AutoPIPE Training Workbook

AutoPIPE Training Workbook
Melbourne (SHIN)
11 February 2009
AutoPIPE Workbook Melbourne 11Feb2009
11 February 2009
Sinclair Knight Merz

25 Teed Street
PO Box 9806
Newmarket, Auckland New Zealand
Tel: +64 9 913 8900
Fax: +64 9 913 8901
Web: www.skmconsulting.com
COPYRIGHT: The concepts and information contained in this document are the property of Sinclair
Knight Merz Limited. Use or copying of this document in whole or in part without the written
permission of Sinclair Knight Merz constitutes an infringement of copyright.
LIMITATION: This report has been prepared on behalf of and for the exclusive use of Sinclair
Knight Merz Limiteds Client, and is subject to and issued in connection with the provisions of the
agreement between Sinclair Knight Merz and its Client. Sinclair Knight Merz accepts no liability or
responsibility whatsoever for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report by any third
party.
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Table of Contents
Contents
1. Introduction 5
1.1. Documentation Conventions 5
2. AutoPIPE Basic Concepts 6
2.1. AutoPIPE Interface 6
2.1.1. Loading an Existing Model 6
2.1.2. Screen Layout 6
2.1.3. Dialogs 7
2.1.4. Keyboard Equivalents 7
2.1.5. Menu Structure 8
2.1.6. Toolbars 8
2.1.7. Hotkeys 8
2.2. AutoPIPE Modelling Concepts 9
2.2.1. Understanding Pipe Segments 9
2.3. Rules for Defining Segments 10
2.3.1. Graphical Tee Element 11
2.3.2. Understanding the Active Point 12
2.3.3. Controlling the Active Point With the Keyboard 13
2.4. Modification of Piping Geometry 13
2.4.1. Basic Tasks 14
2.4.2. Executing A Command 14
2.4.3. Selecting Points and Components 14
2.4.4. Inserting a Point or Component 14
2.4.5. Modifying Points or Components 15
2.4.6. Deleting Points or Components 15
2.4.7. Selecting a Range (Creating a Selection Set) 16
3. Sample 1: Expansion Loops and Frame Supports 17
3.1. Lesson 1: Model Definition 17
3.1.1. Exercise 1: Starting a New Model 18
3.1.2. Exercise 2: Adding Piping Points and Supports 22
3.1.3. Exercise 3: Inserting Multiple Pipe Spans 26
3.1.4. Exercise 4: Inserting Supports at Multiple Points 27
3.2. Lesson 2: Adding an Expansion Loop 36
3.2.1. Exercise 1: Performing the Stress Check 37
3.2.2. Exercise 2: Adding an Expansion Loop 44
3.2.3. Exercise 3: Stress Review 46
3.2.4. Exercise 4: Supporting Expansion Loop 49
3.3. Lesson 3: Final Stress Check 53
3.3.1. Exercise 1: Final Stress Check 53
3.3.2. Exercise 2: Generating a Stress Report 54
3.4. Lesson 4: Adding a Frame Support 57
3.4.1. Exercise 1: How Frame Elements Are Different From Pipe Elements 58
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3.4.2. Exercise 2: Frame Support Description 58

3.4.3. Exercise 3: Inserting the First Frame Element 59
3.4.4. Exercise 4: Inserting the Rest Of Frame Elements 62
3.4.5. Exercise 5: Supporting the Frame 64
3.4.6. Exercise 6: Connecting the Pipe To The Frame Assembly 65
3.4.7. Exercise 7: Another Stress Check 66
4. Sample 2: Hanger Design & Equipment 68
4.1. Lesson 1: Build Pump Suction Piping 68
4.1.1. Exercise 1: Problem Definition 68
4.1.2. Exercise 2: Set Default Node Numbering 72
4.1.3. Exercise 3: Add Segment A Piping Points 73
4.1.4. Exercise 4: Add a Tee Junction and Branching Pipe 77
4.1.5. Exercise 5: Change the Length of Pipe A10 To A15 86
4.1.6. Exercise 6: Insert Hanger and Perform Hanger Design 87
4.1.7. Exercise 1: Add a New Disconnected Segment 92
4.1.8. Exercise 2: Change Design Pressure for Discharge Line 101
4.1.9. Exercise 3: Generate Pump Report 102
4.1.10. Exercise 4: Specify Pump Properties 103
4.1.11. Exercise 5: Analyze and Show Pump Report 104
4.2. Student Exercise: Copy/Paste and Edit/Rotate Operations 110
5. Sample 3: Wind, Earthquake and Nonlinear Analysis 112
5.2. Lesson 2: Starting a New Model 114
5.2.1. Exercise 1: Start a New Model to Create a New Model 114
5.2.2. Exercise 2: Vessel Thermal Movement 117
5.2.3. Exercise 3: Add Piping Geometry Up to the Guide Support 118
5.2.4. Exercise 4: Add Guide Supports and Valve 122
5.2.5. Exercise 5: Add the Rest of the Piping 127
5.3. Lesson 3: Occasional Load Definitions 137
5.3.1. Exercise 1: Earthquake Loading Background and Definition 138
5.3.2. Exercise 2: Wind Load Definition 139
5.4. Lesson 4: Stress and Analysis Results 144
5.4.1. Exercise 1: Static Nonlinear Analysis 144
5.4.2. Exercise 2: Stress Results 147
5.4.3. Exercise 3: Support Lift-Off 148
6. Sample 4: Nozzle Flexibility, Cut short and Trunnion Supports 150
6.2. Lesson 2: Build Piping Model 152
6.2.1. Exercise 1: Starting a New Model 152
6.2.2. Exercise 2: Flexible Anchor and Flexible Joint 155
6.2.3. Exercise 3: Add Trunnion or Base Elbow Support at Bend 158
6.3. Lesson 2: Build Piping model 162
6.3.1. Exercise 4: Add 45-Deg Bend 162
6.3.2. Exercise 5: Add Short Radius Bend 165
6.3.3. Exercise 6: Add a Designed Hanger Support 168
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6.3.4. Exercise 7: Change Pipe Data For the Schedule 80 Bend 169
6.3.5. Exercise 8: Add Flanges For the Bend 171
6.4. Lesson 3: Add Nozzle Flexibility Element 172
6.4.1. Exercise 1: Adding a Flexible Nozzle 174
6.5. Lesson 4: Add Cut Short or Cold Spring 177
6.5.1. Exercise 1: Add Cut-Short to a Pipe 179
6.5.2. Exercise 2: Perform Static Analysis With Cut Short 179
6.5.3. Exercise 3: Setting Load Combinations For Cut Short 182
6.6. Lesson 5: Stress Results and Restraints Report 184
6.6.1. Exercise 1: Stress Results 185
6.6.2. Exercise 2: Expansion Joint Displacement 185
6.6.3. Exercise 3: Output Report 186
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1. Introduction
1.1. DOCUMENTATION CONVENTIONS
A number of conventions are maintained throughout Bentley Plant courseware to improve the identification
and understanding of the information presented.
Convention Description
NOTE: Precedes information of general importance.

HINT: Precedes optional time saving information.
WARNING: Precedes information about actions that should not be
performed under normal operating conditions.
FILENAMES Directory paths and file names are italicized. Example:
\AUTOPLANT 3D directory, AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
Program Code Excerpts from text or basic script files and script variables
and statements appear in the font shown.
INPUT Commands or information that must be manually entered is
bolded in the font shown. Example: Select Setup> Drawing
Preferences.
Menu & Buttons Menu commands and dialog buttons appear in a Sans Serif
font that stands out from normal body text. Example: After
selecting Setup> Drawing Preferences from the Piping menu,
press the OK button in the dialog.
Dialogs Dialog and database table names are italicized.
Field_Names Example: The Preferences dialog.
Indicates that the command must be executed from a menu
Select
or dialog.
Indicates an item (component or point) that may be picked
Pick
on a drawing.
Throughout this manual, the menu command sequence
required to execute a command will be explicitly defined in
the text, while the associated toolbar button is presented in
the margin.
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2. AutoPIPE Basic Concepts

This section introduces you to the AutoPIPE interface and the concept of piping segments. It
also will show some basic tools in modifying the piping system.
2.1. AUTOPIPE INTERFACE
2.1.1. LOADING AN EXISTING MODEL
h TO LOAD AN EXISTING MODEL
1) Select File> Open> AutoPIPE Database (*.dat). A dialog like the one shown below is
displayed.
2) Navigate to the directory where the file is stored. Select the desired filename from the Files
list, and then press Open. The previously saved model and its data are now available for
editing or report generation.
The AutoPIPE interface is designed to simplify the task of creating, modifying, and
reviewing models of any complexity.
2.1.2. SCREEN LAYOUT
Take some time to familiarize yourself with AutoPIPE's interface by examining the areas of the
screen annotated below.
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2.1.3. DIALOGS
Dialogs present and request information.
Press OK to accept the values in a dialog

Some fields have an associated list of options from which the user can select. For example,
there is a limited set of piping codes, and the user can always select the appropriate code
from a list when the cursor is in the Piping Code field. This list is contained inside the
dialog itself, and is opened by pressing on the adjacent to that field.
The units that apply to a particular field are displayed in the status bar in the bottom right
hand corner of the screen.
To advance from field to field in a dialog, press the Tab key. Pressing OK from the dialog
is the equivalent of pressing Enter. You can also advance the cursor by simply using the
mouse to select the desired location.
Options which are toggled ON are indicated by a 9. Positioning the cursor in that field and
then pressing the left mouse button toggles the ON/OFF state.
Press F1 key on any dialog field to obtain help on a particular field or parameter. To obtain
"big picture" dialog help, press the Help button.
2.1.4. KEYBOARD EQUIVALENTS
As you begin creating a model, you'll soon become familiar with AutoPIPE's use of dialogs to
gather information from the user. Although the mouse can be used to navigate through the
fields of a dialog, many users prefer the keyboard alternatives. Refer to the table below.
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Task Keyboard
Advance to next field
Return to previous field
+
Accept values and close
dialog
Cancel values and close

dialog
2.1.5. MENU STRUCTURE
All AutoPIPE commands can be accessed from the menu system. For a detailed description of
the capabilities and functionality of a specific command, refer to the AutoPIPE On-line Help
Menu Reference. The top menu that is displayed above the drawing area depends on the current
mode of the program:
The standard menu is displayed when building or editing a model

AutoPIPE can be placed in a Worksheet Mode, which displays a model's data in
spreadsheet format.
Note that each of these menus has a toolbar associated with it.
2.1.6. TOOLBARS
AutoPIPE has three types of toolbars: command, view and components. Command toolbars are
always docked directly beneath the main menu, and cannot be moved from this location. The
component and view toolbar, on the other hand, can be moved from its position along the right
and left side of the screen respectively and positioned as a "floating toolbar" in the modeling
area of the screen. To reposition it, simply "drag" the title bar of the toolbar into the screen
area. The toolbar will resize.
Hint: If you forget the use of a particular button, position cursor over it and wait a
second or two. A ToolTip description is displayed beneath the button.
2.1.7. HOTKEYS
A number of AutoPIPE commands can be accessed directly from the keyboard using hotkeys.
In AutoPIPE hotkeys are executed by holding down the control and then pressing a letter key.
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Additionally, AutoPIPE also uses the function keys for some operations. Note that these
hotkeys are displayed in the AutoPIPE pull-down menus next to the item it executes.
2.2. AUTOPIPE MODELLING CONCEPTS
Experienced users of AutoPIPE have come to appreciate the speed and efficiency with which
detailed, data-rich models can be created, modified, and reviewed. Ifyou are a novice user, it is
important to understand some basic concepts of the program.
Models are created from individual pipe segments

Components are attached to the active point (cursor location)
The piping system geometry and properties can be modified
2.2.1. UNDERSTANDING PIPE SEGMENTS
Each piping system is divided into a number of segments. As an example, the sample model
shown below contains five segments labelled A through E. Piping models are entered into the
program, segment by segment. They may be extended or modified at any time by either adding
more segments or changing existing ones. The segments are labelled automatically (A through
E in the example). If more than twenty-six segments are entered, the additional ones are
labelled AA, AB, AC and so on.
Although most of the piping segment definition is handled automatically with AutoPIPE, in
some circumstances it is advantageous to plan the model in advance and divide it into logical
"segments" before creating the system (see 'Rules for defining Pipe Segments'). Typically, a
segment would begin and end at anchor points or a branch connection. However, as shown in
Figure 2-1 on the facing page, at point D02, a pipeline may be divided into two or more
contiguous segments. Whenever a tee/branch is inserted, AutoPIPE automatically assigns a
new segment identifier. Each new segment begins with a different alpha character, making it
easier for node numbering and easier to keep track of segments when reviewing input listings
or output results.
When defining a new system, AutoPIPE automatically displays the first Segment dialog (the
first segment is segment A). In this dialog, the user must specify starting X,Y, Z coordinates of
the Segment and input a Pipe identifier name. A Pipe identifier is used to assign properties. The
Pipe identifier can be any name that the user wishes to use. It is a good idea to choose a
meaningful name such as the first few letters of a line ID or something like 8"std (indicating 8"
nominal diameter, standard schedule wall thickness) to help you keep track of pipe properties
when reviewing the model.
These properties will be applied to all components attached to that pipe identifier until
otherwise specified by inputting a new pipe identifier name in one of the component dialogs.
After inputting a new Pipe identifier name, the Pipe properties dialog will automatically be
displayed for input. For example, if you define a Pipe identifier as a 4-inch line, then all
following components will default to those same properties until the user types in a new Pipe
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identifier name on a component dialog. A segment can be made up of multiple pipe identifiers.
Existing Pipe properties can be easily modified using either Modify> Properties of Pipe Identifier
(which modifies that Pipe Identifier throughout the entire model, wherever it was used) or by
graphical selection of a range of points and Modify> Pipe Properties Over Range.
Note: AutoPIPE makes extensive use of dialogs obtain user input. A discussion of
techniques for navigating throughout the fields of a dialog is provided later in
this chapter.
Figure 1 Pipe Segments

