1. General & Installation

Q1. Does the software require internet access? 

Yes. It needs an Internet connection to connect to Akselos Cloud to perform simulations and download simulation results for post-processing.

Q2. What are the system requirements?

The minimum hardware requirements include:

• 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 can I get started using the software? 

Reach out to our experts at [email protected].

Q4. 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, and ideas, feel free to submit them to [email protected].

Q5. 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).

Q6. Do I need administrator privileges to install the software?

Yes, administrator privileges are required during the installation if you choose the "Everybody" option. If you choose "Only for me," admin permissions are not required.

2. Modeling & Pre-processing

Q7. What are the pre-processing requirements for the Reactor Wizards?

The main pre-processing requirements are a componentized CAD geometry and a high-quality mesh that follows specific naming and sideset conventions.

Q8. What are the requirements for CAD geometry?

The CAD geometry must be divided into smaller components (componentization) to ensure efficient processing. Critical areas like nozzles or weld lines should not be split. A consistent naming convention must be applied to all components for automated assembly and results extraction.

Q9. What is componentization? 

Componentization is the process of dividing the global CAD model into smaller, manageable components. This is required to keep the degrees of freedom (DOFs) for any single component below 500,000 and to avoid splitting regions of high stress, which ensures both computational efficiency and simulation accuracy.

Q10. Are there specific naming conventions for components? 

Yes. A strict naming convention is required for components, subdomains, and welds. This allows the Reactor Wizards to automatically identify parts, apply correct properties, and configure the simulation models correctly.

Q11. What are the requirements for the mesh?

The mesh should consist of high-quality HEX20 elements with a scaled Jacobian value greater than 0.2. The total degrees of freedom (DOFs) for the entire model should be under 4 million, with each individual component having fewer than 500,000 DOFs.

Q12. How are materials defined in the software? 

Materials are defined with temperature-dependent properties. Key parameters (Young’s Modulus, Poisson’s Ratio, Coefficient of Thermal Expansion, Thermal Conductivity, Specific Heat) are defined for accurate thermo-structural analysis.

Q13. What are “Stored Selection”, “Sideset” and “Block”?

• Stored Selection: A named set of geometric entities (faces, volumes, etc.) saved in the model to allow easy referencing across simulations.
• Sideset: A group of element faces used to define boundaries for loads, constraints, or thermal conditions. These are commonly used to apply pressure, convection, or fixed supports.
• Block: A group of mesh elements, typically used to assign materials or identify distinct components (e.g., shell, skirt, nozzle).

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, and internal pressure).
• 201: General outer surfaces (for outer surface convection).
• 202: Bottom outer surfaces (typically bottom of the skirt for convection).
• 300: Constraint surfaces (for load constraints).
• 7xx: Radiation surfaces (e.g., between skirt and shell).

3. Analysis & Wizards

Q15. What are the key components of the SPM for Reactors workflow? 

The workflow consists of two main wizards:

1. Reactor Model-Load Configuration Wizard: Used to build the heat and structural base models.
2. Reactor MPT Analysis Configuration Wizard: Used to configure MPT curves, and applet settings for the MPT assessment.
3. Sensor Configuration Wizard: Defines digital placeholders for each physical sensor, enabling the model to receive and synchronize with live monitoring data.
   
   

Q16. What is MPT and why is it important for HCU Reactors? 

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 achieve the following:

• 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.

Q17. How does the software perform MPT analysis?

The software performs a thermo-structural analysis. First, a heat transfer analysis determines the temperature distribution across the vessel based on sensor data. This temperature field is then applied to a structural model, which also includes internal pressure loads. The resulting stress and temperature at critical locations are compared against predefined MPT curves to calculate a Utilization Factor and assess the risk of brittle fracture.

Q18. What is the Utilization Factor (Um)? 

The Utilization Factor (Um) is a ratio that compares the calculated maximum principal stress at a specific location and temperature to the maximum allowable stress defined by the MPT curve for that same temperature. A Um value greater than 1.0 indicates that the operational stress exceeds the safety limit.

Q19. What is the difference between the Heat Model and the Structural Model?

• Heat Model: This model is used exclusively for thermal analysis. Its purpose is to calculate the temperature distribution throughout the reactor by simulating heat transfer (convection, radiation) based on sensor inputs.
• Structural Model: This model is used for stress analysis. It takes the temperature distribution from the heat model as a thermal load, combines it with mechanical loads (like internal pressure), and calculates the resulting stresses and deformations in the reactor.

4. Dashboard & Live Monitoring

Q20. 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 the Dashboard.