Category: Engineering

Engineering

Finite Element Analysis Benchmarking

We are in the process of integrating a new FEA software package into our workflow, and we are currently running a batch of example tests, some of them based upon classic textbook problems, some of them based upon benchmarking guidelines from recognized analysis packages (ie, Abaqus, etc).

The basic idea behind this approach is if a classical solution can be emulated using FEA then it can constitute a good verification of the accuracy of the FEA software package, as well as our analysis skills.

This approach is not without fault, however, as most classical textbook cases are simplified problems configured in a specific manner which facilitates manual calculation and solving, and which in some cases can be counterintuitive to model in a FEA simulation, specially in what pertains to boundary conditions.

 

Join us in this process, feel free to download our current brochure and request copies of the benchmarking tests, or the open source FEA package we are currently integrating, and feel free to participate by suggesting new benchmarks or case studies. Besides these files we can also grant access to our remote simulation and analysis environment, as well as our remote postprocessing tool, based upon Paraview Glance.

Engineering

Bulk Loading Filters

Bulk loading filters, also called rock catchers or de-rockers, are used to keep oversized lumps of material from entering the bulk loading system onboard ships or drilling rigs, potentially resulting in damage to equipment or piping. The bulk loading filter is fitted with a heavy duty mesh (mesh hole size of 10 mm), located inside the package, which crushes oversized material or traps it into a small collection area for removal.

The package is fitted with Weco Wing quick connection couplings (fig. 200 or equivalent, other options can be identically accommodated) as well as pressure indicators located upstream and downstream from the mesh, allowing for easy visual identification of the operational condition of the filter. The package is also fitted with a pneumatic air connection (ball valve and check valve) which can be used to clean the interior.

 

The bulk loading filter package has been designed accounting for design pressures of up to 16 bar, and minimum design temperatures of -20ºC. Its introduction into the bulk loading system will impose a minimal head loss which can increase as the filter gets clogged, hence the importance of keeping regular readings of the local pressure indicators to ensure the package is operating in optimum working conditions. The size of the collecting mesh can be adjusted to other mesh hole sizes as preferred by the customer.

Besides bulk loading filters, we can design and supply other types of equipment such as bulk tanks or cyclone dust collectors.

Engineering

Supply of Steam Heater Skid

From a project delivered earlier this year including the design and production of a low pressure steam skid compliant with Class requirements, to be installed onboard a series of gas tankers as part of a ballast water management system. The skid uses low pressure steam on the hot side of the heat exchanger to increase temperature of fluid on the cold side. Steam pressure and flow can be adjusted by the flow control valve, through the combined action of cascaded controllers based upon the readings of transmitters located on both circuits.

Steam Heater Skid

 

The skid uses low pressure steam on the hot side of the heat exchanger to increase temperature of fluid on the cold side. Steam pressure and flow can be adjusted by the flow control valve, through the combined action of cascaded controllers based upon the readings of transmitters located on both circuits.