Application of pipestress and ansys in stress analysis of nuclear pipe support – case study

A power uprate of the nuclear power plant will affect some systems, which will be exposed to new loads, transients and operating parameters. After defining of new loads, transients and operating conditions, work to qualify a system begins with modelling of this pipe system as well as modelling of supports which are active in the system. Pipe supports in pipe model are defined depending on the supports function and also their correct stiffness. After analysis is done, reaction forces are obtained in points where pipe supports are defined in the pipe model. Reaction forces from pipestress analysis, in the points where pipe supports are defined, becomes attacking forces in pipe supports analysis. A complete calculation of support is explained as well as the way to use required standard. The calculation includes stiffness calculation, calculation of membrane stress and membrane plus bending stress. In order to qualify the support a limit load analysis is performed. Finally, it is showed that pipe support could be qualified according to the standard ASME NF-3200. This paper describes use of software Pipestress and Ansys in stress analysis of piping systems and pipe supports.