APIPE Analysis Module - Revision 10

1
APIPE: Calculation Of Pipe Properties And Thickness
Analysis Capability
The APIPE Analysis Module in VCESage can be used to compute the required pipe wall thickness for
internal or external pressure in accordance with the ASME B31.3 Process Piping Code. The maximum
allowable working pressure (MAWP) for both long and short-term design conditions can also be calculated if
a pipe thickness is specified. Additionally, if a branch pipe is specified together with a header pipe, thickness
and MAWP calculations for both pipe sections are performed, and a branch reinforcement analysis is
completed.
The capabilities of the APIPE Module include the calculation of pipe properties used in piping stress analysis.
These properties include pipe area, section modulus, moment of inertia, and pipe weight. In the weight
calculation, the additional weight due to insulation, refractory, and the fluid is computed. A special analysis
feature provided by the APIPE Module is to compute the increase stiffness effects due to a refractory lining in
a piping section. If refractory properties are input, a modified moment of inertia is computed based on the
specified refractory thickness and modulus of elasticity.
The different calculation procedures in the APIPE Analysis Module are performed based on the specified
input keywords. The Module is designed to calculate the required wall thickness for straight pipe if a design
pressure (internal, external, or both) is input. If an outside diameter is input that corresponds to a standard
pipe size, a wall thickness designation for satisfying the required thickness will be output by the APIPE
Module. Alternatively, if the wall thickness is input, the maximum allowable long and short-term pressure
(internal, external, or both) is computed. If both the wall thickness and pressure are input, the required
thickness will be computed. The different computational methods of APIPE Module, which depend on
specific keywords, are summarized below for each ANALYSIS selection.

ANALYSIS=desint
If the following keywords are specified: OD, P, TEMP, SE (or SPEC); then the required wall thickness for
internal pressure will be computed. A required pipe designation (i.e. s40) will be chosen; then the long
and short-term internal MAWP will be computed based on the pipe designantion chosen.

ANALYSIS=desext
If the following keywords are specified: OD, PE, TEMP, SE (of SPEC); then the required wall thickness
for external pressure will be computed. A required pipe designation (i.e. s40) will be chosen; then the
long and short-term internal MAWP will be computed based on the pipe designantion chosen.

ANALYSIS=rerint
If the following keywords are specified: OD, THK, SL; then the pipe properties and maximum span
deflection due to weight (based on SG, DEN, DENI, DENR) will be computed.
If the following keywords are specified: OD, THK, TEMP, SE (or SPEC), P; then the long and short-term
internal MAWP will be computed.
If the following keywords are specified: GROUP (FSPEC), FCLASS; then the flange pressure and
temperature rating requirements per ANSI B16.5 will be determined.
If the following keywords are specified: EYS, EYR; then the increased stiffness effects due to the
refractory will be determined.

ANALYSIS=rerext
If the following keywords are specified: OD, THK, TEMP, SE (or SPEC), PE; then the long and short-
term external MAWP will be computed.

If a branch pipe is specified, then all of the calculations described above will be performed. In addition, a
branch reinforcement calculation will be performed. If the reinforcing pad keywords are specified, then a pad
will be included in the reinforcement calculation. Likewise, if the extruded header keywords are specified,
then the reinforcement calculations will be based on an extruded header geometry.

APIPE Analysis Module - Revision 10
2
The APIPE module can be used to evaluate the structural integrity of a shell (pipe) with flaws such as local
thin areas, pitting, blisters, weld misalignment, bulges, dents, and crack like flaws. See the shell manuel for
more details Keywords for a fitness-for-service damage assessment are in Appendix A.
Output Data Description
The output data for the APIPE Module consists of an echo of the input variables, computed pipe wall
thickness, intermediate calculation results for external pressure and long and short term MAWPs. If
requested based on the input data, pipe section properties, pipe weight per foot, span deflection, flange
rating determination and refractory stiffness effects will also be output. If a branch pipe is specified, this
output will be repeated based on the input branch pipe data. In addition, the results of a reinforcement
calculation check are printed.
Method of Analysis, Limitations and Assumptions
1. The calculation procedures used in the APIPE Analysis Module are based on the method and
formulas contained in the ASME B31.3 Process Piping Code (Code) The following limitations and
assumptions apply to the calculation procedures of the APIPE Analysis Module:
2. The pipe wall thickness and maximum pressure calculations for internal and external pressure are
based on the procedures given in paragraphs 304.1.2 and 304.1.3 of the Code.
3. For internal pressure calculations, Equation 3a of Paragraph 304.1.2 of the Code is utilized.
4. The wall thickness and maximum pressure calculation procedures in the APIPE Module only apply
to internal and external pressure. Other supplemental loadings such as wind, piping forces and
moments from a flexibility analysis, nozzle connections, piping supports, and thermal gradients are
not considered.
5. The external pressure calculation procedure is performed in accordance with the ASME B&PV
Code, Section VIII, Division 1. Limitations regarding this calculation procedure are summarized in
the APIPE Analysis Module.
6. The Y-factor for the internal pressure calculation is taken from paragraph 304.1.1, Table 304.1.1, of
the Code. Note that if the pressure thickness, t, is greater than or equal to OD/6, then
Y=ID/(ID+OD).