Re: pump nozzle loads

From: <mechengr1977>
Date: Fri Dec 06 2002 - 22:41:00 EST

I dont understand it. Ive read this on most of the posting related to piping load. Everytime you get a number that is high, the very first reaction is to go back to C2 and fine tune the pipe nozzle model to make the calculated piping load satisfy the allowable. This is very reactive approach. This is nothing more than an excercise in computer tech. We're overlooking the engineering fundamentals. And what i have observed in most cases is that you ended up with a design that is complicated. And by the time you figure whats happening, your already trapped in the maze of computer prntout. And the result is a design that is not reliable. Because of the fine tuning, you just made the equipment that your trying to protect in the first palce with very little margin of safety and therefore vulnerable.

You see, the pump generally is divided in to three distinct parts. The pump body, the foundation and the base skid or pedestal. What do you ntice?
Well the pump body is robust and stringer than the pipe. The foundation is massive and heavy and therefore stiff. The skid - is just that. a base plate built only when one purpose, to support the weight of the pump hence can only take so much piping load. Its the weakest link. So to my opinion instead of fine tuning your pipe nzzle model, my i suggest that you check the 6th edition of the API 610 or you discuss your findings with the rotating equipment ecingineer or with the pump vendor. Maybe the answer is there. Specifying a double or triple stregnth base plate increases the piping load by 2X or 3X at almost no cost to you.

Received on Fri Dec 06 22:41:00 2002

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