Criteria for selection of lines for Wind Analysis:
Criteria should be mentioned in ITB document. As a guideline the following can be followed after verification from client:
• Lines with outside diameter 16” and larger (including insulation) running on 10 m and above.
• Steam / Flare header on the pipe rack.
• Other lines considered important as per stress engineer’s decision.
However if lines are covered by some shelter or other structures then wind analysis can be ignored for those lines.

Data Required for Wind Analysis:
For wind analysis you must have following data from the client.
• Wind shape factor: Normally for pipe elements the data varies from 0.6-0.8. Check in ITB what value it says to use.
• Pressure Vs Elevation Profile: Sometimes client provides this profile directly and sometimes provides equation and data to calculate the profile. A typical wind profile will be shown in diagram while explaining the steps required while analyzing using Caesar II.
• Elevation of the line under analysis. If HPP elevation is other than 0 you have to reduce HPP from line global elevation to get actual elevation.

What to check:
As per code B 31.3 we have to check code compliance of the calculated stress (Sustained +Wind). The allowable stress for wind analysis is 1.33 times Sh values. However sometimes client requires to check the nozzle loading in Operating+ Wind cases (W+T+P+Win) for static equipment. Normally client does not require wind load checking for rotating equipment.

Steps for Static Analysis in Caesar II:
Most of the steps are mentioned in attached images.
• Model the piping system under analysis from piping isometric drawings.
• Enter elevation of the first node in global coordinates.
• Click on Wind/Wave check box on Caesar II Spreadsheet and mention wind shape factor as shown in Fig. 1

Fig.1: Caesar Spreadsheet for Wind Analysis

• Now run the analysis and go to the load case editor and select Pressure Vs Elevation as shown in Fig. 2

Fig. 2: Load Case Editor showing Wind Pressure Vs Elevation

• In next step enter the pressure vs elevation profile in consistent unit and enter wind direction cosines as shown in Fig. 3. Normally wind analysis is performed considering wind flow from North, South, East and West direction. Accordingly Enter +1 or -1 in X or Z direction. Wind analysis is generally not considered in vertical direction (Y).

Fig. 3: Load Case Editor showing input of pressure Vs elevation profile

• Refer Fig. 4 and prepare the highlighted load cases additionally for wind analysis. Load cases for L17 to L20 are for code compliance checking and load cases from L5 to L8 for support and Nozzle load checking.

Fig. 4: Load cases for Wind Analysis

• Refer Fig. 5 and make the combination method as scalar or absolute for the shown load cases.

Fig. 5: Load case Editor showing load case combination method.

• In the final stage run the analysis and check results. If failing make suitable adjustments to qualify the same.

Gimbal "Metal Expansion Joints"

Gimbal expansion joint with welding ends

Gimbal expansion joint with flanges

Description:

Gimbal Expansion Joints are designed to allow angular movement in any plane by the use of two pairs of hinges affixed to a common floating gimbal ring. The gimbal ring, hinged and pins are designed to restrain the pressure thrust due to internal pressure and shear forces.

A gimbal ring is either round or square. For round gimbals the torsional moment shall be considered and for square gimbals the instability due to the bending shall be considered.

Features:

1-Absorbs angular movements in all planes
2-Restrains pressure thrust forces
3-Transmits shear and wind loads
4-Supports dead weight
5-Avoid twisting the bellows
6-No main anchors required

The capacit y of the Gimbal Expansion Joints to absorb angular movements in any plane is usually applied by using two Gimbal Expansion Joints as shown in the diagram. Only two intermediate fixed points are requiered owing to the fact that the Gimbal system absorbs the thrust produced by the internal pressure. This system of two Gimbal Expansion Joints means that any vertical expansion of the pipes is absorbed by the bend in the horizontal sections of piping and it may therefore be necessary to install spring hangers in both sections.