News & Insights from Dynaflow Research Group

Engineering Training

DRG training courses 2026

Our 2025 classroom training course schedule for CAESAR II Statics, CAESAR II Dynamic and PV-Elite is online! We also offer a wide range of online training courses in fiberglass engineering, fluid flow, piping and pressure vessel design.

Read More »
tray weld analysis, finite element analysis, ASME standards, weld fatigue, vessel support integrity, thermal stresses, cyclic stress assessment, support ring weld, tray stability
Consulting

Tray Weld Finite Element Analysis

The vessel under consideration features three horizontal trays positioned at different elevations. These perforated trays are supported by and welded to a support ring, which

Read More »
fiberglass fire water system, FRP piping stress analysis, pipe stress analysis software, thrust block settlements, underground piping failures
Fiberglass Engineering

Fiberglass Fire Water System: Stress Analysis

At an oil refinery plant in Saudi Arabia, a fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) pipe fire water system has been installed, predominantly buried underground. Since its installation, the system has experienced several failures. DRG was tasked with conducting a comprehensive pipe stress analysis to assess the system’s integrity. This analysis focused on

Learn More »
floating head heat exchanger, fatigue analysis, cyclic loading, Finite Element analysis, heat exchanger durability
Fatigue Assessment

Floating Head Heat Exchanger Fatigue Analysis

In a new industrial process, an existing floating head heat exchanger is being repurposed. The operational conditions involve cyclic loading, which were not originally considered during its design phase. To evaluate the impact of these cyclic loads on the heat exchanger, Dynaflow Research Group conducted a comprehensive fatigue analysis. Analysis

Learn More »
gas compressor station, offshore compressor design, compressor unit analysis, Dynaflow Research Group, gas compression optimization, structural integrity assessment, piping thermal expansion, compressor nozzle evaluation
Fluid Flow

Gas Compressor Station Assessment

A gas compressor station, comprising five similar compressor units connected by an inlet and outlet header, is planned for offshore construction in Mexico. Each unit features three compressor stages that elevate the gas pressure from ambient levels to 95 bar. This substantial pressure increase is accompanied by a significant temperature

Learn More »
pipe stress analysis, oil and gas extraction, engineering solutions, static and dynamic stress analysis, pipeline integrity, multiphase flow lines, equipment stress assessment, fitness for service assessment, pulsation study, flange load analysis
Oil & Gas

Pipe Stress Analysis for an Oil and Gas Extraction Facility

Dynaflow Research Group (DRG) conducted comprehensive pipe stress analyses for a large oil and gas extraction facility. This facility comprises three onshore flow stations, one offshore flow station, and a gas export compressor station. Crude oil and gas are transported from the wells to the flow stations, where the crude

Learn More »
Fire water system analysis, surge analysis, stress analysis
Firewater

Fire Water System on an LNG Plant: Stress and Surge Analysis

A comprehensive stress and surge analysis was performed for the firewater piping system of an LNG plant located in South America. The system, constructed using Glassfiber Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) pipes, underwent a dynamic response analysis to account for the largest and most critical unbalanced forces. Surge Analysis The existing firewater

Learn More »
fuel jetty events, slug formation, slug forces, vibration analysis
Surge Analysis

Two-Phase Flow Analysis of Fuel Jetty Terminal

A fuel jetty terminal operator expressed concerns about potential two-phase flow issues during off-loading operations. The client indicated that trapped nitrogen used for purging lines could mix with the liquid being off-loaded when empty ship tanks were flushed with inert nitrogen.  This scenario raised the possibility of slug flow development,

Learn More »
firewater engineering
Firewater

Stress Analysis Review of Critical Fire Water System Sections

In this case study, a number of critical sections in an already installed fire water system were selected for review. At the time of the analysis, earlier on-site interventions had already been made, motivated by pipe failures. The analysis aimed to determine if additional interventions were necessary. Analysis Based on

Learn More »
stress analysis, pipe stress engineering, gre, glassfiber reinforced epoxy, piping system
Fiberglass Engineering

Stress Analysis of a GRE Firewater Piping System

This case study describes the stress analysis performed on a firewater piping system located in the Middle East. The system was constructed using Glassfier Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) pipes. Most of the piping was buried underground and included several connections to above-ground steel piping, fire hydrants, and similar equipment. Analysis The

