International Journal of Emerging Engineering Research and Technology

Volume 2, Issue 3, June 2014, PP 1-8

ISSN 2349-4395 (Print) & ISSN 2349-4409 (Online)

Design & Weight Optimization of Pressure Vessel Due to

Thickness Using Finite Element Analysis
Prof. Vishal V. Saidpatil#1,Prof. Arun S. Thakare#2.
#1
#2

Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, NBNSSOE, Pune.

Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, NBNSSOE, Pune.

Abstract: Finite Element Method is a mathematical technique used to carry out the stress analysis. In this
method the solid model of the component is subdivided into smaller elements. Constraints and loads are applied
to the model at specified locations. Various properties are assigned to the A pressure vessel is a closed
container designed to hold gases or liquids at a pressure different from the ambient pressure. The end caps
fitted to the cylindrical body are called heads. The aim of this paper to carry out detailed design & analysis of
Pressure vessel used in boiler for optimum thickness, temperature distribution and dynamic behavior using
Finite element analysis software. Model like material, thickness, etc. The model is then analyzed in FE solver.
The results are plotted in the post processor. Paper involves design of a cylindrical pressure vessel to sustain 5
bar pressure and determine the wall thickness required for the vessel to limit the maximum shear stress.
Geometrical and finite element model of Pressure vessel is created using CAD CAE tools. Geometrical model is
created on CATIA V5R19 and finite element modeling is done using Hypermesh. ANSYS is used as a solver.
Weight optimization of pressure vessel due to thickness using FEA.

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 General Information
A pressure vessel is a closed container designed to hold gases or liquids at a pressure different from
the ambient pressure. The end caps fitted to the cylindrical body are called heads. Pressure vessels are
used in a variety of applications. These include the industry and the private sector. They appear in
these sectors respectively as industrial compressed air receivers and domestic hot water storage tanks,
other examples of pressure vessels are: diving cylinder, recompression chamber, distillation towers,
autoclaves and many other vessels in mining or oil refineries and petrochemical plants, nuclear reactor
vessel, habitat of a space ship, habitat of a submarine, pneumatic reservoir, hydraulic reservoir under
pressure, rail vehicle airbrake reservoir, road vehicle airbrake reservoir and storage vessels for
liquefied gases such as ammonia, chlorine, propane, butane and LPG.
In the industrial sector, pressure vessels are designed to operate safely at a specific pressure and
temperature technically referred to as the "Design Pressure" and "Design Temperature".
A vessel that is inadequately designed to handle a high pressure constitutes a very significant safety
hazard. Because of that, the design and certification of pressure vessels is governed by design codes
such as the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code in North America, the Pressure Equipment
Directive of the EU (PED), Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS), CSA B51 in Canada, AS1210 in
Australia and other international standards like Lloyd's, Germanischer Lloyd, Det Norske Veritas,
Stoomwezen etc.
Pressure vessels can theoretically be almost any shape, but shapes made of sections of spheres,
cylinders and cones are usually employed. More complicated shapes have historically been much
harder to analyze for safe operation and are usually far harder to construct. Theoretically a sphere
would be the optimal shape of a pressure vessel. Unfortunately the sphere shape is difficult to
manufacture, therefore more expensive, so most of the pressure vessels are cylindrical shape with 2:1
semi elliptical heads or end caps on each end. Smaller pressure vessels are arranged from a pipe and
two covers. Disadvantage of these vessels is the fact that larger diameters make them relatively more
expensive, so that for example the most economic shape of a 1,000 liters (35 cu ft), 250 bars (3,600
psi) pressure vessel might be a diameter of 914.4 millimeters (36 in) and a length of 1,701.8
millimeters (67 in) including the 2:1 semi elliptical domed end caps. Many pressure vessels are made
of steel. To manufacture a spherical pressure vessel, forged parts would have to be welded together.
IJEERT

www.ijeert.org

Prof. Vishal V. Saidpatil & Prof. Arun S. Thakare

Some mechanical properties of steel are increased by forging, but welding can sometimes reduce
these desirable properties. In case of welding, in order to make the pressure vessel meet international
safety standards, carefully selected steel with a high impact resistance & corrosion resistant material
should also be used.
Two types of analysis are commonly applied to pressure vessels. The most Common method is based
on a simple mechanics approach and is applicable to thin wall Pressure vessels which by definition
have a ratio of inner radius, r, to wall thickness, t, of r/t10. The second method is based on elasticity
solution and is always applicable regardless the r/t ratio and can be referred to as the solution for
thick wall pressure vessels. Both types of analysis are discussed here, although for most engineering
applications, the thin wall pressure vessel can be used.