2.3. RULES FOR DEFINING SEGMENTS
A number of rules govern the definition of piping segments; they are listed as follows:
Each segment has a forward and backward direction and is entered as a sequence of points.
AutoPIPE automatically keeps track of the local axis of the segment, making it convenient
to insert intermediate points or components using the Length field. These points are
automatically assigned alphanumeric names (which the user can override), with a
maximum of four characters each. For example, in Figure 1, segment B is defined by
points A03, B01, B02, B03, BM, and B05, all of which have default names. The default
increment in point names is 1. This increment can be changed under Tools > Model Options
> Edit. AutoPIPE can automatically renumber point names after editing using the
Renumber button or Edit > Renumber.
Wind loads and Hydrotest can be turned on and off on a segment by segment basis, so
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keep that in mind when creating your model. Also, AutoPIPE provides options to view the
model, graphically select, delete, or view output results on a segment by segment basis.
Global coordinates must be entered for the first point of the first segment (default global
coordinates of Segment A is 0,0,0). AutoPIPE automatically displays the first segment
screen for the user. This is point A00 in the example. Then, each point along the segment is
typically located by offsets from the preceding point, until the whole segment has been
defined (e.g. points A00 to A06 for segment A).
Subsequent segments typically begin at points which have been defined previously (point
A03 in segment B is an example). These points are either branch points or continuation
points (see below). Since these points have already been defined, entering coordinate data
for them is not necessary.
Although subsequent segments typically begin or end at an existing point, this is not
necessary for the program to function correctly. It is often more convenient to start a
disconnected segment in space using Insert> Segment or clicking on the Segment button,
typing in the name of the first point (in this case, make sure that the name of the first point
on the segment is not the name of a previously defined point), and assigning the starting
X,Y,Z coordinates of that new Segment. For example, it may be more convenient to define
suction and discharge sections as disconnected segments without having to model the
equipment (see Pump Modeling Example in AutoPIPE on-line help). Also, the ability to
handle disconnected segments is a big advantage when importing sections from a CAD
model.
A continuation point is established when a new segment is defined to begin at the end
point of an existing segment (see point D02 in Figure 1). This is typically done to divide a
long length of pipe into shorter segments or to turn on and off wind loads or hydrotest on a
segment by segment basis.
A tee branch connection point is any point which joins two or more pipe segments, and
requires a multiple pipe connection (see points A03, and B05 in Figure 1) such as a tee or
cross. A continuation point can be made into a branch point using Modify> Convert Point
to> Tee.
Cut and paste automatically creates a new segment.
When defining a segment, proceed from point to point along the segment. Check that
everything at the current point has been specified before moving on to the next point.
2.3.1. GRAPHICAL TEE ELEMENT
In previous versions of AutoPIPE, users would have to insert a new segment at an existing run
point in order to insert a tee branch connection. With the new Tee element, this procedure is no
longer required (although users can still input a tee branch by inserting a segment at a run point
if desired).
The Tee element automates the insertion of tees and includes the offset distance from the
previous point. For example, if a user wishes to insert a tee point on a header 1000mm away
from his current point (active point), he clicks on the Tee button or Insert> Tee and inputs an
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offset of 1000mm as well as the tee type information for stress intensification purposes. The
Tee element will automatically assign a new segment once the user begins to input the branch.
AutoPIPE will keep this point a tee for stress intensification, even if the user does not create a
branch. In some cases, users may choose not to input small diameter vent or drain pipe
branches, but still want the stress intensification factor at the tee connection point. AutoPIPE
displays a graphical symbol at Tee points enabling users to visually review tee locations. Users
can also click on Tee arrows to easily switch between the header and branch side of the tee.
Users can convert an existing run point to a Tee using Modify > Convert point to >Tee
command.
2.3.2. UNDERSTANDING THE ACTIVE POINT
After defining and inserting a segment, you'll notice that a small crosshair appears in the
drawing area. This crosshair represents the currently active point. The active point is also
displayed in the status area immediately below the drawing area.
When placing components, you should remain aware of the active point. After selecting a
component type for insertion, AutoPIPE will automatically assume that you want the starting
point of the component to be inserted at the active point. By default, AutoPIPE will increment
the point to the next value and concatenate this with the letter that defines the current segment.
For example, if you are inserting a run point on Segment A that contains nothing but an anchor
point, the Run Point dialog will contain the value A01 in the Name of Point field.
To designate an existing point as the active point, simply click on it with the mouse. The
crosshairs should redisplay over that point and the Active Point status area should reflect the
new point as well. In a complex model, you can click on the Go To Point button and type in
your desired active point name. You can also use the arrow keys to control the location of the
active point as described below.
It is important to note that a given point may have two or more different segments. For
example, in Figure 1, point A03 is a tee connection point, and is made up of point A03 segment
A and point A03 segment B. The active point name and segment location is displayed in the
bottom right hand corner of your screen. In order to toggle between multiple segments on the
same Point location, it is usually more convenient to use the up and down arrow keys (see
following section on keyboard commands).
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2.3.3. CONTROLLING THE ACTIVE POINT WITH THE KEYBOARD
As an alternative to the mouse, the "Active Point" crosshairs can be controlled using the
keyboard.
Key Task

Move to the next point in the current segment (forward
segment direction).

Move to the previous point in the current segment
(backward segment direction).

When at a segment junction move to the next segment
I
that connects to the current point (more than 2segments

are possible).

When at a segment junction, move to the previous
segment that connects to the current point (more than 2
segments are possible).
Move to the first point of the next segment.
Mave to the last point of the previous segment.
Move to the next intermediate soil point for the current

soil region.
Move to the previous intermediate soil point for the
+ current soil region.
2.4. MODIFICATION OF PIPING GEOMETRY
It is not necessary for a piping system to be defined completely in a single AutoPIPE session,
because AutoPIPE allows a wide variety of additions, deletions, and changes to be made. In
particular:
New segments can be added at any time.

Previously defined segments can be extended at any time.
Existing segments can be modified, or can be deleted and replaced.
A complete system, or sections of a system, can be copied within the same job or between
separate jobs with automatic renumbering.
Components can be inserted, deleted, or modified at any time.
Warning: As noted in the following sections, changes in data can lead to a variety of
inconsistencies. AutoPIPE will detect most inconsistencies, and will display
warning or error messages. However, AutoPIPE may not detect all of the possible
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inconsistencies. Users must take care in making changes, and must review
changes carefully to ensure that the modified geometry and properties are
correct.
2.4.1. BASIC TASKS
This section lists simple techniques for accomplishing the following:
Executing a command
Selecting a component
Inserting a component
Modifying a component
Deleting a component
Selecting a range of components (creating a selection set)
2.4.2. EXECUTING A COMMAND
Commands can be executed in one of three ways:
Click on one of the buttons in a toolbar.

Select a command from the menu system
Key-in the command. The hotkey for each command is underlined in the menu system. As
an example, to insert a bend, simply type I to go into insert mode, then B. The key-in
command option requires memorization of certain hotkeys, but is an extremely efficient
method of input.
2.4.3. SELECTING POINTS AND COMPONENTS
Click on it with the mouse. By clicking on the outer edge of a component, the component
turns red to indicate that it is selected. If it is a two-point component such as a valve or
flexible joint, the red indicates that the beginning point and end point of a two-point
component have been selected.
Graphically select a range of points (see following 'Selecting a Range of Points' section)
2.4.4. INSERTING A POINT OR COMPONENT
Position the cursor on the desired point by clicking on it, and then click on one of the
component buttons from the toolbar. To insert an intermediate run point, or multiple run
points, click on the Pipe Run button.
Position the cursor on the insertion point, and then select the desired component from the
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Insert menu.
Users can graphically select a range to insert across ranges of points with one command
(see 'Selecting a Range')
Place the cursor on the desired point, then use the keyboard equivalent menu commands to
key-in the insertion
Position the cursor over the desired button, press and hold the left mouse button, then
"drag" the button off the toolbar and "drop" it onto the desired point by releasing the
mouse button. This is known as the "drag and drop" technique.
2.4.5. MODIFYING POINTS OR COMPONENTS
Use one of the techniques below to modify points or components.
Using the mouse, double click on the graphical representation of the component to open its
associated dialog. Double click on a point to modify point offsets.
Position the cursor on one of the points, or select a range of points, then right-click the
component to be modified from the toolbar.
Click on one of the points associated with the component, then select the component name
from the Modify menu.
Users can graphically select a range to modify across a range of points with one command
(see 'Selecting a Range')
Display the Input grids then select the appropriate grid tab and modify the value in the
cell(s). Double clicking a row in the Input grids will display the Modify dialog. Note:
Ctrl+Enter, Copy/Paste or Copy Down can be used to change values over multiple cells.
2.4.6. DELETING POINTS OR COMPONENTS
Use one of the techniques below to delete existing points or components:
Select the unwanted component with the mouse then press the Delete key on the keyboard.
Select the unwanted component then press the Delete button on the command toolbar.
Position the cursor on one of the points, or select a range of points, then hold down the
[Shift] and right-click the component to be deleted from the toolbar.
Graphically select a range, and then select the corresponding component name from the
Delete menu to delete across an entire range of points with one command (see Selecting a
Range).
Select the unwanted component then select the Edit> Delete menu command.
Select it with the mouse or position the active point at that location, then select the
corresponding component name from the Delete menu.
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Select the appropriate row in the Input Grids and Press the Delete key on the keyboard.
Note: Multiple rows can be deleted at time.
2.4.7. SELECTING A RANGE (CREATING A SELECTION SET)
Selection of ranges is a powerful tool within AutoPIPE that users should become familiar with.
By graphically selecting ranges of points, users can insert, modify, or delete components,
properties, loads, and other data across ranges of points with one command or graphically
select points to be included in the output reports. Also, selection of ranges is required in order
to graphically cut, copy, or paste.
There are several methods available to graphically select ranges of points. By using buttons or
the Select menu or Input Grids, users can select by a number of different criteria such as by
segment, point names, component type, pipe diameter and other parameters. In addition, users
can create a mouse zoom box Window and click on the Select all points in Window button to
select a range.
Another common method used to select a range is to click on the first point in the range, press
and hold the [Shift] key, then click on the last point in the range. The selection set will
highlight in red. This is the same technique used to select ranges in Word, Excel, and other
popular Windows programs.
To create a selection set that includes components that are not part of a contiguous run, use the
[Ctrl] key as follows: To add the first point, press and hold the [Ctrl] key. To add more
components to this set, or delete points from this set press and hold the [Ctrl] key and select
additional elements. Note that if during the creation of this set any two adjacent points are
selected, the pipe between the points will be selected (red) and that is expected. The [Ctrl]
selection method allows you to select a set of components that are not continuous.
Alternatively, Select > Point enables buttons that can add or subtract from the selection set on a
point by point basis.
The Select > Range command, another method of creating a selection set, allows the user to
input "From" and "To" points inside a dialog.
In any Input Grid tab, select a group of rows or cells (same column) using [Ctrl] or [Shift] keys
will highlight the selected points in red on the graphic. Note: The point symbol and names will
be highlighted when selecting from the Points or Pres/Temp/PipeID tabs. These two tabs
enable selection of all points in the model. The Pres/Temp/PipeID tab also provides a range
selection up to and including the bend near or far points. All other grid tabs will highlight the
component symbol and the thermal anchor movements tab will highlight the anchor symbol on
the graphic.
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3. Sample 1: Expansion Loops and Frame Supports

In this chapter you will build a simple stress model. The model will be analyzed and will be
found to be overstressed. You will find the cause of overstress and add an expansion loop to
alleviate the problem. During this exercise you will learn the essential tools for performing
piping stress analysis.
3.1. LESSON 1: MODEL DEFINITION
In this lesson you will learn the basics of building a new AutoPIPE model. You will be taught
the basic dialogs and commands needed to start a new system. The model will consist of pipes,
bends, anchors, vertical supports and guide supports. You will consider both dead weight
(Gravity) and thermal loads. You will be using ASME B31.3 piping code for Process Piping
throughout this training.
Objectives
The objectives of this Lesson are as follows:
Learn how to start AutoPIPE and start a new model

Learn how to add piping points and supports
Learn how to insert pipe spans
Learn how to insert supports at multiple points
The model you will build is shown below:
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3.1.1. EXERCISE 1: STARTING A NEW MODEL
h TO START A NEW MODEL
1) From the Windows' Start menu, select AutoPIPE or select the icon from the Bentley
AutoPIPE program group.
2) The AutoPIPE application opens. The starting screen is shown below.
3) Select File> New to open the New dialog shown below.
4) Enter the file name sample 1a in the File name field and press Save. This will trigger four
initial dialogs for each new model. These dialogs are the General Model Options for
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entering the piping code, units used and installation temperature, the Segment dialog for
defining the global coordinates of the starting point, the Pipe Identifier dialog for defining
the first pipe cross section and that will be followed by the Pressure & Temperature dialog
for defining the design pressure and temperature. Follow the instructions carefully as these
steps cannot be undone except by re-starting the model again.
Note: AutoPIPE is not designed to run across a network.
AutoPIPE documentation states Network drives are not supported for the
software and data files.
AutoPIPE will run across a network, but generally runs many times slower than
for local files. Therefore it is recommended that data files be copied from their
network location to a local drive for analysis, then be copied back to the network
at completion.
A suitable way to do this is to create a reverse date format folder (e.g. 090203
Calc 001) which contains all of the files and to copy this to the local location.
Note: You can set the number of operating thermal/pressure cases and the temperature
at installation (i.e. at the time when supports and anchors are set).
Note: You can set SI units to be your default units by copying the SI.UNT file in the
program folder into AUTOPIPE.UNT file.
5) The Segment dialog will open. In this dialog you can enter the global coordinates for the
starting point in the model. Type 2000 for the pipe elevation DZ above the ground at A00.
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(Assuming the ground at the origin is at elevation 0). Also type 200STD in the Pipe data
identifier field at A00 and Press OK.
6) Once you accept the Segment dialog, the Pipe Properties dialog will open since the pipe
name 200STD is new to the system. Select 200 from the drop-down for the Nominal
diameter, enter 1 for the Specific gravity of contents and select A53-B for the Pipe Material
field as shown in the following figure. Press OK.
7) Once you accept the Pipe Properties dialog, the Pressure & Temperature dialog will show
up. Type 1.723 MPa in the Pressure field and 370 deg C in the Temperature field as
follows. Press OK.
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Note: Examine the status bar at the bottom of the AutoPIPE application. The lower
right hand corner will always display the units associated with the active field.
When you input values into the available fields the units for the field show in the
bottom right-hand corner of the screen.
8) Once the Pressure & Temperature dialog is accepted, the point A00 will be shown at the
middle of the view port.
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3.1.2. EXERCISE 2: ADDING PIPING POINTS AND SUPPORTS
In this lesson the piping system will be built starting at point A00. You will add the supports
and anchors as you go along the pipe.
h TO ADD PIPING POINTS AND SUPPORTS
1) Now you will start routing the system. You will start with a rigid anchor at A00. Select
Insert > Anchor or click on the icon. Press OK to accept the default rigid anchor properties.
2) Next you will insert a 6000 mm pipe to A01. Select Insert > Run and type -6000 in the DX
field as shown below. Press OK.
3) Select View > Transparency and uncheck Anchor to disable Anchor transparency default in
AutoPIPE as follows.
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4) The program will insert the pipe as shown below
5) Next you will add a vertical support "V-stop". Select Insert > Support, then select V-stop in
the Support type field, or click on the icon on the component toolbar. The Support dialog
opens as shown below.
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6) Set the Gap above the pipe to 0.000. Accept all the other default gap and friction settings
(all zeros) and press OK. The view will be updated as shown in the following figure:
7) The support shows restraint below as well as above the pipe. This is true when the gaps are
set to zero. If the gap above the pipe is non zero, AutoPIPE will show a plate symbol at the
gap location. Also if the gap is greater than the pipe diameter the restraint will disappear.
The setting for disappearance of the restraint can be adjusted under View > Settings >
Support Gap Scale.
8) Next you will insert the pipe up to A02. Select Insert >Run to open the Run Point dialog
and type 3000 in the Length field. Press OK to accept.
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Note: You do not need to fill in the offsets as long as you are not changing the
direction of the pipe. When you press the Tab key, you will notice the offsets
are updated correctly.
9) Once you accept the dialog, the program graphics will be updated as follows.
10) Next you will add a vertical support "V-stop" at A02. Select Insert > Support > V-stop, or
click the icon on the component toolbar.
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11) Accept the default gap and friction settings (all zeros). Press OK. The view will be updated
as follows.
3.1.3. EXERCISE 3: INSERTING MULTIPLE PIPE SPANS
In this lesson you will learn to insert multiple pipe spans.
h TO INSERT A PIPE SPAN
1) You will now insert 4 runs of 6000 mm. You will do that using the regular Insert > Run
command, but you are going to back up using Shift-Tab key to the Generate Points field
and type 4. Use the Tab key to the Length field and type 6000. You can use the Tab key
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again to update the offsets if you wanted to.
2) The graphics will be updated when you press OK. Press the View > All icon to view the full
model.
3.1.4. EXERCISE 4: INSERTING SUPPORTS AT MULTIPLE POINTS
In this lesson you will insert supports at multiple points along the pipe.
h TO INSERT SUPPORTS
1) You will now add two V-stops at A04 and A05. You can use the Ctrl-Click to select A04
and repeat the same for A05.
Note: Even though you are using the Ctrl-Click method (and not Shift-Click), since you
are selecting consecutive points, the pipe between the points will be selected
(red) and that is expected
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2) Select Insert > Support > V-stop. The supports are inserted after accepting the default
support settings in the Support dialog. The supports are shown in the following figure.
You will now add the two guides at A03 and A06. First click at point A03 to clear the selection
or use Select > Clear. This is very important as you do not want to insert guides at A04 and
A05. Then use the Ctrl-Click to select A03 and repeat the same for A06. The point names will
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be highlighted in red as follows:
3) Select Insert > Support > Guide. The Support dialog will appear. You will use the default
gap settings and friction for guide, press OK.
4) The resulting graphics is updated for the guides as follows.
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h TO INSERT A BEND
1) Next you will insert the bend at A07.
Note:
When inserting bends using the Insert > Bend command or the icon The
point where you wish to insert the bend should not exist in the model. If the
point is already present , you use the Modify > Convert Point to > Bend or
in the top toolbar instead. In either case the bend component is inserted in two or
more steps. Let us see the steps needed to insert the bend using two different
methods.
FIRST METHOD
2) Insert the line leading to the bend point A07 using
3) Insert the line from the bend point A07 to bend point A08 using
(Note: When A08 is not a bend point, use to create the end of the bend.)
SECOND METHOD
4) Insert the line leading to bend point A07 using
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5) Insert the line following the bend point (A07 to A08) using
6) Click on A07
7) Click on to convert the kink point A07 to a bend.

