04. How to model a reducer with a branch connection in AutoPIPE?

Applies To
Product(s):	AutoPIPE
Version(s):	ALL;
Area:	Modeling
Date Logged & Current Version	April. 2018 11.03.00.08

Problem:

How to model a reducer with a branch connection?

Solution:

Suggested procedure:

As of Aug 2018, AutoPIPE does not allow a branch connection in the middle of a reducer. Check the newest release to see if this capability is now apart of the program. If not, suggest the following modeling approach: 1/2 reducer (ex. A01 - A02), small length of straight pipe (ex. A02 - A03), tee component (ex. A03) , small length of straight pipe (ex. A03 - A04), remaining half of the reducer (ex. A04 - A05), add branch piping (ex. A03 - B01), nozzle component (optional) (ex. B01), and finally connection to attach piping (ex. B01 - B02).

Example:

insert a 1" branch in the middle of a 12x10 concentric reducer.

1. Dimensions of a 12x10 reducer

2. Insert Pipe properties for 12" pipe, 10" pipe, and 1" pipe.

3. Determine exactly where along the length of the reducer that the branch will be located and calculate the pipe diameter at that point. Insert a new pipe property for that pipe size. In this example, the branch will be placed in the middle, or 4". from the end, where the OD pipe sized is assumed to be 11.75" inches.

4. Insert reducer from Large pipe size to Middle pipe size, length = distance from edge to just before branch location. Ex. Reducer from 12_inch (A01) to 11.75_in, length = 3.9 inches (A02)

5. Insert Run to branch location, Ex. Run length = 0.1 inches (A03)

6. Insert Run from branch to start of 2nd reducer location, Ex. Run length = 0.1 inches. (A04)

7. Insert Reducer from Middle size to Small size, length = remaining distance to equal the total length of a normal reducer. Ex. Reducer from 11.75_in (A04) , to 10_in length = 3.9 inches (A05)

8. Insert Run to next node point (A06)

9. Go back to the Start of the branch location (A03), use "Convert Point to Tee" command.

Note, Suggest using single line view and Zoom into location

10. Make the Tee branch direction active, insert run to surface of reducer (ex. 11.75 / 2 = 5.875"), Pipe identifier = 1_inch. (B01)

Note: if using optional nozzle element in next step, run should be to the surface of the inside diameter (ex. 11.75 / 2 - Wall thick (0.375) = 5.5") (B01a)

11. At the connection where the branch meets the reducer, there is no automatic calculations for an SIF or Nozzle flexibility values. The user will be required to supply these values as needed per modeling approach option used.

Option #1

Insert a nozzle element, enter in dialog values as needed and press OK. (B01)

Note. Flexibility method generally apply to vessel calculations, suggest to select "User" method and enter own values.

Option #2

insert User calculated SIF at interface of Reducer and branch connection.

Note. SIF Flexibility calculations are based on selected piping code. There are no code SIF equations that covers a branch welded to a Reducer. Therefore select "User" method and enter own values.

13. Insert Pipe run to next node point (B02).

14. Add Rigid properties to branch piping inside of reducer by selecting pipe from A03 to B02, use Insert> "Joint type and User SIF" command.

15. Done!!!