SimuMech

Designing an Expansion Bellow with Elastic-Plastic Finite Element Analysis

Introduction Expansion bellows are critical components in piping and heat exchanger systems, allowing for thermal expansion while minimizing stresses on connected equipment. Most bellows can be designed using hand calculations following EJMA standards, but complications arise when additional features, such as a drain piping penetration, are introduced into highly stressed areas. In this project, we … Read more

Optimizing Pressure Vessel Design for Material Savings

In engineering, material efficiency is a key factor in cost reduction, especially in pressure vessel and tank design. Over the years, I’ve been involved in several projects where optimization was essential to reduce material costs while ensuring compliance with design codes. One such project involved a horizontal pressure vessel, one of the largest in the … Read more

Fitness for Services of a corroded annular ring of a 60m Storage Tank

Project Overview We recently completed a successful project for a client with a 60m diameter, 20m high storage tank storing kerosene. The tank exhibited severe ground-side pitting corrosion on the annular plate, particularly in the critical zone, affecting large areas. The client contacted us to assess whether the tank was still fit for service and … Read more

Finite Element Analysis on a Vibrating Tank

In engineering, the ability to predict and mitigate failures before they occur is critical. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) has become a powerful tool in diagnosing structural problems and providing insight into potential solutions. A recent project done by Simumech demonstrated just how accurate and valuable FEA can be when applied correctly. The Challenge: Vibrations Leading … Read more

Standard Nozzle Loads

Nozzle loads are a crucial component in the design of petrochemical equipment and the piping attached thereto. Each nozzle will see forces in 3 directions, along with moments in 3 directions for a total of 6 loads. The magnitude of these loads can be varied infinitely between the 6 different loads for the nozzle’s structural … Read more