Expansion Joint in Heat Exchanger
Expansion Joint in Heat Exchanger
(OP)
I have a Heat exchanger (TEMA BEM) with an expansion Joint. The analysis per TEMA 8.xx is rather involved. I have decided to analize using FEA. I can set up the model and do the analysis and feel comfortable with the results rather than go through the TEMA calcs.
My question is has anyone compaired the TEMA formulas with FEA???
Thanks
My question is has anyone compaired the TEMA formulas with FEA???
Thanks





RE: Expansion Joint in Heat Exchanger
prex
motori@xcalcsREMOVE.com
http://www.xcalcs.com
Online tools for structural design
RE: Expansion Joint in Heat Exchanger
Anyway, I know it is now very easy to use a tool like FE/Pipe to model expansion joints and do a FEA. But, the catch is to tie it the aceptance relationship from TEAM to Div. 2, Appendix 4. It can even be tricky for experienced guys. Just do the TEMA cals in MathCAD or something like that and be done with it. I've done it and it's not that hard.
Also, many boiler's branch engineers know the TEMA rules and would make their job much easier (translates to accepting your design easier and faster) if you just follow the typical rules.
FEA should be used only when 1) by an experienced engineer and 2) a closed form solution is not available.
Just because software development has made it such that even a dummy (like me) can use it without a Masters degree on FEA does not mean we should use it on everything.
RE: Expansion Joint in Heat Exchanger