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What Is FEPipe?
FEPipe is a template-based software solution specifically designed for use in the pressure vessel and piping (PV&P) industries. Based on the chosen template, FEPipe performs detailed simulations using uses Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to comply with the ASME BPV Section VIII Division 2 guidelines. What separates FEPipe from general-purpose FEA software packages is its ability to rapidly construct PV&P geometries and produce ASME code compliance reports. Instead of generalized stress results, FEPipe displays results in terms of ASME compliance requirements.
FEPipe’s use of the parametric approach allows novice finite element analysts to construct accurate models using only dimensional input. FEPipe automatically creates the model geometry, element mesh , applied loads and boundary conditions based on standard dimensions a user's dimensions of the applied loads with the ability to edit the model in the Drawing Tools editor.
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What Does FEPipe Include?
FEPipe Software Capabilities
FEPipe supports several model elements for rapid modeling and analysis as well as an extensive element library that is easily searchable. The table below further outlines this:
ElementComponent | Element Type/Capability | ||
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Shell |
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Brick |
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Vessels |
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Nozzles |
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Supports |
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Bends |
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Flanges |
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Tanks | Tank nozzles | Plate Heat Exchangers | Plate heat exchanger portper API 650 Round Rat-hole / Oblo-rectangular |
Connective Modeling | Shell Models of Straight Piping Components Bends, Straight, Annular Plates, Heads combined in any order. |
Additionally, FEATools, is also included in the latest version of FEPipe. FEATools transforms your piping (CAESAR II and PCL-Gold) by including upgraded branch connections (with the addition of rigid elements and restraints) to better simulate real-world displacement and forces. The FEA-based calculations provide the necessary k-factors, Stress Sustained Indexes (SSIs) and Sustained Intensification Factors (SIFs) that will be added to every branch connection.
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Here’s how it works: Step 1: In FEATools, run the piping model file (CAESAR II or PCL-Gold) to generate FEA-based Stress Intensification Factors ( SIFs), Sustained Stress Indexes ( SSIs ) and k-factors. Step 2: In FEPipe, reRe-run the piping model file (CAESAR II or PCL-Gold) analysis to get more accurate stresses, loads, displacements and life cycles. |
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FEPipe encompasses a variety of features and capabilities to automate and create efficiency for PV&P design and analysis.
Features in FEPipe
PRG’s standalone FEA solution aims to support the easy and accurate Design By Analysis functionality and features, including:
Analysis
FEPipe supports a variety of analysis features for loads and load cases, nonlinear and linear analysis, and more.
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Weight, operating, occasional, thermal and pressure
Wind and seismic loads
Acceleration due to ship motion or transportation
Internal or external pressure
Applied point or surface loadings
Piping loads applied to nozzles
Combination loads through the run that correspond with B31.3, 319.2.2 Overload Calculation ASME Code Classification Update Updated branch and run (improvement of WRC107) -branch only
Bends with Trunnion Models structural or round attachments
Non-linear Collapse load model perturbation and buckling for heads, cylinders, bends and branch connectionsany shell geometry
Automatic SIF, SSI, k values and allowable loads
Nonlinear
Nonlinear or elastic analysis to determine plasticity
Nonlinear and linear analysis
Automated Nonlinear SSI and Collapse Calculations for Bends, Heads, Branches or Saddles
Updated Nonlinear Material Large Rotation / Large Strain Solver
+Y Simple Nonlinear Supports for Saddles, Pipe Shoes & Similar GeometriesEvaluates flaws or cracks in pressurized or loaded components using a Level 2 and 3 fitness-for-service analysis
Nonlinear analysis using plasticity, large rotation and large strain
Automated nonlinear SSI and collapse calculations for bends, heads, branches or saddles (all shell geometries)
Provides +Y simple nonlinear supports for saddles, pipe shoes and similar geometries
Leak-Before-Break Linear and Nonlinear Pressure Fatigue on Thick Nozzles & Olets linear and nonlinear pressure fatigue on nozzles and olets
Other Analysis
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Dynamic/modal and harmonic analysis
Steady state and transient thermal analysis
Fatigue analysis
Fitness for Service
Evaluates flaws or cracks in pressurized or loaded components using a Level 2 and 3 fitness-for-service analysis.
