Pipe Stress and Flexibility Analysis

FLEXIBILITY ANALYSIS
PURPOSE OF CHAPTER
The aim of this chapter is to introduce the fundamental concepts and ideas that are
handled in the analysis of flexibility and efforts in piping systems.
Chapter begins with the construction of the concept of flexibility analysis. Below are the
objectives of the analysis of flexibility in the context of the function it occupies in the
development of a piping system.
Immediately lists the mandatory codes and standards referred to the analyst flexibility.
After submission of the codes and standards provides a categorization of different ways to
approach a flexibility analysis, depending on the criticality of a system pipes.
The chapter ends with the development of the workflow for systems analysis of pipes that
allow the reader to turn the radar in order to put in all contexts and each of the concepts
that will be developed throughout the course.

BASIC CONCEPT
Today, the practice of the discipline of flexibility is driven by a mixture of two generations of
specialists. Analysts with more years of experience witnessed two great moments in this
discipline. The appearance of electronic computers in the decade of the 70 and then the
availability of personal computers in the early of the 80.
These moments turn a marked change in the definition of flexibility analysis. Originally
"Analysis of flexibility of a system" was defined as the study of support system geometry
and a system of pipes, in order to ensure sufficient flexibility to absorb movements resulting
from thermal expansion of the materials of the components of the system.
This concept, despite having a reduced extent, in comparison to today handled day, to the
discipline of flexibility is managed by a group of engineers highly skilled engineers that
made the other characters they saw as mysterious. These engineers were built only with

experience, and its main feature, management beyond the concepts needed for
calculations, had great common sense engineering, which gave them the ability to visualize
the behavior of a system without need to simulate on a computer.
In most modern engineering companies, refer to the analysis of flexibility, with the phrase in
English of "Stress Analysis".
Currently there are specialized computer programs to calculate stresses in piping systems,
generally based on finite element numerical method. This has possible to achieve greater
depth in the analysis, and objectivity in the results. This changed the working methods of
the analysts of the discipline. For example, instead of raising geometry to a system to
minimize stress on the connection of a team, now calculates the value of these efforts.
However, the advent of computer programs that brought engineers deepen much on the
tool and leave on one side and the basics common sense of the engineer. The computer
will yield results depending on the input the analyst entered, if it does not handle the
fundamentals, the model you have to enter numeric computer probably does not pose the
problem real, and worse still lacking, common sense engineering will be unable to notice
when analyzing results.
For the foregoing can build an updated concept of what the Flexibility Analysis. Is
understood as flexibility analysis:
1. The calculation of stresses in a piping system subject to operating loads such as
weight, pressure, thermal expansion and occasional loads such as wind, earthquake,
water hammer, etc..
2. As with any piping system connected to equipment such as towers, tanks,
compressors, turbines, furnaces, heat exchangers, the analysis also provides the
flexibility calculation of forces and moments at connections to equipment and analysis
effect of such actions on them.
3. The definition of the bracket assembly on the piping system for controlling strains.
The concept enunciated above, is fairly complete but not enough. To finish define the
essence of flexibility analysis is necessary to know which is your goal, for which dedicate
the following lines.

OBJECTIVES OF FLEXIBILITY ANALYSIS

The objectives of flexibility analysis can be summarized in two tasks:
1. To ensure the structural integrity of the system: This involves the calculation of internal
stresses product design loads acting on it.

The International Codes provide minimum requirements for analysis, but importantly,
define allowable stress limits which may be subjected systems.
Ensuring that the calculated values are within these limits, it is guaranteed no cracks or
ruptures occur in pipes. Note, that in referring to the concept set forth in previous
section , only the numeral 1 would be associated with this objective.
2. Ensure the continued operation of the system. Give guarantee the structural integrity of
a system is simply the first step usually the easiest to get.
The line failure by effects associated with stress as the cause of the interrupt system
operation, rarely occurs. In fact, the only mechanical failure on elements of line
attributable to a possible interruption of a service system is the failure of some
component by mechanical fatigue.
In the analysis of a piping system, the greater commitment of the analyst should focus
in the analysis of the components outside the pipe and connected to it.
The most common problems associated with poor flexibility analysis that disrupt
operation of the system are for example:
Leaking flanges spilling the product that carries the line. This usually affects the
surrounding environment where the leak occurs