8) Adjust the radius and/or add midpoint by double clicking at the bendpoint
A07.
Although the second method is more intuitive, it actually takes more time. In
step 2 of the second method, you would need to zero out the offsets as
AutoPIPE assumes you are going in the same direction as the previous pipe.
9) Click on A06 to clear the selection range and select A06 as the insertion point. Select Insert
> Bend to open the Bend Point dialog. Type 1500 in the Length field. Accept the default
long radius (1.5D). Press F1 to review the information pertaining to the bend element.
Note: You can type over the radius field to set an arbitrary radius, e.g. type 1000 to
specify a 5D radius inches (5 x 200 = 1000).
10) Next zoom on the bend point by creating a window around the bend point. This can be
done by clicking on one corner and while holding down the left mouse button, drag to form
the window as shown below. You can zoom by selecting the View > Box Zoom or use the
right mouse button instead.
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11) The resulting graphics will show as follows:
12) You can change from single line view to solid view using View > Solid Model View or by the
icon on the left toolbar.
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13) Notice the pipe leading to the bend point is shown in a different colour to indicate the bend
is not finished. Next you will insert the bend point at A08. Select Insert > Bend to insert the
bend and type -900 in the DZ field, press OK.
14) The graphic is updated to reflect the insertion of line A07 to A08 as follows. Notice the
line is shown in a different colour to indicate an unfinished bend at point A08 this time.
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15) The last point A09 is a run point. Use Insert > Run or click on the icon to insert the run
point A09. Type 3000 in the DY field and press OK.
16) The model is updated as shown below:
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h TO INSERT AN ANCHOR
1) The last step is to insert the rigid anchor at A09. Select Insert > Anchor and press OK to
accept the values in the Anchor dialog.
2) Now the model is completed and should look like this.
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3) Select View > All to display the full model.
3.2. LESSON 2: ADDING AN EXPANSION LOOP
Now that the piping is constructed and supports are placed, you need to perform a stress check
per the piping code B31.3. You will learn how to identify the loading that causes the
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overstress. Examination of the deflected shape will help you rectify the problem.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this lesson are as follows:
Learn how to perform a stress check

Learn how to add an expansion loop
Learn how to review the stress results
Learn how to support the expansion loop
3.2.1. EXERCISE 1: PERFORMING THE STRESS CHECK
Before the stress check can be performed, the system needs to be analysed to determine forces,
moments and displacements due to the loads prescribed. The loads you have in this case are
due to the dead weight and the thermal/pressure load. Static analysis will cause assembly of
the stiffness matrix of piping points and bends and will impose gravity and thermal loads to
determine the pipe displacements and reactions.
h TO DEFINE A STATIC ANALYSIS
4) Select Load > Static Analysis Sets

The following dialogue displays:
5) Select Analysis Set No. 1 (click in the left hand column) and click Modify to display the
dialog box below:
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6) Enable the Thermal case T1, then enable the Calculate pressure extension cases field.
Note: If you do not enable Calculate pressure extension cases you will not be able to
change the option Pressure before Temperature in the non-linear analysis.
Note: Throughout this tutorial, the term "enable" is used to denote instances where you
should place a check mark in an option field. "Enabled" fields contain a
checkmark, while "disabled" fields have no check mark.
7) Since we have defined gaps and friction on the guide supports that connect to the frames,
we will need to enable Gaps/Friction/Soil field (if not already done so). By enabling this
field AutoPIPE considers these non-linear boundary conditions during the static analysis.
8) Press OK to accept the remaining defaults and close the Static Load Cases dialog.
9) Since you enabled Gaps/Friction/Soil, AutoPIPE displays the Nonlinear Analysis dialog to
allow customization of how the non-linear analysis is performed. Customization is only
required if convergence problems occur during the analysis or a special load sequence is
required. Therefore do not change maximum iterations, displacement tolerance, force
tolerance, friction tolerance and friction scale factor.
Enable the following options:
Use default sequence

Pressure before Temperature
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10) Press OK to accept the defaults and close the dialog.

11) Press OK to close the Analysis Sets dialog.
h TO PERFORM A STATIC ANALYSIS
12) Select Analyze > Static from the menu to start the static analysis. Static analysis will cause
assembly of the stiffness matrix of piping points and bends and will impose gravity and
thermal loads to determine the pipe displacements and reactions.
Note:
The menu command Analyze > Static, and its accompanying toolbar icon
have the same behaviour. Both will run the analysis using the last settings
established in the Static Load Cases dialog.
13) AutoPIPE reports a static summary of the time taken to perform the analysis. Note that the
Cancel button can be pressed at any time to discontinue the analysis.
14) Press OK from the status dialog after the analysis has completed successfully. Now that the
model has been analysed, you can interactively review the results as described below.
h GRAPHICAL REVIEW OF CODE STRESSES
AutoPIPE provides a number of options for reviewing code stresses. The most commonly used
option is the default stress ratio comparing the calculated stress to the stress allowable.
1) Select Tools > Model Options > Result.

2) The Result Model Options dialog displays.
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3) Make sure the Sustain margin (Y/N/E) option is set to E.
Note: Sustain Margin (Y/N/E)
Y always adds the sustain load margin to the expansion allowable stress.
N never includes the sustain load margin to the expansion allowable stress.
E adds the sustain load margin to the expansion allowable stress only when
the calculated expansion stress exceeds the expansion allowable stress without
the sustain load margin.
4) Click OK to save the change.

5) Select Result > Code Stresses
6) The Code Stresses dialog is displayed.
7) Press OK to accept the defaults. A colour-coded plot of stress ratios between piping points
it displayed. A legend appears to the left of the model area, making it easy to quickly
identify ranges of values along a piping system. As with the other interactive options in
the Result menu, the crosshairs can also be positioned at any point to calculate the code
stress data associated with an individual point.
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Hint: Drag the information dialog to the side of the modelling area. Doing so will alow
you to view both the model and the data associated with selected points.
Since you selected the default All combination, AutoPIPE will plot a stress envelope of all load
combinations. It will also highlight the maximum stress point and will show the load
combination that caused the highest stress.
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Notice the program places the cursor at the point of maximum stress A09. Also it
displays in the top left corner of the plot, the name of the load combination TR:Amb to
T1(1) (EXP) that causes the maximum stress. The stress ratio 3.97 is shown in red next
to the point name. The Stresses dialog shows the actual stress, allowable stress and
stress ratio for all three stress combinations.
8) Toolbar buttons are available for navigating from the least stressed to the most stressed
points. The controls are shown below. Experiment with these buttons and note how the
information dialog is updated with the new point information.
Least Stressed Previous Stressed
Next Stressed Most Stressed
9) Press the Previous Stressed arrow from the VCR buttons on the top toolbar. The next point
will be A07 N+ with a stress ratio of 2.41. Pressing the back arrow again will show the
next highest stress point as A08 F - with a stress ratio of 1.94. At all these points, the
combination Amb to T1 is the cause of the overstress.
10) In addition to the VCR type controls shown above, you can also pick on a point to display
its associated stress data. Pick point A03. The information dialog is updated.
11) Now that you know the cause of this overstress, let us plot the deflected shape
corresponding to this stress. Select Result > Displacement from the menu. The Deflected
Shape dialog will be displayed. In order to see the displacement for Amb to T1, you need
to select GP1T1{1} for the equivalent non-code load combination. You also need to check
the Animate load case checkbox as shown below.
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12) Once you click OK, the deflected shape for thermal load will be animated.
The speed of animation is dependent on the size of the model and the graphics capability of
your computer. In the Command Line section at the bottom of your screen you will see
Press(F)aster/(S)lower- 5. To make the animation move more slowly press the S key once.
This will reduce the speed from 5 to 4. You may use the feature to aid your interpretation of
the model as necessary.
You can also change the load combination that is being animated by using the VCR buttons.
For example pressing will change the animated load case to GP1{1}.
13) The maximum displacement is clearly at the bend point A07. Click on A07 N to get the
displacement.
Note: Note the bend point A07 is not a real point on the pipe, it is just
a geometric node and could lie outside the bend sometimes.
For this reason, no displacements or stresses are defined for

A07. In AutoPIPE we refer to A07 as the bend Tangent
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Intersection Point, i.e. the point where the two bend tangents intersect. It holds
all the geometric bend data, such as bend radius which in turn defines the near
(N) and far (F) and mid (M) points of the bend.
Note: Notice the maximum displacement is relatively large at 156 mm. AutoPIPE
exaggerates the on screen displacement when plotting the deflected shape for
clarity.
Notice also that the cause of this stress is that all the thermal expansion in the
line A00 to A07 is acting on the piping between A07 and A09. A logical way to
reduce thermal stress is to make the piping more flexible to help accommodate
the unavoidable thermal movements.
Some ways of making the piping flexible is to add expansion loops or expansion
joints. Expansion loops are more common, but you need a space to
accommodate these loops. Expansion joints are handy when no room is
available for loops, but they tend to be more expensive and do require more
maintenance.
3.2.2. EXERCISE 2: ADDING AN EXPANSION LOOP
It is
clear that an expansion loop is a logical choice. The question is where the expansion loop
should be placed. Typically expansion loops are placed at the middle or at equal distances to
accommodate the large thermal displacements. You will insert the expansion loop between
A03 and A04. Although it seems logical to delete the pipe A03 to A04 and start constructing
the loop, this is not a recommended way in AutoPIPE as it will split the piping into two
segments. You will use another approach; we call it the rubber-band procedure. We think of
the pipe A03-A04 as a rubber-band and you will attempt to form the loop by stretching the
rubber-band. The expansion loop is shown below. The steps to construct the WxLxH = 3000 x
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6000 x 900 loop is as follows:
h TO ADD AN EXPANSION LOOP
1) It is recommended that you start at the upstream point when adding the loop. Click at A03
2) Insert a run point A10 at 1500 mm from A03 (just enter a length of 1500 mm). Use the
command IR or the Insert > Run to insert the run.
3) Insert a bend point A11 at DZ= 900 mm. Use the command IB or the Insert > Bend to insert
the bend.
4) Insert a bend point A12 at DY= -6000 mm
5) Insert a bend point A13 at DX= -3000 mm
6) Insert a bend point A14 at DY= 6000 mm
7) Insert a bend point A15 at DZ= -900 mm
8) Convert the starting point A10 to a bend using the icon or use Modify > Convert point to >
bend.
9) Press the Show Pipe Length icon to show pipe length. The default settings will give 2 digits
after the decimal point it is recommended to reduce this to one. Use Tools > Model
Options > Edit and set the Digits after decimal for coordinates to 1.
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10) The use of keyboard commands allows a faster entry of data points. To see all keyboard
commands, press the I key and notice how the menu commands now have one letter
underlined. This is the key to press for the command.
3.2.3. EXERCISE 3: STRESS REVIEW
Now that the expansion loop is added let us check the thermal stresses again.
h TO REVIEW THE STRESSES
1) Run Analyze > Static and accept default cases.
2) Select Result > Code stresses and select Amb to T1 {1} load combination as shown below.
3) The resulting stress plot will be shown as follows.
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4) You need to make a full check of all loads, including sustained stress or Gravity and
longitudinal pressure stress. This can easily be done by repeating the code stress check and
selecting the load combination All as follows.
5) The resulting stress plot will show as follows.
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Notice the maximum stress ratio is 1.65 at node A11 N. The cause of this overstress is shown
as usual on the top left corner GR + MaxP {1} or the sustained stress. To visualise the problem
you will look at the deflected shape for GR case which is the closest non-code combination to
the code combination GR+MaxP.
6) Select Result > Displacement and then select load combination as follows.
7) The deflected shape will show as follows.
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3.2.4. EXERCISE 4: SUPPORTING EXPANSION LOOP
As can be seen the expansion loop is not well supported. You will add two supports 4500 mm
away from A11 and A14.
h TO SUPPORT THE EXPANSION LOOP
1) Click on A11 and press IR on the keyboard to insert a run point for the support. Type 4500
in the Length field and press OK.
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2) Type IS at the command line then select a V-STOP support. Press OK.
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3) Now click on A13 and type IR. Type 1500 in the Length field and press OK.
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4) Type IS to insert a V-STOP support at A17. Press OK.
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3.3. LESSON 3: FINAL STRESS CHECK
Now that the loop appears well supported, you will attempt to perform a stress check.
OBJECTIVES
Learn how to complete the final stress check

