Decision-making on pipe stress analysis enabled by knowledge-based systems

This paper presents engineering decision-making on pipe stress analysis through the application of knowledge-based systems (KBS). Stress analysis, as part of the design and analysis of process pipe networks, serves to identify whether a given pipe arrangement can cope with weight, thermal, and pressure stress at safe operation levels. An iterative process of design and analysis cycle is done routinely by engineers while analyzing the existing networks or while designing the process pipe networks. In our proposal, the KBS establishes a bidirectional communication with the current engineering software for pipe stress analysis, so that the user benefits from this integration. The stress analysis knowledge base is constructed by registering the senior engineers' know-how. The engineers' overall strategy to follow up during the pipe stress analysis, to some extent contained by the KBS, is presented. Advantages in saving engineering man-hours and usefulness in guiding experts in pipe stress analysis are the major services for the process industry.