PIPESTRESS is an advanced solution designed for the analysis and simulation of piping systems under various load conditions. It is widely used in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemical, power generation, and industrial plant design to ensure the integrity and safety of piping networks.
PIPESTRESS, commonly known as PepS (PIPESTRESS + EditPipe) is a complete calculation system for nuclear and non-nuclear piping codes. It has been continuously maintained in accordance with nuclear Quality Assurance procedures for more than 40 years. Several major nuclear engineering organizations use PIPESTRESS as their principal piping analysis program. The software has been used by engineering organizations all over the globe to analyse piping in more than 50 nuclear power plants.
PIPESTRESS is a well-known and widely used piping analysis program which performs linear elastic analysis of three-dimensional piping systems subject to a variety of loading conditions. Simple non-linearities in one-dimensional supports can be modelled. Chemical process piping, nuclear and conventional power generation piping systems may be investigated for compliance with piping codes and with other constraints on system response.
PIPESTRESS has advanced analysis capabilities and rigorous QA methodology, which has made it a reference in the nuclear piping industry.
PIPESTRESS is unique, offering:
PIPESTRESS has been used by more than 400 engineering organizations at various nuclear power plants in 30 countries.
It is being used as the main piping analysis software for calculations in the new reactors: EPR, AP1000 and AC-1000.
Many of the piping calculations for Westinghouse AP600 plant were performed using PIPESTRESS and these calculations were accepted by the US NRC when they issued a standard plant license for the AP600.
Approved by the US NRC for AP1000 piping calculations.
Mechanical engineers involved in static and dynamic stress analysis of piping systems.
Mature, proven technology having been continuously maintained via a stringent Nuclear accredited QA process for more than 40 years.
Internationally recognised as best-in-class solution for nuclear projects by EPCs, Owner operators, and Notified Bodies.
Offers both static and dynamic analysis capabilities, allowing engineers to evaluate piping systems under various load conditions, including pressure, temperature, seismic, and wind loads. Handles exceptionally large structures and complex loadings with up to 900 user-defined load and combination cases.
The software provides detailed thermal analysis to assess the effects of temperature changes on the piping system, ensuring that thermal expansion and contraction do not compromise system integrity.
The software supports a wide range of international codes and standards, ensuring that designs meet regulatory requirements. Some supported standards include ASME B31.1, B31.3, B31.4, B31.8, and EN 13480.
PIPESTRESS performs automatic code checks for compliance, reducing the likelihood of errors and ensuring that designs adhere to safety and quality standards.
The software allows for the creation of detailed 3D models of complex piping systems, providing a clear visual representation that aids in understanding and communication.
The software can handle complex geometries and large-scale models, making it suitable for a wide range of piping applications.
For smooth data exchange and workflow efficiency, PIPESTRESS integrates seamlessly with plant design solutions, such as Intergraph Smart 3D and CADWorx Plant Professional, which is achieved via import of piping data in industry standard PCF file format.
PIPESTRESS includes optimization tools that help engineers achieve the best possible design solutions, balancing performance, cost, and safety.
Offers advanced seismic analysis capabilities, allowing engineers to evaluate piping system performance under earthquake conditions and design for resilience.
The software includes tools for analysing vibration effects on piping systems, ensuring that designs can withstand vibration forces and meet relevant standards.
Provides tools for assessing the remaining life of existing piping systems, helping operators make informed decisions about maintenance and repairs.
The software can evaluate the integrity of piping systems under current operating conditions, identifying potential issues before they lead to failures.
Includes features for failure analysis, allowing engineers to identify potential failure modes and design mitigations to reduce risk.
The software can evaluate safety factors for various load conditions, ensuring that piping systems are designed with appropriate safety margins.
Generates detailed reports that can be customized to meet the specific needs of a project or client. This includes summaries, detailed analysis results, and compliance documentation.
The software provides clear documentation of the analysis and design process, making it easier to track design decisions and changes over time.
Suitable for projects of all sizes, from small-scale piping systems to large and complex industrial networks.
The software offers flexible licensing options, allowing organizations to choose the best solution for their needs and scale as their projects grow.
Rigorous quality assurance program complying with ASME NQA-1 quality assurance, mandatory in the nuclear industry; perform detailed stress analysis according to ASME III NB-3600, RCC-M, RCC-MX and KTA codes.
Quality assurance, conforming to 10CFR50 Appendix B and 10CFR21 reporting.
Includes an automatic validation tool to run the QA problems and verify that the results generated on different hardware are the same as the ones generated by Hexagon’s Quality Assurance team.
Hexagon provides extensive training resources, including courses, webinars, and documentation, to help users become proficient in using PIPESTRESS effectively. Free eLearning available via Hexagon University.
Users having active software maintenance can access technical support services, ensuring they can resolve any issues or questions quickly and efficiently.
PIPESTRESS is a powerful and versatile software solution for the analysis and design of piping systems. Its comprehensive stress analysis capabilities, support for international codes and standards, and integration with other engineering tools making it an invaluable tool for any engineering team. By using PIPESTRESS, engineers can enhance their productivity, ensure code compliance, and deliver safe and efficient piping designs for their clients.
Understanding the dynamic behaviour of piping systems is possible through PIPESTRESS’ time history analysis, enabling the stress engineer to make decisions about how best to cope with system responses when excited by natural frequencies of the system, or other external influences on the piping.