Learn how to generate a stress report
3.3.1. EXERCISE 1: FINAL STRESS CHECK
h TO START THE FINAL STRESS CHECK
1) Select Analyze > Static to perform a static analysis of the existing load cases.
2) Select View > Show > Point Names to remove node names from the plot. Select View >
Show > Length to remove element length.
3) Select Result > Code Stresses to display the code stress dialog and select the default All
combination.
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4) The stress plot is shown as follows.
The maximum stress ratio is 0.43 at point A13 N+. It is caused by the combination Amb to T1
{1}.
3.3.2. EXERCISE 2: GENERATING A STRESS REPORT
h TO GENERATE THE STRESS REPORT
1) Select Result > Output Report and check in all sub-reports. Do not check the Sort stresses
option.
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2) Scroll the report to the model input listing for point A11 as shown. Notice that AutoPIPE
lists the SIF and flexibility for the pipe bend at A11.
3) Now look at the support data listing.
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4) And the bend data listing.
5) These Model Input listing reports can also be viewed directly using Tools > Model Input
Listing and can be edited using the input grid.
6) Next scroll to the Support Forces report. Note that the support forces given are in terms of
the User Non Code Combinations, not the Code Combinations. You will learn later how to
disable load combinations from the reports.
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7) Now scroll to Code Compliance report. Notice that AutoPIPE defined all the necessary
load cases for the code check. These are the sustained, expansion and hoop stresses.
8) Points A11 N+ and A11 F- are inside the bend and will have an SIF typically larger than
1.00. Points A11 N- and A11 F+ are outside the bend and will typical have an SIF of 1.00
and hence a lower stress.
9) Use File > Save As to save a copy of sample 1a model.
3.4. LESSON 4: ADDING A FRAME SUPPORT
Here you will see how to model a frame support. Frames supports are often not needed for
performing static analysis. However, they are very useful when performing dynamic analysis
as the stiffness and mass of the support could change system resonant frequencies. Frame
elements are often used when trying to match the measured frequency response of the system.
OBJECTIVES
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Learn the difference between pipe and frame elements

Learn to simulate support stiffness and mass by using a frame support.
3.4.1. EXERCISE 1: HOW FRAME ELEMENTS ARE DIFFERENT FROM PIPE ELEMENTS
Although pipe elements are modelled using beam elements, frame elements are very different
in many ways.
Frame elements cannot have pressure or temperature data applied

Frame elements cannot have a stress check performed. You can review beam
displacements and forces but not stresses.
You cannot edit frame elements in the grid.
You cannot insert mass points or intermediate points to a frame.
Frame element section modulus or inertia vary with direction (Ix and Iy are usually
different). The beta angle of the frame determines its orientation.
Frame element design is based on buckling criteria which is not the case for most piping
codes.
Since you cannot add pipes to the mid point of a bend, frame elements can be useful in
modelling dummies, trunnions or base elbow supports. If temperature is important, you
can add a short frame and then connect another pipe. You can also make a tee next to (not
at) the Near or Far point of the bend for adding an elbow support as a branch.
Frame elements do not have a segment assigned.
3.4.2. EXERCISE 2: FRAME SUPPORT DESCRIPTION
You will replace the guide at A03 with the frame as shown below. You still need to have the
guide to connect the pipe to the frame. The pipe is assumed resting on the frame support.
Since AutoPIPE uses centreline dimensions (as in line mode), the frame node (3) should be 211
mm below the pipe point A03. The distance is the average of the OD of the pipe (219.1 mm)
and the depth of the beam (203.2 mm).
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Section: Australian
Beam: 200UCx46.2
Point 3 is (203 + 219.1) / 2 =

211mm below A03
DN200 STD
A03
211 = (203 + 209.1) / 2
200UCx46
3.4.3. EXERCISE 3: INSERTING THE FIRST FRAME ELEMENT
The best way to start building the frame is to start with frame element M1 joining nodes 3 and
4. Since you need the coordinates of node 3 we need the global coordinates of node A03.
1) In order to get A03 coordinates we will use View > Pipe Properties (or press function key
F3) as follows:
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2) Since the point 3 is 211 mm below A03, the Y coordinate should be 2000 211 = 1789
mm.
3) Select Insert > Beam Section Properties, then under Section Type press Select.
4) Under Australian sections select UC Shape, then select UC200x46.2 in the right hand
window. Press OK to accept.
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5) You will then see the Beam Section Properties dialogue updated as shown below.
6) Select Insert > Frame and type 3 in the From Node I. Tab to the X field and type 0. Tab
again and type 1789 in the Z field. Type -15000 in the X field. Type 4 in the To Point J.
Type 2400 in the DY field. Select 1 UC200x46.2 for Section ID. The Beta angle causes a
rotation of the beam and is not needed here. Press OK to construct the beam.
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7) The beam will show as follows:
3.4.4. EXERCISE 4: INSERTING THE REST OF FRAME ELEMENTS
The first beam is typically the hardest to construct.
1) To construct beam 4-5, click on point 4 and then Select Insert > Frame. Type 5 in the To
Point J. Tab to the DY field and type -1789. Press OK and the beam will show as shown.
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2) Now continue the same way for beams 3-2. Click on point 3 and then Select Insert >
Frame. Type 2 in the To Point J. Tab to the DY field and enter -2400. Press OK and the
beam will show as shown.
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3) Now continue the same way for beams 2-1. Click on point 2. and then Select Insert >
Frame. Type 1 in the To Point J. Tab to the DY field and type -1789. Press OK and the
beam will show as shown in the following figure.
3.4.5. EXERCISE 5: SUPPORTING THE FRAME
It may seem funny that you need to support the frame, which itself is acting as a support. In
AutoPIPE the frame element is not a support and hence needs to be supported. If you did not
support the frame you will get an unstable system message during the analysis.
This frame assembly needs anchors at nodes 1 and 5.
1) Click on node 1 and select Insert > Anchor and press OK. Repeat to insert another anchor at
node 5. The plot will be updated as follows:
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3.4.6. EXERCISE 6: CONNECTING THE PIPE TO THE FRAME ASSEMBLY
You also need to connect the pipe point A03 to point 3 on the frame otherwise the frame and
the pipe systems are completely independent. This can be done simply by modifying the
current guide support at A03.
1) Double click on the guide you will notice the field "Connected to" is set to Ground. This is
the default value for all supports, but it is not true here. You will specify node 3 as the
Connected to point instead.
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2) The graphics will be updated and will notice a slight change in the guide symbol as shown.
Press OK to close.
3) This completes the model for the frame support.
3.4.7. EXERCISE 7: ANOTHER STRESS CHECK
Now that you added the frame support you will check to see if the static analysis results will be
affected. So you will run static analysis and follow with code stress check.
h TO START ANOTHER STRESS CHECK
1) Select Analyze > Static to perform a static analysis of the existing load cases.
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2) Select Result > Code Stresses to display the Code Stress dialog and select the default All
combination.
3) The stress plot is shown as follows:
4) Notice the stresses are almost identical with those obtained without the frame support.
The frame support effect is minimal on static analysis results.
This concludes this exercise.
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4. Sample 2: Hanger Design & Equipment

In this chapter you will build a new piping model. This chapter contains an example system
with an API 610 pump and a spring hanger. It shows how to define the pump and produce the
pump report.
4.1. LESSON 1: BUILD PUMP SUCTION PIPING
In this lesson you will define the problem and start a new model. You will set the node
increments and add anchor and piping points to the model.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this Lesson are as follows:
Learn the definition of the problem

Learn how to set node number increment
Learn how add a piping segment
Learn how to add a tee junction
Learn how to add a branching pipe
Learn how to change a length of pipe
Learn how to insert a hanger
4.1.1. EXERCISE 1: PROBLEM DEFINITION
The following shows the initial piping model Sample 2.
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Property Value
Piping Code B31.3
Pressure 10.3 bar(g)
Temperature 260 deg C
Material A106 Gr B
Corrosion Allowance 1.5 mm
Insulation 50mm wool
Contents Spec. Grav. 1.0
Main Pipe DN150 STD
Branch Pipe DN100 STD, Welding Tee
Valve Gate Class150, WN Flanges
Hanger Initially undesigned
h TO START THE NEW MODEL
1) Select File > New, and type Sample 2 in the File Name field and press Save as shown
below.
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2) In the General Model Options dialog, select B31.3 Process Piping & 2006 as the piping
code & edition, SI as the units files for input & output, Z as the vertical axis direction, 21
deg C as the ambient temperature, as shown below and press OK.
3) In the Segment dialog, type 150STD in the Pipe Data Identifier field as shown and press
OK.
4) Since the pipe is new, the Pipe Properties dialog will open to enter the pipe cross section
properties as shown. Type 150 in the Nominal Diameter field, STD in the Schedule field,
1.5 mm in the Corrosion field, 50 in the Insulation Thickness field, and Wool in the
Insulation Material field. Also type 1 in the Specific Gravity field and select A106-B for
the Pipe Material field. Notice how the units are shown in the lower right corner of the
main AutoPIPE window when the cursor is the field. Move the cursor above the Density
data and see the units display as a tooltip. Press OK when done.
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5) The Pressure & Temperature dialog will automatically display to enter the pressure and
temperature dependent material properties. Type 1.034 in the Pressure field and 260 in the
Temperature field. Press the Tab key and notice how the material properties are updated
based on the material library.
6. Press OK and the model will show as follows:
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4.1.2. EXERCISE 2: SET DEFAULT NODE NUMBERING
h TO SET THE DEFAULT NODE NUMBERING
1) Now you will set the node name increment to 5 so that default names become A00, A05,
A10, etc. Load the Tools > Model Options > Edit to open the Edit Model Options dialog and
type 5 in the Default point name offset field as follows. Press OK when done.
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4.1.3. EXERCISE 3: ADD SEGMENT A PIPING POINTS
Here you will add all segment A piping points. You will start by adding the anchor at A00 and
then add piping points and bends along the segment.
h TO ADD SEGMENT A PIPING POINTS
1) Select Insert > Anchor and press OK to accept rigid anchor properties.
2) Select Insert > Run and type 3050 in the Offset - DY field and press OK. This will cause
AutoPIPE to add a Run point 3050 mm away from A00.
3) Select View > Solid Model View and the plot will look as follows:
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4) Now we will insert a bend point at A10. Select Insert > Bend and set the Length field to 1025
as shown.
5) The piping geometry is updated as shown below.
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6) Note how the line A05-A10 is shown with a light colour to indicate that the bend is not
finished. The bend will be drawn when the pipe or bend following it is drawn. Next you
will insert the bend point at A15. Select Insert > Bend and type-900 in the DZ field and
press OK as shown.
7) The updated graphics will show the completed bend at A10, but not at A15 as shown.
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8) Now you will complete segment A by placing a run point at A20. Select Insert > Run and
type 1525 in the DX field as shown. Press OK to close.
9) After inserting a rigid anchor at A20, the piping model will be as shown in the following
figure.
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4.1.4. EXERCISE 4: ADD A TEE JUNCTION AND BRANCHING PIPE
In this lesson you will add a reducing tee branch and enter the attached piping with bends,
valves and flanges.
h TO CONVERT A POINT TO A TEE
Since point A05 already exists, we will convert it to a tee first before starting the branching
pipe.
1) Select A05 and select Modify > Convert point to > Tee to modify run point to a tee. You will
notice 3 blue arrows are created next to the tee point. Zoom around the tee point. To
zoom, click and keep the mouse pressed while dragging it to form a box. Now right-click
to perform the zoom. Select the branch arrow to make it red as shown in the following
figure.
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2) After selecting the branch arrow, notice that the segment name in the bottom of the dialog
changes from A to B to indicate a new segment B. Now, since you are on segment B, any
runs or bends inserted will belong to this new segment. Select Insert > Bend to insert a
bend point. Type 900 in the DZ field and type 100STD in the Pipe Identifier field since this
is a reducing tee.
problem with adding bend on new branch from tee- dont get option to add new pipe identifier
field is grayed out.
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3) Since the Pipe Identifier 100STD is new, the Pipe Properties dialog is displayed. Type 100
in the Nominal Diameter field, STD in the Schedule field, 1.5 mm in the Corrosion field, 50
in the Insulation Thickness field, and Wool in the Insulation Material field. Also type 1 in
the Specific Gravity field and select A106-B for the Pipe Material field.
4) After panning and zooming the window the piping will show as follows. Notice that the
pipe A05 to B05 is shown in lighter colour to indicate an incomplete bend. The bend is
completed when the next run point B10 is inserted.
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5) Select Insert > Run to insert a pipe run from B05 to B10. Type -600 in the DX field.
6) Press OK to update.
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AutoPIPE does not allow insertion of a component like a valve (reducer, expansion joint or
nozzle) after bend or tee points. In order to insert these components a run point is necessary. In
this case, B10 can serve as our starting point for the valve. You could not have done that at
B05.
h TO INSERT THE VALVE AND FLANGES
1) Next you will insert the flanged gate valve with Class 150 rating. Select Insert > Valve and
fill in the valve Type as GATE-F and the Pressure rating as 150. Notice the valve length,
weight and surface area factor is retrieved from the AutoPIPE library. If you need to know
what a surface area factor is press F1 while in the surface area factor box to see help on this
box.
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2) Press OK to close the Valve dialog. The valve will appear when the dialog closes. To insert
the mating flanges for the valve, you will first select the valve and then insert both flanges
at one time. Select the beginning of the valve (B10) and while holding the Shift key click
on the end point B15 of the valve. You will see the valve highlighted in red as shown.
3) Select Insert > Flange to insert both mating flanges. Select the Flange type WELDNECK
from the drop-down, a Pressure Rating of 150 and Joint End Type as Butt Weld and press
OK.
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4) The graphics is updated as shown below.
h TO INSERT A PIPE RUN
5) Next you will insert a pipe run from the valve to the anchor. First you need to clear the
selection. This can be done easily by clicking on B15. Select Insert > Run to insert the pipe
as shown. Use the default length of 600 as shown in the following figure and press OK.
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6) The graphic is updated as follows.
7) Now you need to insert an anchor. Select Insert > Anchor to add the rigid anchor as
follows.
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8) Now you have finished inserting segment B. The model will be as shown below.
9) Select View > Show > Length to show the pipe lengths:
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4.1.5. EXERCISE 5: CHANGE THE LENGTH OF PIPE A10 TO A15
You will now learn the different ways to change a pipe length in AutoPIPE. You will update
the length from 900 mm to 4500 mm. By far the easiest and most logical way is to use the
input grid. But we will also discuss other options.
h TO CHANGE A PIPE LENGTH
1) Start the Input Grid if it is not shown already.
2) Click on the row with From point as A10. Type 4500 to replace 900 in the Length field.
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Note: Notice while editing that a pencil is shown on the left of the row to indicate the
row is being edited. Also notice that point A15 is highlighted in red. You will
notice the length is updated once you leave the length field.
3) Another method of changing the length is to select the pipe A10 to A15 and use the
command Edit > Move/Stretch and type 3600 in the DZ field.
4) The final method is to double click on end point of run A15 and change the length to 4500
and make sure to check the option Apply offset to following points.
4.1.6. EXERCISE 6: INSERT HANGER AND PERFORM HANGER DESIGN
In this lesson you will learn to add a hanger support and perform a hanger design.
h TO ADD A HANGER
1) First you will insert the undesigned hanger at A10 N (Near or first node on the bend).
Select A10 N and then select Insert > Support > Spring.
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2) Enable the Undesigned check box as you will perform the hanger design in AutoPIPE.
Press OK when done and the model will be updated as shown in the following figure.
3) Now that the hanger is present you will perform a hanger design. In order to do a proper
design for the hanger, you need to free supports close to the hanger. So set a hanger
release for anchors at A20 and B20 in the Z direction. Double-click the edge of the anchor
A20 or select Modify > Anchor. Check Z in the Release for hanger selection group. Press OK
to close.
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4) Repeat the same for anchor B20. The release will cause the hanger to carry more gravity
load and hence a larger size hanger will typically be selected. This hanger release is only
applied when Analyze > Hanger Selection is performed. When using Analyze > Static the
actual anchor stiffness is used.
5) Select Analyze > Hanger Selection and the Hanger dialog will show as follows.
The rigid hanger criterion is used for deciding whether to use a rigid hanger (V-stop) versus a
spring hanger. AutoPIPE will select a rigid hanger if the thermal movement at the support
location is less than 2.54 mm per the default setting and this is a reasonable value for design.
The Load variation ratio is the ratio of the difference between hot and cold spring loads to the
hot load value. A 25% variation between cold and hot load is a reasonable value. You may
select a smaller value for some systems. If AutoPIPE cannot find a hanger that satisfies the
load variation, it will select a Constant support (that has a zero variation between hot and cold
loads). The difference between hot and cold loads is the main reason for selecting a hanger. If
a hanger is replaced with a rigid support, lift-off could occur under operating thermal load.
This will cause the hot load to be zero and the cold load to be large. When the hot load is zero,
the weight of the piping under hot condition will be supported on the adjacent equipment
nozzles causing an overstress at these locations.
After the analysis is done, the program will show a test file of the possible spring hangers. The
first hanger listed is the one assigned by AutoPIPE. You would need to either manually set the
spring rate and cold load or change the load variation ratio to force selection of another spring.
6) After you accept the Hanger dialog the hanger report will be shown as follows:
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The selected hanger has a spring rate of 91.1 N/mm and a cold load of 5881.8 N. These values
will be automatically entered in the Hanger dialog. Notice that if the load variation is set to
10%, the second hanger will be selected. Note also that the hot load (4949.3 N) is the same for
all selected springs and the same applies to thermal movement (10.24 mm).
HANGER SELECTION PROCEDURE

