Why use PIPESTRESS?
PIPESTRESS is a well-known and widely used piping analysis program which performs linear elastic analysis of three-dimensional piping systems subject to a variety of loading conditions. Simple non-linearities in one-dimensional supports can be modelled. Chemical process piping, nuclear and conventional power generation piping systems may be investigated for compliance with piping codes and with other constraints on system response.
Supported piping codes:
- ASME Classes 1, 2 and 3 and ANSI/ASME B31.1 (1967 to present)
- ANSI/ASME B31.3
- CODETI
- RCC-M Classes 1 and 2
- KTA Classes 1 and 2
- EDF Piping Code for Composite Materials, Indices D
- EN 13480-3 Piping Code
- RCC-MX
- ASME Code Case N-755-1 for Polyethylene Materials
- Nuclear QA per 10CFR50, App. B, and 10CFR21
PIPESTRESS has advanced analysis capabilities and rigorous QA methodology, which has made it a reference in the nuclear piping industry.
PIPESTRESS is unique, offering:
Class 1 analysis:
- RCC-M Class 1 analysis.
- Environmental fatigue US NRC RG1.207.
- Heat transfer solver for calculating the thermal gradients across the thickness (linear deltaT1, nonlinear deltaT2).
- Different options for calculating the elastoplastic factor Ke, including Code Case N-779, and RCC-M split between mechanical and thermal parts.
- Complex features of stratification including stratification to skew bends.
Dynamic analysis:
- Nonlinear dynamic analysis (time history analysis considering the gaps to the supports, with integration of impacts).
- Approximatively 100 parameters for the floor response spectrum analysis (interlevel combination, in-phase, counter-phase, Gupta, or Lindley-Yow for hybrid modes). Especially important feature for the nuclear industry where all the calculations must consider the seismic effects.
- Dynamic susceptibility.
- Calculations of amplified spectrums and artificial accelerograms.
- Automatic meshing for modal extraction.
- Very efficient modal extraction algorithm called “Sliding Simultaneous Iteration.”
Specific piping codes:
- Modelling of HDPE buried piping and calculations according to ASME III Appendix XXVI.
- Modelling of composite piping, and calculations according to special EDF rules.
PIPESTRESS has been used by more than 400 engineering organizations at various nuclear power plants in 30 countries.
It is being used as the main piping analysis software for calculations in the new reactors: EPR, AP1000 and AC-1000.
Many of the piping calculations for Westinghouse AP600 plant were performed using PIPESTRESS and these calculations were accepted by the US NRC when they issued a standard plant license for the AP600.
Approved by the US NRC for AP1000 piping calculations.
Who uses PIPESTRESS?
Mechanical engineers involved in static and dynamic stress analysis of piping systems.
Industries Served:
- Oil & gas
- Petrochemicals
- Chemicals
- Pharmaceuticals
- Food & beverage
- Water
- Power – Nuclear/non-Nuclear
- Mining
- Semi-conductor
- Marine
- Utilities
- Infrastructure/AEC/BIM
Benefits of PIPESTRESS
Renowned Software:
- Mature, proven technology having been continuously maintained via a stringent Nuclear accredited QA process for more than 40 years.
- Internationally recognised as best-in-class solution for nuclear projects by EPCs, Owner operators, and Notified Bodies.
Comprehensive Stress Analysis:
- Static and Dynamic Analysis: Offers both static and dynamic analysis capabilities, allowing engineers to evaluate piping systems under various load conditions, including pressure, temperature, seismic, and wind loads. Handles exceptionally large structures and complex loadings with up to 900 user-defined load and combination cases.
- Thermal Analysis: The software provides detailed thermal analysis to assess the effects of temperature changes on the piping system, ensuring that thermal expansion and contraction do not compromise system integrity.
Compliance with International Codes and Standards:
- Code Compliance: The software supports a wide range of international codes and standards, ensuring that designs meet regulatory requirements. Some supported standards include ASME B31.1, B31.3, B31.4, B31.8, and EN 13480.
- Automatic Code Checks: PIPESTRESS performs automatic code checks for compliance, reducing the likelihood of errors and ensuring that designs adhere to safety and quality standards.
Advanced Modelling Capabilities:
- 3D Piping Models: The software allows for the creation of detailed 3D models of complex piping systems, providing a clear visual representation that aids in understanding and communication.
- Support for Complex Geometries: The software can handle complex geometries and large-scale models, making it suitable for a wide range of piping applications.
- Integration with CAD Tools: For smooth data exchange and workflow efficiency, PIPESTRESS integrates seamlessly with plant design solutions, such as Intergraph Smart 3D and CADWorx Plant Professional, which is achieved via import of piping data in industry standard PCF file format.
- Optimization Tools: PIPESTRESS includes optimization tools that help engineers achieve the best possible design solutions, balancing performance, cost, and safety.
Seismic and Vibration Analysis:
- Seismic Analysis: Offers advanced seismic analysis capabilities, allowing engineers to evaluate piping system performance under earthquake conditions and design for resilience.
- Vibration Analysis: The software includes tools for analysing vibration effects on piping systems, ensuring that designs can withstand vibration forces and meet relevant standards.
Fitness-for-Service Assessment:
- Remaining Life Evaluation: Provides tools for assessing the remaining life of existing piping systems, helping operators make informed decisions about maintenance and repairs.
- Integrity Assessment: The software can evaluate the integrity of piping systems under current operating conditions, identifying potential issues before they lead to failures.
Safety and Risk Mitigation:
- Failure Analysis: Includes features for failure analysis, allowing engineers to identify potential failure modes and design mitigations to reduce risk.
- Safety Factor Evaluation: The software can evaluate safety factors for various load conditions, ensuring that piping systems are designed with appropriate safety margins.
Enhanced Reporting and Documentation:
- Customizable Reports: Generates detailed reports that can be customized to meet the specific needs of a project or client. This includes summaries, detailed analysis results, and compliance documentation.
- Clear Documentation: The software provides clear documentation of the analysis and design process, making it easier to track design decisions and changes over time.
Scalability and Flexibility:
- Scalable Solution: Suitable for projects of all sizes, from small-scale piping systems to large and complex industrial networks.
- Flexible Licensing: The software offers flexible licensing options, allowing organizations to choose the best solution for their needs and scale as their projects grow.
Quality Assurance & Observance of Industry Regulations:
- Rigorous quality assurance program complying with ASME NQA-1 quality assurance, mandatory in the nuclear industry; perform detailed stress analysis according to ASME III NB-3600, RCC-M, RCC-MX and KTA codes.
- Quality assurance, conforming to 10CFR50 Appendix B and 10CFR21 reporting.
- Includes an automatic validation tool to run the QA problems and verify that the results generated on different hardware are the same as the ones generated by Hexagon’s Quality Assurance team.
Training and Support:
- Comprehensive Training Programs: Hexagon provides extensive training resources, including courses, webinars, and documentation, to help users become proficient in using PIPESTRESS effectively. Free eLearning available via Hexagon University.
- Technical Support: Users having active software maintenance can access technical support services, ensuring they can resolve any issues or questions quickly and efficiently.
PIPESTRESS is a powerful and versatile software solution for the analysis and design of piping systems. Its comprehensive stress analysis capabilities, support for international codes and standards, and integration with other engineering tools making it an invaluable tool for any engineering team. By using PIPESTRESS, engineers can enhance their productivity, ensure code compliance, and deliver safe and efficient piping designs for their clients.
