Interaction of multiple piping penetrations used in mining and petrochemical facilities

The paper presents numerical procedure for stress analysis of structural components surrounding piping penetrations used in oil and gas facilities. The stress components due to the web penetration are determined by introducing fictitious models with assumed normal and tangential force distributions. The magnitudes of these forces are determined by solving set of linear equations. The influence of the perforation eccentricity and spacing on the behaviour of the structure is highlighted for several opening configurations. The influence of the penetration spacing in the vertical and horizontal directions is also investigated. It is shown that the location of the maximum stress is also affected by the penetration spacing. Recommendations are proposed to optimize the pipe penetration spacing for various configurations. It is shown that more than 60% reduction in the web stress can be achieved.

► The interaction of multiple pipe penetrations is highlighted. ► Cost effective analysis procedure to be used in Oil & Gas industry is presented. ► Recommendations are proposed for optimum structural design. ► Design guidelines are developed to reduce the web stress by 60%.