The engineering task
A three-dimensional process line connects hot equipment and undergoes large thermal movement in operation. Overly rigid support creates high nozzle loads; excessive flexibility may cause unacceptable displacement, sag or vibration. Weight, pressure, temperature and occasional actions require separate and combined assessment.
Piping and connected equipment form a coupled system. Code-compliant pipe stress is insufficient when nozzle limits are exceeded. Routing, spring supports, guides or expansion joints must be iterated until both sides are acceptable.
Required design data
- Three-dimensional piping model and diameters
- Temperature cases, pressure and materials
- Support, guide and spring properties
- Allowable loads at every equipment connection
Technical solution approach
Define load cases and states
Structure weight, pressure, temperature, test and occasional actions in accordance with the code.
Assess basic flexibility
Use the flexibility criterion and thermal movement paths to identify overly rigid sections early.
Verify piping components
Check straight pipe, bends, branches and fixed attachments for resulting stress.
Feed back nozzle loads
Compare equipment forces and moments with allowable loads and local shell checks.
Iterate routing and supports
Adjust loops, guides, anchors or spring supports until stress, movement and connection loads pass together.
Expected deliverables
Suitable SOL ALPHA modules
The modules form a technically plausible toolchain. Their final selection and sequence will be confirmed during the later calculation against the applicable code and project conditions.