Only gravity (dead weight) and thermal loading is analyzed.
A rigid restraint (V-Stop) replaces hanger for the gravity (GR) load case and anchor
releases are applied. The calculated support reaction is the "hot load" to be carried by the
hanger. The hot load value in this case is 4949.3 N.
The rigid restraint is removed for thermal load cases (T1) and no anchors are released.
The magnitude of vertical thermal displacement is the free travel distance. The calculated
thermal movement in the vertical direction at A10 N is 10.24 mm in this case.
If the supported point moves up under gravity load, a spring is not required.
If the travel distance is less than the specified "rigid hanger displacement criterion", a rigid
restraint is selected.
Using the calculated hot load and travel distance, the cold load is calculated from the
specified spring manufacturer table. If both hot and cold loads are within a spring's
operating range, that spring is selected. Otherwise, the next size in the table is checked.
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Cold Load = Hot Load + Movement *Spring Rate
"Spring load variation" of the selected spring is checked against the user specified
"permissible load variation".
Load Variation = (Cold Load -Hot Load) I Hot Load
If no spring is found, the process is repeated for multiple springs.

If no spring is found, a constant force hanger is selected.
All possible springs are reported.
A Static analysis must be performed after the Hanger run
Grinnell
Pre-Engineered spring hangers
SIZE AND SERIES SELECTION
Note: Refer to end of this manual for A3 copy of Grinnell spring hanger table shown
above.
You will build the pump discharge which is disconnected from the pump suction line. You
will start by inserting a new segment and add the piping starting at the discharge DN 80 nozzle.
You will then insert a DN80 x DN100 reducer, a check valve and a gate valve as shown. The
discharge pressure is 13.79 bar(g). The ANSI A40 pump dimensions are given as well. The
pump center as required by API 610 is along the shaft, midway between the pedestals (or pump
supports). For proper check for pumps, both suction and discharge piping should be included
in the same AutoPIPE model.
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OBJECTIVES
Learn how to add a pump discharge line

Learn how to change the design pressure for a discharge line
Learn how to generate a pump report
Learn how to edit the operations
4.1.7. EXERCISE 1: ADD A NEW DISCONNECTED SEGMENT
h TO ADD A NEW DISCONNECTED SEGMENT
1) Select Insert > Segment and fill in the data as in the following table. You will use B20 as
your reference point for coordinates of the disconnected point C00.
Name Description
Name of first point C00
Offset from which point B20
DZ 317.5 mm
DX -102 mm
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Pipe data identifier 80STD
2) Press OK. Once you accept the Segment dialog, the Pipe Properties dialog will be
displayed to enter properties of the new identifier 80STD. Type 80 in the Nominal
Diameter field, STD in the Schedule field, 1.5 mm in the Corrosion field, 50 in the
Insulation Thickness field, and Wool in the Insulation Material field. Also type 1 in the
Specific Gravity field and select A106-B for the Pipe Material field. Press OK to close.
3) After this is done, you will notice the cursor placed at the starting point COO of the new
segment as shown:
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h TO ADD PIPE AND A REDUCER
1) Now you will add the pipe C00-C05 and then insert the 80x100 reducer. Select Insert >
Run to add a pipe run as follows: Press OK to close.
2) The view will be updated as shown in the following figure.
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3) Next you will add a 80x100 reducer. Select Insert > Reducer and type in a Length of 152
mm and select 100STD pipe identifier as follows:
4) You will then see a screen that advises the piping material has changed. In this case no
change is required, however in some systems you may wish to make a change at this point.
Press OK to close.
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5) The view is updated as shown in the following figure.
h TO ADD CHECK AND GATE VALVES
It is common to have check and gate valves in the discharge piping. First, you will insert the
check valve followed with a gate valve. You will assume that these valves are butt welded.
1) Select Insert > Valve and select SCHECK-B (buttwelded swing check) from the Type drop-
down and 150 from the Pressure rating drop-down as shown. The length and weight are
retrieved from the AutoPIPE.lib file. Select Butt Weld from the Joint End Type dropdown.
Press OK to close.
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2) Next you will insert the gate valve. Select Insert > Valve and select GATE-B from the Type
drop down and 150 from the Pressure rating drop down and tab to the Length field to
update the length as shown. Select Butt Weld from the Joint End Type dropdown. Press
OK to close.
3) The view will be updated as follows:
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h TO ADD THE BEND, RUN AND ANCHOR
1) Select Insert > Bend and accept the default length of 300 mm and press OK as shown in the
following figure.
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2) Now you will complete the bend and insert the attached pipe to C30. Select Insert > Run
and type 1500 mm in the DY field. Press OK to close.
3) Now use Ctrl-Click at C00 and C30. This will make the node names red.
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4) Select Insert > Anchor to add rigid anchors at these two points simultaneously.
This will finalize the input for the discharge piping. In the next section you will enter the API
610 pump properties and generate a pump report.
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4.1.8. EXERCISE 2: CHANGE DESIGN PRESSURE FOR DISCHARGE LINE
Now you will update the design pressure for the discharge line. The discharge pressure is
13.79 bar(g). So you will select the discharge piping and change the design pressure.
h TO CHANGE THE DESIGN PRESSURE
1) To select the segment, click on C00 and then use Shift-Click on C30. This will highlight
segment B in red as shown.
2) Select Modify > Operating Pressure Temperature to update the discharge pressure. Type
1.379 MPa in the Pressure field as shown and press OK.
3) A note will display about updating valve data. Press OK.
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4) Now to display the pressure, select View > Show > Operating Pressure and the Show
Pressure dialog will show as follows. Press OK to accept the default.
5) Finally, select View > Show > Reset to clear the pressure display.
4.1.9. EXERCISE 3: GENERATE PUMP REPORT
In this section you will add the ANSI 4x3 (A40) pump and you will use API 610 pump report
to check the loads on the suction and discharge nozzles and also at the centre of the pump. The
ANSI pump dimensions are given below:
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The pump will not appear in the graphic. You can specify the properties but it will not appear
on the dialog like other AutoPIPE components. You will look at cold (GR) and hot (GR+T1)
reactions. First you will define the pump properties and then analyze the model and generate a
pump report.
4.1.10. EXERCISE 4: SPECIFY PUMP PROPERTIES
1) Select Tools > Rotating Equipment and specify the following data. Type P101 for
Equipment ID and specify Pump for the Type field.
2) Select B20 from the Suction Point drop-down and End from the Location field (since the
suction nozzle is at the end of the shaft).
3) Set the Discharge Point as C00 and specify Location as at the Top of the shaft. Keep the
default Table 2 factor as 2.00. Specify the Pump Orientation as Horizontal with its Shaft
Axis in the Global Z direction.
4) Since you cannot have a point for the centre of the pump, the pump centre is defined
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relative to the suction nozzle B20. So type B20 in the Reference Point field and specify DX
as -260.35 mm as shown below. Press OK to close.
4.1.11. EXERCISE 5: ANALYZE AND SHOW PUMP REPORT
h TO ANALYZE THE PUMP
1) Firstly define a static analysis - select Load > Static Analysis Sets
dialog box below:
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3) Enable the Thermal case T1, then enable the Calculate pressure extension cases field.
4) Enable Gaps/Friction/Soil field (if not already done so).

allow customization of how the non-linear analysis is performed. Customization is only
required if convergence problems occur during the analysis or a special load sequence is
required. Therefore do not change maximum iterations, displacement tolerance, force

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7) Press OK to accept the defaults and close the dialog.

11) Next you will look at the default non-code combinations typically used for support or
nozzle loads. Select Tools > Combinations and examine the third tab for Non-Code Comb.
as follows.
12) Notice that there are three Non-Code load combinations:

Gravity{1}
Thermal{1}
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Pressure{1}
GP1{1}
GP1T1{1}
13) Gravity is the cold reaction load, GP1T1{1} is the hot reaction load while T1 =
(GP1T1{1}) - Gravity is the difference between hot and cold loads. This difference T1
while useful for estimating code expansion stress range, is meaningless for pump nozzle
loads. So you are going to disable T1 in the output report. T1 is typically used to show
deflections causing the code combination Amb to T1 stress. Therefore disable the Print
option for combination Thermal 1{1}. Similarly we are not interested in the Pressure 1{1}
or GP1{1} combinations. Disable these and press OK to close.
14) Select Result > Output Report and uncheck Select/Unselect all reports and check Equipment
as shown below. Press OK to close.
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15) The output will show the details for the reaction loads and will give a * whenever a
certain reaction exceeds API 610 allowable. For the cold reactions Gravity{1}, the loads
appear below the allowable stress, while for the hot reaction GP1T1{1} it is much higher
than the allowable load. This ratio is 15.02 for moment My reaction as shown:
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Note: AutoPIPE pump report shows all reaction forces and moments in terms of the
local API 610 axes in which z is the vertical axis and x is the shaft axis. The
transformation from global to local axes is defined at the top of the pump report.
API 610 Fig 23
Compressor and turbine reports can be generated in the same manner. For these reports, the
centre of the equipment is not required and that simplifies the calculations and limits it to the
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inlet and exit nozzles.
4.2. STUDENT EXERCISE: COPY/PASTE AND EDIT/ROTATE OPERATIONS
In this exercise you will add an intermediate point to start another branch thru a copy/paste
operation. You will then rotate part of the copied piping. The original and final piping are
shown below.
Before
After
h TO COPY AND ROTATE THE MODEL SEGMENT
1) Add an intermediate point A25 between A00 and A05. Click on A00 and Use Insert > Run.
Accept the default length of 1525 mm.
2) Select the two segments B and C using Select > Segment and click on one point on segment
B and another on segment C and then click on Finish.
3) Use Edit > Copy and specify A05 as the reference point where copied objects are to be
connected.
4) Unselect all points by clicking on A25 and to signify the insertion point for the pasted
object.
5) Use Edit > Paste and select the default to connect to selected points.
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6) Select segment E and follow by Edit > Rotate.
7) Select E00 as the centre of rotation and specify 180 degree rotation around the vertical Z
axis.
8) You would need to add a new pump P102. For this click on Tools > Rotating Equipment
and select P101. Rename P101 to P102. and modify the suction nozzle, the discharge
nozzle and the reference points:
B20 D20
C00 E00
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5. Sample 3: Wind, Earthquake and Nonlinear

Analysis
In this sample problem you will learn how to perform nonlinear analysis due to supports gaps
and friction. You will also learn how to set up loads for earthquake and wind loads.
Application of Vessel
In this section we will present sample 3 model characteristics.
PIPING LOADS
Property Value

DZ = 9.5 mm @ A00
DZ = 12.7 mm @ A15
Earthquake load E1: X = 0.3g, Z = 0.2g
E2: Y = 0.3g, Z = 0.2g
Wind load W1: Wind in X direction
W2: Wind in Z direction
Ground Elevation = 3050 mm below A00
ASCE Wind Profile
Location: California near coastline
Importance Factor = 1
PIPING GEOMETRY
Property Value
Piping Code B31.3
Material A53 Grade B
Corrosion Allowance 1.2 mm
Insulation 50 mm Calcium Silicate
Main Pipe DN150 STD
Valve NS, BW connection,

Weight=75 kg, Surface Area Factor = 4.3
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Sample3 Earthquakeloadcases:
E1: X=0.3g,Z=0.2g 25mmgap
abovepipe
PipingCode: B31.3 E2: Y=0.3g,Z=0.2g
T=343C,P=8.62bar(g) 1200
Pipe=DN150STDwall
Material=A53GrB WindLoadCases: 5490
Sp.gr=0.86
Groundelevation=3050belowA00
Insulation=50m,Calc.Sil.
UseASCEwindprofile 1200
Corrosion=1.2mm
Location:Californianearcoast 450
friction
Importancefactor=1 coefficient=0.30
WindDirection:W1=X,W2=Y
Defl.=12.7mmup
3660
1050
1295
Z
600 A00 1200
friction
coefficient=0.35
Defl.=9.5mmup X Y
1200
305
610
457 ValveData:
610
Wt=75kg
305 SAF=4.3 Page 113
Weldtype=ButtWeld
5.2. LESSON 2: STARTING A NEW MODEL
In this exercise you will build the model
OBJECTIVES
Learn how to start a new model

