Add on Modules
PLE additional modules
Ple4Win is built with a modular license structure, allowing users to tailor the software to their specific needs. At its core, the software includes basic modules for performing standard flexibility, stress, and strain analyses. Additional specialized modules can be added to the license as needed to support advanced applications and methodologies.
These modules are organized into seven functional categories, each with its own specific purpose:
- Non-linear Modules (Blue)
Enable advanced calculations using non-linear analysis methods, offering greater accuracy for complex pipeline behavior. - Soil-related Modules (Brown)
Incorporate additional soil constraints and conditions into the analysis, improving the accuracy of simulations involving soil-structure interaction - Offshore Modules (Purple)
Designed for pipelines on the seabed or riser tie-ins, these modules handle offshore-specific load cases and environmental conditions. - Check Modules (Gold)
Evaluate results in accordance with various pipeline code requirements, allowing for automated compliance checks based on design standards. - Interface Modules (Pink)
Facilitate the import of pipeline data from external design programs, ensuring smooth integration into existing workflows. - Connection Modules (Orange)
Model complex pipeline connections, such as tees, joints, SiS (Steel-in-Steel), and PiP (Pipe-in-Pipe) configurations. - Miscellaneous Modules (Grey)
Support additional functionalities like construction phasing and table-based supports, enhancing modeling flexibility.
List of included modules:
- The Large angle-module (L) allows non-linear geometric calculation of the displacements, internal forces, and related soil and support reactions, based on equilibrium of the external load system on the deformed pipe structure.
- The Ovalisation redistribution (R) module redistributes local ring ovalisations, based on harmonic dependent wave length.
- The Non-linear limited bend angle (Q) module in combination with the non-linear geometric section module, limited bend angle and altered (bend) stiffness due to ovalisation are taken into account.
- With the Non-linear elastoplastic material module (M0), yielding of the (steel) material is taken into account (only in a last phase or one phase only).
- The Alternating yield module (M1) enables the advanced functionality for analysing the behaviour of pipelines under cyclic loading conditions.
- The Anisotropic module (V) enables to distinguish between the material stiffness module (E) in longitudinal and circumferential direction and distinguish between normal and bending stressing.
- With the Upheaval buckling module (Z), in case of outbreak of the pipeline due to (upheaval) buckling, the soil mechanical data are adjusted due to the displacement of the pipe.
- The Soil model wizard (X0) converts measured soil profiles and/or given soil layer stacks into specific pipe-soil mechanical data.
- The Soil curves module (C) adds additional curves instead of bi-linear R-δ soil curves. This module also enables the use of a spatial ´slack´ space around the pipeline.
- With Soil ring-stiffness module (U) the soil reaction pressure due to ovalisation of the cross section is taken into account.
- The Wave/current module (W) is specifically applicable for on-bottom stability of offshore pipelines and riser tie-in structures. Airy and Stokes 5th order waves may be applied.
- The Back tension offshore module (B) is under development.
- With the Check NEN 3650 module (T0), the analysis will be performed according to the criteria as stated in the Dutch Pipeline Code “NEN 3650 Requirements for pipeline systems”. The addition ‘-2’ relates to steel pipelines. Apart from the stresses as calculated if the “general” analysis is selected, the stress components Sp and Sv are calculated according to the Dutch NEN 3650:2012 Rules for Pipelines. These stresses are expressed as unit-stresses to the specified limit stress of the pipe material. A stress classification facility is provided, showing as well the cross-sections in which the allowable stress has been exceeded.
- With the Check Belgian law module (T1), the analysis will be performed according to the criteria as stated in the “Reglementering van het vervoer door middel van leidingen, 1993, en Addendum 1998 (bis)” and the results are reported accordingly. In Belgium the limit state of a pipeline is set by law and in case of gas pipelines specific details are referred to the ASME-B31.8 Pipeline Code. The same stress checking criteria are used. Although not specifically required wall bending stressing can be included optionally. Also for example on minimum wall thickness is checked.
- With the Check ASME B31.8 module (T8), the analysis will be performed according to the criteria as stated in the American Pipeline Code ASME B31 “ASME B31.8 Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems“. The specific stress checking is based on the various criteria set for combinations of stresses.
- The PCF Import module (E1) allows to import pipeline configurations through the Isogen PCF file (*.pcf). This Piping Component File can be generated by a variety of pipeline and piping design programs such as AutoCAD Plant3D, Intergraph Smart 3D, PDS, CADWorx etc. Currently, this new functionality only generates data for the ‘Pipeline origin’, the ‘Pipeline polygon points’ and the ‘Outer diameter’ input tables.
- The Tees & Branching module (Y) allows to specify tees and branches to the main pipeline. Tees to tees are allowed. Tees may be looped. The tees module includes a T-piece specification option including bending stiffness and stress intensification determination. The stress intensification factors are determined according to ‘ASME B31.8’ or ‘NEN-EN 13480-3’.
- With the articulated pipeline module (J) a series of internal connection joints in the pipeline can be modelled, for instance pipes connected by means of sleeve joints. Several joint types are available.
- The Steel-in-Steel module (H) also known as ‘Pipe-in-Pipe (PiP)’, allows to specify a medium tube protected by a casing tube. The medium tube is supported by the casing tube by means of rollers.
- The Mitre bends module (I) enables the user to configure mitre bends. Where a smooth bend consists of curved elements, a mitred bend is built up of straight parts with a kink between them. The stress intensification factors are determined according to the ‘TGSL-1986’ or ‘NEN 3650-1:2020’.
- The Phasing module (F) allows the continuation of a next construction phase on a previous phase. The soil deformations and stresses and strains are transferred. Non-linear material behaviour can be applied in the last phase only.
- The Table support module (O) enables the use of a special non-linear support in the sense that the support is active only in vertical downward direction and support reaction may generate a horizontal friction reaction force.