Engineering

Hexagon’s PIPESTRESS has been the trusted solution for nuclear piping analysis for decades, delivering unmatched accuracy and reliability for some of the most critical piping systems in the world. With the release of PIPESTRESS 8.0, Hexagon takes nuclear piping analysis to the next level, introducing powerful new features and capabilities that help engineers ensure compliance, optimize performance and achieve maximum safety in their facilities.

This latest release is designed to meet the unique demands of the nuclear industry, where precision and reliability are paramount. From new nuclear-specific analysis codes to a groundbreaking next-generation solver, PIPESTRESS 8.0 empowers engineers to tackle complex challenges with confidence and efficiency. 

What’s New in PIPESTRESS 8.0?

PIPESTRESS 8.0 is packed with enhancements that address the evolving needs of nuclear facilities and other high-reliability environments. Here’s a closer look at the key updates: 

1. Expanded Nuclear Capabilities

PIPESTRESS 8.0 introduces critical updates to nuclear-specific codes, ensuring compliance with the latest standards and enhancing the accuracy of your analyses. Highlights include: 

• ASME BPVC Sec III Div 1 NB: Updates to these essential codes support the design and analysis of Class 1 nuclear piping systems, ensuring the highest levels of safety and reliability.
• ASME BPVC Sec III Div 1 NCD: Also updated ASME Nuclear to support Class 2/3 nuclear piping systems.
• RCC-M 2022: Incorporating the latest updates to the French nuclear code for the design and construction of nuclear power plants.
• ASME HDPE Piping: Support for high-density polyethylene piping, which is gaining traction as a cost-effective and corrosion-resistant material in nuclear applications.
• Improved Heat Transfer and Fatigue Solvers: Enhancements to these solvers provide even greater accuracy in Class 1 piping calculations, helping engineers address critical safety concerns. 

These updates make PIPESTRESS 8.0 the go-to solution for nuclear facilities striving to meet the most rigorous industry standards. 

2. New Critical Codes

In addition to nuclear-specific updates, PIPESTRESS 8.0 expands its extensive library of industry codes, providing even more tools to ensure compliance across a wide range of applications. New additions include:

• ASME B31J 2017: Offering updated stress intensification and flexibility factors for fittings, enabling more precise analyses.
• ASME B31.1 2020, 2022 and 2024: Supporting power piping systems with the latest standards.
• EN 13480 2024: Addressing the design and construction of metallic industrial piping in Europe.
• ASME B31.3 2020 and 2022: Ensuring compliance for process piping systems. 

These additions make it easier than ever to adapt to evolving industry requirements and maintain compliance in your projects. 

3. Seismic Load Calculations

PIPESTRESS 8.0 includes updates to ASME B31E, enhancing the accuracy of seismic load calculations for high-reliability designs. This is especially critical for nuclear facilities, where seismic events pose a significant risk to safety and operational continuity.’ 

4. Next-Generation

One of the most exciting features of PIPESTRESS 8.0 is the introduction of a next-generation solver, setting a new standard for performance and capability in piping analysis. This advanced solver offers:

• Multiple Modal Extraction: Allowing engineers to analyze multiple modes of vibration simultaneously for more comprehensive results.
• Multiple Time History Analysis: Enabling the evaluation of complex dynamic events with greater efficiency.
• Consistent Mass Model Modal Analysis: Improving the accuracy of modal analyses by ensuring consistency across models. 

These innovations dramatically improve the speed and precision of piping analyses, helping engineers save time while maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability. 

5. RCC-MRx Implementation

PIPESTRESS 8.0 includes the implementation of the RCC-MRx standard, which is critical for the design of high-temperature reactors, research reactors and fusion reactors. This addition underscores PIPESTRESS’s commitment to supporting cutting-edge nuclear technologies and enabling engineers to push the boundaries of innovation. 

Discover a More Efficient Nuclear Facility 

In the nuclear industry, where safety and compliance are non-negotiable, PIPESTRESS 8.0 delivers the tools engineers need to meet the highest standards with confidence. Whether you’re designing new systems, performing maintenance on existing infrastructure or exploring advanced reactor technologies, this latest release provides the capabilities you need to succeed. 

From expanded code support to groundbreaking solver technology, PIPESTRESS 8.0 is designed to address the unique challenges of nuclear piping analysis. By leveraging these advanced features, your organization can enhance safety, optimize performance and maintain compliance in even the most demanding environments. 

Want to learn more about PIPESTRESS 8.0? Check out our latest “What’s New” webinar and take the first step toward revolutionizing your nuclear engineering workflows.