Lock valves excessive deformations product or fatigue of parts

Problems with excessive deformations and / or cracks in vessel nozzles

pressure, the effects of excessive stresses which promote localized attack
corrosion

Images from: http://met-tech.com/cracked-nozzle-analysis.html#images

Poor performances and shortening the life of the effect of rotating equipment of
the loads transmitted through the pipe connections. Fatigue action overstress
corrosive product.

Images from:
http://www.risiinfo.com/db_area/archive/p_p_mag/1997/9705/feat2.htm

The above are just some examples of the different problems that can be put into risk
the operability of a system and should consume most of the attention dedicated by the
analyst flexibility to a system.
The picture shown in the following sheet is taken from the book "PIPE STRESS
ENGINEERING "reference number [1] of this chapter. Y represents a very good map
mind, what is the scope of the current concept Flexibility Analysis. "
The first objective "To ensure the structural integrity of the system" is only a small part
analysis. Faults in the calculation of this first range, and usually begin detected at the
start of the plant, and although they may represent serious problems, for a client
ensuring a continuous operation that results in production and gain continuous, is much
more important.
Other disciplines such as towers and tanks, mechanical and / or heat transfer, who
responsible for procurement and negotiation of the teams in each of its areas, normally
ignore the loads transmitted through the pipes that connect teams as an important
element to consider. Early action of the analyst and good communication, the only
guarantee that manufacturers take into account these loads in their design. Later be
taken up this issue in greater depth.

CODES AND STANDARDS

On the morning of November 19, 1984, occurred in the storage terminal liquefied
petroleum products (LPG, Liquefied Petroleum Gas) plant Petroleos Mexicanos
PEMEX in San Juan de Ixhuatepec, a series of explosions and fires that occurred
about the death of 500 people and destroying almost total storage facility.
In August 2003, said an explosion at the refinery in Puertollano Repsol YPF, which was
followed by the burning of several storage tanks containing a total of 8,600 cubic
meters of gasoline. Four workers were killed and seven others were seriously injured.

On April 26, 1986, a power surge in reactor 4 of the nuclear Chernobyl was overheating
nuclear reactor core, which ended causing the explosion of hydrogen accumulated
inside. The amount of material radioactive and / or toxic was estimated that about 500
times greater than that released by the pump atomic dropped on Hiroshima in 1945
and directly caused the deaths of 31 people and forced the government of the Soviet
Union to the evacuation of 116,000 people causing a international alarm radioactivity
detected in at least 13 countries in Europe.
In total, 600,000 people received radiation dose for decontamination after the accident,
5,000,000 people lived in contaminated areas and 400,000 in severely contaminated
areas, to date there is no definitive number on the number of died of this nuclear
disaster.

These are just some examples of accidents that have occurred in industrial plants and
nuclear, since they are in operation. Accidents have been precisely as these This has
led to various international agencies, academic institutions, engineering companies,
insurers, government agencies, owners of industries and equipment manufacturers to
come together to create and update design standards and codes for the design and
construction of industrial and nuclear plants in a safe, reliable and profitable.

For these reasons it is vital that the analyst flexibility, has good understanding of
regulations and codes applicable to the project in the works.
Analysis of flexibility as well as, the piping design is primarily regulated by three types
different regulatory and / or codes.

INTERNATIONAL CODES
They are internationally applicable codes and are the reference point for designers,
manufacturers and builders.
The following are the most used by international codes analyst Pipe flexibility and
designers.
o
o
o

o
o
o

ASME B31.1 Power Piping: piping code applicable to generation facilities energy,
geothermal heating systems and centralized heating and cooling.
ASME B31.3 Process Piping: piping code applicable to petroleum refineries,
chemical, pharmaceutical, textile, and general cryogenic process plants.
ASME B31.4 Pipeline Transportation System for Liquid Hydrocarbons and Other
Liquids: code applicable to pipes used to transport products, usually liquid between
plants and terminals, pumping stations or regulation.
ASME B31.5 Refrigeration Piping: code applicable to piping systems cooling and
secondary cooling.
ASME B31.8 Gas Transportation and Distribution Piping System: code applicable
to pipes used to transport and distribution of products, especially gas.
ASME B31.9 Building Service Piping: piping typically apply code used in
commercial buildings, institutional, residential, which do not require the range of
sizes, temperatures and pressures covered in the B31.3

ASME B31.11 Slurry Transportation Piping System: code applicable to pipes used
to transport aqueous slurries between plants, terminals and stations pumping or
regularization.
The basic differences between the various standards listed above is the way
calculating the forces and safety factors used to calculate the basic efforts. In this
course we will use the Code B31.3-2010 Process Piping, to calculate the piping
systems.
o

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII Division 1: The Division 1
of Section VIII shows the requirements applicable to the design, manufacture,
inspection, testing and certification of pressure vessels operating at internal or
external pressure greater than 15 psig.
API 560 for General Refinery Haters Fired System: API 560 code indicates the
requirements and recommendations for the design, materials selection,
manufacturing, inspection, testing, shipping and installation, for furnaces,
heaters and preheaters air, which are used in refineries.
API 610 Centrifugal Pumps for Petroleum, Heavy Duty Chemicals and Gas
Industry Services: API 610 code is a standard that indicates the minimum
requirements for centrifugal pumps used in the petroleum industry, chemical
services high resistance and gas industry.
Centrifugal Compressors API 617 for Petroleum, Chemicals and Gas Service
Industries: API 617 code indicates the minimum requirements for compressors
centrifuges used in the petroleum industry, chemical and gas service or air.
This code does not apply to fans or blowers that develop a pressure less than
34 kPa (5 lb / in ^ 2), as these are covered by API 673 code.
Reciprocating Compressors API 618: API 618 code includes requirements
minimum for reciprocating compressors and their drive mechanisms that are
used in the petroleum industry, chemical and gas service or air.
API 650 Welded Steel Tank for Oil Storage: API 650 code includes
requirements minimum for the design, material selection, fabrication, testing
and assembly for tanks storage of petroleum, petroleum products.
Air-Cooled 661 API Heat Exchangers for General Refinery Service: API 661
code indicates the requirements and design recommendations, use of
materials, manufacturing, inspection, testing and delivery arrangements for
heat exchangers are used in the oil and gas.
API 676-Rotary Positive Displacement Pumps: API 676 code indicates the
minimum requirements for rotary positive displacement pumps and drives
pumps are used in the oil industry, petrochemical and gas services.
Reciprocating positive displacement pumps and controlled volume pumps or
dosing, are not covered by this code, since they are included within the scope
codes API 674 and API 675 respectively.
NEMA SM 23: Steam turbines for mechanical drive service: NEMA SM23,
covers the minimum requirements for steam turbines of a single stage or
multistage compressors and fans.
Expansion Joints Manufacture Association (EJMA): the EJMA, is the
association of manufacturers of metal expansion joints, which includes in its

standards the knowledge and experience of the leading manufacturers of

expansion joints metal in order to support designers in selecting the Metal
expansion joint.

LOCAL CODES AND REGULATIONS

There are codes and local application of the country where it will build the plant or
application in a union of countries, such as those applicable to the European Union.
The following are some of these codes, however, to initiate a project should always be
to check local regulations apply.
As an example shows two rules that are usually applied in projects within European
Union.
o
o

BS EN 13480-3:2002. Metallic piping industry. Design and calculation (British

Standards, applicable to members of the European Union).
Directive 97/23/EC of the European Parliament and Council of 29 May 1997 the
approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning pressure equipment

YOUR PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications and requirements are specific to the project, usually caused by the
customer or by the engineering company responsible for the design and construction

