CAEPIPE
CAEFLOW
PIPESTRESS
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User Comments
{"We use CAEPIPE to design the process coils in our steam cracking furnaces. These coils operate at temperatures between 1,200°F & 2,000°F. Supports must be sized properly to prevent coil distortion and rapid failure. CAEPIPE graphic displays are extremely useful in determining if we have input the geometry correctly and in evaluation of results." }
Arthur DiNicolantonio, Exxon, CAEPIPE user for over 12 years
{"The new graphics rendering feature [in CAEPIPE v5.x] is fantastic. It far exceeds the graphics of any other piping stress analysis program I have seen."}
Ed Patnode, Advanced Thermal, CAEPIPE user for over 10 years
Advanced Piping Stress Analysis Software
Overview: PIPESTRESS (formerly called PS+CAEPIPE) is a library of interrelated software modules for static and dynamic analyses of nuclear and non-nuclear piping systems. It provides unmatched dynamic analysis power to handle complicated problems. The remarkable difference between PIPESTRESS and other programs is that it has all of the analysis power needed for complex systems, yet is very cost effective. Years of software development effort have been dedicated to refining the equation solution methods to optimize the use of available memory and improve speed of solutions. This effort makes it possible for PIPESTRESS to be the first full-featured piping analysis system to be made available on PCs and workstations.
PIPESTRESS can be adapted to any computing environment, since it can be installed on PCs and workstations, as well as mainframes. Another important consideration is that the quality assurance procedures for PIPESTRESS have been audited and accepted by utilities in the United States and Europe.
To ease the pain of changing software we can provide software to translate your existing piping analysis data to run on PIPESTRESS. We have a large library of data translators. These translators transform input files prepared for other pipe stress programs like ME101 and NUPIPE to run immediately on PIPESTRESS. Users of other programs often feel trapped. They do not have the freedom to change software or upgrade hardware because of program limitations. PIPESTRESS can operate on most computers. No special hardware purchases are required.
A large group of piping engineers are currently using PIPESTRESS on projects around the world. It has been used on more than a hundred major projects, including over 50 nuclear power plants. The dynamic analysis modules have been in use for twenty years.
PIPESTRESS brings you the combined benefits of dynamic analysis, color graphics, and a menu-driven user interface. SST adds expert hotline support. This combination is recognized by many engineers as an industry leader in advanced piping analysis
| • | Advanced Design and Analysis |
| • | Nuclear and Non-Nuclear |
| • | Static and Dynamic Analyses |
| • | Hardware Requirements |
PIPESTRESS has all the features necessary for advanced analysis; these include:
| • | Color graphic modeling |
| • | Menu driven user interface |
| • | Response spectrum enveloping |
| • | Fatigue analysis |
| • | Response spectrum analysis |
| • | Time history analysis |
| • | Independent support motions |
| • | Color display of results |
| • | Automated mass lumping |
| • | Thermal Transient analysis |
| • | Thermal gradient analysis |
These features make it easier to evaluate the response of large systems to complex loads. Better solutions to complicated problems can be devised and piping system reliability can be improved.
PCs THROUGH SUPERCOMPUTERS
The PIPESTRESS analysis routines make use of solution techniques that eliminate unnecessary calculations and optimize solution time. The "number crunching" modules are written in Fortran-77. They can be installed on any machine, including super-computers like the Cray II, down to AT class personal computers. Analysis input files can be made using a text editor or constructed using interactive color graphics and menu-driven user interface. The graphics make it much easier to build geometry models since you can see and review the piping geometry as you work. PCs provide an excellent, cost effective environment for our graphics.
Since PIPESTRESS can run on any hardware, you can select a combination of software that best suits your hardware availability. The analysis capacity of your group can be easily adjusted for your current work load by adding or off-loading workstations. Piping analysis processing costs can be slashed by making use of PCs and workstations.
INPUT DATA TRANSLATORS
Input data translation has been a big issue facing many customers contemplating the use of PIPESTRESS. We have invested several man years of effort to develop the most complete data translation capability in the industry. We currently support data translators for the following programs:
| • | ME101 |
| • | ADLPIPE |
| • | SUPERPIPE |
| • | CAEPIPE |
| • | NUPIPE |
| • | PIPESTRESS2010 |
| • | TPIPE |
| • | DYNAPO |
| • | INTERGRAPH PDS |
These data translators are close to 100% effective in translating input files originally prepared for use on mainframe versions of other programs to PIPESTRESS. Translated files can be immediately used for analysis. Hundreds of translations and reruns have been benchmarked on PIPESTRESS. Identical results are produced. This simplifies the nuclear licensing work associated with changing to PIPESTRESS. Any of past analyses can be retrieved and rerun without relying on old, outdated software.
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The PIPESTRESS system incorporates nuclear and non-nuclear piping code rules. The nuclear stress code options have been verified using the nuclear quality assurance guidance of ANSI N45.2 and the requirements of 10CFR50, Appendix B. Error reporting procedures are also established to meet 10CFR21 requirements.
