1. Software Access, Installation, and Requirements
Q1. Does the software require internet access?
Yes. It needs an internet connection to connect to the Akselos Cloud, perform simulations, and download simulation results for post-processing.
Q2. What are the system requirements?
Minimum hardware requirements:
Minimum 4 GB of physical memory (8 GB or more is recommended for large models)
500 MB of free disk space (5–10 GB may be required for large models)
Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11 (Windows 11 is recommended)
Windows 64-bit
Q3. How do I download the Akselos installer?
After registering and being granted permission to access your Akselos Portal, log in and download the Akselos Modeler installer and the Plugin from the Akselos Portal (portal.akselos.com).
Q4. Do I need administrator privileges to install the software?
During installation, administrator privileges are required if installing for “Everybody”. For “Only for me”, administrator privileges are not needed.
2. Getting Started and Support
Q5. How can I get started using the software?
Reach out to our experts at [email protected].
Q6. Where can I get technical support? Are there training resources available?
Our support team offers onboarding activities and documents to get you familiar with the software. Tutorials are available from our support system (e-Learning). For any technical issues, suggestions, or ideas, submit them to [email protected].
Q7. What is next if I have the model ready for running live?
Please contact Akselos support at [email protected] to configure live monitoring jobs and Dashboard.
3. Platform and Reactor Wizard Requirements
Q8. What are the key components of the Akselos Integra® platform used in the SPM for Reactors workflow?
Akselos Modeler (desktop application): Build reactor models, define geometry, materials, load conditions, and visualize results.
Akselos Cloud (server back-end): Performs all simulation solving with high-speed computations.
Akselos Portal (web front-end): Manage collections, track simulation jobs, view live monitoring dashboards, and access shared results.
Q9. What are the initial steps before using the Reactor Wizard?
Create an Akselos Portal account, ensure access to the necessary workspace and collections, and set up a blank collection to serve as the foundation for your model.
Q10. What are the CAD requirements for preparing a model for Reactor Wizards?
The CAD geometry must follow specific guidelines for simplification, componentization, and naming conventions, as outlined in the User Manual.
Q11. What are the general mesh requirements for the Reactor Wizards?
Mesh files must be in supported formats (.exo, .inp, .nas, .bdf, .dat), use solid hexahedral or tetrahedral elements, have a Jacobian value greater than 10⁻⁸, and a Scaled Jacobian of at least 0.2.
Q12. How does Akselos use "stored selections" in mesh files for automation?
“Stored selections” (entity sets such as sidesets, nodesets, or block sets) define groups of entities for applying boundary conditions, loads, and post-processing. They must have predefined IDs and consistent naming.
Q13. What are “Stored Selection”, “Sideset” and “Block”?
Stored Selection: A named set of geometric entities saved for reuse.
Sideset: A group of element faces used to define boundaries for loads, constraints, or thermal conditions.
Block: A group of mesh elements used to assign materials or identify distinct components.
Q14. What are some key Sideset ID Definitions for Reactor Wizards and their purposes?
1xx: Connection surfaces between components
200: Inner surfaces (for inner convection, nozzle loads, internal pressure)
201: General outer surfaces (for outer convection)
202: Bottom outer surfaces (e.g., skirt bottom for convection)
300: Constraint surfaces
7xx: Radiation surfaces (e.g., between skirt and shell)
Q15. What is the purpose of the Material Definition step in the Reactor Model-Load Configuration wizard?
It is used as a material library where temperature-dependent material properties (Young's Modulus, Poisson's Ratio, Mass Density, Coefficient of Thermal Expansion, Thermal Conductivity, Specific Heat) are defined for accurate thermo-structural analysis.
4. MPT Analysis
Q16. What is the purpose of the Akselos Structural Performance Management (SPM) workflow for reactors?
The Akselos SPM workflow is designed to provide advanced structural performance management for Hydrocracking Unit (HCU) reactors in modern refineries. It uses a physics-based digital twin to combine sensor data, inspection reports, and design information, aiming to prevent brittle fracture and optimize operational efficiency.
Q17. What is MPT analysis?
The Minimum Pressurization Temperature (MPT) is the lowest temperature at which a Hydrocracking Unit (HCU) reactor can be safely pressurized without the risk of brittle fracture.
MPT analysis is a critical safety procedure for equipment that operates under a wide range of temperatures and pressures. By establishing and adhering to a Minimum Pressurization Temperature, operators can:
Prevent catastrophic failures such as explosions or ruptures
Protect personnel and the environment from the consequences of equipment failure
Ensure the long-term reliability and safe operational life of critical equipment
Q18. What are the three main stages of the Akselos MPT Assessment workflow?
Stage 1: Model Configuration with Reactor Wizards on Akselos Modeler – Initial setup using specialized wizards (Model Configuration, Sensor Information, MPT Curves) to build and synchronize simulation models to the Akselos Cloud.
Stage 2: MPT Assessment and Live Processing – Applets on Akselos Cloud stream live sensor data and perform thermo-mechanical analysis in real time.
Stage 3: Visualization on the MPT Dashboard – Displays results, live monitoring charts, and key performance indicators like the Utilization Factor.
Q19. What are the inputs to get started for MPT analysis?
INP mesh files following required rules
Streaming sensor data (e.g., via Azure Event Hub)
MPT curves
Q20. Why is heat transfer analysis crucial for MPT analysis?
It is essential for determining the vessel's temperature distribution and ensuring that computed temperature profiles align with metal temperature sensors for accurate through-thickness temperature variation assessment.