03 — Service
Pipe Stress Analysis
Rigorous flexibility and stress analysis for process piping systems — ensuring code compliance and long-term integrity.
Piping systems that are inadequately analyzed for thermal expansion, dynamic loads, and support configuration are a persistent source of equipment damage, flange leaks, and fatigue failures. Agile Reliability performs thorough pipe stress analysis using industry-standard software and applies engineering judgment developed through years of field experience in oil & gas and petrochemical facilities.
Methodology
How We Work
System Characterization
Review P&IDs, isometrics, equipment drawings, and operating conditions. Identify critical load cases: sustained, thermal expansion, occasional (wind, seismic, PSV reaction), and operating combinations.
Computer Model Development
Build a detailed pipe stress model including pipe geometry, material properties, insulation, fluid content, support locations, and equipment nozzle stiffnesses. Models are developed to ASME B31.3 or B31.1 requirements.
Static Stress Analysis
Evaluate sustained, displacement, and occasional load cases. Identify overstressed locations, excessive nozzle loads, and inadequate flexibility. Iterate support configuration to achieve code compliance.
Dynamic Analysis
Where required, perform dynamic analysis for slug flow, water hammer, PSV discharge, seismic, and acoustic-induced vibration (AIV) screening per Energy Institute guidelines.
Support Design & Documentation
Develop support specifications and standard drawings. Provide nozzle load summaries for equipment vendors. Issue final stress isometrics with support locations and types.
Deliverables
- Pipe stress analysis report with code compliance summary
- Stress isometrics with support locations and types
- Nozzle load summary for rotating and static equipment
- Support design specifications and standard drawings
- Dynamic analysis report (slug, water hammer, seismic, AIV)
- Design basis document and calculation package
Applicable Codes & Standards
Ready to discuss your project?
Direct access to senior-level expertise. No intermediaries.