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Two-Phase Flow Piping Vibration

Two-phase flow creates complex dynamic forces that can lead to catastrophic fatigue failure, yet traditional restraints often clash with high-temperature thermal expansion needs. This article explores how to diagnose flow regimes and use advanced metrics like kurtosis to design effective, thermally safe remediation strategies.

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A Detailed Approach to Slug Flow and its Consequences

Two-phase flow is a common challenge in chemical process equipment that can lead to costly malfunctions, high pressure drops, and damaging mechanical vibrations. This article explores how to use mechanistic modeling and liquid holdup analysis to identify unstable flow regimes like slug flow before they cause fatigue failure or other risks to integrity. Learn how strategic piping configurations and dynamic hydraulic analysis can ensure process stability and protect your facility.

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Introduction to Piping Systems: Design & Integrity

Discover the fundamentals of piping system design and integrity in this introductory article for early-career engineers. Learn why piping matters, how reliable systems are built, and common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you’re new to the field or need a practical refresher, this article is a valuable starting point to learn about safe and effective piping systems.

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Bolted Flange Joint Assembly and Integrity

Learn how to improve performance by adopting inspection and maintenance best practices and applying advanced finite element analysis (FEA). This article discusses key design and operational considerations, drawing from codes and standards as well as Equity Engineering’s experience in assessing bolted joints. 

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Effects of Friction on Rotating Equipment Compliance: Modeling Considerations in Pipe Stress Simulation

A recurring challenge is ensuring that modeling assumptions in pipe stress analysis don’t create hidden risks for rotating equipment and piping code compliance. This article explores how friction and vertical support behavior can dramatically influence nozzle load calculations, sometimes turning a compliant system into a non-compliant one. Using case studies and practical examples, the authors highlight best practices and advanced tools like SIMFLEX-IV to improve accuracy and reliability across complex operating conditions.

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Analysis of Piping Surge Events

Surge events in piping systems can lead to severe displacements, loud noises, and operational challenges. Using a case study, this article highlights the factors behind surge events, including rapid changes in liquid velocity and pressure, and how forces generated during these transient events can impact piping systems. The authors discuss how a few targeted support modifications effectively resolved these issues without resorting to costly system overhauls or potentially problematic specialty equipment.

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Addressing Piping Vibration in the Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical Industries: The Upcoming API 579 Part 15

With the recent API Fall Meeting, it is timely to revisit this November 2023 article on API 579 Part 15, Methodologies of Piping Vibration, featuring insights from one of the new standard’s co-authors, Mike Bifano. This article discusses the three-tiered evaluation system and explains how vibration fits into a mechanical integrity program. Read more and learn about the highly anticipated improvements to our industry standards.

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Guide to API 618 Acoustic-Mechanical Design Validations for Repurposed or Modified Reciprocating Gas Compressor Systems

Pulsation-induced forces can damage compressor foundations, reduce valve life, and lead to fatigue in piping and components. In this article, Dr. Bifano explains acoustic pulsation basics in reciprocating gas compressor systems and offers practical guidance on applying original acoustic-mechanical design principles during system modifications or repurposing. It’s essential to understand how these changes may affect system acoustics to prevent future vibration issues.

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Improving Reliability of Bolted Flanged Joints

ASME VIII-1 Appendix 2 flange design rules states flanges should be sufficiently robust to withstand the stresses produced by operating loads; however, what happens if those flanges leak during operation?. Do you know what options are available to reduce or eliminate the potential risk of leakage in bolted flange joints? In this article, Bob Davis introduces several options to evaluate bolted flange designs with the goal of minimizing the risk of leakage without risking damage to any of the joint components.

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SIMFLEX-IV: A Modern Pipe Stress Engineering Solution

SIMFLEX-IV, the latest update to E2G’s cloud-based piping stress analysis software, will help you prevent potential failures by improving the structural integrity of piping systems and supporting structures. In a single run, you will be able to assess sustained, occasional, and displacement stresses at every data point throughout the piping system. This article introduces you to fast and easy ways to integrate advanced static and dynamic piping stress analysis into your daily workflow.

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