ANSI, S.L.

Client: ANSI, S.L.
Challenge: Design a walkway and stair infrastructure to provide access and facilitate inspection and maintenance tasks in a system of evaporators and concentrator tanks for the paper industry.
Services:Design and 3D Modelling; Structural Calculations and Simulation; Parts Lists and Manufacturing Drawings.

The project consists of a set of platforms and staircases, including straight flights, cat ladders, and spiral stairs. These are delivered as welded assemblies fabricated in the workshop, complete with handrails and bracket supports made from folded sheet metal. These elements are fixed using bolted connections to pre-welded interface points on the walls of the tanks.

From the Easyworks engineering office, we have divided the development of this project into four stages:

1. Receipt from the client of a 3D model in STEP format of the existing installations (tanks, piping, flanges, valves, etc.), obtained from an on-site 3D scanning survey. In addition, schematic drawings are provided, showing the approximate layout of the walkways, their levels, and the desired access points.
2. We carry out a conceptual design using Tekla Structures, obtaining a preliminary sizing of the structure and sufficient progress for initial approvals.
3. Final calculation and detailed sizing of structural profiles and connections.
4. Preparation of Bills of Materials, Part Drawings, Assembly Drawings, and Installation Drawings.

During the conceptual design phase, we leveraged the information provided on the existing structures. In many cases, it was more efficient to support the new platforms on these pre-existing structures.

Straight flights, cat ladders, spiral staircases, handrails, and connections were all modelled using Tekla macros. Thanks to these applications, the generation process for these structural assemblies is significantly faster.

Finally, the folded sheet metal brackets supporting the platforms, which are fixed to the lugs provided on the tanks, were calculated and dimensioned using finite element analysis with SOLIDWORKS Simulation. This allowed for an accurate assessment of maximum stresses and the prediction of potential local instability phenomena, such as sheet metal buckling due to excessive compression.

Thanks to ANSI for trusting in us! ♥