Piping Stress Analysis
The use of finite element software allows to solve a wide range of problems inherent the design of pressure components, otherwise not solvable except with large margins of oversizing.
VCE Engineering offers an engineering service that uses finite element analysis for the stress analysis of a plant’s piping, the analysis of details of pipes themselves or pressure equipment (racks, nozzles, supports), or for the evaluation of an entire system.
The analysis performed may vary from static evaluation to gradients or thermal transients, up to modal or dynamic analysis, to cover the most varied needs of our customers.
VVCE Engineering performs stress analysis of plants and pipelines, such as:
- Water and steam distribution lines
- Gas distribution/collection units
- Gas and oil treatment and measurement plants
- Thermal oil lines
Among the most widely used international standards, in addition to specific customer standards, we mention:
- ASME B31.1
- ASME B31.3
- ASME B31.4
- EN 13480
- BS 7159
- ISO 14692
In particular, the lines examined shall be defined and tested to withstand:
- Internal and/or external pressure
- Weight
- Localized loads
- Verification of external loads such as insulation, wind loads, earthquakes, wave motion
- Static and dynamic analyses (modal, response spectrum, time history) for the evaluation of the effects of the earthquake and any harmonic loads
Analytical checks are carried out using specific softwares such as CAESAR II.
The specialization provided for this discipline include, in addition to the above, the design of supports and structural elements necessary for supporting pipes and equipment is also included.
The analysis reports may be completed with isometric stress drawings, drawing up construction drawings and carrying out the structural checks necessary for the proper installation and proper operation of the plant.
FEM Analysis
Whenever the design by formula fails to simulate adequately the geometry of a pressure-sensitive equipment, or if you want to optimize the design of it or a part of it, you can use the finite element method.
The performance and results of the analysis for pressure equipment follow the requirements of ASME BPVC Scet.VIII div. Part 5 or EN 13445-3.
The analyses, linear or non-linear, can be performed using 3-D elements or shell elements, also with software dedicated to the analysis of pressure parts, such as NozzlePRO.
By using FEA, typically with 3-D axisymmetric models, thermal and structural studies on the Hot-Boxes are also performed as per ASME VIII div. 2.
