AutoPIPE is a Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) program for stress analysis of piping systems. Developed to meet the needs of companies involved in industrial piping system design, AutoPIPE is a leading PC stress analysis package utilised worldwide.
Features and benefits of AutoPIPE
- Enables engineers to explore different alternatives for piping design and perform code compliance checks in a time and cost efficient manner.
- Interface with the AutoPLANT CAD Piping series accepting 3D model data from the DESIGNER and ISOMETICS programs.
- Powerful analytical capabilities combined with ease of use
- Interactive graphics speed model definition
- Interactive graphics post processing assists system design
- Faster code checking and design iterations
- Full CAD integration eliminates modelling time and errors
- Strict quality assurance to NRC, ANSI and ISO standards
- Fully menu and mouse driven
- Easy to use
AutoPIPE employs a sophisticated user interface which is easy for stress analysis and other engineering professionals to learn and use. AutoPIPE employs mouse, input forms, menus, function keys and online help for all commands and options. The system performs consistency checks to identify errors and supports Metric, English (Imperial), SI or any user defined units.
Model Definition and Editing
AutoPIPE offers a graphical and interactive model building module to define complex piping system. The mouse simplifies component selection for manipulation by selecting them graphically. The optional worksheet function enables fast editing and updating of existing models. Features such as cut, paste, rotate and copy offer new levels of productivity.
Properties and Component Libraries
AutoPIPE contains a comprehensive and extensible library of material properties and piping components including pipes, reducers, tees, valves, flanges, flexible connectors and other times. Supports include: anchors, spring and constant force hangers, one way restraints, limit stops, guides, snubbers and tie rods. The material library includes temperature dependent properties and code dependent allowables.
Hanger Design
AutoPIPE performs single and multiple spring hanger design for one or more operating conditions. The program selects hangers from a customisable manufacturer's library, which includes: Grinell, Bergen-Patterson, Lisega, NPS and others.
Advanced Static Analysis
AutoPIPE performs linear or nonlinear static analysis of piping systems and their supports. AutoPIPE's proven nonlinear algorithm solves complex problems containing gaps, friction, buried pipe, limit stops and other piping configurations. Loading includes gravity, buoyancy, support displacements, point and distributed loads, thermal expansion, pressure thrust, equivalent static earthquake, wave and wind loading.
Advanced Dynamic Analysis
AutoPIPE uses advanced dynamic analysis algorithms to calculate mode shapes and frequencies and allows three independent response spectra. Missing mass and zero period acceleration correction may be applied. AutoPIPE satisfies NUREG/CR-1677 benchmark problems and provides built in NRC spectra, seismic anchor movements and code case N411 capability. The system also supports phased harmonic response for calculated flow vibrations and shock spectra for predicting response due to relief valve and water hammer.
Post Processing
AutoPIPE provides a powerful interactive result review capability, saving printing and scanning of large reports. Colour coded stress display, load animation and deflected shape options help identify critical areas. Output results can be scanned interactively or printed as hard copy reports.
CAD Interfaces
AutoPIPE is tightly integrated with AutoPLANT's DESIGNER and ISOMETRICS CAD programs for rapid development of stress models. In addition, the program received 3D model data from other popular CAD systems, including Intergraph PDS, PASCE and other mainframe based analysis programs.
Code Compliance
AutoPIPE checks and generates code compliance reports for the following piping codes:
- ASME B31.1, B31.3, B31.4, B31.8
- ASME Section III Class 2 & 3 Components
- Canadian CAN/CSA - Z183 and Z184
- British Standards BS 806 and BS 7159 (GRP Piping Code)
- Swedish Piping Code (SPC), Method 2
- Norwegian Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and TBK 5-6
- Dutch Stoomwezen D1101
- Japanese MITI 501, Class 3 piping
- French RCC-M and SNCT
AutoPIPE also generates rotating equipment reports for NEMA SM23 (turbines), API 610 (compressors).