AutoPIPE Modeling Approac...

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AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Modeling Approaches
This help has been provided in order to give users ideas for modeling typical piping arrangements. The steps shown in each example should
not be taken as the only method available to create models. In addition, the intent of the examples is to present ways to create adequate
models of specific piping components for analytical purposes. It is not the intent of the examples to represent proper design of the overall
piping system. If you have a specific modeling problem which you feel is not fully explained in this section, you are urged to contact Bentley
Technical Support for further discussion.

Anchors Pipes

Bends Reducers

Cuts Rotating Equipment

Flexible Joints Supports

Frames Tees

Hangers Valves

Nozzles Vessels

Example Systems
This help has been provided in order to aid users in modeling more complex piping arrangements. The steps shown in each Example System
should not be taken as the only method available to create models. In addition, the intent of the examples is to present ways to create
adequate models for analytical purposes.
Choose from the following topics:
PipeSOIL Interaction: Transition Example
Water Hammer (Time History) Example
Steam Relief (Time History) Example
Harmonic Analysis Example

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Anchors
Select from the following anchor-related examples:
Rigid Anchor with Thermal Movement
Flexible Anchor
Anchor Releases for Hanger Selection

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Rigid Anchor with Thermal Movement

An anchor is used at locations where the piping system ties into a wall, anchor block, foundation, or a piece of large equipment. Most large
equipment such as pumps, turbines, or compressors are massive enough to be considered rigid when compared to the pipe. In most cases,
vessels can be considered to be rigid when local shell flexibility is not of concern.
An anchor has the ability to restrain all translations and rotations of the attached pipe or frame element. Forces and moments from one side
of a rigid anchor are not transmitted to the other side. This property can be used to control the movement of a pipe attached to sensitive
equipment, or to divide a large piping system into two or more separate, manageable systems.

Example
An anchor is used to model a pipe attached to a large pump which is assumed to be rigid. However, it is known that when the pump reaches
an operating temperature (400°F), the pipe connection point will displace as follows due to the thermal expansion of the pump itself:

DX = 0.0 in DY = +1.25 in DZ = +0.45 in

(no rotation of the attachment point)

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Modeling
The thermal movement of the pump can be included in the AutoPIPE system model by specifying displacement offsets calculated for each of
the defined thermal load cases at the anchor.

1. Build a system from A00 to A04 using an 8 inch, standard schedule pipe. Define an operating load case (T1) of 400° F. The global
coordinates for the system points are listed below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

2. These coordinates define the position of the piping system at ambient temperature (70°F).

3. Select Insert/Anchor to open the Anchor dialog:

4. Define a rigid anchor at point A04. Move the cursor down to the Thermal anchor movements input fields for Case 1 and specify
(imposed displacement) values:

Note that the offset fields for Case 2 and 3 are closed; this is because only one operating load condition (T1) was specified on the General
Model Options dialog. In general, when a static analysis is performed, the results for each thermal load case (T1, T2 & T3) will include the
forces exerted on the piping system due to the thermal anchor movements specified for each thermal load case respectively.

Other Anchor-related Topics

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Anchor Releases For Hanger Selection

The intent of a hanger is to insure that adjacent equipment does not support the weight of the attached pipe, or any other vertical loads
resulting from the piping system operating conditions. This is due to the fact that equipment manufacturers allowable flange, or nozzle,
loads are often minimal. If an undesigned hanger is located near a piece of equipment (modeled as a rigid anchor), the cold load and spring
rate determined by the hanger selection procedure (Analyze/Hanger) will be very small when it is intended for the hanger to support the
vertical loads. In this case, it is necessary to release restraints at the anchor in order to design the hanger while maintaining the rigidity of
the anchor for all other purposes.

Example

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Modeling
The anchor at the end of the pipe run, which represents the equipment, is released for vertical shear loads. This means that when a hanger
design run is performed, the anchor will not support a vertical load. Thus, the hanger is sized correctly (the vertical forces at the pipe-pump
connection point are eliminated) while the pump itself is modeled rigidly.

1. Define the pipe system by repeating Step 1 from Flexible Anchor - Model 1.
2. Move the crosshairs to point A03.

3. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog, then enable the “Undesigned” option at point A03.

4. Move the crosshairs to point A04.

5. Select Insert/Anchor to open the Anchor dialog.

6. In the Release for hanger selection field, click inside the Y field to enable the vertical displacement hanger selection release
option.

Note: The “Release for hanger selection” fields should not be confused with “Trans. stiff” and “Rot stiff.” The latter define DOF releases or
stiffnesses which are in effect at all times, while the former release a DOF for the purpose of designing hanger springs only.

Other Anchor-related Topics

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Flexible Anchor
An anchor is used at locations where the piping system ties into a wall, anchor block, foundation, or a piece of large equipment. A flexible
anchor can be defined when the flexibility of the anchored point is known (such as for modeling equipment), or when a particular type of
support is desired (e.g. roller, hinge, socket, etc.).
Most large equipment such as pumps, turbines, or compressors are massive enough to be considered rigid when compared to the pipe.
However, if the local flexibility of the equipment is known, those values may be specified. For the special case of vessels, it is recommended
that the local (shell) flexibility be modeled using the Nozzle command.

Model 1: Local Flexibility of the Attached Equipment

Model 2: Definition of a Hinge Support

Other Anchor-related Topics

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 1: Local Flexibility of the Attached Equipment

If the local flexibility of the equipment attached to a pipe is known, the stiffness values can be defined.

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1. Build a system from A00 to A04 using an 8 inch standard schedule pipe. The global coordinates for the system points are listed
below (length units are in feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

2. Select Insert/Anchor to open the Anchor dialog.

3. Define a flexible anchor at point A04; this allows the cursor to enter the stiffness fields. Specify translational and rotational
stiffnesses as follows:

The stiffness values entered correspond to a global Z translation flexibility (axial with reference to the pipe), and a bending flexibility in the
plane perpendicular to the pipe (global X-Y).

Other Anchor-related Topics

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 2: Definition of a Hinge Support

A flexible anchor is used to model a hinge support at the base of a frame member (column). Modeling specific support types is allowed for
both frames and pipes, however, this approach is probably more useful for frames. In addition, gaps and friction cannot be specified for
anchors modeled as supports. For the model that follows, it is assumed that a framing system (which supports piping) has already been
defined.

1. Move the crosshairs to the frame point that is to be anchored. For this example, the base of the column (FP1).

2. Select Insert/Anchor to open the Anchor dialog.

3. Define a flexible anchor at point FP1; this allows the cursor to enter the “Trans. stiff.” and “Rot. stiff.” fields. Accept the default
stiffnesses (Rigid) in all fields except “Rot. stiff Z”; where 0.00 should be entered as shown:

Entering 0 stiffness for the rotational restraint about the Z axis allows the column base to rotate freely in the X-Y plane, thus creating a
hinge support.

Note: All degree of freedom (DOF) fields are for the global coordinate system.

The user is reminded to consider the overall effect on the system stability when defining a zero stiffness (a DOF release) in any of the
“Trans. stiff.” or “Rot. stiff” fields.

Other Anchor-related Topics

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Bends
Choose from the following modeling examples:
45° Elbow
180° Elbow

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Flanged Elbow
Elbow Wall thickness
Reducing Elbow
Base Supported Elbow
Miter Bends

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

45° Elbow
A 45° elbow is a common piping component. They are used whenever a full 90° elbow is not appropriate or required.

Example

Modeling
A 45° elbow is modeled as half of a 90° elbow. This is done by specifying the point following the bend (TIP) in such a manner that the
coordinates define a 45° angle.

1. Build a system from A00 to A01. The global coordinates for the system points are listed below (length units are feet, and offsets
are measured from the preceding point):

2. Select Insert/Run to open the Run Point dialog.

3. Specify the coordinates for A02 as shown. These values define a 45° angle with respect to the direction of the pipe established
between A00 and A01, such that the distance between A01 and A02 is 6 ft.

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Display of the 45° Bend

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

180° Elbow
A 180° elbow, or U-bend, is a common component in an expansion loop. Expansion loops are used to relieve thermal stresses in the piping
system.

Example

Modeling
A 180° elbow is modeled as two 90° elbows back-to-back.

1. Build a system from A00 to A01 using a 12 inch standard schedule pipe. The global coordinates for the system points are listed
below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

2. Select Insert/Bend to open the Bend Point dialog.

3. Since a bend defaults to a long radius (= 1.5 ⋅ Dnom), locate A02 three feet away from A01 as shown in the offset fields. This will
result in two back-to-back bends, such that A01 F coincides with A02 N.

4. Complete the bend by defining a run of pipe to A03. The global coordinates for the system point are listed below (length units are
feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

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Display of the 180° Bend

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Flanged Elbow
Elbow fittings are often connected to the adjacent pipe sections with flanges. A flange may exist on one or both sides of the bend. Flanges
are important in a system model since their weight may have a significant effect on the pipe stresses.
Also, the stress intensification and flexibility factors for a given bend will decrease if one or both of its ends are flanged.

Example

Modeling
First a plain elbow bend is defined, then pipe flanges are placed at the near and far tangent points.

1. Build a system from A00 to A02 using a 12 inch, standard schedule pipe. The global coordinates for the system points are listed
below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

2. Move the crosshairs to point A01 N.

3. Select Insert/Flange to open the Flange dialog. Specify a SLIP-ON flange with a pressure rating of 150. The flange weight is
recalled from the component library since a standard pipe flange was used. Next, select SO (slip on) as the type of connection.

4. Repeat Step 3. A second flange should also be defined at A01 N. This provides a mating surface for the first flange, allowing the
pipe and the elbow to be bolted together.

5. Move the crosshairs to point A01 F.

6. Repeat Steps 3 so that two flanges are defined at the other end of the elbow.
7. Press F3 to open the text window shown below, which displays the data related to point A01 F. The listing includes the flange data
for this point. A similar display also exists for A01 N.

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Display of the Flanged Elbow

Note: AutoPIPE assumes a zero thickness for the flange component. Thus, the thickness of the real flange may require an additional
point so that the inner face of the flange is at the tangent point of the bend curve.

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Reducing Elbow
Reducing elbows provide a means for changing the pipe size when such a change is required at a bend.

Example

Modeling
AutoPIPE does not have a reducing elbow component. Therefore, the elbow is simply modeled as a section of pipe with a diameter that is
equal to the mean of the pipe diameters at each end. Such a representation is reasonably accurate for calculation of pipe stresses as long as
the reduction is not too drastic.
In this model a 12 inch pipe is connected to an 8 inch pipe by a reducing elbow. The bend is modeled with a pipe section that is an average
of the connecting pipes. Next, stress intensification factors (SIF's) are defined at each end in order to represent the SIF's for an actual
reducing elbow. Since the piping codes do not specify SIF's for reducing elbows, this information must be provided by the user. Contact the
elbow manufacturer for information on their recommendation for SIF values.

1. Build a system from A00 to A01 using a 12 inch, standard schedule pipe named 12STD. The global coordinates for the system
points are listed below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

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2. Select Insert/Bend to open the Bend Point dialog. The bend radius must be specified in inches, since a standard bend is
calculated by a single pipe size. Specify the new pipe data identifier ELBOW. After accepting this dialog, the Pipe dialog (shown in
Step 3) will automatically be displayed since "ELBOW" has not yet been defined.

3. Define the new pipe. Enter the pipe data as shown in the figure (nonstandard nominal size: NS) based on the following averages:

Do = (12.75" + 8.625") ÷ 2 = 10.69 in

t = (0.375" + 0.322") ÷ 2 = 0.349 in

4. After providing the data for the new pipe and pressing OK, the Location dialog requests the specific location on the bend where
the pipe change is to take effect. Select Near for the near tangent.

5. Select Insert/Pipe Properties to open the Pipe Properties dialog. Enter 8STD as the pipe identifier and define a nominal
8 inch standard schedule pipe.

6. Again, after providing the data for the new pipe and pressing OK, a Location dialog requests the location on the bend where the
pipe change is to take effect. Enter Far for the far tangent.

7. Finish the bend by defining a run of pipe to A03. The global coordinates for the system point are listed below (length units are
feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

8. Move the crosshairs to point A02 N.

9. Select Insert/Xtra Data/User SIF and Flexibility to open the User Flexibility dialog. Enter the SIF to be used at the large
end of the elbow. As stated previously, contact the manufacturer for information on the SIF's recommended for the particular
reducing elbow.

10. Move the crosshairs to point A02 F.

11. Repeat Step 9 for the small end of the elbow.

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Elbow Wall Thickness

The wall thickness of a bend can be different than the thickness of the connecting pipes. This allows specific elbow fittings to be modeled in a
continuous piping system.

Example

Two methods for modeling elbow wall thickness are provided below:
Elbow Wall Thickness (Method 1)
Elbow Wall Thickness (Method 2)

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

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Elbow Wall Thickness: Model 1

An elbow fitting is modeled by controlling the bend radius, and the pipe wall thickness. In order to define an elbow with a different wall
thickness than the joining pipes, the pipe size can be changed for the bend and then reset to the original pipe size.

1. Build a system from A00 to A01 using a 12 inch standard schedule pipe named 12STD. The coordinates of the system points
listed below are global (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

2. Select Insert/Bend to open the Bend Point dialog. Input the tangent intersection point coordinates as shown and specify the
new pipe data identifier ELBOW. After accepting this dialog, the Pipe dialog (shown in Step 3) will automatically be displayed since
the pipe named "ELBOW" has not yet been defined.

3. Define the new pipe. Enter a Nominal Pipe Size of 12.00" and a Schedule of 120. After providing the data for the new pipe, the
Location dialog is automatically displayed as shown in Step 4.

4. The Location dialog requests the specific location on the bend where the pipe change is to take effect: at the near or far point of
the elbow. To change the elbow thickness over the entire bend, select Near for the near tangent.

5. Select Insert/Pipe Properties to display the Pipe Properties dialog. From the selection list, specify 12STD as the pipe
identifier. A message is displayed indicating that “Previously defined pipe date will be used.”

6. Again, the Location dialog requests the specific location on the bend where the pipe change is to take effect. This time select Far
for the far tangent. This will place the pipe 12STD in effect for subsequent piping components.
7. Define a run of pipe to A03. The coordinates for the system point listed below are global (length units are feet, and offsets are
measured from the preceding point):

Display of the Thick Elbow Model

See Also:
Elbow Wall Thickness: Model 2

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AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Elbow Wall Thickness: Model 2

The entire system defined in Model 1 can be built using the same pipe identifier (i.e. 12STD). The bend can then be modified using the
Modify/Pipe Properties command.

1. Build a system from A00 to A03 using a 12 inch standard schedule pipe named 12STD. The global coordinates for the system
points are listed below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

2. Position the cursor over the outline of the elbow. After being properly selected, the elbow is highlighted (you can accomplish this
same task by first selecting the near point of the elbow, A02 N, then pressing and holding the [Shift] key while selecting the far
point, A02 F).

3. Select Modify/Pipe Properties to open the Pipe Properties dialog.

4. Define the pipe ELBOW. See Step 3 of Model 1 .

Note: AutoPIPE will issue a warning for these models when the Global Consistency Check is performed. The messages are provided to
alert the user to the sudden change in pipe properties in the event that those changes were unintentional (for our models this is not the
case).

See Also:
Elbow Wall Thickness: Model 1

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Base Supported Elbow

A base elbow, or a dummy leg at a bend point, can be modeled in various ways depending on the location of the leg along the bend and the
orientation of the leg. The leg can be placed at either tangent point, or at a point anywhere along the bend. The leg itself can be modeled as
a support or a structural member welded to the bend.
It should be noted that supporting an elbow in this manner will greatly effect the flexibility and stress intensification factors for the elbow.
For simplicity, the following models do not address this aspect of a base supported elbow. However, an SIF should be applied at the tangent
points of the bend.

Example

Figure 1.2.6

Four methods for modeling base supported elbows are provided below:
Model 1: Supported at a tangent point (simple vstop support for fig 1.2.6 a)
Model 2: Supported at a point along the bend (simple vstop support for fig 1.2.6 b)
Model 3: Alternate method for defining a support at a midpoint
Model 4: Modeling a "dummy leg" as a structural member (fig 1.2.6 b & c)
Model 5: Modeling a "dummy leg" as a pipe (Recommended fig 1.2.6 b)

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AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 1: Supported at a tangent point
In this model, a V-stop is to be placed at A02 F as shown in Figure 1.2.6 (A), above. The support acts along the centerline of the vertical run
and does not restrain the rotation of the elbow.

1. Build a system from A00 to A03. The global coordinates for the system points are listed below (length units are feet, and offsets
are measured from the preceding point):

2. Move the crosshairs to point A02 F.

3. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. Select V-stop from the “Support type” selection list.

Display of Model 1

Other Base Supported Elbow Models

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 2: Supported at a point along the bend

In this model, a V-stop is placed at a point along the bend at A02 as shown in Figure 1.2.6 (B). It is assumed that a system exists with a
bend defined, and that A02 is the current point (repeat Steps 1 and 2 from Model 1).

1. Select Modify/Bend or Modify/Point to open the Bend Point dialog. Modify the bend to include a midpoint (A02 M) halfway
between A02 N and A02 F.

2. Move the crosshairs to point A02 M.

3. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. Define a V-stop at this point.

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Display of Model 2

Other Base Supported Elbow Models

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 3: Alternate method for defining a support at a midpoint

A midpoint may be added to an existing bend without using the Modify/Point or Modify/Bend command sequence. This is particularly
useful for defining supports at bend points that have been defined without a midpoint.

1. Build a pipe run from A00 to A03 (see Model 1 , Step 1).
2. Move the crosshairs to A02 (the TIP).

3. Select Insert/Support . Since A02 is not a physical point on the piping run, a support cannot be placed there. Thus, the
Location dialog is displayed requesting the specific location on the bend where the support should be placed. Select Mid from the
“Location around the bend” selection list.

4. Since the midpoint was not specified when the bend point was created, the location of this point along the bend is requested in
the “Enter percentage along the bend” field. Accept the default (50) and press OK. Once the percentage along the bend is
accepted, the Support dialog is automatically displayed. Define a V-stop support.

Other Base Supported Elbow Models

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 4: Modeling a "dummy leg" as a structural member

In this model, a Frame member is used to model the dummy leg as shown in Figure 1.2.6 (C). The leg can be placed either at a tangent
point or at a point along the bend. In order to represent a fully welded moment connection, by taking into account the rotation of the bend,
the dummy leg will be placed at the midpoint. It is assumed that a system exists with a bend midpoint defined, and that A02 M is the
current point (see Model 2 , Steps 1 and 2).

1. Select Insert/Frame to open the Beam dialog:

2. Define the dummy leg as a frame member from A02 M to a new point named BASE. Specify 2 (two) feet for the length of the leg
from Point I by entering -2.0 in the “DY” field. Enter W as the “Table Name,” W8X24 as the cross “Section ID,” and A36 as the
“Material ID.” Note that the Beta angle is 90°.

Note: A pipe or any other structural shape can be used to model the leg.

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3. Make "BASE" the current point.

4. Select Insert/Anchor to open the Anchor dialog.

5. Define an anchor at the base of the dummy leg. An anchor can also be defined at "BASE" without moving to it. While in the
‘Anchor’ dialog, enter BASE in the “Point Name” field. This now becomes the new current point and the anchor will be placed at
this point.

Display of Model 4

Other Base Supported Elbow Models

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 5: Modeling a "dummy leg" as a pipe

In this recommended model, a short rigid frame member is used to connect a pipe segment to the bend, to model the dummy leg as shown
in Figure 1.2.6 (B). This model can be used to capture the radial thermal expansion of the bend and any thermal growth of the trunnion. It
is assumed that a system exists with a bend midpoint defined, and that A02 M is the current point (see Model 2 , Steps 1 and 2).

1. Select Insert/Frame to open the Beam dialog:

2. Define the dummy leg as a frame member from A02 M to a new point named B00. Specify a small length of the leg from Point I
by entering DX = 0.01, DY = -0.01' field. Select “Table Name” - Rigid.
3. Make B00 the current point.
4. Select Insert/Segment to start a new pipe segment from B00 and enter pipe identifier name = Pipe1 (same properties as the
trunnion e.g. 6" standard schedule pipe.

5. Note the coordinates of B00 (using view/point properties, F3) then click on the bend tip point A02 and also note its coordinates.
Subtract the two sets of coordinates to give the offsets from B00 to A02 i.e. DX = 0.2829', DY = -0.2829' using pipe identifier =
Pipe1.

6. Make B00 (segment B) the current point, Insert/Run (B00 to B01) and enter offsets from step 5.
7. Insert/Run ( B01 to B02) and enter offsets to the base of the trunnion e.g DY = -2'.

8. Make B02 the current point, and select Insert/Support to open the support dialog and select V-stop (using default above
gap = 100 and below gap = 0).

9. Click on the pipe between B00 and B01 to select this pipe (highlighted Red) then select Insert/Rigid Options
Over Range with Include Weight = No, Include Thermal Expansion = Yes (shown as purple). [This takes account
of the radial expansion of the outer wall surface of the bend assuming temperature is applied from B00 to B01].

Note:
1. If there is temperature e.g. if insulated or connected to a high temperature line, on the dummy leg B01 to B02 then apply
temperature over this range typically less than the main pressure pipe due to the heat conduction along the non-insulated dummy

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leg.
2. Remember to remove any pressure from segment B since it is a non-pressure component.
3. The coordinates of Bend tip point A02 and B01 should be the same.

Display of Model 5
A close up of this trunnion connection to the bend midpoint can be seen below with pipe = transparent under View/Transparency.

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Other Base Supported Elbow Models

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Miter Bends
Miter bends are typically used where space limitations do not allow the use of elbows, or when using a miter bend is more economical than
an elbow. Miter bends are most often found in pressure vessels, steel water piping, and drain lines.
Miter bends are classified as either closely or widely spaced. Evenly spaced miter bends, whether close or wide, are defined by the following
parameters:

The miter is considered to be closely spaced if S < Sb. Conversely, the miter is widely spaced if S ≥ Sb. Where:
Sb = Ra⋅ (1 + tan Θ)
The effective miter radius (Re) is:
if closely spaced Re = Rb
if widely spaced Re = 0.5⋅ Ra⋅ (1 + cot Θ)
Close miter bends may have from 1 to 9 cuts. A 90° bend modeled with one cut has a miter angle of 45°, a two cut miter angle is 22.5°, a
three cut miter angle is 15°, and a four cut miter angle (shown in the figure above) is 11.25°.
AutoPIPE allows a closely spaced miter bend to be input on one ‘Bend Point’ dialog regardless of the number of cuts (the miter cuts are
calculated automatically). However, if the miter is widely spaced, a series of one cut (single miter) bend points must be input by the user.

Note: The user is responsible for predetermining whether the miter bend is closely or widely spaced. The current version of AutoPIPE
does not trap an incorrectly specified miter bend.

Two methods for modeling miter bends are provided below:

Model 1: 3 Cuts - Closely Spaced
Model 2: 3 Cuts - Widely Spaced

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 1: 3 Cuts - Closely Spaced

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Nom. pipe size 12 in, Std. Sch.

Do 12.75 in

t 0.375 in

Bend type = Short radius, 3 cut miter

α 90.0°

N 3

Θ 90.0° ÷ (2⋅ 3) = 15.0°

Rb 1.0⋅ 12" = 12.0 in

Ra (12.75" - 0.375") ÷ 2 = 6.19 in

Sb 6.19"⋅ (1.0 + 0.2679) = 7.85 in

S 2.0⋅ 12.0"⋅ 0.2679 = 6.43 in < Sb

Since S < Sb, the miter is closely spaced. Therefore, the miter bend can be defined as a single bend point and AutoPIPE will automatically
calculate each miter point (these are transparent to the user).

1. Build a system from A00 to A01 using a 12 inch standard schedule pipe named 12STD. The global coordinates for the system
points are listed below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

2. Select Insert/Bend to open the Bend Point dialog. Define Bend point A02 with a Short radius, Close (miter) bend with 3 cuts.
Then, input the tangent intersection point coordinates as shown.

3. Define a run of pipe to A03. The global coordinates for the system point are listed below (length units are feet, and offsets are
measured from the preceding point):

AutoPIPE displays the miter bend information in the Point Data Listing sub-report (see SYSNAME.RPT; select the Edit/List command).

Click here to view the miter data for Model 1.

See Also:
Model 2: 3 Cuts - Widely Spaced

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

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Model 2: 3 Cuts - Widely Spaced

Let's define the same bend as in Model 1, except this time using a long radius (this will result in a wide miter bend).
The changed parameters are:

„ Bend type: long radius

„ Rb: 1.5⋅ 12" = 18.0 in

„ S: 2.0⋅ 18.0"⋅ 0.2679 = 9.65 in > Sb

Since S > Sb, the miter is widely spaced. Therefore, the miter bend must be defined as a series of single bend points.

1. Determine the effective miter radius Re. This value will be entered in the “Bend radius” field when defining each miter tangent
intersection point (TIP).

Re = 0.5⋅ 6.19"⋅ (1 + cot 15°) = 14.64 in

2. Determine the coordinates for each of the miter cuts. Since each cut must be defined as an individual bend, the coordinates will
locate the tangent intersection points TP1, TP2 and TP3.

In order to establish the coordinates for each miter cut TIP it is necessary to define a reference axis from which the point offsets can
be related. This reference axis shall be along the centerline of the pipe coming into the bend to the overall TIP (refer to the Figure
above).

a. The first miter cut (TP1) is always located on the reference axis at a distance of "0.5⋅ S" from the near tangent point (of the
overall bend). Thus, TP1 is located by offsets are measured from point A01 (see Model 1 for coordinates):

b. The coordinates for all subsequent miter cuts (regardless of the total number of cuts in the miter bend) are given by the
following two equations (where, i = miter cut number):

Thus, the coordinates for the second miter cut TP2 (i = 2) measured from the first miter cut TP1 are:

The coordinates for the third miter cut TP3 (i = 3) measured from the second miter cut TP2 are:

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Note: If the bend angle (α) does not equal 90° or the reference axis does not coincide with a global axis, a transformation of
coordinate systems must be performed in order to calculate the correct offset values. The user should be very careful when
calculating coordinate offsets.

c. Calculate the offset from the last miter cut TP3 to the next (run) point RUNP on the piping system (the coordinates of RUNP are
the same as A03 in Model 1 ).

4. Define the pipe and system points up to, and including point A01 by repeating Step 1 from Model 1.

5. Select Insert/Bend to open the Bend Point dialog. Define a bend point A02 as Wide (miter) bend with a bend radius (Re) of
14.64 inches. Then, input the tangent intersection point coordinates as shown. Notice that the Cuts field is closed as wide miters
are always a single cut.

6. Repeat Step 5 for each of the remaining miter cut TIPs (TP2 and TP3). Use the offset values calculated in Step 2 for each bend
TIP.
7. Define a run of pipe to A05, use the offset values calculated in Step 3. The global coordinates for the points in the completed
system are listed below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

AutoPIPE displays the miter bend information in the Point Data Listing sub-report (See SYSNAME.RPT, select the View/Point Properties [F3]
command).

Click here to view the miter data for Model 2.

See Also:
Model 1: 3 Cuts - Closely Spaced

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Cuts: Cold Spring

A cold spring is used to reduce thermal forces on vessels, pumps, and other types of equipment connected to a piping system. The force
reduction is achieved by fabricating the pipe slightly shorter than the required dimension and then pulling it into place during erection (at the
ambient temperature). This creates a state of internal pre-stress which is opposed to the stress that results from the (high) temperatures
encountered under operating conditions.
When a cut-short is specified at a point, AutoPIPE applies the cut to the section of pipe preceding the current point. Thus, a cut cannot be
defined at the first point in the pipe system. In addition, a cut cannot be specified at a bend.

Example System

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Two methods for modeling cold spring cuts are provided below:
Model 1: Cut-Short (high operating temperature)
Model 2: Cut-Long (low operating temperature)

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 1: Cut-Short (high operating temperature)

In order to counter the anticipated thermal stresses, both legs are to be fabricated 0.27" shorter than the 10'-0" leg length. First, the system
is modeled with the established dimensions. Then, a cut-short is specified for each pipe leg.
The user has the option to analyze the system with or without the cold spring effect. If included in the analysis, the cold spring is
applied to the load case in which the cut short was defined.

1. Build a system from A00 to A03 using an 8 inch, standard schedule pipe. The global coordinates for the system points are listed
below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

2. Move the crosshairs to point A01.

3. Select Insert/Xtra Data/Cut Short to open the Cut Short dialog: Specify a cut of 0.27 in the GR load case. A positive value
defines a shortening in the horizontal leg of the system which causes a pretension load.

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4. Add a cut-short in the vertical leg by repeating Step 3 for point A03.
5. Select Analyze/Static to open the Static Load Cases dialog. To include the effects of the cold spring, enable the Cut-short analysis
option.

For proper evaluation of the results, a user combination should be defined which includes both the GR and T1 load cases. This combination
represents the total effect of the cut-short pre-stress (defined in GR) and the stress relief induced by the operating temperature (T1).
See Also:
Model 2: Cut-Long (low operating temperature)

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 2: Cut-Long (low operating temperature)

For this model, we will use the same example system, but this time the operating temperature is -150°F.

In order to counter the anticipated thermal stresses, both legs are to be fabricated 0.145" longer than the 10'-0" leg length.

1. Build the system described in Step 1 of Model 1, in this section.

2. Move the crosshairs to point A01.

3. Select Insert/Xtra Data/Cut Short to open the Cut Short dialog. Specify a cut of -0.145 inches in the GR load case. The
negative value defines a lengthening in the horizontal leg of the system which causes a pre-compression load.

4. Add a cut-long in the vertical leg by repeating Step 3 for point A03.
5. Repeat Step 5 from Model 1 in order to include the effects of the cold spring in the analysis.

As stated for Model 1, a user combination should be defined which includes both the GR and T1 load cases. This combination represents the
total effect of the cut-long pre-stress (defined in GR) and the stress relief induced by the operating temperature (T1).

Note: The user should be aware that the ASME codes do not allow the inclusion of the cold spring effect when cyclic loading is a factor on
the system. Refer to the specific code for details regarding this matter.

The models presented have each used a 100% cold spring. The user should be aware that this was done for simplicity, and is not a
standard practice in piping design.

See Also:
Model 1: Cut-Short (high operating temperature)

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Flexible Joints
Choose from the following flexible joint modeling examples:
Single Bellows Expansion Joint
Tied Bellows Expansion Joint
Tied Universal Expansion Joint
Hinged Expansion Joint
Gimbal Expansion Joint
Slip Joint
Ball and Socket Joint
Pressure Balanced Expansion Joints

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

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Single Bellows Expansion Joint

A single bellows expansion joint is used to absorb the axial and lateral movement (caused by thermal expansion or contraction) of the pipe
section in which it is installed. It is not capable of absorbing pressure thrust, which must be restrained by the piping system itself.

Example

Modeling
The primary axial growth of the piping system, due to thermal expansion, is absorbed by the single bellows acting in compression. Since the
bellows cannot absorb pressure thrust the bend near the expansion joint is anchored to support this load.

1. Build a system from A00 to A02 using an 8 inch, standard schedule pipe. The global coordinates for these points are listed below
(length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

2. Select Insert/Flexible Joint to open the Flexible Joint dialog.

3. Define a flexible joint to point A03. Enter a length of 1.0 foot i.e. DX = 1.00, DY = 0.00, DZ = 0.00

Define Axial stiffness = 1000 lb/in, Y-bending stiffness = 10000 ft-lb/deg, Z-bending stiffness = 10000 ft-lb/deg, All other stiffness values =
Rigid(the default), and the component weight (user supplied) = 53 lb. Also, a pressure thrust area of 50.03sq. in should be specified. The
area shown assumes that the bellows has an internal sleeve (based on Di = 7.981").
A = π ⋅ (7.981 in)2 ÷ 4 = 50.03 in2

4. Define the remainder of the piping system. The global coordinates for these points are listed below (length units are feet, and
offsets are measured from the preceding point):

5.

5. Move the crosshairs to point A04 N.

6. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. Specify an Inclined, rigid support acting in the Global X direction. The
(directional) support restrains the pressure thrust developed in the bellows due to the internal operating pressure of the pipe.

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Display of a system that uses a single bellows to control thermal expansion

It should be noted that the flexible joint has been placed in the long leg of the piping system. This orientation enables the joint to absorb the
large (relatively speaking) thermal expansion axially. In addition, it can be seen that the small axial expansion in the leg between A04 and
A05 is absorbed by the joint in bending. The designer should always try to minimize bending loads acting on a single bellows expansion
joint.

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Tied Universal Expansion Joint

A universal expansion joint contains two bellows joined by a common connector. It is used for the purpose of absorbing any combination of
axial movement, lateral deflection, and angular rotation. Universal joints are usually furnished with tie rods whose function is to distribute
the movement between the two bellows, and absorb pressure thrust. A common application of a tied universal joint is its use in a Z bend. In
this case, the joint assembly absorbs the axial expansion of the long legs as lateral deflection, and the tie rods are adjusted to prevent axial
expansion in the short leg due to pressure effects.

Example

Modeling
The tie rods in a universal expansion joint can be modeled using either of two methods in AutoPIPE. The simple approach is to use a single
two-point (tie/link) support, which represents the total stiffness of the tie rods, to connect each end of the flexible joint (refer to the
approach used for Model 1 of the Tied Bellows Expansion Joint Example ). This method neglects bending effects at the joint due to the
actual orientation of the rods.
The second method (modeled below) places the tie rods in their actual position, in relation to the pipe and bellows. The end plates are
modeled as rigid beams, and the tie rods are modeled as Tie/link supports with gaps set (rods only resist tension loads). As will be shown,
the gap settings specified have an important effect on the manner in which the tied bellows is modeled.

1. Build a system from A00 to A09 using an 8 inch, standard schedule pipe. The global coordinates for the system points are listed
below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

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Note: Points A04 and A06 have been skipped intentionally.

2. Move the crosshairs to point A01.

3. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. Define a Rigid planar guide by specifying a large (10 inch) gap down and
gap up. This allows the upper section of pipe to move only in the X-Y plane.

4. Move the crosshairs to point A08. Define another planar guide at this point (repeat Step 3). Again, specify large values in the gap
down and gap up directions in order to limit movement of the lower section of pipe to the Y-Z plane.

5. Move the crosshairs to point A03.

6. Select Insert/Flexible Joint to open the Flexible Joint dialog.

7. Define a flexible joint to point A04. Enter a length of 1.0 foot i.e. DX = 0.00, DY = -1.00, DZ = 0.00

Axial stiffness = 1000 lb/in, Y-bending stiffness = 10000 ft-lb/deg, Z-bending stiffness = 10000 ft-lb/deg, All other stiffness values = Rigid
(the default), and a component weight of 53 lb. Also, a pressure thrust area of 50.03 sq.in should be specified. The area entered assumes that
the bellows has an internal sleeve (based on Di = 7.981").

A = π ⋅ (7.981") ÷ 4 = 50.03 in

8. Move the crosshairs to point A05. Define a second flex joint from A05 to A06 (repeat Steps 6 and 7). Again, the point at the far end
of the joint is defined by the point name (A06), and length (1 ft) specified.

9. Move the crosshairs back to point A03. We will now begin to define the tie rod assembly for the universal joint.

10. Select Insert/Frame to open the Beam dialog.

11. Define a rigid beam (M1) from A03 to the point TB1. TB1 is located 6 inches away from A03, in the +X direction.
12. Define the remainder of the rigid beams. Add three more beams connecting A03 to TB2 through TB4. Then, add four more beams
connecting A06 to TB5 through TB8. The frame point offset coordinates are as shown in the table below (DX, DY and DZ lengths
are relative to the point referenced in the “From Point I” field).

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13. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog.

14. Specify a Tie/link from TB1 to TB5 in order to simulate the effect of a 0.5" diameter rod. Enter a spring rate of 152171 which is equal
to the axial stiffness (ka) of the rod (Refer to the Note for Step 4, Model 2, in Section 1.4.2 for additional details on the purpose
of the gap setting values.):

E = 27,900,000 psi L = 36.0 in A = π ⋅ (0.50") ÷ 4 = 0.1963 in

ka = 27,900,000 psi ⋅ 0.1963 in ÷ 36.0 in = 152,170.9 lb/in

15. Move the crosshairs to point TB2, then repeat Step 14 (place a tie/link between TB2 and TB6). Continue defining the tie rods in
this manner (there should be ties between TB3 and TB7, and between TB4 and TB8).

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Hinged Expansion Joint

A hinged expansion joint contains one bellows and is designed to permit angular rotation in one plane only by the use of a pair of pins
through hinge plates attached to the expansion joint ends. The hinges and hinge pins must be designed to restrain pressure thrust and any
extraneous forces, where applicable. Hinged joints should be used in sets of two or three to function properly.

Example

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Modeling
A set of hinged joints are commonly used to absorb the axial (lateral) growth in a planar Z-bend piping system. Each individual joint in this
system is restricted to pure angular rotation by its hinges. However, each pair of joints, separated by a section of pipe, will act in unison to
absorb lateral deflection in much the same manner as a universal expansion joint in a single plane application. For a given angular
rotation of the individual hinges, the amount of lateral deflection which a pair of hinges can absorb is directly proportional to the distance
between the hinge pins. Thus, in order to utilize the joints most efficiently, this distance should be made as large as possible.

1. Build a system from A00 to A09 using an 8 inch, standard schedule pipe. The global coordinates for the system points are listed
below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

Note: Points A04 and A06 have been skipped intentionally.

2. Move the crosshairs to point A01.

3. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. Define a Rigid planar guide by specifying a large (10 inch) “Gap down” and
“Gap up.” This allows the upper section of pipe to move only in the X-Y plane.

4. Move the crosshairs to point A08. Define another planar guide at this point (repeat Step 3). Again, specify large values in the
“Gap down” and “Gap up” directions in order to limit movement of the lower section of pipe to the X-Y plane.

5. Move the crosshairs to point A03.

6. Select Insert/Flexible Joint to open the Flexible Joint dialog. Define a flexible joint to point A04. Enter a length of 1.0 feet
i.e. DX = 0.00, DY = -1.00, DZ = 0.00. Specify a zero (0) Y-bending stiffness and all other stiffnesses = Rigid , with the component
weight of 53 lb. Also, a pressure thrust area of 50.03 sq.in should be specified. The area entered assumes that the bellows has an
internal sleeve (based on Di = 7.981").

A = π ⋅ (7.981") ÷ 4 = 50.03 in

7. Move the crosshairs to point A05. Define a second flex joint from A05 to A06 (repeat Step 6). Again, the point at the far end of
the joint is defined by the point name (A06), and length (1 ft) specified.

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Display of Planar "Z-Bend" Model

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Gimbal Expansion Joint

A gimbal expansion joint is designed to permit angular rotation in any plane by the use of two pairs of hinges affixed to a common floating
gimbal ring. The gimbal ring, hinges, and pins must be designed to restrain pressure thrust and any extraneous forces, where applicable.
Gimbal expansion joints should be used in sets of two or three to function properly.

Example

Modeling
A set of gimbal joints are commonly used to absorb the axial (lateral) growth in a multiplane Z-bend piping system. Each individual joint in
this system is restricted to pure angular rotation by its hinges. However, each pair of gimbals, separated by a section of pipe, will act in
unison to absorb lateral deflection in much the same manner as a universal expansion joint. For a given angular rotation of the individual
gimbal, the amount of lateral deflection which a pair of gimbals can absorb is directly proportional to the distance between the gimbals.
Thus, in order to utilize the joints most efficiently, this distance should be made as large as possible.

1. Build a system from A00 to A09 using an 8 inch, standard schedule pipe. The global coordinates for the system points are listed
below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

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Note: Points A04 and A06 have been skipped intentionally.

2. Move the crosshairs to point A01.

3. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. Define a rigid planar guide by specifying a large (10 inch) gap down and
gap up. This allows the upper section of pipe to move only in the X-Y plane.

4. Move the crosshairs to point A08. Define another planar guide at this point (repeat Step 3). Again, specify large values in the gap
down and gap up directions in order to limit movement of the lower section of pipe to the Y-Z plane.

5. Move the crosshairs to point A03.

6. Select Insert/Flexible Joint to open the Flexible Joint dialog. Define a flexible joint to point A04. Enter a length of 1.0 feet
i.e. DX = 0.00, DY = -1.00, DZ = 0.00. Specify 0 Y and Z-bending stiffnesses, and all other stiffnesses = Rigid , with a component
weight of 53 lb. Also, a pressure thrust area of 50.03 sq.in should be specified. The area entered assumes that the bellows has an
internal sleeve (based on Di = 7.981").

A = π ⋅ (7.981") ÷ 4 = 50.03 in

7. Move the crosshairs to point A05. Define a second flexible joint from A05 to A06 (repeat Step 6). Again, the point at the far end of
the joint is defined by the point name (A06), and length (1 ft) specified.

Display of Multiplane "Z-Bend" Model

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Slip Joint
A slip joint allows axial expansion of a pipe section by permitting the adjacent pipes to move through a telescoping action. Slip joints have
the great advantage of being capable of absorbing relatively large amounts of axial expansion in a single device and doing so in the most
direct way possible. The slip joint can also accommodate torsional motion. However, even small bending loads can cause binding or galling,
severely reducing the capacity and effectiveness of the joint. It should be noted that slip joints are susceptible to lateral buckling (or

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squirming) due to the internal pipe pressure. Therefore, suitable guiding must be provided to assure that buckling is prevented, and that the
male and female components remain concentric at all times.

Example

Modeling
The axial thermal growth of a straight run of pipe is absorbed by a slip joint. A single action slip joint is placed at the end of the long pipe
section, near the attached equipment (or anchor). Then, several guides are provided to assure that the pipe movement is in the axial
direction only.

1. Build a system from A00 to A07 using a 4 inch, standard schedule pipe. The global coordinates for the system points are listed
below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

Note: Point A06 has been skipped intentionally.

2. Move the crosshairs to point A05.

3. Select Insert/Flexible Joint to open the Flexible Joint dialog. Define a flexible joint to point A06. Enter a length of 1.0 foot i.e.
DX = 1.00, DY = 0.00, DZ = 0.00. Specify a small value e.g. 0.1 axial, 0.1 torsional stiffnesses and all other stiffnesses = Rigid
with and a component weight of 15 lb. Also, a pressure thrust area of 12.73 sq.in should be specified. The area entered assumes
that the slip joint has an internal sleeve (based on Di = 4.026").

A = π ⋅ (4.026") ÷ 4 = 12.73 in

Display of System Model

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Note: When two slip joints are placed adjacent to each other in a piping system, the pipe between the two slip joints is supported
primarily by friction. Since AutoPIPE does not consider friction in the flexible joint component, the Axial and Torsional stiffnesses should
be specified as small values (≈ 0.1 ft⋅ lb and 0.1 ft⋅ lb/deg) instead of zero in order to prevent an unstable system error.

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Ball and Socket Joint

A ball and socket joint allows free rotation (in any direction) of the connected pipes, but does not permit translational movements. Since
translation is fixed, pressure loads are transmitted through the joint, and axial movement cannot be absorbed. Instead, the joint must be
oriented so that movements are absorbed laterally. Thus, it can be seen that ball and socket joints provide an alternative to other types of
expansion joints when used in pairs, or in threes. It should be noted that actual ball and socket joints are limited in their range of angular
rotation. They should be placed in the piping system so that these limits are not exceeded.

Example

Modeling
A common application for a system of ball joints is a multiplane Z-bend. This model illustrates an arrangement of three ball joints as an
alternative to a universal, or gimbal expansion joint for absorbing thermal expansion laterally.

1. Build a system from A00 to A09 using a 6 inch standard schedule pipe. The global coordinates for the system points are listed
below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

Note: Points A02, A05 and A07 have been skipped intentionally.

2. Move the crosshairs to point A01.

3. Select Insert/Flexible Joint to open the Flexible Joint dialog. Define a flexible joint to point A02. Enter a length of 0.75 feet
i.e.DX = 0.75, DY = 0.00, DZ = 0.00. Specify 0.1 ft-lb/deg for torsional, Y-bending and Z-bending stiffnesses, and a component
weight of 30 lb. Also, a pressure thrust area of 28.89 sq.in should be specified. The area entered assumes that the ball joint has an
internal sleeve (based on Di = 6.065").

A = π ⋅ (6.065") ÷ 4 = 28.89 in

4. Move the crosshairs to point A04. Define a second flexible joint from A04 to A05 (repeat Step 3). Again, the point at the far end of
the joint is defined by the point name (A05), and length (0.75 ft) specified.

5. Move the crosshairs to point A06. Define a third flexible joint from A06 to A07 (repeat Step 3). However, a zero torsional stiffness
cannot be used since this will result in free rotation of the pipe between A05 and A06 about the longitudinal (local x) axis. In
order to prevent an unstable system error, enter a value of 0.1 ft⋅ lb/deg.

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Note: The 0.1 ft⋅ lb/deg torsional stiffness could have been defined at A05 instead of A06 to prevent instability.

In this model, the ball joints in the vertical pipe leg absorb the axial expansion of the (long) horizontal legs. The axial expansion of the
centerspool, in the vertical leg, is absorbed by the ball joint in the upper horizontal leg. If the centerspool expansion is small enough to be
absorbed by the flexibility of the horizontal pipe sections, the flexible joint between A01 and A02 could be omitted.

Display of Multiplane "Z-Bend" Model

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Tied Bellows Expansion Joint

Tie rods are devices, usually in the form of rods or bars, attached to the expansion joint assembly, whose primary function is to continuously
restrain the full bellows pressure thrust during normal operation while permitting only lateral deflection. It should be noted that when tie
rods are furnished on expansion joints subject to external axial movement, they will only restrain the pressure thrust in the event of an
anchor failure. During normal operation, the adjacent equipment would be subject to the pressure thrust forces.

Example

Two methods for modeling tied bellows expansion joints are provided below:
Model 1: Tie rods modeled as a single two-point support
Model 2: Tie rod assembly modeled as beams and two-point supports

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

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Model 1: Tie rods modeled as a single two-point support

This approach produces a simplified model of a tied bellows as bending effects at the expansion joint, due to the actual orientation of the
rods, are neglected. A (Tie/link) support with gaps is used to model tie rods that act in tension only. The pressure thrust acting on the
bellows is restrained by the tie rods and thus no external support is required.

1. Build a system from A00 to A07 using an 8 inch standard schedule pipe. The global coordinates for the system points are listed
below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

Note: Point A05 has been skipped intentionally.

2. Move the crosshairs to point A01.

3. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. Define a rigid planar guide by specifying a left and right gap of 10 inches.
This allows the pipe to move, due to thermal expansion, in the plane of the pipe.

4. Move the crosshairs to point A04.

5. Select Insert/Flexible Joint to open the Flexible Joint dialog.

6. Define a flexible joint to point A05. Enter a length of 1.5 feet i.e. DX = 0.00, DY = 0.00, DZ = 1.50. Specify axial stiffness = 100
lb/in, Y-shear and Z-shear stiffness (i.e. lateral )= 100 lb/in and torsional & bending stiffnesses = Rigid, and the component
weight of 53 lb. Also, a pressure thrust area of 50.03 sq.in must be specified. The area entered assumes that the bellows has an
internal sleeve (based on Di = 7.981").

A = π ⋅ (7.981") ÷ 4 = 50.03 in

7. Move the crosshairs to point A03.

8. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog:

9. Specify a Tie/link from A03 to A06 in order to simulate the effect of four 0.5" diameter rods (positioned symmetrically between A04
and A05). Enter a spring rate of 730420 equal to the axial stiffness (ka) of the four rods combined:

E = 27,900,000 psi L = 30.0 in A = π ⋅ (0.50") ÷ 4 = 0.1963 in

ka = 4 ⋅ (27,900,000 psi ⋅ 0.1963 in ) ÷ 30.0 in = 730,420.3 lb/in
A large forward gap and no backward gap has been specified in order to model the rods for tension loads only (refer to the discussion of
Tie/Link Supports for details on the forward and backward directions). When a static analysis is performed, the “Gaps/Friction/Soil" must
be enabled in order to include the tension only behavior of the tie rods.

Note: Alternatively all stiffnesses (Note: torsion = 1E9 or Rigid) can be defined for the flexible joint i.e. non-zero and a tie-link, rigid X-
rotation and rigid Y-rotation connecting from A03 to A06 which maintains both ends of the tied bellows will rotate the same i.e remain
parallel.

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Display of Model 1

See Also:
Model 2: Tie rod assembly modeled as beams and two-point supports

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 2: Tie rod assembly modeled as beams and two-point supports

This is a more accurate model of the tied bellows since bending effects at the expansion joint are being considered: the actual orientation of
the rods is specified. The tie rods themselves cannot restrain bending loads, but their combined interaction does effect the bending behavior
of the joint. The end plates are modeled as rigid beams, and the tie rods are modeled as Tie/link supports with gaps set (rods can only resist
tension loads). As will be shown, the gap settings specified have an important effect on the manner in which the tied bellows is modeled.

1. Define the pipe system; repeat Steps 1 - 7 from Model 1.

2. Select Insert/Frame to open the Beam dialog. Define a Rigid beam (M1) from A03 to the point TB1. TB1 is located 6 inches
above A03.

3. Define the remainder of the rigid beams as shown. Add three more beams connecting A03 to TB2 through TB4. Then, add four
more beams connecting A06 to TB5 through TB8. The frame point offset coordinates are as shown in the table below (DX, DY and
DZ lengths are relative to the point referenced in the “From Point I” field).

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Note: End plate beams could probably have been defined at points A04 and A05 instead of points A03 and A06 without any
significant loss of accuracy.

4. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. Specify a Tie/link from TB1 to TB5 in order to simulate the effect of a 0.5"
diameter rod. Enter a spring rate of 182605 which is equal to the axial stiffness (ka) of the rod:

E = 27,900,000 psi L = 30.0 in A = π ⋅ (0.50") ÷ 4 = 0.1963 in

ka = 27,900,000 psi ⋅ 0.1963 in ÷ 30.0 in = 182,605.1 lb/in

Note: A large forward gap and no backward gap has been specified in order to model the rod for tension loads only. It
should be noted that the gap settings can be used to model limit, or control, rods by specifying meaningful gap values. For
example, defining a backward gap would model a limit rod, with the gap value being the amount of axial expansion
allowed (such as the bellows design limit) before the rods restrain the joint. When a static analysis is performed, the
“Gaps/Friction/Soil" option must be enabled in order to include the tension only behavior of the tie rods.

5. Move the crosshairs to point TB2, then repeat Step 4 (place a tie/link between TB2 and TB6). Continue defining the tie rods in this
manner (there should be ties between TB3 and TB7, and between TB4 and TB8).

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Single Line Display of ties linking frame members

See Also:
Model 1: Tie rods modeled as a single two-point support

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Pressure Balanced Expansion Joints

A pressure balanced expansion joint is designed to absorb axial movement and/or lateral deflection while restraining the pressure thrust by
means of tie rods interconnecting the flow bellows with an opposed bellows also subjected to operating pressure. This type of expansion
joint is normally used where a change of direction occurs in a run of piping (e.g., at a bend or a tee). A tee may be used in place of the
elbow where flow considerations allow its use.
The major advantage of the pressure-balanced design is its ability to absorb externally induced axial movement without imposing pressure
loading on the system. Therefore, it is often used to relieve loads acting on equipment such as pumps, compressors, and turbines. However,
in order for the expansion joint to function properly, the pressure thrust restrained by the tie rods must exceed the axial movement forces.
When large amounts of lateral movement are required, or when the lateral force must be held to a minimum, a pressure balanced universal
expansion joint is used. In this case, the flow end of the expansion joint contains two bellows separated by a common connector
(centerspool). The lateral movement is absorbed by the flow bellows in the same manner as a tied universal expansion joint.
Two methods for modeling pressure balanced expansion joints are provided below:
Model 1: Pressure Balanced Elbow
Model 2: Pressure Balanced Tee

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 1: Pressure Balanced Elbow

1. Build a system from A00 to A05 using an 8 inch standard schedule pipe. The global coordinates for the system points are listed
below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

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Note: Point A03 has been skipped intentionally.

2. Move the crosshairs to point A02.

3. Select Insert/Flexible Joint to open the Flexible Joint dialog.

4. Define a flexible joint to point A03. Enter a length of 0.50 feet i.e. DX = 0.50, DY = 0.00, DZ = 0.00.

Define Axial stiffness = 1000 lb/in, Y-bending stiffness = 10000 ft-lb/deg, Z-bending stiffness = 10000 ft-lb/deg, all other stiffness values =
Rigid(the default) with a component weight of 53 lb. Also, a pressure thrust area of 50.03 sq.in should be specified. The area entered assumes
that the bellows has an internal sleeve (based on Di = 7.981").

A = π ⋅ (7.981") ÷ 4 = 50.03 in

5. Select Insert/Segment to begin a new segment: Accept the new segment name default (B). Enter A03 as the first point.
Since A03 already exists, the Tee dialog is automatically displayed once the current dialog is accepted.

6. Accept the default type of tee (Welding). All this step does is assign a stress intensification factor (SIF) at the joint. The SIF for the
default tee type is 1.0. This is an acceptable value since we are not really modeling a tee connection.

7. Select Insert/Run to open the Run Point dialog. Define point B01. Locate this point 1.33 feet from A03 (in the +X direction).

8. Define a second flexible joint from B01 to B02 (repeat Steps 3 and 4). Again, the point at the far end of the joint is defined by the
point name (B02), and length (0.50 ft) specified.

9. Move the crosshairs back to point A02 to begin defining the tie rod assembly for the pressure-balanced elbow.

10. Select Insert/Frame to open the Beam dialog. Define a Rigid beam (M1) from A02 to the point TB1. TB1 is located 6 inches
away from A02, in the +Y direction.

11. Define the remainder of the rigid beams. Add three more beams connecting A02 to TB2 through TB4. Then, add four more beams
connecting B02 to TB5 through TB8. The frame point offset coordinates are as shown in the table below (DX, DY and DZ lengths
are relative to the point referenced in the “From Point I” field).

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12. Move the crosshairs to point TB1.

13. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. Specify a Tie/Link from TB1 to TB5 in order to simulate the effect of a 0.5"
diameter rod. Enter a spring rate which is equal to the axial stiffness (ka) of the rod (195648):

E = 27,900,000 psi L = 28.0 in A = π ⋅ (0.50") ÷ 4 = 0.1963 in

ka = 27,900,000 psi ⋅ 0.1963 in ÷ 28.0 in = 195,648.3 lb/in

Note: A large forward gap and no backward gap has been specified in order to model the rod for tension loads only. It
should be noted that the gap settings can be used to model limit, or control, rods by specifying meaningful gap values. For
example, defining a backward gap would model a limit rod, with the gap value being the amount of axial expansion
allowed (such as the bellows design limit) before the rods restrain the joint. When a static analysis is performed, the
“Gaps/Friction/Soil” option must be enabled in order to include the tension only behavior of the tie rods.

14. Move the crosshairs to point TB2, then repeat Step 13 (place a tie/link between TB2 and TB6). Continue defining the tie rods in
this manner (there should be ties between TB3 and TB7, and between TB4 and TB8).

Display of the Pressure Balanced Elbow Model

See Also:
Model 2: Pressure Balanced Tee

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 2: Pressure Balanced Tee

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1. Build a system from A00 to A05 using an 8 inch standard schedule pipe. The global coordinates for the system points are listed
below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

Note: Point A03 has been skipped intentionally.

2. Move the crosshairs to point A04.

3. Select Insert/Segment to open the Segment dialog. Accept the new segment name default (B), and enter A04 as the first
point. Since A04 already exists, the Tee dialog is automatically displayed after closing this dialog.

4. Accept the default Type of tee (Welding). This step assigns a stress intensification factor (SIF) at the joint. The SIF for the default
tee type is 1.0.

5. Complete the tee by defining a run of pipe to B01. The global coordinates for this point are listed below (length units are feet,
and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

6. Move the crosshairs to point A02.

7. Select Insert/Flexible Joint to open the Flexible Joint dialog.

8. Define a flexible joint to point A03. Enter a length of 0.50 feet i.e. DX = 0.50, DY = 0.00, DZ = 0.00.

Define Axial stiffness = 1000 lb/in, Y-bending stiffness = 10000 ft-lb/deg, Z-bending stiffness = 10000 ft-lb/deg, all other stiffness values =
Rigid(the default) with a component weight of 53 lb. Also, a pressure thrust area of 50.03 sq.in should be specified. The area entered assumes
that the bellows has an internal sleeve (based on Di = 7.981").

A = π ⋅ (7.981") ÷ 4 = 50.03 in

9. Move the crosshairs to point A05. Define a second flex joint from A05 to A06 (repeat Steps 7 and 8). Again, the point at the far
end of the joint is defined by the point name (A06), and length (0.50 ft) specified.

10. Move the crosshairs back to point A02, then select Insert/Frame to open the Beam dialog. Define a rigid beam (M1) from
A02 to the point TB1. TB1 is located 6 inches away from A02, in the +Y direction.

11. Define the remainder of the rigid beams. Add three more beams connecting A02 to TB2 through TB4. Then, add four more beams
connecting A06 to TB5 through TB8. The frame point offset coordinates are as shown in the table below (DX, DY and DZ lengths
are relative to the point referenced in the “From Point I” field).

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12. Move the crosshairs to point TB1, then select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. Specify a Tie/link from TB1 to TB5 in
order to simulate the effect of a 0.5" diameter rod. Enter a spring rate which is equal to the axial stiffness (ka) of the rod
(228256.00):

E = 27,900,000 psi L = 24.0 in A = π ⋅ (0.50")2 ÷ 4 = 0.1963 in2

ka = 27,900,000 psi ⋅ 0.1963 in2 ÷ 24.0 in = 228,256.3 lb/in

Note: A large forward gap and no backward gap has been specified in order to model the rod for tension loads only. It
should be noted that the gap settings can be used to model limit, or control, rods by specifying meaningful gap values. For
example, defining a backward gap would model a limit rod, with the gap value being the amount of axial expansion
allowed (such as the bellows design limit) before the rods restrain the joint. When a static analysis is performed, the
“Gaps/Friction/Soil" option must be enabled in order to include the tension only behavior of the tie rods.

13. Move the crosshairs to point TB2, then repeat Step 12 (place a tie/link between TB2 and TB6). Continue defining the tie rods in
this manner (there should be ties between TB3 and TB7, and between TB4 and TB8).

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Display of the Pressure Balanced Tee

See Also:
Model 1: Pressure Balanced Elbow

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Frames: Pipe Rack Modeling Examples

Frame structures are commonly used to support piping systems. In most cases, the structure is assumed to be much stiffer than the piping
itself and can be modeled simply as a rigid support. However, AutoPIPE also allows a supporting frame structure, such as a pipe rack, to be
included in the system model.

Example
The following models depict a system of parallel pipe runs (shown in the figure) which are supported by a pipe rack structure. The pipe-
frame connection type varies with each model. The piping system is usually defined first as this simplifies the modeling of the frame that
supports the pipes.

Three methods for modeling pipe racks are provided below:

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Pipe Rack (Method 1)

Pipe Rack (Method 2)
Pipe Rack (Method 3)

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Pipe Rack (Method 1)

Each piping point is connected to a corresponding frame point using a two-point support.

1. Build segments A (12" standard pipe) and B (6" standard pipe), which are to be supported by a pipe rack in each model. The
global coordinates of the system points are listed below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding
point):

Note: Save the system as defined at this point. Each of the three models that follow use this piping system for the
demonstration of pipe-frame connection types.

2. Select Insert/Frame to open the Beam dialog. Define beam M1 as the first frame leg (a column) from point 1 to point 2. The
maximum pipe diameter and beam depth have been taken into account for the calculation of the coordinates for point 2 (also 3,
4 and 5).

3. Define the remainder of the frame. Add a beam between each frame point listed below (e.g. beam M2 spans from point 2 to 3,
M3 spans from 3 to 4, etc.). Length units are feet.

Note: Note that in Step 2, point 2 was defined as an offset from point 1. By using point 2 as the I point for beam M2, its
coordinates are recalled. Thus, only point 3 needs to be defined (again as an offset from point 2). This is a convenient
method for defining frame points.

Another convenient way to define frame points is to enter a piping point (e.g. A02) which has similar coordinates as Point
I. Then, change the point name (e.g. to 3). Finally, modify the Y coordinate in order to position the point as required.

4. Make 1 the current point.

Note: The crosshairs do not have to be located at point 1 in order to define an anchor (see Step 5). Entering 1 in
the “Point Name” field on the ‘Anchor’ dialog will automatically move the crosshairs.

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5. Select Insert/Anchor to open the Anchor dialog. Define a rigid anchor at point 1. (An anchor may be defined at point 1
without moving to it. While in the ‘Anchor’ dialog, enter 1 in the “Point Name” field. This now becomes the new current point and
the anchor is placed at this point.)

6. Move the crosshairs to Point 6 and insert a second anchor at that location (repeat Step 5).
7. Make A02 the current point.

8. Connect the piping system to the structural frame with a two-point support. Select Insert/Support to open the Support
dialog. Select a Tie/link support type, then enter 3 in the “Connected to” field. A support has been used to connect A02 to point 3.

Note: In this case a large backward gap has been specified (the forward direction of the support is defined as from the pipe to
the frame) in order to model the ability of the pipe to rise off of the support. In addition, a coefficient of friction has been
specified, thus friction force effects due to the downward force of the pipe on the support are modeled. In order to include
(nonlinear) support gap and friction effects in an analysis, enable the “Gaps/Friction/Soil" option located on the Static Load
Cases dialog.

9. Repeat Step 8 for B02 (add a tie/link support between B02 and point 4).

Two point V-stops or Guides could also have been used in place of the tie/links specified in Model 1. V-stops are commonly
used in situations similar to this model since the direction sense of the gaps is less confusing than for ties.

Display of Model 1

Other methods for modeling pipe racks

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Pipe Rack (Method 2)

A pre-defined directional support at each piping point can be connected to a single frame point. This model takes advantage of the fact that
a V-stop always restricts the movement of a point in the vertical direction irrespective of the location of the Connected to point. This
simplifies the modeling of the frame itself as definition of all connection points are not necessary. However, all of the support reactions are
transferred to the one frame point rather than their actual locations (directly beneath each piping point).

1. Define the pipe system and the first leg of the pipe rack by repeating Steps 1 and 2 from Model 1 .
2. Define the remainder of the frame. Add a beam between each frame point listed below (e.g. beam M2 spans from point 2 to 3,
M3 spans from 3 to 4, etc.). Length units are feet.

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3. Define an anchor at frame points 1 and 5.

4. Make A02 the current point.

5. Connect pipe segment A to the structural frame with a V-stop. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. Note that
point 3 has been entered in the “Connected to” field. Also, a large gap above pipe has been specified to allow the pipe to lift off of
the support.

6. Connect pipe segment B to point 3 on the structural frame with a V-stop by repeating Step 5 for B02.

Display of Model 2

Other methods for modeling pipe racks

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Pipe Rack (Method 3)

Each piping point is connected directly to a corresponding frame point. This model represents a rigid connection between the pipe and frame
member.

1. Define the pipe system by repeating Step 1 from Model 1.

2. Select Insert/Frame to open the Beam dialog. Define beam M1 as the first frame leg (a column) from point 1 to point 2.

3. Define the remainder of the frame. Add a beam between each point listed below (e.g. beam M2 spans from point 2 to A02, M3
spans from A02 to B02, etc.). Length units are feet.

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4. Define an anchor at 1 and 4 by repeating Steps 4 and 5 from Model 1 for each of these frame points.

Display of Model 3

Other methods for modeling pipe racks

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Hangers
Select from the following modeling examples:
Variable and Constant Force Hangers
Two-Point Hanger
Imposed Hanger Displacements
Multiple Hanger Arrangements

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Variable and Constant Force Hangers

A hanger is a device which is used to suspend a section of pipe. The hanger is designed to support the weight of the piping system, and any
vertical loads imposed on the hanger due to the thermal displacement of the supported piping point.
In AutoPIPE, spring and constant force hangers may be specified as designed or undesigned. Typically, a hanger which is present in an
existing piping system is designed (where the spring rate and the cold load, or pre-load, are known). If the hanger is specified as
undesigned, AutoPIPE will determine the cold and hot loads, the spring rate, and then make a selection from the specified hanger
manufacturer's table when a hanger run is performed. This is particularly useful if a new hanger is to be added to a system.

Example

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Modeling
Both a designed and an undesigned hanger will be defined in this model, and then a hanger run will be performed. Create a model with two
operating load conditions and specify the ambient temperature as 70°F. It should be noted that the hanger run will not alter a user-designed
hanger. In other words, AutoPIPE only selects springs for those hanger supports which have been specified as undesigned by the user, or
those which were previously AutoPIPE-designed.

1. Build a system from A00 to A04 using an 8 inch standard schedule pipe. Define T1 as 400°F and T2 as 800°F. The global
coordinates for the system points are listed below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

System Defined So Far

2. Move the crosshairs to point A01 N.

3. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. Let's suppose that a single hanger already exists on the piping system.
Select a Constant support type. Next, disable the “Undesigned” field since the pre-load is known then enter the “Cold load” as 750

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lbs.

Note: Refer to the discussion of Anchor Releases for Hanger Selection for additional modeling considerations where the
anchor defined at point A00 represents sensitive equipment requiring (degree of freedom) release for hanger selection.

4. Move the crosshairs to point A02 F.

5. Select Insert/Support to bring up the Support dialog again. If this hanger is new to the piping system, we want AutoPIPE to
size it. Select a Spring for the support type, then enable the “Undesigned” option as shown.

6. Select Analyze/Hanger to open the Hanger dialog. Accept the default values for the first two input fields. Specify Grinnell as the
spring manufacturer. Consider both thermal load cases (T1 and T2) and the pipe contents. Do not consider gaps, friction, or soil
yielding effects.

7. As the hanger run proceeds, messages will be displayed on the screen to indicate the progress of the run. Afterwards, the report
is displayed.

8. Use the arrow keys to scroll down to the bottom of the report. The figure shows which springs were investigated, and the spring
that was selected (marked by "*").

Click here to view the hanger analysis results.

Note: Since the hanger run included both cases T1 and T2 (Step 6), the hanger is designed for the worst case. In this model T2 is the
worst case (800°F). However, if the load cases consist of varying temperatures over the piping system it may not be apparent to the user
which thermal load case will control the design of the hanger. Thus, the ‘Hanger’ dialog allows the user to exercise his/her own
judgement for the inclusion of any one, or all, of the defined thermal cases.

If the thermal movement calculated in the hanger run (Step 8) was less than the Rigid hanger displacement criteria (specified in Step 6),
then a rigid hanger (or V-stop) would have been selected. Refer to Appendix F for complete details on the hanger selection procedure.

Note: A static analysis must now be performed in order to include the support contribution of any newly (AutoPIPE) designed hanger(s).

Spring Hanger Related Topics

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Imposed Hanger Displacements

The “connected-to” point on a one-point hanger is typically referred to as the ground. The ground end of a hanger is similar to an anchor in
that it resists translation in all three coordinate directions. However, the ground is not a part of the piping system so it cannot be
manipulated like an anchor. For this reason, AutoPIPE allows the definition of imposed displacements at the grounded end of a hanger.

Example
A pipe is supported by a spring hanger which is suspended from a large vessel. The vessel is rigid enough that the hanger can be defined as
a one-point support, which simplifies the system model. Assume it is known that the “connected to” point will settle downward 1.37 inches
for the earthquake load case (E1) .

Modeling
The seismic movement of the hanger support base can be included in the system model by specifying an imposed support displacement, for
this load case only, once the hanger is defined.

1. Build a system from A00 to A04 using an 8 inch, standard schedule pipe. The global coordinates for the system points are listed
below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

2. Move the crosshairs to A01 N.

3. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. Select a Spring hanger, then enter a “Cold load” of 1000 and a “Spring rate”
of 750, as shown.

Do not move the crosshairs from A01 N.

4. Select Insert/Xtra Data/Imposed Support Displacement to open the Displacements dialog. Specify the static

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earthquake load case E1 for the imposed displacement. Then, enter a value of -1.37 in the (global) Y “Translation” field.

The effect of the support base displacement will be included in the E1 load case result set when a static analysis is performed (E1
must be selected). Note that the pipe system has some rigidity, and that the settling of the hanger ground will result in a
compression of the hanger spring. Thus, the hanger reaction at A01 will be reduced by the imposed displacement.

Note: If no support restraint is present, at the point where the Displace command is specified, the imposed displacement will not be
transmitted to the piping (or framing) system and AutoPIPE will issue a warning to alert the user.

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Multiple Hanger Arrangements

Due to headroom limitations, or if a heavy pipe is to be supported, more than one hanger may be used at a single piping point. Typically, a
trapeze hanger assembly is used to support the pipe in this case. The modeling of the trapeze assembly itself is not necessary for the
purposes of hanger design and pipe stress analysis. However, AutoPIPE allows the modeling of the trapeze if desired. Apply the procedures
set forth in Section 1.5.1 to the figure shown below.

Example

Modeling
In this model a trapeze assembly is required because of limited clearance above the supported pipe. AutoPIPE allows more than one hanger
(either spring or constant force) to be specified as the hanger support is defined.

1. Build a system from A00 to A02 using an 8" standard schedule pipe. The global coordinates for the system points are listed below
(length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

2. Move the crosshairs to A01.

3. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. Define a spring hanger with a cold load and spring rate as shown, then,
enter 2 as the number of hangers (each hanger has the defined cold load and spring rate).

Note: An alternative to Step 3 would be to specify only one hanger at A01, identified as A01 1. Next, repeat this step and
define an identical, single hanger. The second hanger’s “Support ID” would be A01 2. It should be pointed out that AutoPIPE
will treat undesigned multiple hangers in the same manner regardless of how they are defined (either by Step 3, or the
alternative approach). The only difference is in the printed report; each hanger is listed separately for the alternative method,
while for the Step 3 approach the hanger is listed as one support with two springs.

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Although two hangers have been defined at A01 only one hanger is displayed, unless each hanger is defined separately, and they
are physically separated (as in the case of modeling the trapeze bar as a frame element with each hanger at an end of the
beam).

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Two-Point Hanger
In most applications, hangers are connected to the ground, this type has been termed a one-point support. However, there are situations
where it is necessary to suspend a pipe from another pipe or frame, this type has been termed a two-point support. Since AutoPIPE has a
predefined restraint direction for hangers (vertical only), a two-point hanger can cause confusion if the connected to point is not located
directly above or below the supported point.

Two methods for modeling two-point hangers are provided below:

Model 1: Connected-to points lie in a vertical line
Model 2: Connected-to points are not vertical

Spring Hanger Related Topics

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

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Model 1: Connected-to Points are Vertical

In this model the supported and connected-to points lie in a vertical line (A01 and B01 in the Figure). A pipe is supported by a spring
hanger which is suspended from a pipe crossing above it. The weight of the pipe supported by the hanger is in turn supported by the pipe
crossing overhead. It is assumed that a piping system has been previously defined such that a 12" pipe running along the X axis (segment
A) crosses over a 4" pipe which runs parallel to the Z axis (segment B).

1. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. If the current point is not B01, enter B01 in the “Point Name” field, then
specify A01 as the “Connected to” point and define the remaining spring hanger data as shown.

Display of Model 1
See Also:
Model 2: Connected-to points are not vertical

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 2: Connected-To Points are Not Vertical

In this model the supported and connected-to points do not lie in a vertical line (A01 and B02, see the display of Model 2 shown below).

1. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog:

2. If the current point is not B02, enter B02 in the “Point Name” field. Then, specify A01 as the “Connected to” point and define the
remaining spring hanger data as shown.

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Display of Model 2
It is important to understand that AutoPIPE calculates the hanger reactions for both Model 1 and 2 identically. That is, the vertical support
reaction is calculated at the supported point, then transferred to the connected to point. No horizontal restraint is provided even though the
orientation of the hanger shown in the display of Model 2 suggests such a restraint. Refer to Section 4.3 of the User Reference manual for
details.
See Also:
Model 1

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Nozzle Flexibility
A pipe is normally connected to a vessel or storage tank through a nozzle. Although the nozzle is an integral part of the vessel, it is included
in the piping system model since it transmits the local shell flexibility of the vessel surface to the piping system. AutoPIPE has options for
inserting nozzles using the following types of flexibility calculations:

„ WRC 297

„ API 650

„ ASME NB 3686.5

„ Bijlaard

„ Spherical

„ User-defined

Note: The examples in this section will illustrate the Bijlaard and Spherical options only.

In AutoPIPE, the flexibility of a nozzle/vessel interface can be modeled in several different manners, depending on the judgment or
preference of the user. If the flexibility components have been pre-calculated, they can be modeled directly by defining a flexible anchor
using the flexibility component values. The following models describe the procedure for modeling the vessel shell flexibility only. Refer to
Modeling Vessels for the procedure for modeling the overall vessel and local shell flexibility.
Two methods are provided for modeling flexible nozzles:
Model 1: Cylindrical Vessel Surface
Model 2: Spherical Vessel Surface

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 1: Cylindrical Vessel Surface

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A piping system terminates at a horizontal, cylindrical vessel which is assumed to be rigid overall. This assumption allows the vessel itself to
be omitted from the piping system model. In the figure shown below, L1 and L2 represent the distance from the nozzle to the nearest
internal stiffening diaphragm or vessel end.

In this model, an 8" pipe is connected to a 20' long vessel which has a diameter (outside) of 6', and a wall thickness of 1". The longitudinal
axis of the vessel runs parallel to the global Z axis. Also, the nozzle is located 8' from the nearest end of the vessel.

1. Build a system from A00 to A03 using an 8" standard schedule pipe. The global coordinates for the system points are listed below
(length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

2. Select Insert/Nozzle to open the Nozzle dialog. Accept A04 as the default for the far end, then define the following nozzle
properties:

Note: The length of the nozzle should be the default length of 0.01' or the vessel thickness = 0.08' (1"). Do not enter the
nozzle length of the vessel surface to the nozzle flange.

3. Select Insert/Anchor to open the Anchor dialog. Point A04 represents the vessel surface only. Thus, it should be anchored
in order to model the Rigid vessel.

Note: Displacement of the nozzle/vessel connection point (A04) under operating load conditions can be included in the system
model by specifying thermal anchor movements on this dialog.

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Note: The current version of AutoPIPE does not include the unbalanced pressure effect which tends to blow the pipe off of the vessel. In
order to model this effect, a concentrated force should be specified at the pipe side of the nozzle which acts along the longitudinal axis of
the pipe and is directed away from the vessel.

See Also:
Model 2: Spherical Vessel Surface

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 2: Spherical Vessel Surface

A piping system terminates at a spherical vessel which is assumed to be rigid overall. This assumption allows the vessel itself to be omitted
from the piping system model. In the figure shown below, Do represents the diameter (outside) of the nozzle. In this model, an 8" pipe is
connected to a 10' diameter vessel which has a wall thickness of 1".

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1. Build a system from A00 to A03 using an 8" standard schedule pipe. The global coordinates for the system points are listed below
(length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

2. Select Insert/Nozzle to open the Nozzle dialog:

3. Accept A04 as the default for the far end, then define the following nozzle properties:

4. Select Insert/Anchor and define a Rigid anchor. Point A04 represents the vessel surface only. Thus, it should be anchored in
order to model the rigid vessel.

Displacement of the nozzle/vessel connection point (A04) under operating load conditions can be included in the system model
by specifying thermal anchor movements on this dialog.

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Note: The current version of AutoPIPE does not include the unbalanced pressure effect which tends to blow the pipe off of the
vessel. In order to model this effect, a concentrated force should be specified at the pipe side of the nozzle which acts along
the longitudinal axis of the pipe and is directed away from the vessel.

See Also:
Model 1: Cylindrical Vessel Surface

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Pipes
Select from the following Pipe Modeling examples:
Creating an Expansion Loop
Moving a Section of Pipe
Jacketed Pipe

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

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Creating An Expansion Loop

Expansion loops are commonly included in a piping system in order to make the system flexible enough to absorb the (axial) thermal growth
of the piping when subjected to operating temperatures. In a typical design process, the expansion loop is added to the system after the
initial routing has failed to meet the design requirements.

Example

Modeling
Initially, a straight run of pipe is defined from A00 to A03. Upon completion of a static analysis, it is determined that the pipe stresses are
too high and that an expansion loop is the best solution for reducing those stresses. The loop is to be added between A01 and A02.

1. Build the system from A00 to A03 using an 8" standard schedule pipe. The global coordinates for the system points are listed
below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

2. Move the crosshairs to point A01.

3. Select Insert/Bend to open the Bend Point dialog.

4. Instruct AutoPIPE to insert the new point After point A01, then define the new point A01W as being 4 feet from A01 in the +X
direction.

Note: An error dialog displays the message: “Angle is 0 degrees at bend A01W.” Ignore this message for now, as we’ll correct
the problem in the next step.

5. Select Insert/Bend to add the second bend. Insert A01X After point A01W, then offset it -6′ from A01W in the Y direction.

6. Select Insert/Bend to add the third bend. Locate the third point After A01X. Define A01Y as being 4' from A01X in the +X direction.

7. Select Insert/Bend to add the last bend of the expansion loop. Locate the fourth point After A01Y. Define A01Z as being 6' from
A01Y in the +Y direction.

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Display of the Expansion Loop

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Jacketed Pipe
Jacketed pipe is used where external heating or cooling is required to maintain the primary product being transported in a desired state (i.e.,
keep it liquid). Typical applications include the piping of materials such as pitch, sulfur, resins, adhesives, and many food products.
When the primary product is sensitive to contamination or corrosion, the carrier (core) pipe will often be of a different material (such as
stainless steel) than the jacket (which is usually carbon steel).
Standard jacketed piping is constructed with the jacket pipe welded to the back of the pipe flanges. When product contamination is a
concern, swaged ends are occasionally used. Typically, jacketed pipe is prefabricated in straight lengths up to 20' long.

Example

Modeling
The modeling approach is to define two pipe segments lying over each other. The first segment represents the carrier pipe and the second
segment the jacket. Next, the two pipes are assembled into a single component with flanges at either end. Typically, the flanges are
substantially more rigid than the jacket or carrier pipe and as such they are considered to be fully connected (i.e. they have the same
displacements and rotations). The connection between the jacket and carrier pipe is achieved by using a rigid beam element. Pipe spreaders,
also called spiders, are used at various increments along the length of the pipe assembly in order to maintain a uniform spacing between the
carrier and the jacket. Spreaders are modeled as rigid connections using a two-point guide support.
In the model which follows, all that will be created is a single 20' straight section of jacketed pipe. The purpose of this model is to illustrate
the procedure for defining a jacketed pipe, not to create a complete piping system. The following properties will be applied to the model:

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1. Define a new system. When the Segment dialog appears, name the core pipe Carrier.
2. When the Pipe Properties dialog appears, input the remaining values as follows:

3. Define the operating loads for the carrier pipe. This is the pressure and temperature at which the primary product is being
maintained:

4. Build the carrier pipe (segment A). The global coordinates for the system points are listed below (length units are feet, and
offsets are measured from the preceding point):

5. Select Insert/Segment to begin a new segment. Accept the new segment name (B), then define B00 at an offset of 0.006 feet
in the +Y direction from A00. Finally, enter JACKET in the “Pipe data identifier” field.

6. Input the properties of the "Jacket" pipe as shown below. Note that the material has been changed to “CS.” Because of this
change, the ‘Material Change’ dialog shown in Step 7 is automatically displayed for specification of an appropriate hot allowable
for this material.

7. Since the pipe material has been changed, AutoPIPE will display the Material Change dialog to allow the hot allowable stress to be
edited accordingly. Input a value of 12000.

8. Select Insert/Pressure & Temperature to define the pressure in the jacketed pipe. The Operating Loads dialog is
displayed. Specify a pressure of 100 psi. This is applied to segment B, while the operating temperature remains the same as the
carrier pipe.

9. Build the jacket pipe (segment B). The global coordinates for the system points are listed below (length units are feet, and offsets
are measured from the preceding point):

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10. Move the crosshairs to point A00.

11. Select Insert/Frame to open the Beam dialog. Define a rigid beam (M1) from A00 to B00. Remember, this is a very short
beam (0.006 feet long). Since AutoPIPE only displays two significant digits after the decimal by default, the length appears as
0.01; however, the proper length has been stored in the database.

The number of digits that AutoPIPE uses after the decimal for coordinates may be specified through the Edit/User pref] command.

12. Select Insert/Frame to open the Beam dialog again. Define a rigid beam (M2) which spans from A02 to B02.

13. Move the crosshairs to point B00.

14. Select Insert/Flange to open the Flange dialog. Specify a SLIP-ON flange with an pressure rating of 300, and a Slip-On (SO)
connection type. Since the current point is B00, AutoPIPE recalls the flange data for a 6" pipe (which is what we want). If the
current point had been A00, the recalled flange data would have been for the carrier pipe.

15. Move the crosshairs to point B02, then define the flange for this end by repeating Step 14.
16. Move the crosshairs to point B01.

17. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. Enter A01 as the “Connected to” point, then specify a rigid Guide support.
Note that a friction coefficient of 0.1 has been defined in order to model any scraping action between the two pipes.

Display of a Jacketed Pipe End

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Moving a Section of Pipe

AutoPIPE allows a range of defined piping points to be specified so that the coordinates of all points falling within the range can be modified.
The effect is to shift the location of a group of points (the range), without altering the relative position of the points in the group.

Example

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Two methods for moving a section of pipe are provided below:

Model 1: Inserting Components
Model 2: Modeling Coordinates

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 1: Inserting Components

The model of an existing piping system (shown above) needs to be changed in order to accommodate the inclusion of a pump (modeled as
an anchor at A04) which has a different inlet pipe position than the original pump. At the same time, the tee at A01 is to be changed to a
lateral (45°) type in order to reduce the amount of turbulence resulting from the normal pipe flow.

1. Build the initial system (segments A and B) using an 8" standard schedule pipe. The global coordinates for the system points are
listed below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

Note: The first point on segment B is A01 (a welding tee).

2. Move the crosshairs to point A01 (on segment A).

3. Select the range from A01 to A04. The selected range should be highlighted in the model

4. Select Edit/Move or Stretch to open the Move/Stretch dialog. Move the marked range of points (A01 to A04) 4' in the +X
coordinate direction.

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Display of the Modified System

Notes on modifying coordinates

„ Although only one segment (or a portion of a segment) should be moved in one operation, the piping in all segments attached to
any point in the range will be effected by the coordinate change. Note how the orientation and length of the pipe between A01
and B01 (segment B) has been altered in Model 1.

„ Since the standard tee has been removed, an appropriate SIF should be applied at A01. Refer to the discussion of SIF value
requirements for lateral tees .

See Also:
Model 2: Modeling Coordinates

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 2: Modeling Coordinates

Assume that the original system in Model 1 has just been created, and that the user now realizes the coordinates for A01 are off by 2'. Thus,
the remaining system points are all shifted 2' in the direction of the +X axis. This can be corrected by modifying the coordinates from A01 to
A04 (segment A), and all points on segment B (A01 to B02).

1. Create the initial system by repeating Steps 1 and 2 from Model 1. Then specify a range from A01 (on Segment A) to A04 by
repeating Steps 3 and 4 (also from Model 1).

2. Move the range of points (A01 to A04) -2 feet in the X direction.

3. Select the range from B01 N to B02. The selected range should be highlighted.
4. Select Edit/Move or Stretch to open the Move/Stretch dialog. Move the marked range of points (B01 N to B02) -2' in the X
direction.

As an alternative to the method listed above, you could have specified a non-continuous range. For more information on this
technique, refer to Chapter 2 of the Getting Started manual.

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Display of the Modified System

See Also:
Model 1: Inserting Components

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Eccentric Reducer
A reducer connects two pipes with different diameters. A reducer is eccentric if the center lines of the two pipes are not collinear.

Example

Modeling
An eccentric reducer is defined in the same way as a concentric reducer, with the exception that an offset is specified at the far end of the
reducer. Thus, the location of the point at the far end is such that a change in the established pipe direction occurs.

1. Build a system from A00 to A01 using an 8" standard schedule pipe. The global coordinates for the system points are listed below
(length units are feet):

2. Select Insert/Reducer to open the Reducer dialog. Enter 1.0 feet for the reducer length. 1.00 will appear in the “DX” field
since the pipe direction (up to A01) is along the +X axis. Enter 0.25 feet in the “DY” field, and accept 0.0 for the “DZ” value.

Note: As the cursor advances out of the “DZ” field, the length is recalculated (to 1.03 ft). This adjustment reflects the position
of the reducer far end as defined by the offsets. Enter 6STD for the “Pipe identifier.” Since this pipe has not yet been defined, a
message will be displayed stating this fact. Press OK to accept the dialog. The Pipe dialog will follow automatically (see Step 3).

3. Define the new pipe 6STD. Enter the following values:

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4. Define a run of pipe to A03. The global coordinates for this system point are listed below (length units are feet, and the offsets
are measured from the preceding point):

Display of the Eccentric Reducer Model

Note: AutoPIPE will issue a warning when the global consistency check is performed. The warning states that there are kinks
at A01 and A02. This result is a consequence of the eccentric reducer model and can be ignored.

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Rotating Equipment
Choose from the following list of topics:
Turbines and Compressors
Pumps

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Pumps
Piping systems often include pumps. A pump is usually massive enough to be modeled as a rigid anchor at the inlet (suction) and outlet
(discharge) points. However, the API Standard 610 establishes limits on the magnitude of external forces and moments which can be acting
at the pump nozzles as a result of the forces generated by the piping system.
AutoPIPE allows the definition of a variety of pump arrangements by specifying defined piping points which correspond to the nozzle
connection points (e.g. inlet and outlet). Based on the code guidelines, the external forces and moments calculated (for each defined
combination) at each nozzle can be checked in order to determine that the nozzle loadings are within the allowed limits.

Modeling
In this model, a horizontal pump is to be included in the piping system. First, the piping system is defined. A different segment is used for
the suction and discharge lines attached to the pump. The suction and discharge lines will have operating temperatures and pressures which
relate to the specific line. After an analysis is performed on the system, the Tools/Rotating Equipment command is used to specify the
piping points which connect to the pump nozzles, and the location of the pump center relative to one of the nozzle points (for vertical
pumps, the center point location is not required). When an equipment report is generated, AutoPIPE checks the external forces acting on the
pump nozzles according to API 610-1995.

Note: The purpose of this model is to illustrate the procedure for determining the adequacy of the nozzle connections of a pump. It is not

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intended to show a proper design for the piping system.

1. Build segments A (8" standard schedule pipe), and B (8" standard schedule pipe). Each segment operates under the temperature
and pressure conditions listed below (grouped into load case T1). The specific gravity of the contents of all pipes is zero. The
global coordinates of the system points are also listed below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding
point):

Segment A Pres 125 psi

Temp 175°F (8" dia. Suction)

Segment B Pres 350 psi

Temp 250°F (8" dia. Discharge)

Display of System Defined in Step 1

2. Select Analyze/Static to open the Static Load Cases dialog. Enable the following options:

3. Select Tools/Rotating Equipment to open the Rotating Equipment dialog. Enter PUMP1 as the “Equipment ID,” then
select Pump for the type of rotating equipment. Enable the Generate Report option, then specify the nozzle point names and
location, as well as the orientation of the pump shaft axis as shown.

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4. Select Result/Report to open the Batch Report dialog. Enable the Equipment option field in order to include the rotating
equipment subreport in the (SYSNAME.OUT) batch file.

5. The Report should include the rotating equipment code check

Click here to view the rotating equipment report.

API 610 Pump Analysis Topics

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Turbines and Compressors

Piping systems often include turbines or compressors. The modeling of turbines and compressors is not usually required because they are
massive enough to be considered "rigid" when compared to the piping. However, there are limits on the magnitude of external forces and
moments which can be acting at the equipment nozzles as a result of the forces generated by the piping system. Thus, codes have been
established (NEMA Standards Publication SM 23, and API Standard 617) which provide guidelines for ensuring that these limits are not
exceeded.
AutoPIPE allows the definition of a variety of turbine and compressor arrangements by specifying defined piping points which correspond to
the various nozzle connection points (i.e., suction, discharge, etc.). Then, based on the code guidelines, the external forces and moments
calculated (for each defined combination) at each nozzle can be checked in order to determine that the nozzle loadings are within the
allowed limits.
Two methods for modeling turbines and compressors are provided below:
Model 1: Two-stage steam turbine
Model 2: Compressor

API 617 Compressor Analysis

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 1: Two-stage Steam Turbine

In this model, a two-stage steam turbine is to be included in the piping system. First, the piping system is defined. A different segment is
used for each pipe line that connects to the turbine. Each line will have operating temperatures and pressures which relate to the specific
line. Next, an analysis is performed on the system. Once the analysis is completed, use the Tools/Rotating Equipment command to
specify the piping points which connect to the turbine nozzles. When an equipment batch report is requested, AutoPIPE will check the
external forces acting on the turbine nozzles according to NEMA SM 23-1991.

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Note: The purpose of this model is to illustrate the procedure for determining the adequacy of the nozzle connections of a turbine. It is
not intended to show a proper design for the piping system.

1. Build segments A (8" standard schedule pipe), B, C (both B and C are 4" standard schedule pipe), and D (12" standard schedule
pipe). Each segment operates under the temperature and pressure conditions listed below (grouped into load case T1). The
specific gravity of the contents of all pipes is zero. The global coordinates of the system points are also listed below (length units
are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point).

Segment A Pres 600 psi (8" dia. high pressure Suction)

Temp 450°F

Segment B Pres 150 psi (4" dia. Interstage extraction)

Temp 250°F

Segment C Pres 150 psi (4" dia. Interstage induction)

Temp 400°F

Segment D Pres 5 psi (12" dia. low pressure discharge)

Temp 100°F

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Display of System Defined in Step 1

2. Select Analyze/Static to open the Static Load Cases dialog. Enable the following options:

3. Select Tools/Rotating Equipment to open the Rotating Equipment dialog. Enter TURB1 as the “Equipment ID,” then
select Turbine for the type of rotating equipment. Specify the following field values:

4. Select Result/Output Report to open the Batch Report dialog. Enable the Equipment option in order to include the
rotating equipment subreport in the (SYSNAME.OUT) batch file.

5. The batch report should include the rotating equipment code check as shown on the following two pages. Note that
the forces and moments at the nozzles resulting from the gravity load case (GR) are within the allowable limits as
determined per NEMA SM-23. However, the forces and moments from load case T1 exceed the allowable limits. Thus,
it can be seen that the piping system must be redesigned in order to bring the nozzle loads to within acceptable levels.

Click here to view the results.

See Also:
Model 2: Compressor

API 617 Compressor Analysis

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AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 2: Compressor
In this model, a compressor is to be included in the piping system. First, the piping system is defined in the MODEL module. A different
segment is used for each pipe line that connects to the compressor. Each line will have operating temperatures and pressures which relate
to the specific line. Next, an analysis is performed on the system. Once the analysis is completed, use the Tools/Rotating Equipment
command to specify the piping points which connect to the compressor nozzles. When an equipment batch report is requested, AutoPIPE will
check the external forces acting on the turbine nozzles according to API 617-1995.

Note: The purpose of this model is to illustrate the procedure for determining the adequacy of the nozzle connections of a compressor. It
is not intended to show a proper design for the piping system.

1. Build segments A and B (both are 8" standard schedule pipe). Each segment operates under the temperature and pressure
conditions listed below (load case T1). The specific gravity of the contents of all pipes is zero. The global coordinates of the
system points are also listed below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

Segment A Pres 125 psi (8" dia. low pressure Suction)

Temp 175°F

Segment B Pres 350 psi (8" dia. high pressure Discharge)

Temp 250°F

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Display of System Defined in Step 1

2. Select Analyze/Static to open the Static Load Cases dialog. Enable the following options:

3. Select Tools/Rotating Equipment to open the Rotating Equipment dialog. Enter COMP1 as the “Equipment ID,” then
select Compress for the type of rotating equipment. Specify the nozzle point names and the direction of the compressor
shaft axis as shown.

4. Select Result/Output Report to open the Batch Report dialog. Enable the Equipment field in order to include the
rotating equipment subreport in the (SYSNAME.OUT) batch file.

5. Review the details of the report.

Click here to view the results from the sample model.
See Also:
Model 1: Two-stage steam turbine

API 617 Compressor Analysis

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

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Supports
For nearly every piping support requirement there are several types, sizes, and configurations of support hardware that can be selected.
Because of the wide variety of commercially available hardware and their use in conjunction with support structures, AutoPIPE has provided
several types of generic supports which can be tailored to a specific real support. This can be accomplished by defining one, two, or more
supports to create the effect of the real support restraints.
The following list summarizes some of the more common real supports and classifies them according to the AutoPIPE support(s) which can
be used to model their restraints. This list does not include spring and constant force hangers since these supports are covered in Hangers.

V-stop Any rigid support whose bearing restraint direction is only vertical. Examples include: short rod hanger assemblies (eye
sockets, clevises, yokes, clamps, etc.), pipe stanchions and trunnions, saddles, and short structural steel sections.

Inclined Any support whose bearing restraint direction is skewed. Examples include: wires, sway braces, and struts.

Line stop Any support that restrains only the axial movement of a pipe. Examples include: pipe slides with limit stops, and pipe
skirts.

Guide Any support that restricts only the lateral (horizontal and/or vertical) movement of a pipe. Examples include: pipe guides,
roller chairs and plates, saddles, pipe slides, U-bolts, and U-straps.

Rotation Any support that restricts only the rotational movement of a pipe. Examples include: a pipe sleeve made from a section of
oversized pipe (restrains rotation about an axis perpendicular to the pipe), a pipe clamp restrained such that the axial
rotation of the pipe is resisted.

Damper This support type models seismic vibration dampers, and snubbers. The damper support restrains seismic loads only (load
cases E1-E3, and loads from the response spectra, and seismic anchor movement analyses). The damper does not restrain
loads due to gravity (GR), or operating conditions (T1, P1, etc.).

Tie/link Any support that connects two pipes, or connects a pipe with a frame member. Examples include: rod hanger assemblies,
sway braces, and restricting struts.

In each of the following models, it is assumed that a piping system has been previously defined. For those who would like to duplicate a
support model, any system will suffice as long as the parameters described in the specific model are included. Refer to Insert/Support for
examples of the graphic symbols used for each support type.

Note: Refer to Bends/base supported elbow topic for modeling a trunnion or dummy support on a bend.

Six methods for modeling supports are provided below:

Model 1: Saddle Support
Model 2: Trunnion Support
Model 3: Rod Support
Model 4: Pedestal with Rigid Strap
Model 5: Rigidly Guided Pipe Slide Assembly
Model 6: Sway Strut
Model 7: Spring Can with Friction

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 1: Saddle Support

A horizontal run of pipe is to be supported by a saddle located directly under the pipe. Assume that the saddle is rigid and can only support a
vertical load.

1. Move the crosshairs to point A01.

2. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. Specify a V-stop support, then specify a large gap above the pipe in order to
model the ability of the pipe to rise off of the saddle.

Note: A value for the friction coefficient can also be specified if it is desired to model the effect of the pipe sliding along the saddle.

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However, a nonlinear analysis must be performed in order to include the effect of gaps and friction, refer to Section 6.5 of the User
Reference manual for details.

Other Support Models

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 2: Trunnion Support

A horizontal run of pipe is to be supported by a trunnion located directly under the pipe. Assume that the 2' long trunnion is welded solidly to
the pipe. In addition, it is desired to model the trunnion's ability to resist the twisting of the pipe (about the vertical axis) at point A01. The
4" standard schedule pipe, low carbon steel trunnion has the following parameters:

E = 27,900 ksi A = 3.17 in L = 24.0 in

G = 10,700 ksi J = 14.47 in
ka = E ⋅ A ÷ L = 3,685,000 lb/in
kt = G ⋅ J ÷ L = 537,600 ft⋅lb/rad = 9383 ft-lb/deg

1. Move the crosshairs to point A01.

2. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. Specify an Incline support. Enter the axial stiffness of the trunnion (ka) in
the Spring rate field, then define the bearing direction along the Global Y axis.

Note: An Inclined support has been used to define the vertical force restraint because it allows the definition of a stiffness rate
for the load bearing support.

Since the bearing direction of the Inclined support was defined along the global Y axis, the ground end is oriented in the +Y
direction relative to A01. In order to represent the ground below A01, select an Inclined direction and enter a direction cosine
of -1 in the “Y” field.

3. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. Specify a Rotation support. Enter the torsional stiffness of the trunnion (kt) in the
“Stiffness” field, then define the bearing direction along the Global Y axis.

Note that the “Support ID” (A01 2) indicates that the Rotation support is the second support at point A01.

Related Topics:
Base Supported Elbow

Other Support Models

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 3: Rod Support

A horizontal run of pipe is suspended by two 1" diameter rods which are attached to the pipe by lugs. Each low carbon steel rod has the
following parameters:

E = 27,900,000 psi L = 24.0 in A = 0.7854 in

ka = E ⋅ A ÷ L = 913,000 lb/in

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1. Move the crosshairs to point A01.

2. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. Specify an Incline support. Enter the axial stiffness of the trunnion (ka) in
the “Spring rate” field, then define an Inclined bearing direction, and enter a cosine of 1 in the “X” and “Y” fields.

A large gap forward has been defined in order to model the tension only capacity of the rod. However, a nonlinear analysis
must be performed in order to include the effect of gaps and friction, refer to Section 6.5 of the User Reference manual for
details.

3. Define a second support at point A01 by repeating Step 2. Use the same spring rate and gap forward. This rod is positioned on
the opposite side of the pipe; therefore, enter direction cosines of -1 in the “X” field and +1 in the “Y” field. Note that the support
ID indicates that this rod is the second support at point A01.

