Guidelines for Modeling and Supporting of Large Diameter Pipes / Pipelines

Written by Anup Kumar Dey

During the course of pipe stress analysis, we find a few lines in any complex project to have a very large diameter. Caesar II Support Modeling of such pipes always creates confusion on whether to consider radial thermal growth or to be modeled as centreline supporting. There is still confusion among several engineering organizations and the design approach varies. In this article, We will discuss pipe support modeling in Caesar-II, support selection, its detailing & functionality. In this article, Pipes /Pipelines having a diameter of more than 24’’ are considered large-diameter pipes.

Fig. 1: Pipe Support Modeling for bare pipes at Caesar II

Fig. 2: Pipe Support modeling for large-diameter insulated pipes at Caesar II

Fig. 3: Use of R.F. Pad for Sloped Lines > 15˚

Fig. 5: Illustration of Two Bottom Springs used for Large pipes (Note: Provide stiffener plate if the shoe base plate extension is large)

Fig. 6: Illustrating Four Bottom Type Springs used at one Supporting Location with a guide for Large Pipes

Fig. 8: Use of clamps for supporting Large Pipes

Variable spring hanger supports are used at locations that are subjected to vertical thermal displacements. The size and type of variable spring hangers to be used depends on the load requirements and the method of installation. The actual load for which the spring is to support (hot condition), and the amount and direction of the pipe line movement from the cold to the hot position is required to properly determine sizes.

Nonlinear/elastoplastic large deformation analysis

FEM analysis

PSA Group offer to dispatch our engineers to the site to inspect the pipe supports and provide the inspection report accordingly.

Spring support failure

Can type spring support failure

training-Support(1).pdf

❗️What is pipe stress analysis and how to perform it?

Pipe stress analysis is a crucial operation in both pipe design and maintenance operations. 
As pipe failures might lead to critical situations, the performance of correct pipe stress calculations becomes essential to ensure maximum safety and efficiency while verifying pipe design has been correct in order to extend the product’s life cycle.

What is pipe stress analysis?
Pipe stress analysis is a testing method that examines a piping system’s behavior under different loading situations.

As such, it’s able to analyze how the material responds to pressure, temperatures, fluid and supports, thus helping engineers: