On the Design of Horizontal Pressure Vessels

The objective of this paper is to provide analysis results of displacements and localized stresses in horizontal pressure vessels which were determined by using the three-dimensional finite element method. The analysis models utilized realistic geometry, including saddle supports, vessel heads and actual boundary conditions. The results give a detailed distribution of displacements and local stresses in the saddle support area, and show that the maximum stress is located at the horn of the saddle. A comparison of the results for different saddle locations, (A/L), was performed, and a reasonable location for the supports is suggested. Also, examples of parametric analyses and dimensionless design curves for calculating localized stresses are presented. The latter results should prove to be an invaluable aid in the generation of a new design code for horizontal vessels.