FEA on Custom Heater Return Bends
Budget: $3,000 – $5,000 USD
I need a finite-element stress check on a 180° return bend that will sit inside a direct-fired heater coil. This return bend is built by butt-welding two 90° wrought elbows made of 347AP stainless steel. The extrados wall is machined with a 0.25-inch deep pocket that will be filled with Stellite. Because of this pocket, this geometry falls outside the scope of API 530, I want to confirm its integrity under internal pressure only.
Scope of the study
• Two load cases: 600 psig internal pressure with the elastic allowable stress from API 530 and 380 psig with the rupture allowable stress from API 530. I can provide the allowable stresses for each case. For both cases the design metal temperature is 1390 °F.
•Include the minimum length necessary of the upstream and downstream piping to run the analysis.
• No external forces or moments need to be considered.
• The dimensions and details of these return bends will be provided.
What I expect to receive
1. Native FEA model (ANSYS, Abaqus, or comparable) plus a neutral STEP file.
2. Stress and displacement contour plots for all cases, highlighting peak stresses.
3. A concise calculation note that describes assumptions, mesh details, boundary conditions, and compares results against allowable stresses in the relevant ASME section.
4. A comparison of the maximum simulated stress vs the allowable stresses provided.
5. The report is needed by August 10th 2026.
6. If either case fails, advise on the maximum acceptable pressure for that case.
Keep element quality reasonable and demonstrate mesh convergence; I am looking for a professional, readily-auditable package rather than an illustration. Let me know the software you prefer and your turnaround time once you have my fabrication drawing and design temperature.
Scope of the study
• Two load cases: 600 psig internal pressure with the elastic allowable stress from API 530 and 380 psig with the rupture allowable stress from API 530. I can provide the allowable stresses for each case. For both cases the design metal temperature is 1390 °F.
•Include the minimum length necessary of the upstream and downstream piping to run the analysis.
• No external forces or moments need to be considered.
• The dimensions and details of these return bends will be provided.
What I expect to receive
1. Native FEA model (ANSYS, Abaqus, or comparable) plus a neutral STEP file.
2. Stress and displacement contour plots for all cases, highlighting peak stresses.
3. A concise calculation note that describes assumptions, mesh details, boundary conditions, and compares results against allowable stresses in the relevant ASME section.
4. A comparison of the maximum simulated stress vs the allowable stresses provided.
5. The report is needed by August 10th 2026.
6. If either case fails, advise on the maximum acceptable pressure for that case.
Keep element quality reasonable and demonstrate mesh convergence; I am looking for a professional, readily-auditable package rather than an illustration. Let me know the software you prefer and your turnaround time once you have my fabrication drawing and design temperature.