Engineering Simulations Inc. has analyzed over 80 blowcases to confirm their design and evaluate/extend their predicted fatigue life. The blowcases have ranged in size from 2 to 20 feet long, 6 inches to 36 inches diameter, horizontally supported on saddles or vertically oriented.

Clients normally specify the starting ASME Section VIII Division 1 design, operating cycle conditions such as pressure and temperature range, cycle time, and desired design life. ESI will assess the design and, if necessary, suggest changes to repad design, weld size, or even nozzle, head or shell thickness.

Nozzles and other appurtenances are usually simulated in separate finite element models to allow small details, important in predicting peak stresses, to be included.