Learn More »
compressors and pumps
Pulsation Studies

Mechanical Response of a Flow Station: Pulsation Analysis

Introduction At a Flow Station in Nigeria, vibration issues were observed in the suction and discharge headers, as well as the pump recirculation line. To address these concerns and identify potential underlying issues, DRG conducted a comprehensive pulsation analysis combined with a mechanical response assessment. Analysis A stress model was

Learn More »
pulsations analysis, vibration analysis, gas compresssion station
Oil & Gas

Pulsation and Vibration Analysis of a Gas Compression Station

Introduction In this case study, we explored the pulsation and vibration phenomena at a gas compression station equipped with four centrifugal compressors. These compressors generate flow pulsations due to the action of the impellors, which can excite the system’s acoustic and mechanical natural frequencies. To understand and evaluate the system’s

Learn More »
Dynamic stress and vibration analysis for a gasoil hydrofiner
Oil & Gas

Dynamic Stress And Vibration Analysis For A Gasoil Hydrofiner

Introduction During the start-up and normal operation phases of a Gasoil Hydrofiner system, significant vibrations were observed in its piping. These vibrations, described as “large amplitude,” were particularly concerning. The unit’s piping was divided across four separate pipelines. Analysis Upon examining the system under various process conditions, it was determined

Learn More »
Fluid Flow

Mitigating Pressure Surge Impact In A Process Line At BASF Antwerp

Pressure surges ocurr in piping systems whenever there are sudden changes in flow resistance from steady operation. Surges can cause significant damage, also at locations far removed from where they are initiated. For large or complex piping systems, this can make their impact challenging to predict without specialist analysis. Dynaflow

Learn More »
Engineer,Oil,Gas,Energy,Plant,Industry,Night,Light,Background,,Power, asset integrity
Oil & Gas

Vibration Enhancement In An Oil Wash Line

Introduction In this case study, we encountered undesirable vibrations in the downstream line of an angle control valve within a wash oil line. Initially, the upstream wash oil boasted a pressure of 150 bar and a temperature of 400°C. However, downstream of the valve, there was a significant pressure drop

Learn More »
surge analysis, static stress analysis, ballast system on a vessel
Fiberglass Engineering

Preventive Analysis Of A Fiberglass Ballast System On A Vessel

Introduction A surge analysis and static stress analysis were necessitated for an FRP ballast water system following a prior incident to prevent its recurrence. The ballast system’s function was to redistribute water among compartments to balance oil storage. Analysis Surge Analysis One of the main objectives of the surge analysis

Learn More »
surge analysis, Fire Fighting System

A Deluge Fire Fighting System

Introduction In the North Sea, three monopiles were equipped with a deluge fire-fighting system. To ensure its effectiveness, a water hammer calculation was carried out. This system comprised a two-ring fire water setup, with four sprinkler lines linked to the lower ring. Additionally, considerations were made for potential future scenarios

Learn More »
fiberglass, gre system, fire fighting system

GRP Fire Fighting System

Introduction In the context of a gas facility, the addition of new units necessitated the enhancement of the existing firewater system. This system was designed to ensure a reliable source of firewater storage, make-up, and distribution capacity to effectively address the plant’s fire safety requirements. Analysis The objectives of the

Learn More »
vibration analysis,

Vibration Reduction In A Process Piping Project

Introduction In this case study, the focal point was addressing the high vibration levels observed in the process piping extending from a heat exchanger to a separator. Concerns were raised regarding the potential for dynamic stress to induce fatigue failures in the equipment nozzles over time. The flow within the

Learn More »
vibration analysis, chemical plant
Vibration Analysis

A 16” Line On A Chemical Plant

Introduction In this case study, we addressed a notable vibration issue observed in the main 16” line at a chemical plant, which was suspected to stem from slug flow. Specifically, the concern centered around the 16” pipe connection linking a low-temperature separator and a heat exchanger. Dynaflow Research Group was

Learn More »
cooling water piping on a dredger, surge analysis

Cooling Water Piping On A Dredger

Introduction This case involved fulfilling a client’s request to perform a surge analysis and static and dynamic stress analysis about the cooling water lines and associated supporting steel on a dredger. Analysis The objective of the surge analysis was to define the cooling water flow rates during a steady state

Learn More »