Seismic Analysis of High Energy Pipes in Thermal Power Plants

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on optimization of structural design of pipe systems including pipe supports in Thermal Power plants. The project intends to control the response (due to seismic accelerations leading to reaction forces in pipe supports) of high energy piping system such that the pipe vibration does not reach alarming value. This work also intends to check on loads on equipment due to the piping system. For doing the same seismic analysis is done for a MDOF elastic pipe system using PIPSYS 1.3 for both response spectra analysis approach and time history analysis approach. (Referring various standard like IS 1893, ASCE 4.98, ASME BPV Section VIII (Div I & II), ASME BPV Section II, ASME B 31.1 etc)

The response of the system is controlled by placing the restraints in pipe systems so as to achieve the required reaction forces and displacements. This involves a dual iterative technique as not only will the restraint location have to satisfy the seismic analysis but it is also subject to thermal flexibility analysis.

The comparison had been made for both static and dynamic analysis to get the real response of the system during the seismic analysis and to optimize both structural and support design.