Hello Naveed,

In the 2005 version we have integrated the thick expansion joint calculations within the ASME tubesheet module (it was already integrated in the TEMA tubesheet module).

In the ASME tubesheet module, these are the steps followed for a fixed tubesheet with a thick expansion joint:

• Use the TEMA formulae to compute the thick expansion joint spring rate.
• Then automatically use that computed spring rate to check the tubesheet/tubes/shell/channel per ASME UHX rules.
• Then use the TEMA formula to compute the prime pressures (ps', pt' and pd) for the tubesheet. This represents the equivalent pressures acting on the expansion joint. Part UHX of ASME code at this time (A-2004) does not provide these pressures.
• Use these prime pressures to compute the expansion joint stresses per TEMA.
• Compare the expansion joint stresses with the ASME code allowables per appendix 5.

So, you do not have to manually transfer the data from the expansion joint to tubesheet modules any more.

In the tubesheet module, once you have entered the expansion joint geometry then the program can compute its spring rate and use it. So, you do not need to re-enter the spring rate back in the input.

I hope it helps.