Stress results can be evaluated and reported for the following nuclear codes:
| • | ASME Section III, Class 1, 2, and 3 (1969-92) |
| • | KTA 3201.2 German Nuclear Code (1980-92) |
| • | RCC-M French Nuclear Code (1983-90) |
Non-nuclear analysis code evaluations include:
| • | ANSI/ASME B31.1 Power Piping code (1967-92) |
| • | ANSI/ASME B31.3 Chemical and Refinery Code (1972-92) |
| • | SNCT French Petrochemical Code (1982-91) |
Static
| • | Thermal Expansion |
| • | Dead Weight |
| • | Wind Loads |
| • | Applied Point load |
| • | Support Movements |
| • | Differential Settlement |
| • | Cold Springing |
| • | Static Equivalent Acceleration |
Dynamic
| • | Modal Extraction |
| • | Single/Multiple level Response Spectrum analysis |
| • | Multiple model Response Spectrum analysis |
| • | Generalized Response analysis |
| • | Selective (local) Time History analysis |
| • | Left-out forces (Missing mass effects) |
Combination Cases
| • | Range |
| • | Maximum resultant |
| • | True range |
| • | Unsigned bound |
| • | Algebraic |
| • | Algebraic maximum |
| • | Absolute Sum |
| • | Algebraic minimum |
| • | SRSS |
| • | Maximum absolute value |
Pipe Component Database
| • | Pipes (runs) |
| • | Bends |
| • | Miter bends |
| • | Rigid links |
| • | Valves |
| • | Lugs |
| • | Trunnions |
| • | Reducers |
| • | Internal springs |
| • | Matrices |
| • | Beams |
| • | Restraints |
| • | Variable supports |
| • | Constant supports |
| • | Snubbers |
Analysis Capacity
| Number of | Workstations, Mainframes | PCs |
| Members | >3000 | 400 |
| Mass points | >3000 | 400 |
| Loadcases | 1000 | 200 |
| Modes | 500 | 200 |
Response Spectrum Analysis
PIPESTRESS performs response spectrum analysis for the effect of generalized dynamic load events such as earthquake. The modal extraction algorithm converges effectively without wasted calculation steps. This feature reduces the processing required for large systems. Response spectrum analysis can be completed in minutes on PCs. Enveloped response spectra or independent movements can be assigned to various support groups. Independent grouping produces more precise results for piping attached to more than one building structure.
Generally, the results of each response spectrum analysis must be increased to include high frequency response that is not predicted by the inertial response analysis. The left-out-force method in PIPESTRESS ensures that the total response of the piping is predicted. PIPESTRESS uses a pseudo-modal load analysis to predict the contribution of "rigid modes" to the inertial response of the system.
PIPESTRESS can also combine and plot floor response spectra. The SPCMB module provides displays and plots of response spectra data. Individual spectra may be combined using a variety of interpolation methods. Combinations can be developed using straightforward enveloping or the rules of Code Case N-411 can be applied.
Time History Analysis
Time history analysis is used to evaluate the response of piping systems to dynamic loads. PIPESTRESS analyzes systems that vibrate in response to generalized base excitation loads such as earthquake or more localized loads like water hammer.
PIPESTRESS is an industry leader in dynamic analysis. It uses several techniques to reduce processing time and ensure accuracy. These techniques make it possible for PIPESTRESS to process sophisticated analyses on personal computers.
Unnecessary modal analysis can be eliminated by performing spectral analysis of a time history forcing function. The analysis estimates the cut-off frequencies that should be specified in the dynamic analysis. The program uses modal extraction techniques to calculate a conservative bound solution. This technique is rapid and inexpensive. Detailed time history analysis need only be performed for limited portions of the piping where the generalized bounding calculations are too conservative. This analysis is easily processed since it is required for limited sections of piping, typically less than 5%.
PIPESTRESS can evaluate the response of piping systems to earthquake loads by using time history methods. Additional data and increased precision can be achieved using time history methods that can be very helpful in solving tough design problems. Response of piping to localized loads is most often investigated to evaluate the effects of transient loads as they travel through the pipe. Water and steam hammer loads can be estimated using thermal hydraulic codes. The effects of these loads on the piping and supports can be determined using time history analysis.
Fatigue Analysis
Cumulative Usage Factors are calculated using methods recommended by ASME. The results of the fatigue analysis are reported using the method prescribed in Section III of the ASME Code for nuclear components. A fatigue analysis requires that the effects of linear and non-linear temperature gradients in the pipe wall and component junctions be considered. The PIPESTRESS system includes a module that performs finite difference analysis to calculate the maximum temperature differences at these locations. Important process fluid properties are calculated by the program using system parameters such as temperature, pressure, etc. The result of the analysis is a comprehensive report of fatigue usage factors.
PCs
IBM PC-compatible Intel 80286 or higher system (80486, Pentium, Pentium Pro/II or similar systems from Cyrix, AMD), IBM PS/2
Miniframes
DEC- VAX
Workstations
Sun, HP/Apollo, IBM RS-6000
Mainframes
IBM, Control Data, Cray
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