Refinery plant expansion: piping and stress analysis

• IndustryRefining
• DisciplinePiping and stress analysis
• ModeOn the client's 3D design platform
• DeliverableOptimised routings, isometrics and stress reports

The challenge

Expanding an operating plant means fitting new piping among existing structures, equipment and lines, resolving every clash without stopping the plant, and proving by calculation that the new routings comply.

Scope

• Clash resolution between new and existing lines in the 3D model
• Routing optimisation: fewer supports, fewer welds, better flexibility
• Process line stress analysis: sustained, thermal and occasional cases
• Equipment nozzle loads against manufacturer limits
• Isometrics, support list and stress reports per system

How we worked

Resolve in the model, not on site. Every clash was closed in the 3D before issuing isometrics.

Optimise with the stress analysis in hand. Routing changes were validated with flexibility analysis before being fixed.