1. General Information
Q1. What is this software used for?
The software is designed to simulate the structural behavior of flange-bolt assemblies through tightening and removal processes under operational or reduced conditions. It helps identify potential risks like leaks or preload loss, aiming to minimize downtime and maintenance costs.
Q2. What types of flange-bolt connections can be simulated?
The tool models flanges, bolts, gaskets, and pipes using predefined geometries that follow ASME standards such as B16.5-2020, B16.47-2020, B16.20-2007, B31.3-2018, and others.
Q3. What types of flanges are supported by the tool?
Currently, only Weld Neck Flanges are supported by the software.
Q4. What assessments are available in the Result Tab?
You can evaluate gasket performance, bolt stresses, flange rotation, and SCL (Straight-Line Curve) results within the Result tab.
Q5. What is Flange Rotation and why is it important?
Flange Rotation measures how much the flange tilts under load. Excessive rotation may lead to gasket failure or bolt preload loss, making it important to keep within safe limits.
Q6. How long does a typical simulation take?
Simulation time typically ranges from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on model size and cloud resource availability.
2. Installation & Technical Requirements
Q7. Does the software require internet access?
Yes, the tool needs an active internet connection to access Akselos Cloud for simulations and to download results.
Q8. Does Akselos SPM for Flanges require internet access?
Yes. It needs an Internet connection to connect to Akselos Cloud to perform simulation, and download simulation results for post-processing.
Q9. What are the system requirements?
At minimum, it requires 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended), 500 MB to 10 GB of disk space, and Windows 7–11 (64-bit). Windows 11 is preferred for best performance.
Q10. What is the Akselos "data directory"?
This is where mesh and model data are stored locally. By default, it’s in your user’s AppData folder, but you can change the location if needed.
Q11. Do I need administrator privileges to install the software?
Yes, if you choose the “Everybody” option during installation. If you install for “Only for me,” admin rights aren’t required.
Q12. How do I download the Akselos SPM for Flanges installer?
Once you’ve registered and been granted access to your trial organization, you can log into the Akselos Portal and download the installer from the designated folder.
3. Materials & Standards
Q13. What material models are available?
The tool supports linear elastic and gasket-specific material models. Plasticity models are planned for future updates.
Q14. What is the elasticity material standard applied in the tool?
The elastic material properties follow ASME BPVC 2023 Section II Part D.
Q15. What are the gasket materials applied in the tool?
Available materials include Graphite, Elastomer, Fibre, Mica, and PTFE, sourced from gasketdata.org.
Q16. Can I assign different materials to different components (flange, bolt, gasket, etc.)?
Yes, you can assign specific materials to each component, including flanges, bolts, gaskets, pipes, and welds.
Q17. Where is the material database stored and how do I access it?
The material database is hosted externally on Akselos Cloud and must be imported into your model using the appropriate permissions.
4. Simulation Setup & Load Conditions
Q18. Can I apply different loading conditions and steppings?
Yes, the software allows for detailed setup of bolt tightening sequences, loading scenarios, and bolt removal steps.
Q19. What types of loads are considered in the model
The model can apply Bolt Pretension, Internal Pressure, Temperature Load, Pipe Loads, and Clamping Load.
Q20. What are the different stages of the Load Sequence (Assembly, Operation, Hot Bolting)?
Assembly Stage: Bolts are preloaded.
Operation Stage: Normal working loads are applied.
Hot Bolting Stage: Bolts are loosened and replaced one at a time.
Q21. What does "Update Boundary Conditions" do?
It applies any recent changes to the boundary conditions in the simulation setup, ensuring they’re reflected in the model.
Q22. Does the software consider bolt relaxation or removal?
Yes, the simulation accounts for bolt relaxation and removal effects in the analysis.
5. Software Usage & Features
Q23. Can I import CAD models or Mesh files?
No. Geometry and mesh are generated internally by the software based on user-defined dimensions. External CAD or mesh imports are not supported.
Q24. Can I customize the meshing settings?
No, the software handles meshing automatically to ensure consistency across models.
Q25. What tools does the software have to support post-processing?
The tool includes post-processing features such as the Gasket Risk Matrix, Flange Rotation charts, Bolt Stress plots, and SCL visualization. A Leak Rate Chart is under development.
Q26. How does the software handle bolt tightening sequences?
It provides multiple predefined tightening patterns, such as Legacy, Modified Legacy, and One-Time Pattern.
Q27. What does "Root Bolt Diameter" mean and why is it important?
It refers to the minor diameter of the bolt threads, which varies based on thread type (e.g., UNC, UNF, 8UN). It’s essential for accurate bolt stress calculations.
Q28. Can I model pipes and welds along with the flange?
Yes, enabling the “Include Pipe and Weld” option will automatically generate those elements in the model.
6. Getting Started & Support
Q29. How can I get started using the software?
You can begin by contacting our support team at [email protected], who will guide you through onboarding and help set up your trial access.
Q30. Where can I get technical support? Are there training resources available?
Yes. Our support team offers onboarding assistance and access to e-learning tutorials. You can contact [email protected] for help, suggestions, or issue reporting.
Q31. How do I get support for Akselos SPM for Flanges?
You can always reach out to our team via [email protected] for technical assistance or general guidance.