How to Export E3D Models into Caesar II for Stress Analysis?

Introduction:

The plant design is integrated with the advanced development of a continual evaluation between modelling programs and analysis tools in order to ensure the engineering integrity of the design process. Aveva E3D is a state-of-the-art platform used for the design of complex 3D piping systems; however, the design must also be evaluated to ensure that it will carry a load of thermal expansion or pressure through the use of specially formulated stress analysis.

The ability to effectively manage the movement of E3D models to the Caesar 2 stress analysis program is a highly sought-after skill set within the piping engineering industry. Through taking an E3D Course, piping engineering professionals will be able to master the technical aspects of data interoperability and ensure that all of the 3D geometrical data is being exported to the analytical models without any loss of essential metadata or physical attributes during the export processes.

E3D to Caesar 2 - Data Transfer Methodology:

When transferring information in the E3D modelling program to the Caesar 2 analysis program, there are specific rules to follow in order to achieve an accurate representation of the model design. There are several checks in place to continually compare the model data structure with respect to the previous model's structure.

• Continuous Extraction: The software reviews the coordinates, pipe details, and types of support continuously to ensure consistency.
• Metric Validation: The software uses the supplied metrics in the data transfer method as pipeline diameters, thicknesses, and types of materials are used to validate progress in a structured process.
• Stability Checks: The export utility will not export unless the piping run is complete and stable, so it checks for completed and stable piping runs to initiate this step.

When to Export Stress Analysis:

The export of piping systems is initiated when the application recognizes that the existing layout requires structural analysis of the piping system. This will happen when the piping is subjected to high temperatures, high pressures, and/or the piping system is going through complex expansion loops.

However, it takes the application some time before the file can be created because it requires the piping to be in an active state before a raw 3D Model can be generated. There are several factors that must be available to successfully export a file, including the rate of growth of the piping system and the proximity of the piping to the capacity of the supports. During a complete Caesar II Training, engineers will know that it takes more than one section of pipe to have a true representation of the loads; therefore, the complete stress system must be extracted to achieve this.

Improving the Analytical Model:

Once the data has been imported into Caesar II, it may be necessary to "scale down" or simplify the model. This might involve removing surplus nodes and/or visual elements that will no longer be necessary for the purpose of calculation. The slower and more methodical way that this step is performed will ensure that the data remains correct throughout the analysis. The engineer will determine whether or not:

• The stress values were acceptable from the applied load cases
• The displacement values were reduced to the support
• The results are consistent across the various thermal curves

When preparing for E3D Interview Questions, candidates will often be asked about how safety steps were used in the export process of the data, as rapid movement through the export process may lead to eventual flaws in the final stress report.

Comparison of Tools and Services:

Summary:

As a whole, exporting E3D models to be used for stress analysis is done in a very simple manner, but care must be taken when doing so. The model has continuously checked for "signal" changes within the model's geometry, and then has completed an action to create an analysis file. It has been checked to see if the data that has changed is actually correct before the export is fully completed.

To ensure that no issues occur with the exported model, many technical signals must be understood by attending an E3D Course, or through experience working within engineering, which can be used to prevent problems occurring, such as "cold starts", which are due to a new analysis file taking a longer time to converge. Ensuring proper design requires that resources are maximized while creating a safe design and completing the design phase.