CLASSIFICATION OF SYSTEMS ON THEIR

GRADE CRITICALITY
Every day the projects require tighter timetables for the development of engineering.
Although current methods of calculation have accelerated the process of systems
analysis pipeline, both the clients, as contractors criteria adopted for measuring the
criticality of a system, to define the degree of formality of the calculation to be
performed, in order to minimize the time of calculation

STRESS CATEGORIES
At present, the practical exercise of discipline reflected on the specifications of
Customers and Engineering, usually defined requirement levels for the calculations of
the systems pipes. These levels are referred to as Stress categories. The scope of
each category may vary depending on the client. Below is an example of categorized
into three levels of demand
o
o

CATEGORY I requires an analysis using computational tools, demanding

presentation of a calculation report.
CATEGORY II requires the analysis using computational tools and methods
simplified calculations, such as tables or nomograms. It does not require the
submission of a report, just the isometric stress.
CATEGORY III does not require analysis using computational tools. Can done by
visual inspection and judgment of the analyst, if he deems it necessary may use
tables or nomograms.

CRITICALITY VARIABLES FOR

ESTABLISHING A SYSTEM
The variables normally used to define the degree of criticality are:
1.

Pressure and Temperature Operation and Design

As pressure is increased from a piping system, increase the thickness of
components. This produces a potential increase in the loads are transmitted to
the points supported and connected to other computers.
On the other hand, as shown in the next units, the higher the temperature, the
greater the thermal expansions generated in the component. The Hottest
systems have greater thermal movement and therefore require more flexibility.

2.

Nominal diameter pipe

The graph shown in the previous page, shows the calculation of the length L
required for limit the maximum flexural stress at a particular value, to produce a
deformation XXX particular, for pipes of different diameters
What conclusions can be drawn from the graph on the previous page?
A key conclusion would be that as you increase the arm L, a same pipeline has
greater deformation capacity (XXX) before reaching a limiting value of strains.
In other words, by increasing L the system is more flexible.
Likewise, note that to achieve a same deformation XXX, by increasing the
diameter pipe requires greater arm L. That is, the increase in diameter means
that the system becomes more rigid.
Thus, it is understood that in systems of small diameter is easier to get the
necessary flexibility, in systems with larger diameters. Therefore a larger
diameter, with a critical system.
3.

Equipment connected to the system

Understood for static equipment, equipment with no moving parts, i.e. tanks,
vessels pressure, heat exchangers, furnaces, etc.. And dynamic teams as
teams motor, i.e., compressors, pumps, turbines and fans.
Why dynamic teams are more susceptible the static equipment?
Dynamic teams are more susceptible than static equipment, due to problems of
operation and effect of the loads transmitted by the pipes to which is
connected.

14.

Substances handled by the system

Regardless of the conditions of temperature and pressure of the system, the size of
lines or equipment connected, if handling toxic substances or compositions
chemical or physical properties that may pose a high risk the health of operators,
systems should be treated with the utmost formality of calculation.
The status of "High Risk" is bounded by the ASME 31.3 in paragraph 300.2.b to
define services with fluids in category "M" says:
Fluid services category M: a service fluid in which there is a significant potential
exposure of personnel and in which a single exposure to a very small of a toxic
fluid, caused by leaks in the system, may cause damage serious irreversible
people on breathing or bodily contact, even though the early implementation of
emergency measures.

INHERENT FLEXIBILITY
A system has inherent flexibility when geometric morphology, and environment support
is flexible in nature. For example, a pipe which connects to a computer for download
gases into the atmosphere (see sample image), and has no require any other type of
bonds, the computer connection. Is flexible nature.
The codes, since its inception have handled a numerical correlation to assess the

inherent flexibility of a system and thus to decide on the need of a calculus formal
flexibility.
These formulas must be used carefully, and who value flexibility in the face of tensions
on the pipe, but leave out the assessment of charges in connections and therefore do
not satisfy the second objective mentioned in the section.
Additionally, its use is rather restricted. In the states the following pictures approach
reflected in ASME B31.3 code.

