Pipe Stress Analysis using AutoPIPE Full Crash Course

Create a new AutoPIPE model configuration by setting project data, units, axis, and thermal cases, then define pipe dimensions, corrosion allowances, insulation, and fluid properties such as specific gravity.

Familiarize with the software interface, navigation, and viewing options; learn the modeling workflow from points and segments to inserts, loads, analysis, and result review.

Model your first pipeline in AutoPIPE by adding geometry, including bends, tees, and reducers, and set bend radii and branch directions.

Learn to add valves, flanges, and actuators in AutoPIPE, choosing components, pressure ratings, and dimensions, while considering joint intensification and bolt details for accurate pipe stress analysis.

Master copy-paste and moving points in AutoPIPE to stretch and adjust pipe elements. Learn selecting ranges, setting coordinates, connecting points to origins, and updating piping runs for accurate stress analysis.

Learn to add rigid and flexible supports in AutoPIPE, set ground connections and allowable displacements, adjust friction coefficients, and configure directional movement and gaps for accurate pipe stress analysis.

Explore modeling and design of pipe hangers in AutoPIPE, replacing rigid and vertical supports, selecting design strength and variation between cold and hot loads, and assessing maximum displacement under expansion.

Master pipe stress analysis in AutoPIPE by modeling steel structures, defining section properties, selecting W-shaped sections, and placing predefined points with coordinates.

Insert a new segment into the pipeline model, name the endpoints (E0) and set offsets along the suction line, then connect the segment to existing points.

Learn to model pump nozzles in AutoPIPE with the rotating equipment method, inserting displacements and expansion allowances for temperature change, and identify suction and reference points to assess forces.

Demonstrates modeling pump nozzles using the rigid arm method, setting segments and anchors, adding reference points, and comparing actual versus allowable nozzle loads with thermal expansion.

Model surge vessels in the piping system using the anchor method, insert flexibility elements to capture nozzle expansion, and apply WRC 297 calculations to ensure forces stay within allowable limits.

Verify static cases in AutoPIPE, ensuring gravity, pressure, and temperature are included, and assess gaps, friction, and nonlinear analysis settings; prepare hydrostatic test case and plan consistency check.

Review the piping model in AutoPIPE, run the analysis, interpret warnings rather than errors, modify the model to resolve issues, and prepare to examine the results for safety.

Assess system deformations in a pipe stress model using AutoPIPE by analyzing gravity, thermal, and pressure effects, and verify connections, supports, and overall displacement.

In this code compliance check, we review AutoPIPE results, compare maximum pressure and ambient expansion against allowable stresses, identify unsafe sustained portions, and note safe expansion margins.

Optimize pipe stress analysis in AutoPIPE by evaluating expansion and sustained stresses, identifying failing regions, then add vertical supports to balance strength and flexibility while keeping stresses within allowable limits.

Check forces on supports by inspecting maximum x, y, z forces and moments, review lateral and vertical loads, and generate a summary report for the structural engineering team.

Evaluate pump nozzle forces under gravity and thermal cases, compare two analysis methods, and implement expansion joints to reduce nozzle stresses.

Learn how to check forces on surge vessel nozzles using AutoPIPE, adjust expansion joints and supports to control displacement and reduce excessive nozzle forces.

Master the expansion loop technique for pipe rerouting in AutoPIPE, enabling expansion joints and supports to relieve restraint, reduce displacement, and control stresses.

Generate customized AutoPIPE output reports, highlight ranges and specific points, display displacement with maximum and minimum, and show forces and moments for code-compliant pipe stress analysis.