Learn how to specify vessel thermal expansion
Learn how to add the rest of the piping system
5.2.1. EXERCISE 1: START A NEW MODEL TO CREATE A NEW MODEL
1) Select File > New, and type Sample 3 in the File name field.
2) In the General Model Options dialog, select B31.3 Process Piping & 2006 as the piping
code & edition, SI as the units files for input & output, Z as the vertical axis direction, 21
deg C as the ambient temperature, as shown below and press OK.
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3) In the Segment dialog, type 150STD in the Pipe Data Identifier field as shown and press
OK.
4) Since the pipe is new, the Pipe Properties dialog will open to enter the pipe cross section
properties as shown. Type 150 in the Nominal Diameter field, STD in the Schedule field,
1.2 mm in the Corrosion field, 50 in the Insulation Thickness field, and Calc in the
Insulation Material field. Also type 0.86 in the Specific Gravity field and select A53-B for
the Pipe Material field. Press OK when done.
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5) The Pressure & Temperature dialog will automatically display to enter the pressure and
temperature dependent material properties. Type 0.862 MPa in the Pressure field and 343
C in the Temperature field and press the Tab key and notice how the material properties
are updated based on the material library.
6) When you press OK the model will show as follows.
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5.2.2. EXERCISE 2: VESSEL THERMAL MOVEMENT
Here you will add the vessel at A00 with its thermal upward movement.
h TO ADD THERMAL MOVEMENT
1) Select Insert > Anchor and type 9.5 mm in the vessel thermal movement DZ. The thermal
movement can be estimated by multiplying the thermal expansion coefficient of the vessel
material by the length of the vessel and the change in temperature. For radial growth of the
vessel, the vessel radius is used instead of the vessel length. Press OK to accept rigid
anchor properties
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5.2.3. EXERCISE 3: ADD PIPING GEOMETRY UP TO THE GUIDE SUPPORT
In this exercise you will add all of the piping up to the guide support.
h TO ADD PIPING
1) Select Insert > Bend and type 600 for the DZ offset and press OK. This will cause
AutoPIPE to add a bend point 600 mm away from A00.
2) Select View > Solid Model View and the plot will look as follows. Note that the bend is not
finished and is plotted in a lighter colour. The bend will be completed after the connecting
pipe or bend is drawn.
3) Now you will insert another bend point at A02. Select Insert > Bend and type -1050 mm in
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the DX field as shown below. Press OK to close.
4) The piping geometry is updated as shown below.
5) Note how the bend A01 is completed, but the new bend at A02 is not. Next you will insert
the bend point at A03. Select Insert > Bend and type 1295 in the DY field as shown below.
Press OK to close.
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6) The updated graphics will show the completed bend at A02, but not at A03 as shown in the
following figure.
7) Next you will insert another bend point at A04. Select Insert > Bend and type-1200 in the
DZ field as shown. Press OK to close.
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8) The piping geometry is updated as follows.
9) Next you need to insert the pipe run leading to the guide support. Select Insert > Run and
type -300 in the DX field as shown below. Press OK to close.
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10) The piping geometry is updated as follows.
5.2.4. EXERCISE 4: ADD GUIDE SUPPORTS AND VALVE
In this section you will add both guides with a friction factor of 0.35 and 1000 mm upward gap.
You will also add the non-standard valve in between.
h TO ADD THE GUIDE SUPPORTS
1) At A05 select Insert > Support > Guide support. Type 1000 in the Gap up field and 0.35 in
the Friction coefficient field as follows. Press OK to close.
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2) The piping is updated as shown below:
Note: Notice that the upward support is removed for large gaps greater than the pipe
diameter. This setting can be changed under View > Settings > Support Gap
Scale.
h TO ADD THE VALVE
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1) Next you need to enter the valve, but you need to insert a pipe run up to the start of the
valve. Select Insert > Run and type 610 in the Length field as shown. Press OK to close.
3) Now you are ready to insert the valve. Select Insert > Valve and select NS for valve Type
from the drop-down, 150 for Pressure rating. Type 457 in the Length field, 75 kg in the
Weight field, 4.3 in the area factor field and select Butt Weld in the Joint End Type field as
shown below. Press OK to close.
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5) Next you will add a pipe run point needed to insert the second guide support. Select Insert
> Run to insert a pipe run and type 600 in the Length field. Press OK to close.
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7) Select Insert > Support > Guide to insert the second guide support. Since this support is
identical to the previous one, accept the default settings as shown below. Press OK to
close.
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8) The piping is updated as shown below.
5.2.5. EXERCISE 5: ADD THE REST OF THE PIPING
Now that the support is inserted you will continue with the rest of the piping points and
supports.
h TO INSERT PIPING COMPONENTS
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1) Select Insert > Bend to insert a bend point at A09. Type 305 in the Length field as shown.
Press OK to close.
2) Insert another bend at A10. Type -1200 in the DY field. Press OK to close.
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3) Select Insert > Bend and type 3600 in the DY field as shown. Press OK to close.
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4) Select Insert > Run to add a run point up to the vertical support point A12. Type-1200 in
the DX field as shown. Press OK to close.
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5) Select Insert > Support > V-stop to insert a vertical support. Type 0 in the Gap above pipe
field and 0.3 in the Friction coefficient field as shown. Press OK to close.
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6) Select Insert > Run to add a run point up to the second vertical support point A13. Type
450 in the Length field as shown. Press OK to close.
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7) Select Insert > Support > V-stop to insert a vertical support. Type 25 in the Gap above pipe
field and 0.3 in the Friction coefficient field as shown. Press OK to close.
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8) Select Insert > Bend and type 1200 in the Length field as shown. Press OK to close.
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9) Select Insert > Run to add a run point up to the vessel at A15. Type-450 in the DZ field as
shown. Press OK to close.
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10) Select Insert > Anchor and enter vessel thermal movement DY as 12 as shown. Press OK to
close.
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This completes the piping geometry. Next you will add Earthquake and Wind loads.
5.3. LESSON 3: OCCASIONAL LOAD DEFINITIONS
In this lesson you will define the earthquake and wind loads.
OBJECTIVES
Learn how to define earthquake loads

Learn how to define wind loads
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5.3.1. EXERCISE 1: EARTHQUAKE LOADING BACKGROUND AND DEFINITION
Earthquake loads are typically defined using the UBC (Uniform Building Code) or IBC
(International Building Code). The load intensity will depend on the location or zone factor of
the area, the soil conditions, structural period and the importance factor. The code provides a
procedure to estimate the earthquake loads as a function of the mass of the structure. A typical
equation for building structures is given by:
F=a*W
Where
a = Combination of several factors such as zone, soil, period and importance
W = Weight of building floor where force is applied
Since any ground movement will induce forces of the amplitude (Ground Acceleration)*Mass,
the term is the equivalent earthquake ground acceleration. Refer to UBC 1997 sections 1630
and 1632 for more information.
AutoPIPE allows you to enter this equivalent earthquake acceleration using Load > Static
Earthquake command. AutoPIPE units for ground acceleration are g's. If E1 is 0.3g in the x-
direction, then AutoPIPE will apply a static load in the x-direction to every mass point in the
system. The magnitude of this x-force is 0.3g*Mass at the point. This is equivalent to applying
30% of the weight at the node in the horizontal x-direction. Since horizontal earthquake
movement is often accompanied with vertical movement, this vertical movement is typically
less than 2/3 of the horizontal movement.
For piping supported on buildings, the earthquake forces are also proportional to the height of
the supporting point, since points above ground are expected to move more than points near the
ground. This effect of changes in equivalent earthquake load with height can be applied using
the Static Point EQ factor or the static member EQ factor. This is typically applied to a range
of points around the supported point.
h TO DEFINE EARTHQUAKE LOADS
In this problem we will assume the design acceleration is a = 0.3g and hence we will define 2
earthquake load cases El and E2 for both horizontal directions. We will assume a vertical
acceleration of 0.2g (0.3*2/3 = 0.2g) and will apply loads in both horizontal directions.
1) Start the Load > Static Earthquake and type 2. in the Number of earthquake load cases field.
For Case E1 enter X, Yand Z accelerations of 0.3, 0.0. and 0.2. For Case E2 enter 0.0, 0.3.
and 0.2 as follows. Press OK to close.
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2) AutoPIPE has three ways of applying earthquake loads. The easiest is the static earthquake
load shown here. The other two methods are Response Spectrum and Time History
analysis. These two other methods require dynamic analysis and resonance frequency and
shape estimation. System frequencies will change during support lift-off. This frequency
change due to support lift-off cannot be captured in AutoPIPE and is a limitation of the
Modal Analysis procedure used in AutoPIPE. For this reason AutoPIPE will close all gaps
and set friction to zero during all dynamic analysis. The advantage of Static Earthquake
Analysis is that support lift-off can be simulated and the analysis procedure is usually
faster and simpler.
5.3.2. EXERCISE 2: WIND LOAD DEFINITION
Both the UBC (Uniform Building Code) and ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers)
provide methods of estimating wind loads on tubular structures. AutoPIPE has both
procedures implemented for easier application of the Wind loads. Wind loads depend on the
terrain (coast, city center) and map location.
Load Properties
Wind load W1: Wind in Xdirection

W2: Wind in Z direction
Ground Elevation = 3050mm below A00
ASCE Wind Profile
Location: California near coastline
Importance Factor = 1
h TO DEFINE WIND LOADS
1) Start the Wind load by selecting Load > Wind and type 2 in the Number of wind cases. Type
-10 as the Ground elevation for wind and accept the other default values by pressing OK. If
you need some information about any parameter, just click on the box and type F1 for help.
The wind shape factor is used only for Profile method since the shape factor is defined in
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both the UBC and ASCE methods. ASCE method requires that the wind application
method to be Projected, which means both normal and longitudinal wind force components
are applied.
2) Once you accept this form the individual wind load cases dialog will show. You will
notice W1 case displayed on the first line. Select ASCE for the Wind specification type as
follows:
3) To find the correct Basic Wind Speed, type F1 in the box and the following window will
show.
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4) From this you can clearly say that the basic wind speed is 85 mph in California. For other
locations in the US you can click on the link for a map of the US. To find what exposure
category to use, again type F1 in the input box and the following will show after pressing
on the link.
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For coastal terrain, Exposure D would be the appropriate one to use.
5) Again you can consult online help for Gust factor. The value of 0.85 is used in most cases
and is valid for structures with frequencies > 1 Hz. This factor can also be used to apply
wind speed up over hills (Kzt) for piping on an isolated hill.
6) The force coefficient Cf is the equivalent of Wind Shape Factor. Since pipes are rounded,
they attract less wind force than a flat plate of the same projected wind area. Typically
variations of wind shape factor are 0.5 to 1.2. The Automatic option would produce a
shape factor of 0.70 in most cases. The analysis summary will show the variation of the
shape factor with height. AutoPIPE does not apply wind load on frames and if needed
these should be applied using the concentrated or distributed load option.
7) Now complete the wind load data. Type 85.00 in the Basic wind speed at 33ft field, type D
in the Exposure category field, type 0.85 in the Gust effect factor field, type Automatic in
the Force coefficient field, type 1.00 in the Importance factor field and select Global X as
the Wind direction as shown in the following figure.
8) When you press OK, the Wind case W2 will show. Since the two cases are identical except
for wind direction, select Global Z as the Wind direction as shown and press OK.
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9) Now that we have defined the wind loads, let us look at the wind load summary. Use Tools
> Model Input Listing and uncheck all sub-reports except for Loads summary as follows.
Press OK to close.
10) The resulting file will show as follows.
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5.4. LESSON 4: STRESS AND ANALYSIS RESULTS
In this section you will perform the static analysis and review the resulting stress.
OBJECTIVES
Learn how to analyze non linear static loads

Learn how to interpret the stress results
Learn how to get support lift-off
5.4.1. EXERCISE 1: STATIC NONLINEAR ANALYSIS
h TO DEFINE A STATIC ANALYSIS
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dialog box below:
3) Enable the Thermal case T1, Earthquake cases E1 & E2, the Wind cases W1 & W2, then
enable the Calculate pressure extension cases field.
4) Enable Gaps/Friction/Soil field (if not already done so). By enabling this field AutoPIPE
considers non-linear boundary conditions during the static analysis.
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allow customization of how the non-linear analysis is performed. The first set of options is
for nonlinear iteration control. Customization is only required if convergence problems
occur during the analysis or a special load sequence is required.
7) The Friction scale factor is for scaling support friction values in the model. The UBC
requires that friction be ignored for earthquake analysis. The Initial case for Occasional
loads is defaulted to GR. This means that Wind and Earthquake loads are applied in the
cold condition (at ambient temperature). In order to apply all occasional loads under the
hot condition we will use OP1 as the initial state. Therefore do not change maximum
iterations, displacement tolerance, force tolerance, friction tolerance and friction scale
factor.
Ignore friction E1 to E10

Initial case for Occ. loads: = OP1
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8) Press OK to accept the default nonlinear options.

5.4.2. EXERCISE 2: STRESS RESULTS
At the end of the analysis let us look at the stress results.
h TO DETERMINE THE STRESS RESULTS
1) Use Results > Code Stresses and the following dialog will be displayed.
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2) Press OK and the stress results will be shown as.
3) Note that the maximum stress ratio is 0.35 at node A11 N+. The cause of this overstress is
load case Amb to T1{1} as shown on the top left corner of the plot.
5.4.3. EXERCISE 3: SUPPORT LIFT-OFF
Due to the thermal the system has support lift-off, it is important to identify these support
points. The following exercise will show you how to identify such points.
h TO GET A SUPPORT LIFT-OFF
1) Select ResuIt > Grids. Select the Support tab and uncheck all load cases except GP1T1{1}.
Scroll the horizontal bar on the bottom to see GlobalDZ data column. Notice the support
A12 with positive Z movement of 16.79 indicating lift-off. When you have too many
supports, you can double-click on the GlobalDZ title to sort supports with increasing or
decreasing support movement. Click on the left of the line with support point A13 and you
will see the support point highlighted in the model as follows
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2) Generate an output report using Result > Output Report and select Support, Code
Compliance and Analysis Summary as shown.
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6. Sample 4: Nozzle Flexibility, Cut short and

Trunnion Supports
In this sample problem you will learn how to model nozzle flexibility, flexible anchors, and
flexible joints and how to add trunnion supports. You will also learn how to add a bend with a
thicker pipe than the adjacent pipe and how to construct a 45-deg bend and short radius bends.
In this section we will present sample3 model characteristics. The system geometry and piping
loads will be specified as shown below.
PIPING LOADS
Property Value
Cut short or Cold spring 12.7 mm between hanger and 45 deg bend
PIPING GEOMETRY
Property Value
Piping Code B31.3
Material CS
Cold allowable Sc = 82.7 MPa
Hot allowable Sh=82.7 MPa
Corrosion Allowance None
Insulation None
Main Pipe DN200 STD
Flexible Joint Length = 150 mm

Axial Stiffness = 175 N/mm
Yshear Stiffness = 219 N/mm
Zshear Stiffness = 219 N/mm
Torsional Stiffness = 8015 N.m/deg
V-bending Stiffness = 4007 N.m/deg
Z-bending Stiffness =4007 N.m/deg
Weight = 9.1 kg
Pressure Area = 322.6 cm2
Nozzle Data Use WRC 297 flexibility method
Vessel Diameter = 1524 mm
Vessel Thickness = 19 mm
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L1=L2=1524 mm
Trunnion Use P4 frame 600 mm long at midpoint of bend
Hanger Data Cold Load = 703 kg, K= 43.8 N/mm

Place at bend Near Point
Elbow with hanger DN200 Sch 80 pipe
Flanges Assume all Class 150 Slip-On flanges
12.7mmcutshort
Coldload6900N
Sample4 Springrate43.8
1829 N/mm
1829
1372
610
DN200SCH80
elbow
1372
SRelbow,flanged
ateachend
45deghoriz.
Class150
DN200STDWTCS 457
1800 Sc=82.7MPa
Sh=82.7MPa
75mmlgnozzle
Vessel
1524mmOD,19mmthick
Class150 762
600trunnion,
1524
DN100STDpipe
1524
Flexiblejointdata
Length=150mm
Stifness
Axial175N/mm
Yshear219N/mm
Z
A00
Zshear219N/mm
Torsion8015Nm/deg
Ybending4007Nm/deg
Anchorflex.N/mm Zbending4007Nm/deg
X=26,300 Weight=9.1kg
Y=43,800 Pressurearea=322.6cm2
Z=43,800 X
Y
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6.2. LESSON 2: BUILD PIPING MODEL
You will start a new system sample4 by selecting File > New from the menu.
OBJECTIVES
Learn how to build a new model