It should be understood that even if the Inclined support is defined as a two-point support (the "Connected to" point is another piping or
framing point), a direction must still be defined. Although the named connection points define the orientation of the Inclined support in
space, only the Direction fields define the direction of the bearing restraint. This fact also holds true for the other two-point support types
with user defined bearing directions (Rotation and Damper).

Other Support Models

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 4: Pedestal with Rigid Strap

A horizontal run of pipe is to be supported on a pedestal that includes a (rigid) strap which allows the pipe to move laterally and vertically
upward before being restrained.

1. Move the crosshairs to point A01.

2. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. Specify a rigid Guide support, then enter the gap values as shown in the
corresponding fields:

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Note: A value for the friction coefficient can be specified if it is desired to model the effect of the pipe's capability to slide against the
pedestal and strap. However, a nonlinear analysis must be performed in order to include the effect of gaps and friction, refer to Section
6.5 of the User Reference manual for details.

Other Support Models

Guide-Related Topics

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 5: Rigidly Guided Pipe Slide Assembly

A horizontal run of pipe is to be supported by a rigidly guided pipe slide assembly. In addition, stop blocks are welded to the support base,
limiting the pipes axial movement.

1. Move the crosshairs to point A01.

2. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. Specify a rigid Guide support, then enter the gap values as shown in the
corresponding fields:

Note: A value for the friction coefficient can also be specified if it is desired to model the effect of the pipe's ability to slide
against the pedestal and guide angles. However, a nonlinear analysis must be performed in order to include the effect of gaps
and friction, refer to the Static Analysis topic for more info.

3. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. Specify a rigid Line stop support, then enter the gap values as shown in the
corresponding fields. As the “Support ID” (A01 2) indicates, the line stop is the second support at point A01.

Other Support Models

Guide-Related Topics

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

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Model 6: Sway Strut

A horizontal run of pipe is to be suspended from a W12X35 cross beam with a rigid link. However, the vertical support used cannot resist
lateral forces, so a sway strut is provided for lateral support. The spring in the sway strut has a constant of 1,000 lb/in.

Note: Point F02 is created by defining a rigid beam from F01 to F02, where the distance between the points represents half of the
W12X35 beam depth plus the length of the strut attachment lug.

1. Move the crosshairs to point A01.

2. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. Specify a V-stop support. Define the “Connected to” point as F03.

3. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. Specify a Tie/link support. Define the “Connected to” point as F02, then enter the
“Spring rate” for the sway strut as shown. Note that the “Support ID” (A01 2) indicates that the sway strut is the second support
at point A01. Also note that an Inclined two-point support could have been used in place of the Tie/link. However, in this case,
the user would have to calculate the offsets or direction cosines from point A01 to point F02 in order to establish the bearing
direction of the sway strut spring.

Other Support Models

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 7: Spring Can with Friction

A horizontal run of pipe is to be supported by a trunnion located directly under the pipe which is then placed on a spring can. Assume that
the 2' long trunnion i.e. 4" standard schedule pipe, low carbon steel is welded solidly to the pipe. The base of the spring can is bolted or weld
to a foundation or structure. The trunnion is free to slide across the top baseplate of the spring can.

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1. Move the crosshairs to point A01.

2. Select Modify/convert point to Tee
3. Insert/Run (B01) and enter offsets DX=0, DY= -2, DZ= 0. Define pipeID = 4"STD i.e. 4" nominal size & standard schedule.

4. Select Insert/Flexible Joint to open the Flexible Joint dialog. This models a 'loose' connection between trunnion and spring
can but the vertical axis is released.

5. Define a flexible joint to point B02. Enter a length of 0.1 foot i.e. DX = 0.00, DY = -0.1, DZ = 0.00
6. Define all stiffnesses = 0. Enter the component weight = 0 lb and pressure thrust area = 0 sq. in.
7. Insert/Run (B03) and enter offsets DX=0, DY= -6", DZ= 0 i.e. equivalent to length of the spring can.

8. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. Specify an Spring support, number of hangers = 1 and Undesigned
option = checked.

9. Select Insert/Anchor to open the Anchor dialog:

10. Define a flexible anchor at point B03; this allows the cursor to enter the “Trans. stiff.” and “Rot. stiff.” fields. Accept the default
stiffnesses (Rigid) in all fields except “Trans. Stiff Y”; where 0.00 should be entered.

11. Move the crosshairs to point B01.

12. Select Insert/Support to open the Support dialog. Specify an V-stop support, up & down gaps = 0 and friction = 0.3. Modify
the "Connected to" point to B02, gap setting = weightless. This support captures the friction of the trunnion base sliding on the
spring can top plate.

13. With the crosshairs at point B01. Select Insert/xtra data/Additional Weight and enter the weight of the trunnion baseplate e.g.
50lb.

14. Click on the pipe between B02 and B03 to select this pipe (highlighted Red) then select Insert/Rigid Options Over Range
with Include Weight = No, Include Thermal Expansion = No i.e. weight of spring can is ignored.

15. Select Analyze/Hanger to open the Hanger dialog. Modify Rigid hanger criterion = 0 to maintain a selected spring. Accept the
default value for the load variation and Specify Anvil as the spring manufacturer. Consider both thermal load cases (T1 ) and the
pipe contents. Gaps/Friction/Soil" option = checked. In the Nonlinear Analysis dialog change displacement tolerance = 0". If the
solution does not converge try displacement tolerance = 0.00001" then 0.00001".

16. Then perform a static analysis with similar parameters.

Related Topics:
Base Supported Elbow

Other Support Models

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Tees
Choose from the following list of topics:
Reducing Tee
Lateral Tee

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Reducing Tee
A reducing tee consists of a tee connection which has a branch pipe outlet with a smaller diameter than the header pipe.

Example

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Modeling
A tee can be modeled at any branch point in the piping system (a branch point connects two or more pipes), excluding a bend. In order to
define a reducing tee, simply change pipe sizes at the junction of the tee.

1. Build the header by creating a straight run from A00 to A02, using an 8" standard schedule pipe. The global coordinates for the
system points are listed below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

2. Move the crosshairs to point A01.

3. Select Insert/Segment to begin a new segment. Note that the new segment name default is B. Enter A01 as the first point,
then enter 4STD in the Pipe data identifier field. Since A01 already exists, the Tee dialog is automatically displayed after closing the
Segment dialog.

4. Specify the type of tee (this depends on how the tee is connected to the piping system and it not important to this model). Upon
acceptance of the ‘Tee’ dialog, the ‘Pipe’ dialog is automatically displayed (shown in Step 5) since the pipe data identifier was
changed in Step 3.

5. Define the 4STD pipe to be used for the branch portion of the connection. If the 4STD pipe data had already been defined, this
dialog would not be displayed for input.

6. Define a point on Segment B (either a Run or Bend point can be used). A run point has been used in this model such that the DX
and DZ offsets from point A01 are zero.

Display of Reducing Tee

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Lateral Tee
Lateral, or latrolet tees are connections where the header pipe and the branch outlet form an angle of 45°.

Example

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Modeling
The components of a lateral tee are modeled in the same manner as a normal tee. However, laterals are treated as nonstandard tees since
the piping codes do not specify stress intensification factors (SIF's) for these components. This information must be provided by the user.
Contact the lateral tee manufacturer for information on their recommendation for SIF values. Wye connections can be modeled in the same
way as laterals.

1. Build the header by creating a straight run from A00 to A02, using an 8" standard schedule pipe. The global coordinates for the
system points are listed below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

2. Move the crosshairs to point A01.

3. Select Insert/Segment to begin a new segment. Note that the new “Segment name” default is B. Enter A01 as the first point.
Since A01 already exists, the Tee dialog is automatically displayed once the current dialog is accepted.

4. Define the type of tee as Other since a lateral (or latrolet) is not listed in the selection list. Selection of Other causes the display of
the two SIF fields. Enter appropriate values.

5. Define point B01 such that the pipe from A01 to B01 forms a 45° angle with the header pipe (defined from A00 to A02). The
offset coordinates for B01 are listed below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from point A01):

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Display of Lateral Tee Model

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Valves
Choose from the following list of topics:
Modeling Valve Operators
Relief and Angle Valves

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Relief and Angle Valves

Although the function of a relief valve is quite different from that of an angle valve, they are both modeled in the same manner in AutoPIPE.
Relief and angle valves are different from other types of valves because the direction of the inlet pipe is at a 90° angle from the outlet pipe.
For all other valve types, the inlet and outlet pipes lie along a straight path.

Example

Modeling

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When the inlet and outlet pipes do not lie on a straight path, the direction change can be specified using the offset fields on the Valve dialog.
Define an ANSI class 300, steel, 8" angle valve in a piping system (the offsets from the inlet face to the outlet face are DX = 11" and DY = -
11").

1. Build a system from A00 to A01 using an 8" standard schedule pipe. The global coordinates for the system points are listed below
(length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

2. Select Insert/Valve to open the Valve dialog. Specify an ANSI 300 valve to point A02. Begin defining the far end of the valve
by entering 1 in the “Length” field, then enter the 0.9167 (ft) offset in the “DX” field, and the -0.9167 offset in the “DY” field as
shown. Don't accept the dialog just yet.

When the cursor leaves the “DZ” field, the value in the “Length” field is automatically updated to reflect the length of the valve
based on the values in the offset fields. Specify a WN connection type, then press OK to close the dialog.

Note: The “Offset” fields can also be used to define direction cosines, thus requiring the initial length value to be re-specified
in order to reflect the direction defined by the cosine values. Refer to Section 4.7 of the User Reference manual for details.

3. After the Valve dialog has been accepted, a tilted valve is drawn between the near and far end points.
4. Define a section of pipe coming out of the far end of the valve. The global coordinates for the system point are listed below
(length units are feet, and offsets are measured from A02):

It should be noted that a warning will be issued when a global consistency check is performed. The warning states that there are
kinks at the near and far end points of the valve (A01 and A02). This is a consequence of the direction change and can be
ignored since the direction change is intended.

Display of the Angle Valve Model

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

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Modeling Valve Operators

Large, heavy valve operators can induce significant loading on the connected piping due to the eccentricity of the operator weight relative to
the piping centerline. If the operator is not positioned directly above the valve, an eccentric gravity load will result in pipe torsion. In
addition, the operator weight can induce bending and torsion in the pipe during a seismic event.

Example

Two methods for modeling valve operations are provided below:

Model 1: Operator eccentricity in a (horizontal only) seismic load case
Model 2: Operator eccentricity in a response spectrum (dynamic earthquake) load case

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 1: Operator eccentricity in a seismic load case

It is desired to include the effect of the operator eccentricity in a (horizontal only) seismic load case. The approach used is to model the
complete valve as two valve components placed back to back so that points A01, A02, and A03 are defined (refer to the figure above). Then,
an eccentric weight is defined at point A02 which represents the operator weight at the center of mass. The total valve weight (less the
operator), and overall length must be divided between the two valve components.

1. Build a system from A00 to A01 using a 12 inch, standard schedule pipe. The global coordinates for the system points are listed
below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

2. Select Insert/Valve to open the Valve dialog. Specify a GLOBE-F valve with a “Pressure rating” of 300 to point A02. However,
enter half of the valve length (0.825 ft) and 400 lb for the weight. Also, specify a WN connection to the pipe.

3. Define a second valve component from point A02 to A03 which is identical to the first by repeating Step 2.
4. Move the crosshairs to point A02.

5. Select Insert/Xtra Data/Additional Weight to open the Additional Weight dialog. Enter the weight of the operator as 350
lb, and an offset of 1.25 ft in the “DY” field. Finally, add a run of pipe to complete the model as shown below.

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Display of Model 1
If load case E1 is defined with seismic factors in the (global) X and Z directions, the operator weight is automatically proportioned by these
factors to produce bending and torsion loads at the center of the valve. This modeling approach is not as accurate, compared to Model 2,
when dynamic analyses are to be performed. Refer to the Xtra data/Weight topic for a discussion of using nonzero values in the offset
fields.
See Also:
Model 2: Operator eccentricity in a response spectrum load case

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Model 2: Operator eccentricity in a response spectrum load case

It is desired to include the effect of the operator eccentricity in a response spectrum (dynamic earthquake) load case. The entire valve is
modeled as two valve components placed back to back so that points A01, A02, and A03 are defined (refer to the figure for Model 1). Next,
a rigid beam element is defined from the midpoint of the valve (A02) to the center of gravity of the operator (CGO). A weight is defined at
point CGO which represents the operator weight. The total valve weight (less the operator), and overall length must be divided between the
two valve components.

1. Define the first section of the piping system by repeating Step 1 from Model 1.

2. Select Insert/Valve to open the Valve dialog. Specify a GLOBE-F valve with a “Pressure rating” of 300 to point A02. However,
enter half of the valve length (0.825 ft), 400 lb for the weight, and a WN connection.

3. Define an identical second valve from point A02 to A03 by repeating Step 2.
4. Move the crosshairs to point A02.

5. Select Insert/Frame to open the Beam dialog. Define a rigid beam (M1) from A02 to the point CGO. Locate CGO 1.25 ft above
A02.

6. Move the crosshairs to point CGO.

7. Select Insert/Xtra Data/Additional Weight to open the Weight dialog. Enter the weight of the operator as 350 lb. After
exiting this dialog, add a run of pipe to complete the model as shown below.

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Display of Model 2
In this modeling approach, the operator weight is cross-coupled (through the rigid frame element) to produce bending and torsion loads at
the center of the valve. This is more accurate, compared to Model 1, when dynamic analyses are to be performed. Refer to the discussion of
using nonzero values in the Offset fields for more information.
See Also:
Model 1: Operator eccentricity in a seismic load case

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Vessels
Vessels are common components in piping systems. Most piping originates or terminates at a vessel. The vessel usually acts as a support for
attached piping, thus its flexibility can have a significant effect on piping because of its ability to move under loading. Exact modeling of a
vessel can be quite complicated due to the vessel shape, support type, or presence of internal features. Fortunately, a complete model is not
necessary for the purpose of a stress analysis of the attached piping system.
If it is determined that the overall flexibility of the vessel structure can be neglected, then only the local flexibility of the vessel shell (at the
nozzle/vessel interface) need be modeled. If the nozzle flexibility components have been pre-calculated, they can be modeled directly by
defining a flexible anchor. It is strongly recommended, however, that the local shell flexibility be modeled using the Nozzle
command. The following model describes the procedure for modeling a vessel which considers the overall flexibility of the structure, and the
local shell flexibility at the nozzle/vessel interface. WinNozl can be used to analyze the local stress at the vessel/nozzle pipe connection.

Example

Modeling
In AutoPIPE, a vessel structure is typically modeled using a pipe of equivalent diameter and wall thickness. Irregular sections of the vessel
such as skirts and cones can be modeled as reducers, or as pipes based on the average of the end diameters. Temperatures at various
sections of the vessel are specified as operating loads. The pipe/vessel connection is modeled as a nozzle. The base of the nozzle is
connected to the centerline of the vessel by a rigid pipe so that the movement of the vessel is transmitted directly to the piping system.
For this example, assume that an 8" pipe is connected to a 12' diameter by 30' tall vessel at a height of 4' above the rigidly anchored vessel

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base. The vessel has an internal stiffening diaphragm at the 10' and 20' elevations, and the shell wall is 2" thick. Assume that the control
valve is open so that both the vessel and the piping are subjected to 400 psi and 600°F. For simplicity, the pipe flanges will be omitted.

1. Build the connecting piping system using an 8" standard schedule pipe called 8"STD. The global coordinates of the system points
are listed below (length units are feet, and offsets are measured from the preceding point):

2. Select Insert/Valve to open the Valve dialog. Define an GLOBE-F valve with a “Pressure rating” of 400 to point A04 along the
global X axis.

3. Select Insert/Run new point A05 and enter vessel nozzle length of 6" in DX direction.

4. Select Insert/Nozzle to open the Nozzle dialog. Define a 2" (i.e. same as wall thickness) long nozzle to point A06. Specify a
radius of 6' and a wall thickness of 2". Specify a “Flexibility method” of Bijlaard, then enter the distances to the closest stiffened
elements as shown. The direction of the vessel axis is Global Y.

Note: The current version of AutoPIPE does not include the unbalanced pressure effect which tends to blow the pipe off of the
vessel. In order to model this effect, a concentrated force should be specified at point A04 (in the -X direction). WinNozl does
include the pressure thrust force on the nozzle in the local stress calculations.

5. Now we will define the segment of pipe which models the vessel structure. Select Insert/Segment to begin a new segment.
Accept the new segment name (B). Define point B00 at the coordinates shown (offsets are from A06). Next, specify a pipe called
VESL.

6. The Pipe dialog is automatically displayed so that VESL can be defined. Specify a nonstandard (NS) nominal size, then enter the
Actual O.D. as 144" and a 2" thickness. Note that the material properties remain the same as the 8" pipe.

7. Select Insert/Anchor to open the Anchor dialog. Define a rigid anchor at B00. This arrangement represents a continuous
weld around the base of the vessel.

8. Define the critical points of the vessel. The global coordinates of the system points are listed below (length units are feet, and
offsets are measured from the preceding point):

Note: All that remains to complete the model is to connect the nozzle with the vessel using a rigid element. This is done so
that the movement of the vessel (at point B01) is transferred directly to the nozzle at the vessel surface (point A05). This can
be done by creating a new segment to connect B01 to A05, or by continuing segment A as shown below.

9. Make A06 the current point, then select Insert/Run to open the Run Point dialog. Specify B01 as the point to run to. Since this
point already exists, the Tee dialog will be displayed next. Specify 8"STD in the selection list as the pipe identifier. Since this pipe
exists, all the parameters are recalled (this pipe data set has been included with AutoPIPE and is always available).

10. Change the default type of tee (Welding) to Other and set SIF = 1.0 when the Tee dialog is displayed.
11. Click on the pipe between A05 and B01 to select this pipe (highlighted Red) then select Insert/Rigid Options Over Range
with Include Weight = No, Include Thermal Expansion = Yes.

Note: To transfer loads to WinNozl, currently the vessel must be modeled as an anchor at A05 with applied displacements in
the GR, T1 etc load cases. The anchor option "Report anchor results for Local Shell Stress Analysis" = checked.

The model appears as shown below.

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Display of the Vessel Model

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Example Systems
This section has been provided in order to aid users in modeling more complex piping arrangements. The steps shown in each Example
System should not be taken as the only method available to create models. In addition, the intent of the examples is to present ways to
create adequate models for analytical purposes.
The Example Systems provided in this chapter include the following:
Pipe-Soil Interaction: Transition Example
Water Hammer Example
Steam Relief Example
Harmonic Analysis Example

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

PIPE-SOIL Interaction: Transition Example

Choose from the following list of topics:
Pipe Soil Overview
Properties for a horizontal pipe orientation

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Properties for a vertical pipe orientation

Determination of zone locations
Definition of the Transition Example in AutoPIPE
AutoPIPE Soil Forces and Deformations Report
Pipe Soil Conclusions

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Pipe Soil Overview

The purpose of the following example system is to demonstrate the procedure required to (1) calculate soil properties; and (2) determine
the location of critical piping points to be defined for the above to below ground (transition) piping system shown in the Figure below. In this
example, the piping system is subjected to a temperature rise of 230°F, and an internal pressure of 100 psi. For simplicity, a single soil will
be assumed to interface with the pipe over the entire length of the buried portion of the system.

This system will be analyzed for temperature and pressure load cases. Since buried pipes are restrained in the axial direction, longitudinal
pressure stresses can be significant. For this reason a Pressure analysis should always be considered for the nonlinear static analysis of
buried piping.
Through limited investigation the soil has been found to be a gravel-sand (SW) mixture with medium to dense compaction of the backfill (in-
situ conditions are dense), and that the water table is well below the bottom of the pipe.
The relevant parameters are as follows:

The first task is to quantify the soil property values required by AutoPIPE. In a true design situation, it would be necessary to calculate
ranges of soil restraint properties and perform bounding analyses in order to determine the sensitivity of the estimated values. Property
ranges will not be considered in this example.
Very little is known about the actual characteristics of the soil behavior (only the soil type, relative compaction, and unit weight). Thus, the
guidelines set forth in the PipeSOIL Appendix will be used to determine these values. This assumes an elastic-plastic soil force vs.
displacement response relationship (K2 = 0). Remember, a competent geotechnical engineer should be consulted in order to verify any
property values determined by the modeler.

