Part of the software arsenal within product development-related simulation and analysis will therefore disappear to Cadence, but in the rich flora that remains in ALI and that will be removed to the Octave spin-off CAESAR II 15 and PIPESTRESS 8 are the central solutions for pipe design and pipe analysis.
Interoperability and
Stringent International Standards
In general, Hexagon’s restructuring and sales of solutions highlight some of the difficulties that come with bringing together the digital tools located on the one hand in the product development area and on the other in manufacturing. The primary reasons for Hexagon’s sale of the D+E division to Cadence are, among other things, strategic, specifically to streamline the portfolio and focus on core areas such as sensors, robotics, and autonomous systems.
When it comes to CAESAR II and PIPESTRESS, an important point is that Hexagon integrates these tools with other software, like Intergraph Smart 3D and CADWorx, to create a complete design and analysis workflow (originally CAESAR also is an Intergraph product). This allows engineers to eliminate rework, improve collaboration, and save significant time and money.
Furthermore, both software packages are essential for ensuring that piping systems are safe and meet stringent international standards, including those from ASME and API.
Regarding the new versions of the software, Benoît Brioude notes that they reflect a shared direction for Hexagon’s portfolio:
”Cross process, power, and industrial projects, our goal is simple: help engineers and shops deliver designs with confidence. These releases bring up-to-date codes, a faster review experience, and practical features that improve accuracy and save time. We’re advancing our analysis solvers and review tools to solve complex problems, and review results faster, so teams can trust what they see and act sooner,” says Hexagon Analysis Solutions’ sales manager for Europe, and adds that they strengthen code coverage, analysis review, and functionality for customers across process, power, and industrial projects.
CAESAR II 15: Updated Codes and Improved Functionality
CAESAR II is, as mentioned above, the industry standard for pipe stress analysis. It is used by most of the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firms and many owner operators to assess flexibility, loads and compliance against piping codes across oil & gas, power, manufacturing and other industries.
The latest version features expanded support for key standards such as ASME and IBC, plus several new improvements designed to elevate performance and compliance across the board, including:
Code Updates – The latest updates to piping codes such as ASME B31.3 Process Piping 2024, B31.1 Power Piping 2024 and more.
PD5500 and IBC Updates – Updates to PD5500 and IBC for nozzle and environmental loading respectively are also implemented. As is the latest B31G for corroded pipelines.
Improved Functionality – Enhancements have been made to support multiple editions of codes and standards, in addition to easier report generation.
Added Features – Including the implementation of B31J 2023 edition and the addition of new configuration directives to give engineers more control.
PIPESTRESS 8: Advanced Features for Nuclear Piping Analysis
PIPESTRESS is a high-end pipe stress system with a strong focus on nuclear and safety-related projects. It is used by major owner operators such as EDF and by design and engineering firms like IDOM or large Nordic industry consultant AFRY.
PIPESTRESS 8 is engineered to help facilities achieve peak safety and performance. The latest version brings enhanced support for key industry codes, including ASME and EN, in addition to:
New Nuclear Capabilities – Updates to critical nuclear codes such as ASME BPVC Sec III Div 1 NB and NCD, RCC-M 2022 and ASME high-density polyethylene (HDPE) piping. Enhancements to the Heat Transfer and Fatigue solvers also provide improved Class 1 calculation capabilities
New Critical Codes – Introducing ASME B31J 2017, ASME B31.1 2022, EN 13480 2024, B31.3 2024 and more to PIPESTRESS’s extensive catalog of codes for ensuring compliance in your organization.
Additional Improvements – Updates to ASME B31E for accurately calculating seismic loads in your high-reliability designs.
Next-generation Solver – This release of PIPESTRESS will include the first release of our brand new next-generation solver. This solver will provide significant performance improvements and new capabilities such as multiple modal extraction, multiple time history and consistent mass model modal analysis
RCC-MRx Implementation – The next-generation solver implements the new RCC-MRx standard for perfecting the design of high-temperature, research and fusion reactors.
