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Pipe Stress Analysis

(Thermal Analysis, Piping Flexibility Analysis)

A Pipe Stress Analysis (thermal flexibility analysis) will predict stresses in piping and loads
on equipment resulting from thermal gradients, thermal transients, weights, pressure, and boltup strain. This study is typically required for piping that experiences high temperature
fluctuations, or for long pipe runs such as hot piping to coolers or headers. Cases where
equipment is sensitive to external loads may also require a Pipe Stress Analysis.
The study methodology becomes more complicated for piping systems in vibratory service.
As discussed below, the design must address conflicting requirements between the Pipe Stress
Analysis (where flexibility is desired) versus the Mechanical Vibration Analysis (which
requires stiff supports). Methods are available to manage this conflict and create an optimal
piping design.
This link provides a general overview of static and dynamic piping design requirements:
Piping Vibration Design Considerations (Static and Dynamic)
Contents [ hide ]

1 Scope

2 Options

3 How to Avoid Conflict Between Pipe Stress and Vibration Analysis

4 BETA Advantages

5 Customer Benefits

6 Related Information

7 Related Services

8 Key Words

1 Scope

This analysis calculates piping stresses resulting from thermal cycles, pipe and fitting weights,
and static pressure for the main process piping. Generally, CAESAR II is used for modeling
the system, although other specialty computer programs such as NozzlePRO and FETee are
sometimes required.

Evaluates stress due to thermal cycles, weight, and static pressures in the piping as per
all industry piping codes, such as B31.3, B31.8, CSA Z662, BS826, BS7159, FDBR,
DNV, Stoomwezen and others.

Calculates loads on equipment (e.g., vessels, coolers, pumps, and compressors) and
designs them to meet industry standards.

Recommends pipe layout, pipe support, and clamp designs.

2 Options

Assessment of piping system subject to environmental loads (wind/seismic)

Design piping system to withstand PSV discharge loads

Detailed analysis of vessel nozzle loads to meet ASME Section VIII, Div. 2 pressure
vessel stress requirements

Design cooler nozzle loads to meet strict API 661 requirements

Analysis of underground or buried pipe

Fatigue analysis of high pressure piping per ASME B31.3, Section IX

3 How to Avoid Conflict Between Pipe Stress and Vibration Analysis

When machinery is involved in the piping system, the same consultants performing the
dynamic mechanical Finite Element Analysis (FEA) should also complete the Pipe Stress
Analysis. This will avoid conflicts between stiffness assumptions and requirements for
supports, and also expedite a solution. Typically dynamic mechanical analysis will specify
high stiffness supports, while piping flexibility analysis will require flexible supports. It is

important to simultaneously consider both static and dynamic requirements.

Controlling vibration, and vibratory stress typically involves restraining the pipe. It
also requires closer spacing of pipe supports (between clamps) to raise the mechanical
natural frequency of the pipe to avoid resonance. Vibration control standards also
require that pipe supports have enough stiffness to stop vibration at the support and
caution against the use of hangers and guides.

Pipe Stress Analysis mitigates static deflections and stresses and typically involves
selectively providing flexibility with a mixture of rest supports, guides, line stops,
hangers, spring supports, and hold downs.

Recommendations for the pipe stress analysis can be directly opposite to the
vibration design requirements. This conflict can, and does, result in significant
confusion and problems during construction and operations.

To avoid this conflict, the standard industry approach is to have the same consultant perform
both the vibration analysis and the piping stress analysis. This ensures the vibration control
and piping design are adequately addressed, including realistic pipe support stiffness
assumptions, and use of vibratory clamps/restraints that have enough flexibility for thermal
growth (see articles below for more info).
4 BETA Advantages

Our practical recommendations are based on nearly 50 years of field and design
experience. Having machinery and field experience provides many practical
advantages when evaluating the piping design.

Our analysts are experts in the latest analytical software for pipe stress analysis
including ANSYS, CAESAR II, NozzlePRO, FETee/FESIF, and other applicable
software packages. BETAs software tools provide more accurate stress intensification
factors resulting in better results (less conservative recommendations).

FEA and field testing ensures accurate boundary conditions for the

computer simulations;
especially valuable are accurate stiffness assumptions for piping supports.

Our proprietary piping restraint designs accommodate vibratory loads as well as

thermal expansion.

Our proven approach to address dynamic and static designs avoids conflicting
recommendations and approaches between thermal and dynamic/vibratory
requirements.

We have a comprehensive piping analysis offering that covers FIV, AIV, Energy
Institute, surge, water hammer, etc.

With offices and support in many regions, we offer responsive global support.

Our depth of engineering resources support any size project.

Our pricing is competitive.

5 Customer Benefits

System designs ensure safe operation.

Extend equipment longevity and minimize maintenance costs through appropriately

balanced thermal and dynamic support requirements.

Minimize number of pipe layout and support revisions when BETA conducts the
piping flexibility study and API 618 DA2 and DA3 mechanical studies.

6 Related Information

Recommended Approach to Piping Flexibility Studies to Avoid Compressor

System Integrity Risk, GMRC 2011 (pdf)

Improved Thermal Piping Analysis for Reciprocating Compressor Piping Systems

(GMC paper 2012, pdf)

Pipe Support Stiffness, GMRC research overview, 2014

BETA training class Piping Systems: Techniques to Mitigate Vibration (pdf)

7 Related Services

Piping Vibration and integrity Assessment

Troubleshooting (Machinery Pulsation and Vibration Problems)

Piping Systems (general information static and dynamic piping analysis)

8 Key Words

Thermal Flexibility

Piping Flexibility

B31.3

API M11 Study