Learn how to add flexible anchor and flexible joint
Learn how to add trunnion or base elbow support
Learn how to add 45-deg bend
Learn how to add short radius bend
Learn how to add a designed hanger support
Learn how to change pipe data for the elbow
Learn how to add bend flanges
6.2.1. EXERCISE 1: STARTING A NEW MODEL
h TO START A NEW MODEL
1) Select File > New, and enter a File name of Sample 4.
2) In the General Model Options dialog, select B31.3 Process as the Piping Code as shown
below, 2006 as the Edition, SI as Units file name Input & - Output, Z as Vertical axis
direction, 20 deg C as Ambient temperature and press OK.
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3) In the Segment dialog, type 200STD in the Pipe data identifier field as shown and press OK.
4) Since the pipe is new the Pipe Properties dialog will follow to enter the pipe cross section
properties as shown. Type 200 in the Nominal Diameter field, 0.85 in the Specific gravity
of contents field and select CS in the Pipe Material field. The library will populate 82.74
MPa in the Cold allowable field and 206.84 MPa for the Minimum yield field and 330.95
MPa for the Ultimate field. Press OK when done.
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5) The Pressure & Temperature dialog will automatically display to enter the temperature and
temperature dependent material properties. Enter 1.034 MPa for the pressure, 149 deg C
for the temperature and 82.74 MPa for the hot allowable as shown:
6) When you press OK the model will show as follows.
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6.2.2. EXERCISE 2: FLEXIBLE ANCHOR AND FLEXIBLE JOINT
h TO ADD A FLEXIBLE ANCHOR
1) Select Insert > Anchor and select Flexible from the Anchor Type drop-down. In the Trans.
Stiff. field type 43,800 for X, 26,300 for Y and 43,800 for Z stiffness. Press OK to close.
2) Select Insert > Flange and select Slip-On from the Flange type drop-down, 150 from
Pressure rating and Double-Welded Slip-On from the Connection to pipe field as follows.
Press OK to close.
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3) Select Insert > Run and type -300 in DX field as shown. Press OK to close.
4) Select View > Solid Model View and use pan and zoom to set view as shown below.
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h TO INSERT A FLEXIBLE JOINT
1) Starting from current point A01, select Insert > Flexible Joint and enter the data as shown.
Press OK to close.
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6.2.3. EXERCISE 3: ADD TRUNNION OR BASE ELBOW SUPPORT AT BEND
h TO ADD A TRUNNION OR BASE ELBOW
1) Select Insert > Bend and type 325 in the Length field and check the Midpoint option. You
need a mid point so you can connect the trunnion support at the middle of the elbow. Use
the default location of the midpoint at 50.0 % along the bend. Press OK to close.
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2) Select Insert> Bend and type 1800 in the DZ field as shown. Press OK to close.
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3) Select Insert > Beam Section Properties, then under Section Type press Select. Under
American sections select Pipe, then select PIPE4SCH40 in the right hand window. Press OK
(check) to accept.
4) You will then see the Beam Section Properties dialogue updated as shown below.
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5) Now click on A03 M (bend mid point). Make sure the point name shown at the bottom of
the screen is A03 M and then select Insert > Frame. Tab to the Point J field and type in 1.
Tab again and type-600. in the DZ field. Select 1 PIPE4SCH40 in the Section ID dropdown.
Press OK to close.
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6) Now click on the end of the frame (Point 1) and enter select Insert> Anchor. Press OK to
accept rigid anchor properties. The frame with the anchor support will be as shown below.
6.3. LESSON 2: BUILD PIPING MODEL
6.3.1. EXERCISE 4: ADD 45-DEG BEND
1) Click on A04 and select Insert > Bend and type 600. in the DY and -600. in the DX fields as
shown to make the 45-deg bend. The 45-deg bend entry does not differ from any other
bend, the only difference is that you will have two offsets to enter and these offsets are
equal for 45-deg bend. Press OK to close.
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2) Zoom and pan to bring the view as shown above. The next point is a run point, so you will
use Insert > Run to insert run point A06. Type-1800 in the DX field and press OK.
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3) Now use Insert > Bend to insert run point A07. Type 1800 in the Length field and press OK.
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6.3.2. EXERCISE 5: ADD SHORT RADIUS BEND
h TO ADD A SHORT RADIUS BEND
1) Select Insert > Bend and select Short for the Radius of the bend. This means the bend
radius is equal to the Nominal Diameter of the pipe. The radius for a long radius bend is
1.50 times the Nominal Diameter. You need to remember to set the radius back to long as
the default for bend radius will change to short after this insert operation. Type -1350 in the
DZ fields as shown in the following figure. Press OK to close.
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2) Select Insert > Bend and select Long for the bend Radius. Also type 1350 in the DY field as
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3) Use Insert > Run and type -450 in DZ field as shown. Press OK to close.
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6.3.3. EXERCISE 6: ADD A DESIGNED HANGER SUPPORT
h TO ADD A DESIGNED HANGER SUPPORT
1) Click on A07 N and then select Insert > Support > Spring to insert a spring hanger.
Uncheck the Undesigned checkbox and type 6900 N in the Cold load field and 43.8 N/mm
in the Spring rate field as follows:
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6.3.4. EXERCISE 7: CHANGE PIPE DATA FOR THE SCHEDULE 80 BEND
The bend is already inserted using a STD schedule. You will select the completed bend and
attempt to change the pipe properties for the bend. You will keep the schedule as is for the rest
of the piping.
h TO CHANGE THE PIPE DATA FOR THE SCHEDULE 80 BEND
1) Click on A07 N and then use Shift-Click at A07 F. You will see the bend highlighted in red
as shown below.
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2) Select Modify > Pipe Properties Over a Range. The Pipe Properties dialog will show up.
Type 200SCH80 for the Pipe Identifier. Select 200 for the Nominal Diameter and 80 for
Schedule as shown.
You will see a warning message when you press OK to this dialog. This warns you that the
cold allowable data is not available for the generic CS material. Press OK to the warning
message.
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6.3.5. EXERCISE 8: ADD FLANGES FOR THE BEND
In AutoPIPE there is no flanged bend as a separate component. In order to insert a flanged

bend you would need two flanges on each side of the bend. The flanges have to be located at
the Near (N) or Far (F) points or at a point with the same coordinates as these two points.
Although the weight of the flange may not be exactly at the Near or Far points, the flanges
need to be inserted there if they are to be considered in the calculation of the bend flexibility
and stress intensification factor. A flanged bend is typically stiffer since it is restricted from
ovalling while bending. The increased stiffness would lead to smaller stress intensification
factors (SIF) for the bend. The bend report in the Model Input Listing would list the number of
flanges connected to the bend for SIF and flexibility considerations. It is important to review
this report as the usage of the bend is meant to give more flexibility to the piping.
h TO ADD FLANGES TO THE BEND
1) You will attempt to insert flanges at both ends at the same time. So you will first select
both points on the bend by clicking on A08 N and then using Shift-Click at A08 F. You
will see the bend highlighted in red as shown below.
2) Select Insert > Flange and select a SLIP-On for Flange type, 150 for Pressure rating and
Double-welded Slip-on as Connection to pipe as follows. Press OK to close.
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3) This will cause one flange to be inserted at A08 N and another at A08 F. Next repeat the
last step above to insert mating flanges. There will be a total of 4 flanges when the bend is
flanged at both ends. The result is shown below:
6.4. LESSON 3: ADD NOZZLE FLEXIBILITY ELEMENT
OBJECTIVES
Learn about Modelling nozzle flexibility

Learn how to add a flexible nozzle
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BACKGROUND ON MODELING NOZZLE FLEXIBILITY

The addition of a nozzle flexibility element is meant to model the vessel shell flexibility.
Assuming a rigid nozzle would attract large reaction forces at the nozzle and would be too
conservative for vessel design. AutoPIPE nozzle flexibility element makes it very easy to
estimate shell flexibility using several methods. For cylindrical vessels, the WRC297 and
Bijlaard are the preferred methods. For cylindrical tanks with large diameters (order of 30 m),
the API650 method is the preferred method. For reduced tee branches, the ASME Class 1 piping
formula is appropriate. For nozzles on spherical or tori-spherical heads, the Spherical method
is the most appropriate and is based on Bijlaard and is also part of the PD5500 British piping
code.
The nozzle element is a modified and simplified expansion joint element. While the expansion
joint element has 6 stiffnesses, the nozzle element will have only 3 stiffnesses. The three
stiffness are, radial, circumferential bending and longitudinal bending stiffnesses. Two shear
and torsion stiffnesses are not applied to the nozzle element. Also for the nozzle element, the
radial load due to pressure is not added as in the case of the flexible joint. The radial pressure
thrust can be added automatically in WinNozl when calculating nozzle stresses.
AutoPIPE will not calculate stresses in the nozzle or the connected vessel. It is recommended
that the anchor reaction forces calculated in AutoPIPE be used in WinNozl for evaluating
nozzle as well as vessel or shell stresses per the applicable ASME Div I or II, PD5500, KHK
and API 650 codes. AutoPIPE can transmit these forces directly to WinNozl to minimise
errors.
When modelling the nozzle, the length between the nozzle flange and vessel wall should be
modelled as a pipe element. The nozzle element should always be short; and the shorter it is
the more accurate the model. It should be centred at the wall of the shell since it is meant to
model the bending flexibility of the shell wall. The best way to model the nozzle flexibility
element is to start it at outer face of the vessel and end it the inner face. The total length would
then be the vessel thickness
Modeling Nozzle Flexibility
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PipeElement NozzleFlexibilityElement
L=75mm L=19mm
Vessel
D=1524mm
T=19mm
L1=L2=1524mm
6.4.1. EXERCISE 1: ADDING A FLEXIBLE NOZZLE
h TO ADD A FLEXIBLE NOZZLE
1) Click on A10 and select Insert > Flange. Select Slip-On for the flange Type, 150 for Pressure
rating and Double-welded Slip-on as the Connection to pipe. Press OK to close.
2) Repeat Insert > Flange to insert a second mating flange.
3) Use Insert > Run and type 75 mm in the Length field to model the pipe between the mating
flanges and the vessel face A10 to A11.
4) Click on View > Single Line View to change to single line view and zoom as shown.
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5) Now, select Insert > Nozzle and enter the data as follows. Press OK to close.
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6) Adding a nozzle flexibility element is not enough. You need to support the end of the
nozzle element using an anchor. There is no automatic support added to the nozzle. So
select Insert > Anchor and select Rigid and press OK.
7) Select View > Solid Model View.
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8) Select View > All to get full model view as follows.
6.5. LESSON 4: ADD CUT SHORT OR COLD SPRING
Cut short or as often referred to as cold spring, is the process of cutting short the pipe by a
small amount so as to distribute the load evenly between hot and cold conditions. Since the
pipe is short, it is pulled together using a large reaction force equivalent to the cold spring load
in the pipe. For example if a vessel is expected to grow by 50 mm under hot conditions it
would have a high hot reaction at the nozzle while the cold reaction may be very low. It is
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common practice to specify about half the hot movement as a cut short in order to even out the
hot and cold loads. This concept can only apply to equipment and support reactions which are
often subject to a different piping code, e.g. ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
In all B31 piping codes, the effect of cold spring should not be taken into account when
calculating the expansion stresses. This is attributed to the fact that the B31expansion stresses
already assume yielding since the allowable stress range can reach 2.5*Sh or:
(1.25*Sc + 0.25*Sh) + (Sh-SL)
Where Sh and Sc are the material hot and cold allowable stresses respectively and SL is the
calculated sustained stress at the point. 2.5Sh can be attained when Sc = Sh and SL is zero.
Under yielding conditions, any initial stresses due to cold spring are expected to dissipate and a
permanent plastic deformation will take place. This is the reason why many engineers get
surprised when disconnecting the pipe a few years later about the lack of any spring forces that
existed at cold conditions during construction.
The question remains how do we account for cold spring and what load case should we add it
to?
One approach is to apply it to the default load case GR. In this way it will automatically apply
to both cold and hot conditions, since AutoPIPE uses GR as an initial state for thermal loads.
But why should we add it if the code does not allow it?
That is true. You should never use stress results with cut-short analysis on. For this reason
you would need to perform two separate analyses.
First analysis is without cut short in which you review the code stresses and produce the code
stress report.
Second analysis is with cut-short in which you exclude code stress results and only report
support reactions and nozzle loads for hot and cold conditions.
Some people avoid doing two separate analyses by including cut-short under a separate user
case U1. This way they will not enter in the code stress calculations unless they add U1 to the
sustained and expansion stresses which they should not. They then add U1 to non-code cases
as follows:
Cold reactions: GR+U1
Hot reactions: GP1TI +U1
OBJECTIVES
Learn how to add cut-short to a pipe
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Learn how to perform static analysis with cut-short

Learn how to set the load combinations for cut-short
6.5.1. EXERCISE 1: ADD CUT-SHORT TO A PIPE
In this sample you will use the last approach as it will help us demonstrate how to add new user
non-code combinations.
h TO ADD CUT-SHORT TO A PIPE
1) Select A06 and then select Insert > Xtra Data > Cut short to insert a cut short at A06. Select
U1 for the Load case to combine with, and enter 12 mm for the Enter amount of cut short as
2) Since load combinations are not defined till after the analysis is done, we will add the new
load combinations after performing the first analysis.
6.5.2. EXERCISE 2: PERFORM STATIC ANALYSIS WITH CUT SHORT
Now that the model is completed, let us analyze the system. Since you have a flexible joint
that will open under pressure, you would need to include the axial pressure forces that will
open the flexible joint. This can be done by enabling pressure analysis.
h TO PERFORM STATIC ANALYSIS WITH CUT SHORT

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dialog box below:
5) Enable the Thermal case T1, User case U1 then enable the Calculate pressure extension
cases and Cut-short analysis fields. Both U1 and cut-short analysis need to be checked for
inclusion of cut short analysis. Note that cut-short analysis will automatically un-check and
hence needs to be checked every time you perform static analysis. Checking Calculate
pressure extension will enable you to look at flexible joint opening due to pressure.
6) Enable Gaps/Friction/Soil field (if not already done so). By enabling this field AutoPIPE
considers non-linear boundary conditions during the static analysis.
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allow customization of how the non-linear analysis is performed. The first set of options is
for nonlinear iteration control. Customization is only required if convergence problems
occur during the analysis or a special load sequence is required.
9) In order to apply all occasional loads under the hot condition we will use OP1 as the initial
state. Therefore do not change maximum iterations, displacement tolerance, force
Ignore friction E1 to E10

Initial case for Occ. loads: = OP1
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10) Press OK to accept the default nonlinear options.

6.5.3. EXERCISE 3: SETTING LOAD COMBINATIONS FOR CUT SHORT
In this section you will set up load cases needed for cut short analysis. As mentioned earlier
you need the cold reaction GR+U1 and the hot reaction GP1T1+U1. Now let us look at the
default non-code cases and identify the cases you need.
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1) Select Tools > Combinations and click on the Non-Code Comb. tab to show the available
load combinations as follows.
2) You can see that the combination for hot reaction is available, but not the cold reaction
GR+U1. You also see combinations that are not needed (Gravity{1}, Thermal 1{1},
Pressure 1{1}, User 1{1}) and so you will attempt to disable these later.
3) Click New to create a new user defined combination and type in the Combination name
field and set the other data as follows. Press OK to close.
4) Now disable the combinations you would like to exclude in your report. Uncheck the load
combinations under Print shown in the following dialog. Press OK when done.
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5) Now repeat the same for the code combinations by using the tab Code Comb. as follows
6) Uncheck the case Sus.+U1 as it is not applicable since we cannot add cut short to code
stresses. Also the case Max Range is redundant since it is the same as Amb to T1. Press
OK to close.
6.6. LESSON 5: STRESS RESULTS AND RESTRAINTS REPORT
You will review the stress results both interactively and through an output report.
OBJECTIVES
Learn to interpret the stress results

Learn how to review expansion joint displacement due to pressure
Learn to interpret the restraints report
Page 184
6.6.1. EXERCISE 1: STRESS RESULTS
1) Use ResuIts > Code Stress and the stress plot will be shown as follows. Press OK to close.
The maximum stress ratio is 0.57 and is caused by GR+Max P{1} (SUS) as shown on the top
left corner. The maximum stress occurs at point A03 F -.
6.6.2. EXERCISE 2: EXPANSION JOINT DISPLACEMENT
1) Next we will show the expansion of the flexible joint due to pressure. Select ResuIt >
Displacement and then select load case GP1T1U1{1} and Animate load case as follows.
Page 185
2) Next we will look at the output report.
6.6.3. EXERCISE 3: OUTPUT REPORT
In this exercise you will review the output report.
h REVIEWING THE OUTPUT REPORT
1) Use Result > Output Report and select the sub-reports as follows
Page 186
2) The output report will show as follows.
Page 187
SPRING HANGERS
Spring Hanger Size and Series Selection
How to use the selection table:

In order to choose a proper size hanger, it is necessary to know the The chart must be read opposite from the direction of the pipes Should it be impossible to select a hanger in a particular series such that both loads Cold load = (hot load) (movement) x (spring rate)
actual load which the spring is to support and the amount and movement. The load arrived at is the cold load. If the cold load falls occur within the working range, consideration should be given to a variable spring hanger A key criteria in selecting the size and series of a variable spring is a factor
p p line movement from the cold to the hot position.
direction of the pipe p outside of the workingg load range
g of the hanger
g selected,, relocate the with a wider workingg range
g or a constant support
pp hanger. g The cold load is calculated byy y This is a measurement of the percentage
known as variability. p g change g in
Find the actual load of the pipe in the load table. As it is desirable to actual or hot load in the adjacent column and find the cold load. When adding (for up movement) or subtracting (for down movement) the product of spring rate supporting force between the hot and cold positions of a spring and is
support the actual weight of the pipe when the line is hot, the actual the hot and cold loads are both within the working range of a hanger, times movement to or from the hot load. calculated from the formula:
load is the hot load. To determine the cold load, read the spring scale, the size number of that hanger will be found at the top of the column. Variability = (Movement) x (Spring Rate) / (Hot Load)
up or down, for the amount of expected movement. If an allowable variability is not specified, good practice would be to use 25%
as recommended by MSS-SP-58.
Load Table (N) for Selection of Hanger Size
Working Range (mm) unshaded Hanger size Hanger size Working Range (mm) unshaded
Shaded Rows Show Overtravel Shaded Rows Show Overtravel
Figure No. B-268 Only Fig. 82, Fig. B-268, Fig. 98, Triple & Quadruple Spring Fig. 82, Fig. B-268, Fig. 98, Triple & Quadruple Spring Figure No.
Quad. Triple 98 B-268 82 000 00 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 82 B-268 98 Triple Quad
51 38 25 13 6 31.1 84.5 191.3 280.3 360.4 467.2 627.4 841.0 1121.34 1495.11 2002.39 2669.85 3470.8 4,539 6,007 8,010 10,679 14,417 20,024 26,698 35,553 47,212 62,741 83,433 111,266 6 13 25 38 51
31.1 89.0 195.8 293.7 373.8 485.0 654.1 876.6 1170.28 1557.41 2086.93 2781.09 3617.64 4,730 6,256 8,343 11,124 15,018 20,860 27,811 37,031 49,183 64,913 86,908 115,903
35.6 97.9 204.7 302.6 391.6 507.3 680.8 916.6 1214.78 1619.71 2171.48 2892.34 3760.04 4,917 6,510 8,677 11,569 15,619 21,693 28,923 38,513 51,150 67,970 90,388 120,539
40.0 106.8 213.6 315.9 404.9 525.1 707.5 947.8 1263.73 1682 2251.57 3003.58 3906.88 5,108 6,759 9,011 12,014 16,219 22,529 30,036 39,990 53,121 70,586 93,863 125,176
0 0 0 0 0 44.5 115.7 222.5 329.3 422.7 547.3 734.2 983 1308.23 1744.3 2336.12 3114.82 4049.27 5,295 7,008 9,344 12,459 16,820 23,361 31,148 41,472 55,088 73,198 97,338 129,812 0 0 0 0 0
48.9 124.6 231.4 338.2 436.1 565.1 756.5 1015 1357.17 1806.6 2420.66 3226.07 4196.11 5,487 7,258 9,678 12,904 17,421 24,198 32,261 42,949 57,059 75,815 100,813 134,449
53.4 133.5 240.3 351.5 449.4 582.9 783.2 1050 1401.67 1868.89 2505.21 3337.31 4338.5 5,673 7,511 10,012 13,349 18,021 25,030 33,373 44,431 59,026 78,427 104,293 139,081
53.4 137.9 249.2 360.4 467.2 605.2 809.9 1086 1450.62 1931.19 2585.3 3448.55 4,485 5,865 7,760 10,346 13,794 18,622 25,866 34,486 45,908 60,997 81,043 107,768 143,718
51 38 25 13 6 62.3 151.3 258.1 373.8 480.6 623.0 836.6 1121 1495.11 1993.49 2669.85 3559.8 4,628 6,052 8,010 10,679 14,239 19,223 26,698 35,598 47,390 62,964 83,655 111,244 148,355 6 13 25 38 51
62.3 155.7 262.5 387.1 493.9 640.8 863.3 1157 1544.06 2055.78 2754.39 3671.04 4,775 6,243 8,259 11,013 14,684 19,824 27,535 36,710 48,867 64,931 86,272 114,719 152,991
66.7 169.1 271.4 396.0 511.7 663.0 889.9 1193 1588.56 2118.08 2838.94 3782.28 4,917 6,430 8,512 11,347 15,129 20,424 28,367 37,823 50,349 66,902 88,884 118,199 157,628
71.2 178.0 280.3 409.4 525.1 680.8 916.6 1228 1637.51 2180.38 2919.03 3893.53 5,064 6,621 8,762 11,681 15,574 21,025 29,204 38,935 51,826 68,869 91,500 121,674 162,264
102 76 51 25 13 75.6 182.4 289.2 422.7 542.9 703.1 943.3 1264 1682 2242.67 3003.58 4004.77 5,206 6,808 9,011 12,014 16,019 21,626 30,036 40,048 53,308 70,840 94,112 125,149 166,901 13 25 51 76 102
80.1 191.3 298.1 431.6 556.2 720.9 965.6 1295 1730.95 2304.97 3088.12 4116.02 5,353 6,999 9,260 12,348 16,464 22,226 30,872 41,160 54,785 72,807 96,729 128,624 171,533
84.5 200.2 307.0 445.0 569.6 738.7 992 1330 1775.45 2367.27 3172.67 4227.26 5,495 7,186 9,514 12,682 16,909 22,827 31,704 42,273 56,267 74,778 99,341 132,104 176,170
89.0 209.1 315.9 453.9 587.4 760.9 1019 1366 1824.4 2429.56 3252.76 4338.5 5,642 7,378 9,763 13,016 17,354 23,428 32,541 43,385 57,744 76,745 101,957 135,579 180,807
152 114 76 38 19 93.4 218.0 324.8 467.2 600.7 778.7 1046 1402 1868.89 2491.86 3337.31 4,450 5,785 7,565 10,012 13,349 17,799 24,029 33,373 44,497 59,226 78,716 104,569 139,055 185,443 19 38 76 114 152
93.4 222.5 329.3 480.6 614.1 796.5 1072 1437 1917.84 2554.15 3421.86 4,561 5,932 7,756 10,261 13,683 18,244 24,629 34,210 45,610 60,703 80,683 107,185 142,530 190,080
97.9 235.8 338.2 489.5 631.9 818.8 1099 1473 1962.34 2616.45 3506.4 4,672 6,074 7,943 10,515 14,017 18,689 25,230 35,042 46,722 62,185 82,654 109,797 146,010 194,716
102.3 244.7 347.1 502.8 645.2 836.6 1126 1508 2011.29 2678.75 3586.5 4,783 6,221 8,134 10,764 14,350 19,134 25,831 35,878 47,835 63,663 84,621 112,414 149,485 199,353
203 152 102 51 25 106.8 249.2 356.0 516.2 663.0 858.8 1148 1544 2055.78 2741.04 3671.04 4,895 6,363 8,321 11,013 14,684 19,579 26,431 36,710 48,947 65,144 86,592 115,026 152,960 203,990 25 51 102 152 203
111.2 258.1 364.9 525.1 676.4 876.6 1175 1575 2104.73 2803.34 3755.59 5,006 6,510 8,512 11,262 15,018 20,024 27,032 37,547 50,060 66,622 88,559 117,642 156,435 208,626
115.7 267.0 373.8 538.4 689.7 894.4 1201 1611 2149.23 2865.64 3840.13 5,117 6,652 8,699 11,516 15,352 20,469 27,633 38,379 51,172 68,103 90,530 120,254 159,915 213,259
120.1 275.9 382.7 547.3 707.5 916.6 1228 1646 2198.17 2927.93 3920.23 5,228 6,799 8,891 11,765 15,685 20,914 28,234 39,216 52,285 69,581 92,497 122,871 163,390 217,895
254 191 127 64 32 124.6
124 6 284.8
284 8 391.6
391 6 560.7
560 7 720.9
720 9 934.4
934 4 1255 1682 2242.67
2242 67 2990.23
2990 23 4004.77
4004 77 5,340
5 340 6,942
6 942 9,077
9 077 12,014
12 014 16,019
16 019 21,359
21 359 28,834
28 834 40,048
40 048 53,397
53 397 71,062
71 062 94,468
94 468 125,483
125 483 166,865
166 865 222,532
222 532 32 64 127 191 254
51 38 25 13 6 124.6 293.7 396.0 574.0 734.2 952.2 1282 1718 2291.62 3052.53 4089.32 5,451 7,088 9,269 12,264 16,353 21,804 29,435 40,884 54,509 72,540 96,435 128,099 170,341 227,168 6 13 25 38 51
129.0 302.6 404.9 582.9 752.0 974.5 1308 1753 2336.12 3114.82 4173.86 5,562 7,231 9,456 12,517 16,687 22,249 30,036 41,716 55,622 74,022 98,406 130,711 173,820 231,805
133.5 311.5 413.8 596.3 765.4 992 1335 1789 2385.06 3177.12 4253.96 5,673 7,378 9,647 12,766 17,020 22,694 30,637 42,553 56,734 75,499 100,373 133,328 177,296 236,442
137.9 320.4 422.7 609.6 783.2 1015 1362 1824 2429.56 3239.42 4338.5 5,785 7,520 9,834 13,016 17,354 23,139 31,237 43,385 57,847 76,981 102,344 135,940 180,771 241,078
Spring Rate (N/mm) Spring Rate (N/mm)
82 5.25 7.35 9.46 12.3 16.5 22.1 29.4 39.2 52.5 70.0 91.1 119.1 157.6 210.1 280.2 378.2 525.3 700.4 931.6 1239.8 1646.0 2188.8 2919.0 82
B-268 1.23 2.63 2.63 3.68 4.73 6.13 8.23 11.0 14.7 19.6 26.3 35.0 45.5 59.5 78.8 105.1 140.1 189.1 262.7 350.2 465.8 619.9 823.0 1094.4 1459.5 B-268
98 1.23 1.75 2.28 2.98 4.03 5.43 7.35 9.81 13.1 17.5 22.8 29.8 39.4 52.5 70.0 94.6 131.3 175.1 232.9 309.9 411.5 547.2 729.7 98
Triple 0.88 1.23 1.58 2.10 2.80 3.68 4.90 6.48 8.76 11.7 15.2 19.8 26.3 35.0 46.8 63.0 87.6 116.8 155.3 206.6 274.4 364.7 486.4 Triple
Quadruple 0.70 0.88 1.23 1.58 2.10 2.80 3.68 4.90 6.65 8.76 11.4 14.9 19.8 26.3 35.0 47.3 65.7 87.6 116.4 155.0 205.8 273.7 364.9 Quadruple

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Sinclair Knight Merz

3.4.2. Exercise 2: Frame Support Description 58

NOTE: Precedes information of general importance.

2. AutoPIPE Basic Concepts

2.1. AUTOPIPE INTERFACE

2.1.1. LOADING AN EXISTING MODEL

h TO LOAD AN EXISTING MODEL

2.1.2. SCREEN LAYOUT

Dialogs present and request information.

Press OK to accept the values in a dialog

Advance to next field

Return to previous field

Cancel values and close

2.1.5. MENU STRUCTURE

The standard menu is displayed when building or editing a model

2.2. AUTOPIPE MODELLING CONCEPTS

Models are created from individual pipe segments

Figure 1 Pipe Segments

2.3.1. GRAPHICAL TEE ELEMENT

2.3.2. UNDERSTANDING THE ACTIVE POINT

2.3.3. CONTROLLING THE ACTIVE POINT WITH THE KEYBOARD

that connects to the current point (more than 2segments

Mave to the last point of the previous segment.

Move to the next intermediate soil point for the current

Move to the previous intermediate soil point for the

+ current soil region.

2.4. MODIFICATION OF PIPING GEOMETRY

New segments can be added at any time.

2.4.1. BASIC TASKS

This section lists simple techniques for accomplishing the following:

2.4.2. EXECUTING A COMMAND

Commands can be executed in one of three ways:

Click on one of the buttons in a toolbar.

2.4.3. SELECTING POINTS AND COMPONENTS

2.4.4. INSERTING A POINT OR COMPONENT

2.4.5. MODIFYING POINTS OR COMPONENTS

Use one of the techniques below to modify points or components.

2.4.6. DELETING POINTS OR COMPONENTS

Use one of the techniques below to delete existing points or components:

Note: Multiple rows can be deleted at time.

2.4.7. SELECTING A RANGE (CREATING A SELECTION SET)

3. Sample 1: Expansion Loops and Frame Supports

3.1. LESSON 1: MODEL DEFINITION

Learn how to start AutoPIPE and start a new model

3.1.1. EXERCISE 1: STARTING A NEW MODEL

h TO START A NEW MODEL

2) The AutoPIPE application opens. The starting screen is shown below.

3) Select File> New to open the New dialog shown below.

3.1.2. EXERCISE 2: ADDING PIPING POINTS AND SUPPORTS

h TO ADD PIPING POINTS AND SUPPORTS

4) The program will insert the pipe as shown below

3.1.3. EXERCISE 3: INSERTING MULTIPLE PIPE SPANS

In this lesson you will learn to insert multiple pipe spans.

h TO INSERT A PIPE SPAN

again to update the offsets if you wanted to.

3.1.4. EXERCISE 4: INSERTING SUPPORTS AT MULTIPLE POINTS

be highlighted in red as follows:

4) The resulting graphics is updated for the guides as follows.

1) Next you will insert the bend at A07.

2) Insert the line leading to the bend point A07 using

4) Insert the line leading to bend point A07 using

7) Click on to convert the kink point A07 to a bend.

11) The resulting graphics will show as follows: