Expansion loops
Expansion loops
(OP)
We perform stress anlysis for a 24" dia steam pipe, running on over 3.5 km. We design a number of expansion loops and considered an anchor on each side of the loop (loop is between two anchors). The pipe passed in Cesar, but our structural engineer tells us that his structure cannot take any moment, and of course we get high moments in the nodes where the anchor is placed.
Somehow I remember that for lines above 6" dia anchors are not to be used. I do not know if this is kind of rule of thumb.
Anyway, could somebody give an idea about how I can avoid anchors. If I use x,y,z restarins only, how does the expansion loop works.
Thank you all.
Somehow I remember that for lines above 6" dia anchors are not to be used. I do not know if this is kind of rule of thumb.
Anyway, could somebody give an idea about how I can avoid anchors. If I use x,y,z restarins only, how does the expansion loop works.
Thank you all.





RE: Expansion loops
If you do not know how an expansion loop works with using x,y,z restraints I think you should not be performing pipe stress analysis!!!. Leave it to someone who knows what he is doing.
RE: Expansion loops
I do not perform the analysis.
Even though, I will fully appreciate an answer that helps me learning something.
I expected at least to be guided where to learn from, not to be advised to give up.
Thank you anyway for your time.
RE: Expansion loops
You can utilise line stops and guides on the system. This will result in axial and lateral forces on the constraint points.
RE: Expansion loops