SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE

	Caesar II piping build-up for a thermal analysis of a 6-cylinder reciprocating compressor unit

To determine static stress caused by thermal expansion, pressure, and weight, engineers at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) model piping systems and major system components, such as:

• Support structures

• Pulsation filter bottles

• Coolers

• Pressure vessels

Piping configurations, diameters, restraints, and branch connections can be modified to reduce stress to within allowable tolerances. Recommended system modifications are assessed to ensure they do not adversely affect system flow performance and efficiency.

A thermal design analysis typically includes:

	Caesar II piping build-up for a thermal analysis of two, parallel 6-cylinder reciprocating compressor units

• Piping stress calculations according to applicable code [ASME code for pressure piping B31.3 (process), B31.8 (gas transmission), etc.]

• Recommended modifications to the piping and restraint systems

• Prediction of restraint loads and displacements

• Prediction of loads on equipment (coolers, compressors, pressure vessels) to ensure code compliance

For more information about our thermal stress analysis capabilities, or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Ben A. White, P.E., at bwhite@swri.org or (210) 522-2554.  We can offer you the best approach for solving your thermal stress analysis problem.

pulsations.swri.org

| Fluids and Machinery Engineering Department | Mechanical Engineering Division | SwRI Home |

Southwest Research Institute^® (SwRI^®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 11 technical divisions.

©Southwest Research Institute^®

January 03, 2013