling analysis on a decanter, which is used to transfer microscopic materials from one vessel to another. The buckling analysis was performed in accordance with Section VIII, Division 1 of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. The stress analysis was performed using ANSYS finite element software, using ten-node structural tetrahedral solid (Solid 187) elements. For other features, such as the bolts, two-node beam elements were modelled. The model had approximately 99,000 nodes and 53,000 elements. Various loading conditions (bolt preload, deadweight, and vacuum pressure) were used to verify the structural integrity of the vessel.


Fitness-For-Service Analysis - Boiler
O'Donnell Consulting performed a Fitness-For-Service evalution of a steam drum pressure component of a wood-fired boiler. The 30,000 pound boiler (120 psi) was overheated due to a loss of makeup water and a failure of a low-water cutoff control. The consensus standard used for this Fitness-For-Service evaluation is API 579-1 / ASME FFS-1 as developed by the ASME/API Fitness-For-Service Joint Committee. This standard contains very specific methodolgies for evaluating pressure vessels that have been damaged or compromised due to operational or environmental factors such as fire, overpressure, corrosion, fatigue, and mechanical damage. TYpical damage resulting from these factors includes pitting/loss of metal, embrittlement, residual stress, es, cracks, and reduced material properties. The net result is often reduced vessel integrity, shortened opearting life, or even required repair/replacement.


Stress Analysis of a Vessel
O'Donnell Consulting performed a buckling analysis on a stainless steel vessel subjected to a vacuum loading at elevated temperature. Both instantaneous (linear and nonlinear) buckling and creep buckling were investigated. The analysis was performed using ANSYS finite element software, using linear shell elements (Shell 181) with creep capability. The analysis showed that the vessel maintained a significant safety margin against buckling under a vacuum load, at 1200 degrees F for short periods of time, with up to 1 percent out-of-roundness (measured after post weld heat treatment). The analysis also showed that the nozzle loads on the vessels had negligible effect on the governing buckling modes.


Stress Analysis of an Evaporator
O'Donnell Consulting performed an analysis to determine the impact of oversized holes in the tube support plates of a film evaporator in a water treatment plant. These support plates, which take up over 50 percent of the vessel cross-section, are designed to TEMA standards. During vessel fabrication, the holes for the tubes were found to be outside the recommended limits. Tube stresses, impact wear, sliding wear and fretting wear were investigated to address the concerns of the oversized holes.


Design & Analysis of Pressure Vessels
O'Donnell Consulting designed and analyzed two large scale containment pressure vessels and equipment subjected to high energy impact with a dual phase fluid at supersonic speed. Design conditions included impact, thermal shock, and fatigue loading. Using finite element analysis, vessels, supports, nozzles, and flanged connections were designed and analyzed. Both vessels utilized removable heads, and thermal sleeves at the inlet nozzles.


Actuator Analysis
Actuator analysis FEA of actuator FEA Results
O'Donnell Consulting performed modal and spectrum analyses for a manufacturer's linear variable displacement transducers.


Analysis of a Base Skid
For a combined cycle power generation facility, O'Donnell Consulting performed a structural integrity analysis of a base skid, which supported a condensor exhauster system. The design criteria for the structure were obtained from the AISC Code. ANSYS Finite element analysis software was used to model the base skid structure. Equipment mounted to the skid was modelled using lumped mass elements at corresponding center-of-gravity locations, and the skid itself was modelled with linear shell elements. Stresses and deflections were analyzed under deadweight and seismic loading conditions.


Design/Application of Weld Overlay
A 9 foot diameter, 60 foot long Stripper Vessel was designed and fabricated to be placed in service at a refinery in the Virgin Islands. Prior to starting service, the client wished to cover the top 20 feet of the shell inner surface with Inconel 625 weld overlay to protect the shell base metal against corrosion. O'Donnell accepted the challenge to design a weld overlay process, proper welding sequence, and apply the overlay while controlling the distortion of vessel. The weld overlay of the vessel required preliminary weld qualifications in accordance with the ASME Code Section IX, Welding and Brazing Qualifications. This dictates the welding of test plates, non-destructive and destructive testing of the test plates, and documentation of all the welding variables and test data. The welding equipment used in the test cases and in the actual overlay was a very sophisticated Pulse Spray Gas Metal Arc system which is capable of of capturing a specific welding electronic wave form, storing it in unique welding schedules. Temperature measurements were taken on the back side of the test plates for use in a FEA distortion analysis. The measurements were also used for the design of a water cooling system. Bead overlap, weld travel speeds, interpass temperature, and other essential welding variables were adjusted and documented during the test welding, and subsequently incorporated into the final Welding Procedure Specification.


Brake Rotor Analysis
rotor analysis rotor model
For a client that manufactures components for Formula One Race cars, O'Donnell Consulting performed finite element analyses on new brake rotor designs.


Weld Repair of Turbine Blades
Turbine blades made from subject castings are in need of weld repairs caused by machining errors. When blades of specific materials are used in hydro-turbine units, they exhibit excellent erosion-corrosion resistance. Because of dimensional control issues, repairs need to be completed without a post-weld heat treament (PWHT). The purpose of PWHT is to minimize the risk of stress corrosion cracking in service, reduce residual stresses, and control the properties of the weldment. O'Donnell Consulting assisted in resolving repair procedures.


Design/Analysis of an Autoclave
O'Donnell Consulting performed the design analysis of an autoclave, for use in the chemical industry. The composite design of the vessel included refractory brick, mortar, membrane system and steel shell. The vessel was approximately 83 feet long and outer diameter of sixteen feet. Inside the steel shell were three layers of refractory brick. Between the steel shell and outermost brick was an elastomeric membrane, intended to accomodate geometric variations, as well as brick-to-shell differential thermal expansion. The vessel was divided into a number of compartments, each with an associated agitator. The important parameters in the design of the autoclave were temperature and stress. Each material of construction had unique properties with respect to temperature. Finite element analysis was used to determine structural integrity of the vessel under various operating conditions.


Failure Analysis of a Hoist
Failed hoist FEA of failed hoist Failed threaded connection
O'Donnell Consulting investigated the failure of a 3 ton capacity hoist. It was concluded that improper installation of the intermediate nut had prevented the accomodation of off-center loads, inducing bending stresses and subsequent failure of the support studs.




O'Donnell Consulting Engineers performs a range of engineering design and analysis services-

as well as forensic engineering services-

  • Failure Analysis & Metallurgy
  • Engineering Expert Witness

<We have been recognized in the American Lawyer Media Top 100 Verdicts of 2006 and 2007>

We are experts in the fields of materials, metallurgy, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and chemical engineering. We have helped many clients solve complex problems allowing them to increase production performance, and become more cost-efficient.


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