Facilities Flexibility Analysis
Flexibility analysis is essential for facility piping systems to confirm that thermal expansion and contraction, pressure, weight, equipment movements, support conditions, and other imposed displacements can be accommodated without excessive stress or unacceptable loads on connected equipment. The analysis supports safe piping layout, proper restraint and support design, protection of equipment nozzles, and reliable long-term operation of the facility.
- Evaluation of thermal expansion, pressure, weight, support movements, and equipment displacements.
- Verification of piping stresses, displacements, support loads, and equipment nozzle reactions.
- Assessment of piping flexibility, restraint locations, support configuration, and load transfer to connected equipment.
- Identification of potential concerns such as overstress, excessive movement, fatigue, nozzle overload, or support instability.
- Development of practical design modifications to improve piping flexibility and reduce equipment and support loads.
- Analyses performed in accordance with applicable piping codes, including CSA Z662, ASME B31.3, ASME B31.4, and ASME B31.8, together with applicable equipment vendor limits, client specifications, and project requirements.