Eigenvalue buckling
Stress stiffening for large displacement
Design and Code Guidance on Advanced Geometries
Design and code assistance and reporting is available through FEPipe, and even includes built-in WRC calculators to expedite the design process.
WRC 107/537 297 design guidance for spheres, elliptical and dished Headsheads
Recommended SCF for pressure stress on welds interactive local thin area drawings and analysis
Bar supports and local thin areas
ASME Section VIII Div 2 guidance
Design
Provides automatic nonlinear Sustained Stress Indexes (SSI) and collapse calculations for heads, branches and saddles
Uses elastic-plastic and non-linear FEA solvers to determine the most accurate nominal stress states
Uses the Drawing Tools feature to provide interactive drawings of components for local thin areas
Sustains multiple load cases at a time so that combination loads thru the run can be performed
Provides guidance on the Acoustic Induced Vibration Update (AIV) for determining frequency ranges and stress results for high frequencies.Provides guidance on the Acoustic Induced Vibration Update (AIV) for determining frequency ranges and stress results for high frequencies.
PCL-Gold Pipe Stress Module
PCL-Gold is a standalone module that is included in FEPipe and is the first pipe stress program to automatically run finite element analysis on local intersections. Additionally features include:
Auto fatigue damage calcs for multiple load cases
Path dependent or convergent friction algorithm
Refractory lined piping or Glass-lined piping
Hinged expansion joints with friction
FEA for i-factor and k-factor modeling
i-factors/k-factors for flat, conical, elliptical, spherical and dished heads
Pressure fatigue
SuperElement results
As a standalone module, PCL-Gold also connects to the latest version for FEATools. To find out more, visit https://www.paulin.com/pcl-gold
Programs in FEPipe
Along with a variety of features, NozzlePRO FEPipe utilizes several programs to provide the ultimate FEA solution for pressure equipment designs. A few include:
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The Saddle Wizard is a step-by-step interactive modeler that allows the user to design their horizontal vessel and saddle for any loading conditions.
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The Drawing Tools allow allows the user to add gussets, rings, clips and other attachments to an existing model.
Vessel Link allows the user to import models of any file type from DesignCalcs, Finglow, Codeware Compress and other Pressure Vessel design software to perform FEA.
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FEPipe’s Fitness for Service program, API 579 Fitness for Service, allows for the direct entry of flaw or corrosion details. Users can enter the flaw dimensions directly (into the Critical Flaw Dimensions section), or the dimensions can be entered in a spreadsheet grid and the Critical Flaw Dimensions section will be automatically calculated. Users can also define the defect on the model graphically.
Users can add Local Thin Areas (LTA) and crack-like flaws using FEPipe, NozzlePRO or the Drawing Tools to perform API 579 or ASME FFS-1 Level 2 or 3 type analysis.
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Additional Programs
Program | Program Summary | |
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NozzlePRO | NozzlePRO is a standalone solution that enables users to quickly and easily perform FEA of individual pressure vessel and piping components. | |
MatPRO | MatPRO is Is PRG’s own materials database that includes high temperature curves, allowable stress plots, NH reporting, creep-fatigue interaction diagrams, elastic-plastic stress strain curves and fatigue curves generated as a funtion function of creep temperature. | |
SIF / SSI / k (PRGik) | Compares SIFs and k-factors from B31 and other codes for branch connections and elbows. Hyper Degree of Freedom (HyperDOF) calculations can be performed for elbows with and without supports with refractory. | |
High Frequency | Provides AIV calculation predictions of pressure levels from the surface of the vessel. This program is mainly used to:
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Flaw Detection | Predicts crack growth for given stress states in components to know when the crack will reach half wall and/or thru wall for leaks. This is a quick calculation based on observed crack growth in tested low carbon steel components. | |
Nonlinear Analysis | Computes burst pressures, sustained stress indices, twice elastic slope load levels b, and a variety of load and unload conditions. | |
Degree of Conservatism | This tools aids in determining the degree of conservatism on models. | |
FE107 | FE107 replaces WRC 107 FlangePro | FEA of flanged joints and other axisymmetric geometries. 3D, nonlinear finite element models of gaskets, bolts and flanges are used to calculate stresses, displacements and leakage in and around the flanged joint. Code evaluations of the joint are performed in accordance with ASME Section VIII-1 Appendix 2, ASME BFJ and EN13445 Annex G. |
BoxPro | BoxPRO (formerly 661PRO) analyzes header box nozzles for air-cooled heat exchangers. It also performs tube load analysis for multiple nozzle loads per ASME Section VIII-1 Appendix A per API 661. All nozzle loads are applied to the perforated tubesheet and analyzed per ASME 2004-Div. 2 Art 4-9. | |
FE107 | FE107 replaces WRC 107 and 537 as a calculation tool that can be applied when WRC 107 or WRC 297 calculations correlations or assumptions are limited. ASME Section VIII Div Division 2 allowables are printed along with flexibilities and allowable loads for forces, moments , and pressure. | |
FESIF | Calculates SIFs and k-factors for standard B31 branch connection geometries. | |
FETee | Along with performing Provides a FEA of contoured tees per user input, B16.9 , or EN10253, this program mainly: Defines. EN10253 types A and B tees Determineescan be defined and thickness profiles Constructsdetermined and appropriate finite element models Automatically generates elasticconstructed. Elastic models to produce SIFs and k-factors are generated automatically, along with nonlinear calculations (with or without pressure) for SSIs and loads thru the branch or run. Defines localUsers may locally thin tees, define the crotch radius ,and/or the thickness profile around the branch to run penetration line. |
Why Choose FEPipe?
Ensuring your model or component is ASME code compliant can take time and knowledge. With NozzlePRO’s extensive capabilities and programs, performing FEA in minutes against ASME codes helps ensure your models are always designed for safety.
If you experience the following issues when designing or analyzing your pressure equipment, consider NozzlePRO to provide you an accurate analysis and expedite your workflows:
When there are multiple thermal or operating loads acting on a nozzle.
When the d/D ratio for a loaded nozzle is greater than 0.5 and WRC 107 or 297 is considered for use.
When the t/T ratio for a loaded nozzle is less than 1.0 and WRC 107 or 297 is considered for use.
When the nozzle is pad reinforced and WRC 107 or 297 is considered for use.
When there are loads acting on a nozzle and pipe simultaneously.
When pad-reinforced lugs, clips, or other support are placed on the knuckle radius of a dished head and WRT 107 methods are fraught with potential errors.
When seismic horizontal loads on vessel clips or box supports are to be evaluated.
When evaluating large run moments, but small branch moments in a piping system.
When there are overturning moments on skirts.
When there are different thermal expansion coefficients or temperatures between the header and branch.
When horizontal vessels are saddle supported, with or without wear plates, as well as tapered saddles with many design options.
When evaluating the effects of axial or transverse loads due to internal sloshing, wind loads, seismic loads, or general external loads and when the Zick method does not consider either axial or transverse loads.
When designing pipe shoes for self-weight, liquid weight and axial loads
& many more.
NozzlePRO accounts for thermal, weight, operating, occasional, pressure, wind and earthquake loads so that compliance requirement needs in the O&G, Chemical, Pharma and many other industries can be easily determined and met.
