COURSE OVERVIEW:

Piping stress analysis is a critical engineering discipline that ensures the structural integrity and flexibility of piping systems under all possible operating conditions. This course provides a deep technical foundation in the calculation of stresses resulting from internal pressure, weight, thermal expansion, and occasional loads such as wind or seismic activity. Participants will learn how to apply the requirements of ASME B31 codes to ensure that piping stresses remain within allowable limits, thereby preventing premature failure of pipes, fittings, and connected equipment.

The design of pipe supports is intrinsically linked to stress analysis, as supports are the primary means of controlling pipe movement and managing loads. This training covers the selection and placement of various support types, including rigid hangers, variable and constant effort springs, and snubbers. The scope includes an evaluation of how different support configurations impact the flexibility of the system and the loads transferred to sensitive equipment nozzles, such as those on pumps, turbines, and pressure vessels.

Coverage also includes the use of industry-standard software for modeling piping behavior and performing complex calculations. Participants will explore the practical aspects of field troubleshooting, identifying signs of excessive stress such as pipe sagging, support bottoming out, or vibration. By the end of this course, attendants will be able to design optimized support systems that balance the need for structural stability with the requirement for thermal flexibility, ensuring the long-term reliability of the entire process facility.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

1.  Distinguish between primary, secondary, and occasional stresses in piping systems.

2.  Apply ASME B31.3 criteria for allowable stress levels and fatigue life.

3.  Calculate pipe span limits to prevent excessive sagging and vibration.

4.  Model the effects of thermal expansion and contraction on piping networks.

5.  Select and size pipe supports including anchors, guides, and limit stops.

6.  Design spring supports (variable and constant) to accommodate vertical movement.

7.  Evaluate the loads imposed on equipment nozzles and ensure they meet API/NEMA limits.

8.  Perform flexibility analysis using expansion loops and offset piping.

9.  Assess the impact of seismic, wind, and snow loads on piping structural integrity.

10.  Utilize stress analysis software to perform static and dynamic simulations.

11.  Troubleshoot existing piping systems showing signs of thermal distress or failure.

12.  Interpret stress analysis reports to make informed design modifications.

13.  Integrate pipe support design with structural steel and foundation engineering.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Stress Engineers, Piping Designers, Mechanical Engineers, and Structural Engineers involved in the design, analysis, and maintenance of high-pressure process piping.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.