Superfast Pipe Support calculation – does it really exist?
By Sondre Minnesjord, Senior Structural Analysis Engineer, Focus Techouse Engineering AS
For the Anna Nery FPSO, Focus Engineering recently designed seven topside modules, with a total of more than 7000 pipe support structures. Thanks to our calculation program, Focus Pipe Support Calculation (FPSC), all of the design and calculations were performed with a team of no more than 12 designers.
FPSC is an unique tool for pipe support calculations. It is unbelievably efficient and hence cost saving for our Clients. The software is developed by Focus Group many years ago and has been used in many projects. It enables each pipe support designer to quickly verify the pipe support design. Calculations are performed for the support frame structure itself, as well as for any pipe attachment such as U‑bolts, clamped shoes, welded shoes or trunnions. Pipe attachments are verified in accordance with ASME B31.3 and MW Kellogg. For support details, and connections between separate structural members, weld calculations are also included.
Structural calculations are performed using SAP2000, which is our preferred tool for calculating frame structures. Code checking is performed in accordance with applicable DNVGL and Eurocode standards. All of this is handled through the simple user interface of FPSC – all the way from the design input to the analysis results for stresses, deflections and reaction forces. Would you like to learn more? Contact us. We’d love to help you save time on your pipe supports!
More about Focus Pipe Support Calculation Tool and references where this tool is used.