Modular pipe rack design and analysis
Kirsanov, Egor (2024)
Kandidaatintyö
Kirsanov, Egor
2024
School of Energy Systems, Konetekniikka
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2024050727317
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2024050727317
Tiivistelmä
The main goal of this thesis was to validate and analyse already established design of a pipe rack, as requested by Waterleau (an international wastewater treatment company). Pipe rack in question is a modular, metal structure that is used to support and guide pipes from equipment to storage or vice versa. Though the usefulness of this pipe rack has been proven in several projects, it’s possible that design can be optimised further. The importance of the pipe rack is explained by its wide use, i.e. it’s present in almost every company’s project.
The work presents background for structures like the pipe rack, outlining general design and its challenges. Then, design automation is explained to introduce the reader to the concept of parametric modelling with an example of iLogic in Inventor Professional. Design details relevant to the topic are further demonstrated on a 3D CAD model. Next, theory and practicalities of finite element method are discussed, and the method is compared to the analytical solutions extensively. This way, finite element analysis results are validated, and shortcomings of the method and software are mentioned. The applicability of boundary conditions is argued as well.
Results such as displacements, internal forces and stresses are reported as colour maps (diagrams). The achieved results are compared in detail again, but this time with the previous findings. Reasons behind the results deviation with earlier research are studied deeply, with a conclusion that both studies are valid, and the difference is caused by different assumptions and boundary conditions. An unexpected discovery of the previous model being over dimensioned was made, confirming company’s suspicions about pipe rack being overengineered. Lastly, weight and cost reduction is proposed via structural profile selection optimisation.
The work presents background for structures like the pipe rack, outlining general design and its challenges. Then, design automation is explained to introduce the reader to the concept of parametric modelling with an example of iLogic in Inventor Professional. Design details relevant to the topic are further demonstrated on a 3D CAD model. Next, theory and practicalities of finite element method are discussed, and the method is compared to the analytical solutions extensively. This way, finite element analysis results are validated, and shortcomings of the method and software are mentioned. The applicability of boundary conditions is argued as well.
Results such as displacements, internal forces and stresses are reported as colour maps (diagrams). The achieved results are compared in detail again, but this time with the previous findings. Reasons behind the results deviation with earlier research are studied deeply, with a conclusion that both studies are valid, and the difference is caused by different assumptions and boundary conditions. An unexpected discovery of the previous model being over dimensioned was made, confirming company’s suspicions about pipe rack being overengineered. Lastly, weight and cost reduction is proposed via structural profile selection optimisation.