FEA vs API-650 for low tank nozzles
- Fluor Daniel, Inc., Irvine, CA (United States)
Appendix P of API 650 gives a method for determining the allowable external loads on tank shell openings. This method is based on papers by Billimoria and Hagstrom ``Stiffness Coefficients and Allowable Loads for Nozzles in Flat Bottom Storage Tanks`` (1977) and by Billimoria and Tam ``Experimental Investigation of Stiffness Coefficients and Allowable Loads for a Nozzle in a Flat bottom Storage Tank`` (1980). Even though this appendix is optional, industry has used it for a number of years for large diameter tanks. For tanks less than 120 feet in diameter, this appendix is really not applicable. Inquiries and suggestions point to the fact that Appendix P sometimes results in very conservative allowable loads, thus requiring an expensive piping system. In this paper the authors approached the problem using finite element analysis. The tank presented in the sample problem in API 650 Appendix P was used for modeling. Constant loads and moments were applied to different sizes of nozzles. The results are compared with results obtained when using API 650 Appendix P.
- OSTI ID:
- 403573
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960706--; ISBN 0-7918-1783-0
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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