Formal analysis not required by the ASME B31.3-2010:

The ASME 31.3 in paragraph 319.4.1 states that no analysis is required formal
flexibility to a piping system where:
15.
The system duplicates or replaces without significant changes to another
operating system with a successful service history.
16. You can easily judge the system as flexible compared to systems discussed
previously.
17. Is a system of uniform size, no more than two mounting points, it has no
intermediate restrictions and falls within the limits of the empirical equation
following:
\frac{D\cdot y}{(L-U)^2} \le K_1
Where:
D = Outside diameter of pipe in mm (inches in imperial system)
y = Resultant displacement by total strain being absorbed by the system pipe. Units in
mm (in)

L = Total length of the path of development of pipe between the anchor points in m (ft)
U = Straight line distance between the anchor points in m (ft)
K1 = 208000 to Sa/Ea to in (mm / m)2 (30 Sa/Ea to in (in / ft) 2 )
Sa = Voltage admissible range of thermal deformation Mpa. (Ksi) This concept is
explained in Chapter XXX, Module XXX.
Ea = Reference modulus at 21C (70F) in MPa (ksi)
The code follows the equation with the following warning note:
There is no evidence that this equation is accurate or yield results consistently
conservative.
o Not applicable to systems with severe cyclical conditions.
o It should be used with caution in systems with unequal lengths in U, or zigzagshaped paths, or thick-walled pipes D/t greater than or equal to 5 or systems in
which most of the displacements to occur in directions absorb different from normal
to the planes of the anchor points.
o This equation does not guarantee that the reactions at the anchors are acceptably
low, even when the limits of the equation is satisfied. With the speed of current
tools, no practical sense to apply this equation for the validation of a system. The
following exercise will solve a practical example:
EXAMPLE 1
o

The pipe shown is anchored between two flanged ends. Determine through the concept
of inherent flexibility if the system requires no calculation or formal.
DATA:
Operating temperature: 260C
Material: API 5L Grade B
Properties:

TEMPERATURE [C] Ea [MPa] Sa [MPa]

260
188.227,00 117.9

SOLUTION:
You should start by reviewing each and every one of the conditions of application
established by the code. In this case there is no condition that does not meet
requirements of the method.
This chapter will as thermal displacement data to be absorbed by the system. In
Chapter 3, Section 3.4 will explain the concept of thermal expansion so that the student
will be able to perform this calculation.
The picture shown below, which would represent the deformation by expansion heat
produced by releasing one end. This is the strain that has absorb the system to be
anchored at both ends flanged.

Note that it is releasing the anchor of the vertical section.

The stretch horizontal expands thermally displacing the other end a distance dX.
Similarly, the vertical section thermally expands displacing other a distance dY.
Both movements generate a dR resultant corresponding to value "and" code of the
equation.
Thermal expansion values obtained data are given as in this chapter. Values are:
dX = 6.258 mm and dY = 6.258 mm
Note that both values are same lengths as in each section are as well.
Calculate the value of "y" as the resulting from dX and dY, ie:
\mathbf{y} = \sqrt{\mathstrut 6,258^2 + 6,258^2 }
\mathbf{y} = 8,85mm
Calculates the total length travel "L" and the distance between the fixing points "U".
Note that these two values are in IS meters
\mathbf{U} = \sqrt{\mathstrut 2^2 + 2^2 }

\mathbf{U} = 2,83mm
\mathbf{L} = \mathstrut 2m + 2m
\mathbf{L} = 4mm

Returning to the equation, it remains to establish the value of K1 that is:

\mathbf{K_1} = 208000 \cdot\frac{S_a}{E_a}
\mathbf{K_1} = 208000 \cdot\frac{117,9}{188.227,00}
\mathbf{K_1} = 130,285
Thus the equation becomes:
\frac{D\cdot y}{(L-U)^2}\le 130,285
Evaluating the left end of the equation:
\frac{D\cdot y}{(L-U)^2} = \frac{168,3\cdot 8,85}{(4-2,83)^2}
\frac{D\cdot y}{(L-U)^2} = 1.088,07