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Properties for a Horizontal Pipe Orientation

These calculations are discussed in detail in the PipeSOIL Appendix.
Transverse Horizontal
Longitudinal
Transverse Vertical Down

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Transverse Vertical Up

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Transverse Horizontal: Horizontal Pipe

These calculations are discussed in detail in the Transverse Horizontal Soil Properties section of the PipeSOIL Appendix.

From Table D-6, assume ki = 150 lb/in . Then, from Table D-8, Rs = 13.7. Thus, by Equations D-8 and D-10:

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Longitudinal: Horizontal Pipe

These calculations are discussed in detail in the Longitudinal Soil Properties section of the PipeSOIL Appendix.
Using Tables D-9 and D-10, assume δ = 25°. Per Section D.4.2.2, estimate ks = 0.75. Thus, by Equation D-14:

Based on the range defined by Equation D-13, estimate K1 as follows:

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Transverse Vertical Down: Horizontal Pipe

These calculations are discussed in detail in the Vertical Soil Properties section of the PipeSOIL Appendix.
Using Tables D-9 and D-10, assume φ = 38°. Then, by extrapolation of the Meyerhof curves in Figure D-11, assume Ng = 80, Nc = 60, and
Nq = 50. Thus, by Equation D-15 (for a noncohesive soil c = 0):

Based on the range defined by Equation D-18, estimate K1 as follows:

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

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Transverse Vertical Up: Horizontal Pipe

These calculations are discussed in detail in the Vertical Soil Properties section of the PipeSOIL Appendix.
First, determine the weight of soil contained in the assumed breakout wedge. The total area (per unit length) consists of a rectangle, and
a complement of a half circle.
Using Figure D-15, assume Fq = 2.5. Thus, by Equation D-19 (for a noncohesive soil c = 0):

Based on the range defined by Equation D-23, estimate K1 as follows:

The table below summarizes the soil properties to be defined for the portions of the buried system which are oriented in the horizontal
plane.

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Properties for a Vertical Pipe Orientation

Since the orientations of the properties to be entered on the ‘Soil’ dialog are relative to the local coordinate system of a pipe, it is necessary
to recalculate these values for vertical sections. Note that recalculation of properties is not usually necessary for inclined sections since
trenches are typically excavated relative to the ground surface.
First, an average burial depth must be estimated for the vertical section (if the total vertical rise is very long several average burial depths
should be calculated, then one soil property set for each depth should be defined). Since the straight portion of the vertical rise is 4' long
(using long radius elbows), assume an average burial depth (Z) of 2.0'.
Finally, assume that backfill soil completely surrounds the vertical pipe. Thus, the relative compaction in all directions is medium-dense.
These calculations are discussed in detail in the PipeSOIL Appendix.
Transverse Horizontal
Longitudinal
Transverse Vertical Down
Transverse Vertical Up

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Transverse Horizontal: Vertical Pipe

These calculations are discussed in detail in the Transverse Horizontal Soil Properties section of the PipeSOIL Appendix.

With ki still 150 lb/in , but using Rs = 8.2 (Table D-8) Equations D-8 and D-10 give the following results:

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AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Longitudinal: Vertical Pipe
These calculations are discussed in detail in the Longitudinal Soil Properties section of the PipeSOIL Appendix.
With δ still 25°, but using ks = 0.60 (per Section D.4.2.2) Equation D-14 gives the following results:

Based on the range defined by Equation D-13, estimate K1 as follows:

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Transverse Vertical Down: Vertical Pipe

These calculations are discussed in detail in the Vertical Soil Properties section of the PipeSOIL Appendix.
The Downward Pipe Movement section of the PipeSOIL Appendix does not apply for the vertical case. Use the traverse horizontal values,
calculated in section V1, since soil restraint properties are the same in all directions of the horizontal plane.

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Transverse Vertical Up: Vertical Pipe

These calculations are discussed in detail in the Vertical Soil Properties section of the PipeSOIL Appendix.
The Downward Pipe Movement section of the PipeSOIL Appendix does not apply for the vertical case. Use the traverse horizontal values,
calculated in section V1, since soil restraint properties are the same in all directions of the horizontal plane.
The table below provides a summary of the soil properties to be defined for the portions of the buried system which are oriented in the
vertical plane.

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Determination of Zone Locations

For the reasons discussed in the PipeSOIL Appendix, certain key points must be identified in the buried piping region in order to properly
define the pipe-soil interaction zones. The first step requires determination of the bearing span and maximum slippage length. These
variables are based on the properties of the buried pipe, surrounding soil, and magnitude of (relative) pipe-soil strain due to design loads.
The relevant data is as shown in the table below:

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Determination of the bearing span (Lb) requires the use of a soil stiffness value. Thus, both the horizontal and vertical pipe runs must be
evaluated separately since the stiffnesses differ. Because the bearing span is the region of major lateral displacement use K1 from the
transverse horizontal orientation for both the horizontal, and vertical pipe runs.
Using Equations D-2 and D-3 from the PipeSOIL Appendix, the bearing span for the horizontal plane is given by:

Likewise, the bearing span for the vertical plane is given by:

Since Lb for the vertical plane (12.7 ft) is greater than the burial depth (6 ft), the vertical section of buried pipe is all Zone 1. In addition,
since Lb for the horizontal plane (9.58 ft) is greater than half the distance between bends (6 ft), the 12 foot section of the horizontal plane is
also all Zone 1.
Next, the maximum slippage length (Lm ) is calculated in order to estimate the virtual anchor length (La ). La is determined so that the
point of zero relative pipe-soil strain can be established. This is the point where the model can be physically terminated without any loss of
accuracy to the analyzed results. Thus, by Equation D-5 (where P1 is for the longitudinal direction):

Conservatively, assume that the calculated soil property values correspond to a soft force-displacement response (co = 2.0), Equation D-6
defines the virtual anchor length as follows:

Since La is less than the 5000 foot length of straight pipe, it can be seen that it will not be necessary to define the entire run. The last step
required prior to defining the system model in AutoPIPE, is to establish piping points within Zone 2 of the long buried run so that the spacing
between soil points can be adjusted accordingly. Per the guidelines suggested in Section D.2 of Appendix D (and shown in Figure D-4), two
(2) points will be defined for this purpose. The first at a distance of "3⋅ Lb", and the second at a distance of "0.5⋅ La" from the second bend.
The Figure below depicts the piping points required from the second bend to the virtual anchor and the maximum spacings that will be
specified for the soil between each of these points.

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AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Define The Transition Example in AutoPIPE

This section illustrates the steps required to define, and perform a nonlinear analysis on the transition example system in AutoPIPE. In order
for you (the user) to create a duplicate of this system database, follow the text and enter data into the fields exactly as shown and described
in each of the following steps.

1. Open AutoPIPE. Select File/New , then type the name PIPESOIL in the File name field. You can save this drawing in the
default directory, or specify a directory. Press Save or OK when done.

2. The General Model Options dialog is displayed. Enter the data as shown, and accept the defaults in the remaining fields:

3. The Segment dialog is displayed. Specify the location of the first point in the model (A00) by inputting the values shown below.
Be sure to input a “Pipe data identifier” of 16STD:

4. The Pipe Properties dialog is displayed. Define the pipe 16STD by entering the data as shown. Accept the remaining defaults.
Note that the “Specific gravity” of the (pipe) contents is 0.85 and that the pipe “Material” is A53-B.

5. The Pressure & Temperature dialog is displayed. Define an operating Pressure of 100 psi, and a Temperature of 300° F.

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6. The crosshairs are positioned at point A00. Select Insert/Anchor so that a rigid anchor at point A00 can be defined (accept the
dialog defaults).

7. Select Insert/Run , then specify an offset from A00 of 20 feet in the (global) Z direction.

8. Select Insert/Support then define a V-stop with a 2 inch gap above the pipe, and a friction coefficient of 0.2.

9. Select Insert/Bend , then define a bend point at A02 which is located 20 feet in the +Z direction from A01.

10. Select Insert/Run , then define a run point at A03 which is located -12.00 feet in the Y direction from A02. Your model should
now appear similar to the one shown below.

A03 represents the point where the pipe enters the ground. We’ll continue routing our system from this point, but later on we’ll select a
range and define the soil properties associated with it.

11. Start building the buried pipe by selecting Insert/Bend . Define a bend point at A04 which is located -6 feet in the Y direction
from A03.

12. Continue defining the buried pipe by selecting Insert/Bend , then offset point A05 -12 feet in the X direction from A04.

13. Select Insert/Run , then define a run point at A06 which is located 10 feet in the Z direction from A05. A06 marks the end of
the bearing span region. Its purpose is to provide a point where the maximum spacing associated with soil S2 can be changed.

14. Select Insert/Run , then define a run point at A07 which is located 20 feet in the Z direction from A06. A07 marks the end of
the region where soil point spacings are on the order of 5× d (80 inches).

15. Select Insert/Run , then define a run point at A08 which is located 670 feet in the Z direction from A07. A08 marks the end of
the region where soil point spacings are on the order of 20× d (320 inches).

16. Select Insert/Run , then define a run point at A09 which is located 700 feet in the Z direction from A08. A09 marks the end of
the region where soil point spacings are on the order of 100× d (1,600 inches). It is also the virtual anchor point where the
model of the buried piping system will be terminated.

17. Finish the model by selecting Insert/Anchor , then defining a rigid anchor at point A09 by accepting the defaults.

18. Now that we have finished modeling the system, we can return and begin defining the soil properties of points. As you recall from
Step 12, A03 marked the point where the pipe enters the ground. To specify soil properties, you select the range of pipe that
shares the same characteristics. Zoom into an area of the model as shown in the Figure below.

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19. Select a range from A03 to A04 N (the near point of the elbow). The range is highlighted. Select Insert/Soil Properties ,
then define the soil identifier S1 using the using the vertical properties calculated previously and K2=0.1. Note that the maximum
spacing value represents 1.5d, since this region is Zone 1 (the bearing span).

20. The next step is to define the soil properties for the horizontal pipe. Select a range from A04 N to A06, which marks the end of
the second region. After the range is highlighted, select Insert/Soil again. When the dialog appears, define soil S2 using the
horizontal properties calculated previously and K2=0.1. Note that the “Maximum spacing” remains 24 inches since the length of
buried pipe through the second bend is in the bearing span region (Zone 1).

21. Points A06 to A07 mark the region where the soil point spacings are on the order of 5d (80 inches). Because the distance
between these two points is so large, it may be difficult to select them using the mouse. Select Select/Range , then specify
“From point” A06 “To Point” A07.

22. After the range is highlighted, select Insert/Soil Properties again. The default is still “S2.” Change the “Maximum spacing”
value to 80 inches, but accept the remaining values from the previous definition.

23. Select View/All to obtain a more complete view of the model. Points A07 to A08 mark the region where the soil point
spacings are on the order of 20d (320 inches). Select this range using the Select/Range technique discussed in Step 21. After the
range is highlighted, select Insert/Soil Properties again. When the dialog appears, Change the “Maximum spacing” value to
320 inches, but accept the remaining values from the previous definition.

24. Points A08 to A09 mark the region where the soil point spacings are on the order of 100d (1,600 inches). Select this range
After the range is highlighted, select Insert/Soil Properties again. When the dialog appears, Change the “Maximum spacing”
value to 1600 inches, but accept the remaining values from the previous definition.

25. Now we’ll analyze the model. Select Analyze/Static to open the Static Load Cases dialog. Enable the Pressure analysis and the
Gaps/Friction/Soil options in order to create load case P1 and perform an nonlinear analysis.

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26. The Nonlinear Analysis dialog is displayed. Specify 8 iterations (this many are required for the analysis to converge), and accept
all other defaults to begin the analysis.

During the analysis, a V-stop lift off warning message is generated. Press OK to continue the analysis.

27. After the analysis phase has completed, a dialog is displayed to indicate the process has completed (solution times will vary).
28. Select Result/Output Report to display the Batch Report dialog. Enable the Soil and Analysis summary options only, then press
OK to begin generating the report file (PIPESOIL.OUT). The results of the report are displayed. This concludes the modeling of the
soil example. Review the contents of your report (either on-screen or by directing a copy to the printer). The values contained in
the result file that you have just created should be identical to the report which follows.

Click here to view the AutoPIPE Soil Forces and Deformations Report.

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Pipe Soil Conclusions

The Figure below shows a displaced system plot for the area where major displacements (GR+T1+P1) are taking place. Note that the
principal movement is due to the axial elongation of the long straight run (A05 to A09). In addition, it can be seen that the above ground
portion has risen upwards (investigation of support forces shows that lift off has occurred at the V-stop.

For the evaluation of the Soil Forces & Deformations report, note that the user defined (Non-code) combination GR+T1+P1 was created in
order to produce a result set which includes the effect of all three load cases (since each individual load case represents an increment of load
only, refer to the discussion of Static Analysis for more information). This is the critical combination which must be evaluated in order to
see if the soil yield values have been achieved.

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Water Hammer (Time History) Example

The following example demonstrates the procedure to analyze a typical water hammer model, and demonstrate the working of the time
history analysis.
Select from the following topics:
Problem Definition

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Calculations
Discussion
Define the Water Hammer Time History Example in AutoPIPE
AutoPIPE Water Hammer Time History Report

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Problem Definition: Water Hammer

A hot water supply system is shown below with a 14” suction line, horizontally mounted centrifugal pump and 12” discharge line. A valve at
the end of the discharge line is closed suddenly which creates a pressure shock wave traveling at the speed of sound back down the line. A
similar shock wave is assumed to travel down the suction line. The fluid transient utility will be used to automatically generate time history
point load cases (*. THL) and time history loads (*.TIH) which will be then used to perform the time history analysis (stored in *.TIM files).
Up to three new time history load cases M1, M2 & M3 can be created each combining up to four different time history point load files (e.g.
water hammer cases W1, W2 etc.).

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AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Calculations: Water Hammer

Magnitude of the pressure shock wave is:

The speed of sound of the fluid, ‘a’ is calculated from:

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hence:

= 4163 ft/sec (12” discharge)

Hence magnitude of the pressure shock wave is

The maximum possible unbalanced load at each node assuming zero rise time is

Actual force depends on the ratio of Lp/a to rise time. Longer bend to bend lengths will have larger hammer forces.
When the water hammer analysis is defined correctly using Linear rise function, the following force-time history will be automatically
calculated for each elbow node:-

where, ts = Start time of shock wave

= ts from previous elbow node + Lp / a

Lp = Tangent distance between current and previous elbow

L = Tangent distance between current and next elbow

tr = rise/fall time

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The total time for the pressure wave to travel the length of the discharge line is

ttot = Ltot / a Ltot is total developed pipe length,

ft

= (7+32+8+86+23) / 4163

= 0.0375 sec

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Water Hammer Discussion

1. When typically a pump is stopped, the suction line can be analyzed using the fluid transient utility which uses

as the magnitude of the pressure shock wave. This assumes a fast closure. The discharge line should also be analyzed but the maximum
magnitude of the pressure wave is limited to the difference between the pump static discharge pressure (Ps) and the fluid vapor pressure
(Pv). This maximum surge pressure (Ps-Pv) is produced during cavitation (i.e. when the discharge pressure becomes less than the liquid
vapor pressure and a vapor cavity is formed). The sudden pressure drop on the discharge end may also cause a backflow, which will create
its own water hammer effect when it slams against the idle pump as the cavity collapses. Cavitation and backflow should be avoided by
limiting the surge pressure to less than Ps-Pv otherwise AutoPIPE results will become invalid.

2. The reduction in the magnitude of the hammer loads is best achieved by a slow valve closure or gradual pump shutdown.
3. When performing a modal analysis on the piping system, impulse loading such as water hammer may have high excitation
frequencies even as high as 200-300Hz. For large piping systems it may be impractical and time consuming to extract all natural
frequency modes hence static correction ZPA method is available in AutoPIPE.

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Executing Water Hammer Example (apham1)

This section illustrates the steps required to define and perform a Water hammer and Time History analysis in AutoPIPE. Follow the text and
enter data into the dialog fields exactly as shown and described in each of the following steps. The steps shown are configured for AutoPIPE
for Windows.

1. Open AutoPIPE then select File/Open and load the Water hammer file APHAM1. A working model of a typical pumping system
is displayed as shown.

2. Select Load/Fluid Transient to display the Fluid Transient dialog . Input W1 in the “Name” field, then select Freshwater from the

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“Fluid” selection list. Define the water hammer load case for the discharge line “From point” C12 “To Point” C00. Input a “Flow
Rate” of - 200 lbm/sec and a “Start Time” of 0.005 sec. The start time is typically 0 for first water hammer case. Input a “Rise Time”
of 0.1 sec and a for “[L]inear/[S]ine Rise” enter L. Press OK and AutoPIPE automatically creates the Force-Time history files
(*.TIH) for each elbow between the defined points. Also, a time history point load file is automatically created for water hammer
case W1 and is displayed. The water hammer path is also highlighted.

Name W1

Fluid Freshwater

From Point C12

To Point C00

Flow Rate -200

Start Time 0.005

Rise Time 0.1

Rise Shape Linear

Water Hammer Step 2 Notes

3. Create a Water hammer load case W2 for the suction line from point A06 to A00 as shown below.
The start time for W2 is ttot + ts (for W1) = 0.0425 sec. (refer to the Water Hammer Calculations ).

Name W2

Fluid Freshwater

From Point A06

To Point A00

Flow Rate -200

Start Time 0.04250

Rise Time 0.1

Rise Shape Linear

4. Select Load/Time History Location . Two Time History Point Loads will be displayed for water hammer cases W1 and W2.
These dialogs can be modified, but it should not be necessary to edit them for the fluid transient analysis. Press Cancel to close
each dialog.
The following ASCII file, W1.THL, is created. This file may be edited using a text editor. This is not necessary for the fluid
transient analysis but is necessary for other Time history problems with large piping systems.
APHAM1
5 TIH FILE SCALE DX DY DZ TIME(sec) FORCE(lb ) LENGTH(ft) VEL.(in/sec)
C12 W1C12 1.000 0.000 0.000 1.000 0.005000 1428.57 23.00 -48.97
C10 N W1C10N 1.000 1.000 0.000 0.000 0.010522 5341.61 86.00 -48.97
C05 N W1C05N 1.000 0.000 -1.000 0.000 0.031169 496.89 8.00 -48.97
C04 N W1C04N 1.000 1.000 0.000 0.000 0.033090 1987.58 32.00 -48.97
C01 N W1C01N 1.000 0.000 1.000 0.000 0.040773 360.25 5.80 -48.97

TIME AT END OF FLUID TRAINSIENT: 0.042165 sec

TOTAL WAVE TRAVEL LENGTH (L) : 154.80 ft
TOTAL WAVE TRAVEL TIME (L/a) : 0.037165 sec
FAST TRANSIENT PARAMETER (2L/a): 0.074331 sec

RISE TIME > 2L/a, PRESSURE RISE MIGHT BE CONSERVATIVE

The above message indicates that the rise time of 0.1 seconds is larger than 2L/a=0.074 seconds. The rise time need to be
several times larger than 2L/a for the peak pressure to change. Notice how the forces are proportional to the leg (elbow to elbow)
length.
Water Hammer Step 4 Notes
5. Select Load/Time History Profile to display the Time History File dialog. A force-time history file can be displayed or modified.

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In the following section is the force-time history called W1C10N (i.e. elbow C10 of water hammer case W1) is shown. Press Cancel.
Water Hammer Step 5 Notes
6. The following ASCII file, W1C10N.TIH, is created with Time (1st column) in seconds and Force (2nd column) in lbf. (Refer to
Creating an ASCII Time History (TIH) File for additional information). The “4” refers to 4 lines of data, while “5” refers to
force units. Notice how the rise time of 0.1 seconds has reduced the force from 25870 to 5341 lbs. Increasing the rise time will
further reduce the peak force.
Joukowski pressure (psi)= 228.75 Joukowski force (lbs)= 25870.62
45
0.000000 .0
0.020647 5341.6147
0.100000 5341.6147
0.120647 .0

7. Check for maximum surge pressure (362+228=590 psi). This should be added as a second pressure case (P2). Use Tools/Model
Options/General and set number of operating cases to 2. Use Select/All Points and follow by Modify/Pressure & Temperature and
set design pressure for P2 to 590 psi. When the rise time several times larger than the 2L/a time, the calculated pressure rise in
AutoPIPE might be conservative. For this special case, the use of a fluid simulation software is recommended if P2 case is critical.
8. Check for cavitation (362-228=134 psi). This should be higher than vapor pressure of liquid which is Ok in this case.
9. Select Tools/Model Options/Edit to display the Edit Model Options dialog. To accurately capture the higher and intermediate
natural frequency modes (applicable for impulse loading such as water hammer), the mass discretization algorithm should be
invoked. This is achieved by entering A for automatic in the “Mass points per span” field and entering a cutoff frequency at least
equal to the Modal analysis cutoff frequency (e.g. 150 Hz).
10. Select Analyze/Modal to display the Modal Analysis dialog. Enter 999 in the “Maximum number of modes” field (this number may
have to be increased if the cutoff frequency is not reached). Input a “Cutoff frequency” of 150 Hz (for larger piping systems,
higher modes may be present). Use the defaults of 0 in the “Pressure stiffening case” field and enable the “Include contents”
field. Press OK.

Note: The modal analysis must always be run before a Time History analysis.

11. A dialog is displayed once the cutoff frequency has been reached. Press OK.
12. Select Analyze/Time History to display the Time History dialog. The first time this form is displayed, enter 1 in the field for one
time history case (M1) to be analyzed (enter 2 or 3 for M2 and M3 cases). For all subsequent time history analyses (when the
case definition has not changed) enter E in this field to automatically perform the time history analysis. Press OK.

13. The Time History analysis dialog is displayed. Enter 2 in the “No of time hist. load case files” to combine Water hammer cases W1
and W2. Input W1 (or select it from the selection list) in the first “Filenames” field, and W2 in the second field. Note that the
“Ground Motion” fields are disabled in this case. In the “Time steps - Analysis: and Output” fields, automatic is displayed (automatic
means AutoPIPE calculates a time step = 1/10 of the shortest period at the highest mode). The output step should normally be
set to the analysis step to ensure the highest response is reported. Only the analysis time steps effect the accuracy of the results.
Next enter 0.462 in the “Duration” field (First period, 0.392 sec, plus water hammer duration 0.07 sec), then click on the “Damping
ratio” field (or press the [Tab] key). The “Number of time steps” field is automatically shown as 677 (i.e. Duration = Number of
analysis time steps multiplied by the analysis time step; hence time step = 0.68ms). Enter 2 for the “Damping Ratio (%)” and
enable the “ZPA” field. Press OK.

Water Hammer Step 11 Notes

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14. A dialog is displayed to show the time history analysis has completed (solution times may vary). Press OK.
15. Select Results/Displacement to open the Deflected Shape dialog. Select the M1 load combination to display the following
displacement profile for the water hammer event W1+W2.

16. Make C11 the active point, then press F3 to display the results:
17. Select Quit to return to the Main Menu.
18. Select Tools/Model Input Listing and enable only the loads summary sub-report.
19. Select Result/Output Report , then enable the Displacement, Frequency, Restraint, Model listing , Result summary and Analysis summary options.
This concludes the AutoPIPE session. The result file you have just created should match the following results shown below.

Press here to view the AutoPIPE Water Hammer (Time History) Report.

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Steam Relief (Time History) Example

The following example demonstrates the procedure to analyze a typical steam relief model by automatically calculating the thrust loads and
the resulting transient shock load on the safety valve piping system using the time history analysis.
Problem Definition
Calculations
Definition of the Steam Relief Example in AutoPIPE
AutoPIPE Steam Relief (Time History) Report

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Problem Definition: Steam Relief

A boiler steam system is shown below with a 8” saturated steam line connected to a 11.5' x 1.97" steam drum. A 4” safety relief valve (4”
inlet / 6” outlet) with a 8” non-integral vent discharge line is mounted on the steam line. The pressure in the system starts to rise and the
relief valve opens and remains open for one second before closing. The steam relief utility will be used to automatically generate time
history point load cases (*. THL) and time history loads (*.TIH) which will be then used to perform the time history analysis (stored in *.TIM
files).

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AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Calculations: Steam Relief

The following calculations/methods are used in determining Steam Relief values and properties:
Determine pressure and velocity at piping/vent interface point
Calculate maximum operating pressure at the valve exit
Calculate reaction force at piping/vent interface point

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Calculate the thrust at the cent exit discharge point (non-integral/open discharge system)

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Determine pressure and velocity at piping/vent interface point.

where:

W Mass flow rate (17.26 lb/sec)

A1 Pipe inside area at pipe/vent inlet interface point(28.89in²)

A2 Pipe inside area at vent inlet (50.03in²)

A3 Pipe inside area at vent exit (50.03in²)

ho Stagnation enthalpy at the valve inlet (1200 Btu/lbm)

J Joule-Thompson coeff. (778.16 ft-lbf/Btu)

gc Gravitational constant, 32.2 lbm-ft/lbf/Btu

a 823 Btu/lbm

b 4.33

Refer to the Steam Relief Analysis section of the appendix for steam quality factors)

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Calculate maximum operating pressure at the valve exit

AutoPIPE automatically calculates the value of f ∑(L/D) (where the friction factor, f = 0.013) from the relief valve exit to the pipe/vent
interface point. The ratio (P/P*) is then determined from Chart 1 of ASME B31.1 Appendix II. In this example we estimate f ∑(L/D) as:

L/D for 6” sch 40 pipe = 2•(0.66-0.5)•12 / 6.065 = 0.63

L/D for 6” sch 40 SR B/W Elbow = 20

∑(L/D) = 20.63

f ∑(L/D) = 0.268

From chart 1, (k=1.1): (P/P*) = 1.43

Maximum operating pressure at the valve exit, P1a

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AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Calculate reaction force at piping/vent interface point

Reaction Force, F1

F1 =

Pa = 14.7 psia (i.e 1 atmosphere pressure for open discharge).

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Calculate the thrust at the vent exit discharge point (Non-integral / open discharge system)
AutoPIPE automatically calculates the factor f ∑(L/D) for the vent piping from the vent inlet to exit points. In this example we estimate
f ∑(L/D)
as:

L/D for 8” sch 40 pipe

= 5.91’*12 / 7.981 = 8.89

f ∑(L/D) = 0.1155

From chart 1, (P/P*) = 1.27

a) Pressure at the vent pipe exit, P3

P3

Note: This exit pressure is below atmosphere and therefore P3 should be set to 14.7 psia.

b) Maximum operating pressure at the vent pipe inlet, P2

P2

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Velocity at vent exit, V3 = V1 = 1570.5 ft/sec

From Chart 1, the ratio (V/V*) is determined for the value of

f ∑(L/D) = 0.1155 and specific heat ratio, k=1.1.

From chart 1, (V/V*) = 0.80

c) Velocity at vent inlet, V2

V2

d) Check the blow-back condition for non-integral open vent systems

Hence the above condition is satisfied and steam blow-back will not occur. We have chosen to resize the vent pipe and since the above
inequality is satisfied no further vent pipe sizing is necessary.

e) Calculate Loads on the Vent Pipe.

Thrust force at vent pipe inlet, F2

F2

Thrust force at vent pipe exit, F3

F3

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The thrust force, F3 at the vent exit is along the direction, in this case along the vertical Y-axis.

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Executing Steam Relief Example (ap50sr1)

This section illustrates the steps required to define and perform a Steam Relief and Time History analysis in AutoPIPE. Follow the text and
enter data into the input boxes exactly as shown and described in each of the following steps. The steps shown are configured for AutoPIPE
for Windows.

1. Open AutoPIPE, then select File/Open and load the Steam Relief file AP50SR1. A working model of a saturated steam line
connected to a steam drum is displayed as shown below.

2. Select Load/Steam Relief to display the Steam Relief dialog . Select C02 as the “Valve exit point,” then specify an open
discharge (O) in the “[O]pen /[C]losed Discharge” field. Input C04 in the “Pipe/Vent Interface point” field, then input D00 and D01 in
the vent “Inlet” and “Outlet” fields, respectively. Next, set the “Vent discharge direction” to Global Y, and enable the “Size Vent”
option. The “Manifold Pressure” field is disabled because it is only applicable for closed discharge systems. Input 1200 in the
“Enthalpy” field. Input 2 in the “Quality” field for saturated steam (refer to the Determine pressure and velocity at interface
point discussion in the appendix for more information). Input 1.1 in the “Sp. Heat Ratio” field for saturated steam (refer to Table
G-2 in the appendix). Input 17.26 in the “Mass Flow Rate” field.
Under the following “Time-sec” fields, enter 0 for the “Start” and 0.1 for the “Rise” and “Fall.” Input 1.0 in the “Open” field. Finally,
enable the “Generate report” option. AutoPIPE automatically creates a Force-Time history file (C04.TIH) and a time history point
load file (C02.THL) for steam relief case C02.

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3. Select Load/Time History Location to display the Time History Location dialogs for Steam Relief case C02. Although these
dialogs can be modified, editing is not necessary using the Steam Relief analysis. Press Cancel.
The following ASCII file, C02.THL, is created. Although not necessary for the steam relief analysis, it may be edited using a text
editor.

AP50SR1
1
C04 C04 1.000 0.000 -1.000 0.000 0.00000
4. Select Load/Time History Profile to display the Time History load dialog . A force-time history file can be displayed or modified.
The following is the force-time history called C04 (i.e. pipe/vent interface point C04 of Steam Relief case C02). Press Cancel.
The following ASCII file, C04.TIH, is created with Time (1st column) in seconds and Force (2nd column) in lbf. (Refer to the
discussion on Performing a Linear Static Analysis for additional information). The ‘4’ refers to 4 lines of data, and ‘5’ refers to
force units.
Force vs time history for steam relief event - C02
4 5
0.00000 0.000
0.10000 1064.535
1.10000 1064.535
1.20000 0.000

Steam Relief Step 4 Notes

5. Select Tools/Model Options/Edit to display the Edit Model Options dialog. To accurately capture the higher and intermediate
natural frequency modes (applicable for impulse loading such as Steam Relief), the mass discretization algorithm should be
invoked. This is achieved by entering A (for automatic) in the “Mass points per span” field and entering a cutoff frequency at least
equal to the Modal analysis cutoff frequency (e.g. 150 Hz).

6. Select Analyze/Modal to display the Modal Analysis dialog . Enter 100 in the “Maximum number of modes” field (note that this
number may have to be increased if the cutoff frequency is not reached). Enter a “Cutoff frequency” of 150 Hz (note that for larger
piping systems, higher modes may be present). Use the defaults of 0 in the “Pressure stiffening case” field, and enable the
“Include contents” option. Press OK.
The modal analysis must always be run before a Time History analysis.

7. A dialog is displayed once the cutoff frequency has been reached. Press OK.
8. Select Analyze/Time History to display the Time History dialog in which the number of load cases is specified. The first time
this dialog is displayed, enter 1 for one time history case (M1) to be analyzed (enter 2 or 3 for M2 and M3 cases). For all
subsequent time history analyses (when the case definition has not changed), input E to automatically perform the time history
analysis. Press OK.

9. The Time History analysis dialog is displayed. Enter 1 in the “No of time hist. load files” field, then select C02 from the “Filenames”
selection list. The “Ground Motion” fields are disabled. Note that the “Time steps - Analysis: and Output” fields contain a value of
“Automatic” (meaning that AutoPIPE calculates a time step = 1/10 of the shortest period at the highest mode). The output step
should normally be set equal to the analysis step to ensure the highest response is reported. Only the analysis “Time steps” effect
the accuracy of the results. Next enter 1.2 in “Duration” field, then activate the “Damping ratio” field. The “Number of time steps”
is automatically shown as 1628 (i.e. Duration = Number of analysis time steps • analysis time step; hence time step = 0.737ms).
Enter 2 for the “Damping Ratio (%)” and enable the “Include Missing Mass” option. Press OK.

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Steam Relief Step 9 Notes

10. A message dialog is displayed to show the time history analysis has completed (solution times may vary). Press OK.
11. Select Result/Displacement . When the Deflected Shape dialog appears, specify M1 as the load combination. The following
displacement profile for the Steam Relief event C02 is displayed.

12. Make C04 the active point, then press F3 to display the results.
13. Select Quit to return to the Main Menu.
14. Select Tools/Model Input Listing and turn on only the loads summary sub-report.
15. Select Result/Output Report , then enable the Displacement, Restraint, Model listing, Result summary, Analysis summary, and Steam relief options
and press OK.

This concludes the modeling of the Steam Relief example. The result file you have just created should match the results shown below.

Click here to view the AutoPIPE Steam Relief (Time History) Report.

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Harmonic Analysis Example

The purpose of the following example system is to demonstrate the procedure required to perform a harmonic analysis for a system
subjected to harmonic loads.
Harmonic loads are periodic loads generated by reciprocating equipment or by flow generated vortices near closed tee branches or partially
open valves. The periodic loads could have any shape. They have to be decomposed into a set of harmonics for analysis purposes. For
example when a reciprocating compressor is operating it generates non-sinusoidal periodic pressure pulses for every revolution of the crank.
These pulses generate unbalanced forces on the piping system. The unbalanced forces are more significant at locations where there is a
change in pipe direction and the pressure at one end is out of phase with the pressure at the other end. The periodic forces can be
decomposed into a set of harmonics or frequencies, each with different amplitude and phase. These harmonic loads can then be entered into
AutoPIPE to perform harmonic load analysis.

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Choose from the following list of topics:

Problem Definition
Definition of the Harmonic Analysis Example in AutoPIPE
AutoPIPE Harmonic Analysis Report

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Problem Definition: Harmonic Analysis

The suction side of a natural gas supply system with a reciprocating compressor is shown below. Two 6” suction lines are connected to the
reciprocating compressor assembly. The reciprocating compressor assembly consists of 22” suction and discharge bottles, 8 “ suction and
discharge nozzles and 16” compressor cylinder assembly. The pressure at the suction bottle is 400 psi which is increased to 650 psi at the
discharge bottle. Acoustic shaking forces which are periodic in nature are produced by the operation of the compressor. If the frequency,
phase and magnitude of these shaking forces are known , the harmonic analysis utility of AutoPIPE can be used to perform the harmonic
analysis. Up to 10 harmonic load cases H1, H2, H3 ... H10 can be created.
The acoustic shaking forces can be calculated using any acoustic simulation program or can be obtained from some industry guidelines (e.g.
compressor’s manufacturers guidelines). The program PULS, another product of Bentley, can generate these forces in the form that can be
used directly in AutoPIPE.
For this example, the acoustic shaking forces are computed using PULS. There were two critical speeds, 276 rpm and 280 rpm of the
compressor that generated high shaking forces. To simplify this example only the 2 most critical harmonics associated with each speed are
used in the harmonic load analysis. Since the compressor operates at a single speed, two harmonic load cases are considered in the
analysis, one for each critical speed. A further simplification is to consider only two shaking forces.

1. Shaking force applied at point A5 due to unbalanced pressure at the suction bottle (A5-A6).

2. Shaking force applied at point A81 due to unbalanced pressure in the 6” suction line between elbows A8 &A9. (A81 is the mid
point of segment between A8 & A9).

Reciprocating Compressor Example

Note: For this example the flexibility of the nozzles has been ignored. The Figure below shows a suggested modeling approach
for considering the flexibility of nozzles in the analysis. At the end of 8” nozzle pipe define a Nozzle element. AutoPIPE will
automatically calculate the nozzle flexibility by taking into account the suction or discharge bottle dimensions. But these
flexibility values are at the Bottle-Nozzle interface. To transfer the effect to the center of bottle a rigid pipe element can be
attached between the nozzle and the center of the bottle.

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Suggested Model of Nozzle/Bottle Interface

AutoPIPE Modeling Approaches

Definition of the Harmonic Analysis Example

This section illustrates the steps required to define and perform a Harmonic force analysis in AutoPIPE. Follow the text and enter data into
the dialog fields exactly as shown and described in each of the following steps. The steps shown are configured for AutoPIPE for Windows.

1. Open AutoPIPE then select File/Open and load the harmonic analysis file HRMEXP. A working model of a typical system with a
reciprocating compressor is shown below.

2. Select Load/Harmonic to display the Harmonic Load dialog. Input RPM276 in the “Harmonic Load case name” field) to define a
load case with a critical speed of 276 RPM. Next, enter the “Damping” ratio 0.02. Complete the remaining fields based on the
dialog shown below, then press OK. AutoPIPE automatically stores the data in ASCII formatted file, RPM276.HMF.

3. Select Load/Harmonic to create a second harmonic load case, RPM280, which corresponds to a critical speed of 280 RPM. Enter the
values shown below.

4. Select Analyze/Modal to display the Modal Analysis dialog. Input 12 in the “Maximum number of modes” field. (note that this

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number may have to be increased if the cutoff frequency is not reached). Enter a “Cutoff frequency” of 100 Hz (note that for
larger piping systems, higher modes may be present). Use the default of 0 in the “Pressure stiffening case” field, then enable the
“Include contents” option. When all fields are complete, press OK.

Note: The modal analysis must always be run before a Harmonic analysis.

5. Once the process is completed, a dialog is displayed (solution times may vary). Press OK.
6. Select Analyze/Harmonic to display the Harmonic Analysis dialog . Enter 2 in the “Number of harmonic load cases” field. Enter
RPM276 (or select from the list) in the H1 “Data set” field, then select the Rms combination method to be employed for combining
the response of individual harmonics to compute the final response. Leave the ZPA (Zero Period Acceleration) and Miss (Missing
mass ) correction fields blank. Next complete the dialog by specifying the an RPM280 “Data set” corresponding to load case H2,
and selecting an Rms combination method. Press OK.

Note: The Rms method is selected for combining the response of individual harmonics because it is unlikely that the peak
response of each harmonic will occur at the same time. Therefore, statistically the Rms method will give the best results.
However, in this case the displaced shape of the system is not realistic because all the computed displacements will have a
positive sign.

7. A dialog is displayed to indicate that the harmonic analysis has completed (solution times may vary). Press OK.
8. Select Result/Code Compliance . When the Code Stresses dialog appears, select Ratio in the “[S]tress/[R]atio/[N]one” field and
All in the “Combination” field, then press OK. The code compliance stress ratio profile is displayed as shown below.

9. Press Quit to return to the Main Menu.

10. Select Result/Output Report , then enable the Displacement, Restraint, Code compliance, Frequency, and Analysis summary options as shown
below. Press OK to generate the report.

This concludes the modeling of the Harmonic Analysis example. The result file you have just created should match the results shown in the
next section. It can be noted from the results file that the analysis summary report gives the description of the harmonic load cases
analyzed. It is recommended to check this description to make sure that the data has been read by AutoPIPE correctly. The displacement
report indicates that the maximum displacement and rotation occurs in the suction line at elbows A8 and A9. From the code compliance
report it can be noted that the maximum stressed point is A7.

Press here to view the AutoPIPE Harmonic Analysis Report.

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