PV Elite and CodeCalc Version 28.0 Overview

PV Elite and its integrated CodeCalc module (Version 28.0, released in late 2025 by Hexagon) is a comprehensive software suite for the design, analysis, and evaluation of pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and storage tanks per international codes like ASME Section VIII Div. 1/2/3, ASME B31.3, PD 5500, EN 13445, and API 650/620. It’s widely used in oil & gas, petrochemical, power, and nuclear industries for compliance, optimization, and fitness-for-service assessments.

Hexagon PV Elite 28.0 PV Elite v2026 PVElite 28

Hexagon PV Elite 28.0 PV Elite v2026 PVElite 28

Key Components

PV Elite Core: Handles full vessel analysis including cylindrical shells, heads, nozzles, flanges, supports, and seismic/wind loads.
CodeCalc: Standalone/quick-calc tool for localized stress analysis of components like nozzles, pads, flanges, and WRC 107/537 checks. Fully integrated but can run independently.

What’s New in Version 28.0

This version emphasizes AI-assisted workflows, cloud integration, enhanced API 653 evaluations, and improved user interface for faster iterations. Major updates include:

Feature Category	Updates in v28.0
Code Compliance	– Full support for ASME VIII Div. 3 2023 Addenda (high-pressure vessels). – New API 653 Chapter IX rules for thin stacks. – Updated EN 13445-3:2021 for non-circular vessels.
Analysis Enhancements	– AI-driven automatic nozzle optimization (reduces iterations by ~40%). – Fatigue analysis per ASME VIII-2 Part 5 with variable amplitude loading. – Advanced FEA export to Ansys/ABAQUS with automated mesh refinement.
User Interface & Productivity	– Redesigned ribbon interface with dark mode and customizable dashboards. – Batch processing for 100+ vessels. – Integrated 3D viewer with VR export for reviews.
CodeCalc Specific	– WRC 107/537 v2.0 with improved discontinuity stresses. – Head-to-shell junction checks per new AD 2000 Merkblatt. – Quick flange rating per ASME VIII-1 UG-44 with gasket database.
Reporting & Integration	– Customizable PDF/HTML reports with embedded 3D models. – API for Python scripting and Hexagon’s cloud platform (SDS2 integration). – Digital twin support for real-time monitoring.
Performance	– 25% faster vessel analysis on multi-core CPUs/GPUs. – Reduced memory usage for large models (>10,000 nozzles).

System Requirements

Component	Minimum	Recommended
OS	Windows 10/11 (64-bit)	Windows 11 Pro
CPU	Intel i5 (8 cores) or equiv.	Intel i9/AMD Ryzen 9 (16+ cores)
RAM	16 GB	64 GB+
GPU	Integrated (for UI)	NVIDIA RTX 30-series (for FEA preview)
Storage	10 GB free	SSD 500 GB+
.NET	4.8+	6.0

Licensing and Access

Subscription-based: Annual/perpetual with maintenance. Starts at ~$5,000/user (volume discounts available).
Download: Official from Hexagon’s portal (requires account): hexagonppm.com/products/pv-elite. Free 30-day trial available.
Training: Online modules and certification via Hexagon University.

Common Use Cases and Tips

Vessel Design: Input geometry → Auto-generate wall thickness → Check MAWP/MAEP.
Nozzle Analysis (CodeCalc): For a nozzle on shell: Enter dims → Run WRC → Review peak stresses (SL, S3 categories).
Re-rating: Import as-built data → Simulate corrosion → Confirm new hydrotest pressure.

Example CodeCalc Workflow (Nozzle Check):

1. Open CodeCalc > Nozzle on Cylinder. 2. Input: Shell t=25mm, D=2000mm; Nozzle OD=150mm, t=12mm; Ip=20MPa. 3. Loads: P=15MPa, Mx=My=0 (symmetric). 4. Run → Results: SR1=145MPa (< allowable 1.5*Sm).

If you need help with a specific calculation, input file troubleshooting, release notes PDF, or comparison to prior versions (e.g., v27.0), provide more details! For official docs, check the built-in Help menu or Hexagon support.