In conclusion by not satisfied the condition:

\frac{D\cdot y}{(L-U)^2}\le 130,285
THE SYSTEM REQUIRES A FORMAL ANALYSIS OF FLEXIBILITY

SEQUENCE OF WORK
This chapter presents a way to outline the steps of a calculation of flexibility. The goal
is for the reader to know is anticipated to be done before entering the next course units
where you will learn to "how to".
From the description of each discipline involved in a project carried out in the Chapter 1
Introduction, is now presented in terms of designing a unique pipe which is the
sequence of engineering work, up to the issue for construction of a Line and isometrics.
The term "line" tubing that connects together two particular points of a chemical or
thermodynamic.

22. Review the project specifications.

When incorporated into a project, the analyst must make a thorough review of the

project specifications. Generally, it is the task of the leader of the discipline develop
an instruction for analysts working under his charge, which is collected all required
information. The following is a list of technical data must be located within the
specifications:

LOCATION INFORMATION OR PROJECT LOCATION

Installation temperature
Solar
Radiation temperature
Data on earthquake load, wind and snow
Behavior of the land (Differential Settlements)

PERFORMANCE DATA STRUCTURES

allowable structural stiffness

CONDITIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS OF CALCULATING YOUR FLEXIBILITY

Coefficient of Friction
Categorization Scheme on the criticality of the systems
Limitations of self-weight deflections
Limitations of displacement
Recommended maximum spacing between supports
Limits allowable loads in static and dynamic equipment
Restrictions on the use of components and solutions to increase flexibility,
such as expansion joints or pre-stressed cold.

23. Collection of Documents.

Listed below are the documents to be considered for the analysis of a system.
Today, many analysts are turning to computer programs in the they can review the
3D model of the plant. However, the model is a living resource and can often
induce errors attributable to the lack of updating or incorporation of components
under development or study without being consolidated.

List of lines: Allow to know the design and operating conditions of the line, the
properties Fluid and isolation characteristics of the line.
Piping and Instrument Diagrams P & ID: Provide little information of relevance
to the analyst. Among other things, allow know the equipment and piping
systems that interact with the line under study. Many customers demand that
accompanies the report of a formal calculus, with a copy of the P & IDs where
line appears in the study, highlighting the extent of calculations on them. Plan

implementation: Helps identify the equipment and structures that are part of the
environment route length.
Isometric: Fundamental to the analysis. They allow to understand the exact
route of the line, and associated piping components are the means of
communication The instructions are transmitted to engineers of supports and
are expressed corrective actions to the design group.
It is the document used for the development of so-called isometric Stress.
Document which follows, position and supported the data points relevant to
their design, displacement of relevance to the points supports, loads
transmitted to relevant equipment and media. Once check the system's
flexibility, the isometric stress is the document that the analyst firm giving its
approval.

Location Equipment: They are indispensable to analyze the behavior of the

nozzles to the connecting line, facing the movement's own expansion of the
equipment and / or other phenomena as seismic movements, banana effect,
etc..
Structure Plans: Needed to locate the natural points of the line or supported
generate new points by the addition of these new beams or porches supported.

24. REVIEW AND EQUIPMENT SUPPORTED ENVIRONMENT RELATING TO THE

LINE
Using the Deployment Plans, drawings and structures is A first review of these
documents, in order to study any source interaction with the pipe by an element
external to it, for example:

Location of nearby structures to define points of support.

Determine if you need to consider thermal motions externally imposed in the
calculation, even for categorization. This is very important, because in
establishing the category of the line, you happen that the operating conditions
and the line diameter placed at a level calculating depth low. However, that line
can be linked to a equipment or structure, which induces a certain condition
imposed movement significantly deforming the pipe.

25. CATEGORISATION LINE

With the previous steps, the analyst is able to get an idea of the complexity of the
system, beyond what can preset conditions operation or design. The analyst should
establish the status of the line respecting the categorization of the project, unless it
considers that a system be analyzed with increasing you more rigorous category.
26. CALCULATION OF LOADING CONDITIONS IMPOSED BY THE ENVIRONMENT
THE LINE.

It is necessary to identify all types of input in terms of loads and displacements that
the environment of the pipe applied on it. Among the calculated values are:

Displacement of points seismic structures supported.

Displacement differential between equipment, structures and points supported.
Thermal expansion teams

27. OWN WEIGHT ANALYSIS OF DETERMINING POINT LINE SUPPORTED

Depending on the criticality of the line, the system can be evaluated whether or not
by computational tools. Assuming that the analysis requires the use of computer
The first step is to model the line with a specialized program, with particular
attention to the implementation of all external conditions applied so far.
In this first step should include the necessary supports to specification and
maximum spacing tables between brackets. It is important that the analyst takes
into constructibility of the support account when setting a point supported.
An analysis of stress levels and verify that they meet the standards permissible
under code.
28. STRESS ANALYSIS BY THERMAL EFFECT AND THE EXTERNAL LOADS O
WIND SYSTEM AS EARTHQUAKE
After the self-weight analysis, usually the system is statically determinate in the
vertical direction. The correct practice of the profession, establishes that the
systems should be restricted enough, without compromising flexibility. The
excessive piping systems with freedom of movement may react contingency
undesirable situations such as an earthquake or strong wind, or even an irregular
situation in the behavior of fluid flowing through the pipe.
On the other hand, restrict the thermal motions of the piping in excess, can
generate excessive stresses and levels load in physically unwieldy equipment and
media.
In nuclear plants, unlike other plants, usually as a philosophy of design, minimizing
the levels of stresses and loads. A common practice is to make a Thermal test
called Free, which is to study the thermal expansion of the pipe, without any lateral
restraint, seeking to locate this point inflection, i.e. points of the pipe which by their
geometric location does not move. For example, a metal disk, the center is a
turning point because it does not move to dilate the disc.
This raises a hypothesis support system and an analysis, assessing the stress
levels at which the pipe is subjected. If the levels do not fall within the permissible
within the code, we proceed to take action on the system according to the list
shown below in the order indicated:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Relocation of the supports

Change the type of media at specific points
The use of flexible (Springs)
Partial modification of the route of the line in specific areas
The use of bonds for expansion
As a last resort but avoiding them the most:

6. Pre-stressed (Cold Spring)

7. Use of Expansion Joints
Must be ruled out changes in the diameter or thickness of the pipe or the location of
the computers in the system.

29. EVALUATION OF CHARGES ON EQUIPMENT AND SUPPORTS

Actually this step is linked to the above, we must analyze the magnitudes of the
forces and moments transmitted to connected equipment and supported the points
system. When these values are not met, but are an order of magnitude reasonably
close to those eligible, you can resort to other departments involved to get the
approval of the levels of charges passed on to their equipment.
30. Isometric STRESS
Once you achieve the values of stresses and loads allowed, it validates the path of
the pipeline. By signing the Stress Isometric described in paragraph B, paragraph
Isometric of this section. This isometric is transmitted to the designer of the
supports (Often the same analyst).
31. BUILDING DESIGN DETAILS OF COMPUTERS
Once approved, the flexibility of the layout of the line, proceed to realize the
detailed engineering of each of the supported points, which must coexist in
harmony with the environment of the path of the line. Structures, equipment, areas
of maintenance of free movement, etc..
REFERENCES
[1] Peng, Peng LC and Alvin, 2009. Engineering Stress pipe. ASME Press
[2] ASME B31.3 Process Piping
[3] Spielvogel, SW, 1951, Simplified Piping Stress Calculation. McGraw - Hill.
[4] MW Kellogg Company, 1956. Design of Piping Systems. John Wiley & Sons.
[5] Helguero, V. 1985. Piping Stress Hanbook. Second Edition. Hulf Publishing
Company.
[6] Nayyar, Mohinder. 2000. Piping Handbook. Seventh Edition. McGraw - Hill.