AutoPIPE Vessel is Bentley Systems' expert solution for the calculation and design of pressure appliances and heat exchangers. Among its most remarkable features is the Optimizer support : a tool based on artificial intelligence that automatically determines the optimal location of piping supports, without sacrificing safety or code compliance.
In brief:
- AutoPIPE Vessel Optimizer Support uses a genetic algorithm to automatically find the best configuration of piping supports.
- It can evaluate several thousand solutions in the background, while the engineer continues other tasks.
- The tool retains only the minimum number of supports necessary to meet all mechanical stress constraints, reducing material and labour costs.
- beCAD, Bentley Systems partner, supports sales, advice and training on AutoPIPE Vessel.
What is AutoPIPE Vessel?
AutoPIPE Vessel is a software specialized in the design and analysis of pressure devices: bladders, heat exchangers with tubes and grille, storage tanks and air coolers. It allows to model these equipment under different loading conditions (internal pressure, wind, earthquake) while ensuring compliance with the main international codes: ASME, EN13445, CODAP, AD-Merkblatter, PD 5500, GB, GOST.
Vessels, exchangers, tanks: AutoPIPE Vessel covers all static pressure devices.
Optimizer support: IA for support design
Supports are essential to the stability and safety of a pressurized device, but their manual dimensioning is time-consuming and often based on the engineer's experience rather than on real optimisation. The Optimizer support automates this process.
A genetic algorithm inspired by natural selection
Optimizer Support relies on a genetic algorithm, inspired by Darwin's theory of evolution. The process starts with an initial population of solutions that evolve from generation to generation: the least efficient solutions are eliminated, while the most promising inherit their characteristics to subsequent generations, until they converge towards an optimal configuration.
Each component, up to the tubular beam, can be automatically optimized.
Thousands of automatically evaluated solutions
Where an engineer would manually test some configurations, Optimizer Support can evaluate several thousand alternatives in a reduced time. The program rotates in the background while the engineer pursues further calculations, and retains only the minimum number of support points to respect all the stress parameters: a solution that is both more economical and fully compliant.
AutoPIPE Vessel 10 key points
| Key point | In practice |
|---|---|
| 1. Optimizer support by IA | Genetic algorithm for optimal media dimensioning. |
| 2. Large code library | ASME, EN13445, CODAP, AD-Merkblatter, PD 5500, GB, GOST. |
| 3. Automated design | Solutions proposals based on initial data, color code interface. |
| 4. Finished element analysis (FEA) | Accurate calculation of load distribution, even on non-symmetric devices. |
| 5. Advanced seismic analysis | Determination of fundamental frequency and mass distribution. |
| 6. Tubular beam design | Optimal layout, deflectors, central tube, in one click. |
| 7. Materials library | More than 2000 materials, compatible with all supported codes. |
| 8. Automated 2D/3D drawings | Instant export to DGN, DWG, IFC, without third-party software. |
| 9. Automatic classification | Lists of equipment generated in Excel format in seconds. |
| 10. Advanced customization | Design models, databases and support standards adaptable to the project. |
From storage tanks to air coolers, all static appliances are covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AutoPIPE Vessel Optimizer Support?
It is a tool based on a genetic algorithm that automatically determines the optimal location of piping supports or pressure apparatus, evaluating thousands of possible configurations.
Does the Optimizer Support replace the engineer?
No. It automates the repetitive configuration search work, but the engineer keeps total control: it can switch between automatic mode and verification mode at any time.
What types of AutoPIPE Vessel equipment can be designed?
Vessels, heat exchangers with tubes and grill, storage tanks and air coolers, in accordance with the main international codes of design under pressure.
Is AutoPIPE Vessel compatible with other design software?
Yes, especially via export to DGN, DWG, IFC and SolidWorks, as well as integration with tools such as HTRI, AspenTech or Honeywell in the Ultimate version.
Why choose AutoPIPE Vessel with beCAD?
As an approved Bentley Systems partner, beCAD provides research and industrial consultancy, sales and training on AutoPIPE Vessel and all Bentley solutions (MicroStation, OpenPlant, OpenRoads Designer, OpenBuildings Designer, iTwin Capture Modeler...). Our team helps you take advantage of Optimizer Support and other advanced features today.