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FEBend | Provides a FEA calculation of the local stress and SIFs, SSIs and k-factors for 90 degree elbows with and without supports. Supports include round stanchion as well as structural attachments. |
PCL-Gold Pipe Stress | For piping systems in which there are well-known weaknesses in code approaches, PCL-Gold provides an alternative method for determining whether or not the weakness can cause a potential problem. |
Pipe Shoe Design Wizard | Compares CAESAR II or PCL-Gold selected nodes’ restraint loads at shoe support locations with the allowable loads from a library of FEA shoe supports for every load case in the piping model. The comparison provides shoe design capabilities as well as validation that existing shoes are appropriately designed. |
High Frequency | Acoustic Induced Vibration (AIV) calculation includes the prediction of sound pressure levels measurable away from the surface of the vessel. This tool is used mainly to estimate strength of branch connections and elbows with trunnions when compared a straight pipe. PRG performs high frequency vibration tests to confirm surface integration and prediction of damaging SPL. Methods in IEC 60534-8-3 for gas flows are used to generate predicted SPL spectrum. Stresses in high frequency modes are scaled to match defined spectrum responses and predict expected cycle lives. |
Cumulative Damage | Performs fatigue analysis and cycle counting for piping systems that were built using CAESAR II or PCL-Gold. This tool can be used in the following situations:
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BOS B31 | The fluid-structure interaction using frequency domain analysis of piping systems is used to comply with the B31.3 loading requirements in Para. 301.5. |
SIF / SSI / k (PRGik) | Compares SIFs and k-factors from B31 and other codes for branch connections and elbows. Hyper Degree of Freedom (HyperDOF) calculations can be performed for elbows with and without supports with refractory. |
Flaw Detection | Predicts crack growth for given stress states in components to know when the crack will reach half wall and/or thru wall for leaks. This is a quick calculation based on observed crack growth in tested low carbon steel components. |
MimOut Point Clouds | Plant scan data (point cloud data) processing is combined with 3D modeling utilities to compare computer model estimates of what is in the field to what physically exists. Both high and low-resolution editing is provided. |
Drawing Tools | Available with all modules except AxiPRO, the Drawing Tools provide hundreds of small functions to modify, evaluate and document the model created. |
Nonlinear Analysis | This capability computes burst pressures, sustained stress indices, twice elastic slope load levels, and a variety of load and unload conditions. |
Fitness for Service | Perform level 1, level 2 and level 3 (through the Drawing Tools) Fitness for Service calculations. Local thin areas and cracks can be added into the model for level 3 calculations. API 579/ASME FFS-1 allows the use of ASME Section VIII Division 2 Part 5 for Elastic, Elastic-Perfectly Plastic and Elastic-Plastic FEA analysis. |
FEATools | Transform your piping model (from CAESAR II and PCL-Gold) by including upgraded branch connections (with the addition of rigid elements and restraints) to better simulate real-world displacement and forces. The FEA-based calculations provide the necessary k-factors, SSIs and SIFs that will be added to every branch connection. |
Why Choose FEPipe?
FEPipe has been designed specifically for pipe designers and pressure vessel designers and fabricators to help prevent the common design, analysis and fatigue problems faced by engineers today. With the extensive features and knowledge behind FEPipe, users can feel confident designing their models for ASME code compliance with ease. With FEPipe, you can increase performance, shorten design cycles and reduce costs.
Additionally, Paulin Research Group develops their own research and methods and tests their theories in live simulations. Element formulations and related output have been compared against classical hand calculations and benchmarked against other general FEA software tools. Other research includes strain gauge measurements, burst tests, fatigue tests, cryogenic work, heat transfer experiments as well as acoustic vibration tests as shown below.
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The Caesar II software product, and any copyrights or trademarks thereof, are the property of Hexagon, Inc.
Hexagon no longer sells PRG software products like FEATools or NozzlePRO. If you have any questions regarding licenses purchased through Hexagon, please contact our sales group at sales@paulin.com.