2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 History
The design of pressure vessels is an important and practical topic which has been explored for
decades. Even though optimization techniques have been extensively applied to design structures in
general, few pieces of work can be found which are directly related to optimal pressure vessel design.
These few references are mainly related to the design optimization of homogeneous and composite
pressure vessels.
2.2 Review of Papers
V.N. Skopinsky and A.B. Smetankin describes the structural model and stress analysis of nozzle
connections in ellipsoidal heads subjected to external loadings. They used Timoshenko shell theory
and the finite element method. The features of the structural model of ellipsoid-cylinder shell
intersections, numerical procedure and SAIS special-purpose computer program were discussed. A
parametric study of the effects of geometric parameters on the maximum effective stresses in the
ellipsoid-cylinder intersections under loading was performed. The results of the stress analysis and
parametric study of the nozzle connections are presented [2].
Drazan ,Pejo, Franjo and Darko (2010) considered influence of stresses resulting from weld
misalignment in cylindrical shell circumferential weld joint on the shell integrity .The stresses
estimated analytically by API recommended practice procedure and calculated numerically by using
the finite element method . [3]
L.You, J.Z hang and X. You present an accurate method to carry out elastic analysis of thick-walled
spherical pressure vessels subjected to internal pressure. They considered two kinds of pressure
vessels: one consists of two homogeneous layers near the inner and outer surfaces of the vessel and
one functionally graded layer in the middle; the other consists of the functionally graded material
only. They found that proposed approach converges very quickly and has excellent accuracy [7].
R. Carbonari, P Munoz-Rojas (et al 2011) discuses work on shape optimization of axisymmetric
pressure vessels considering an integrated approach in which the entire pressure vessel model is used
in conjunction with a multi-objective function that aims to minimize the von-Mises mechanical stress
from nozzle to head. Representative examples are examined and solutions obtained for the entire
vessel considering temperature and pressure loading. A proper multi-objective function based on a
logarithmic of a p-root of summation of p-exponent terms has been defined for minimizing the tank
maximum von-Mises stress [1].
Many works including analytical, experimental and numerical investigations have been devoted to the
stress analysis of nozzle connections in pressure vessels subjected to different external loadings.

3. AIM OF PAPER
A cylindrical pressure vessel, as shown in Figure 3.2, is to be use to generate steam at low pressure
for a boiler drum. The vessel consists of a cylindrical portion with the two ends closed using
hemispherical structure. A nozzle is welded on at the mid-point of the length of the vessel which is
supported on two supports. The vessel is constructed using material low alloy steel of type ASME
SA516Gr70.
International Journal of Emerging Engineering Research and Technology

Design & Weight Optimization of Pressure Vessel Due to Thickness Using Finite Element Analysis

The internal pressure in the boiler is expected to be 5 bar. In addition, the flange of the nozzle is
subjected to forces and moments being transmitted to the vessel through connected piping. The
magnitudes of these forces and moments are given in Table 3.1.
Table 3.1 Forces and Moments Acting on the Flange of the Nozzle
Fx
(N)
1500

Fy
(N)
1000

Fz

Mx

(N)

My
(Nm)
600

(Nm)
2000

650

Mz
(Nm)
500

If possible optimize the weight using finite element analysis. Weight optimization in terms of material
saving must be the important parameter.

4. DESIGN OF PRESSURE VESSEL USING AS ME BOILER AND PRESSURE VESSEL CODE

4.1 Equipment Design Data
Table 4.1 Equipment Design Data
Internal pres
External pres
Maximum temp
Minimum temp
Process density
Radiography
Circ. Efficiency
Long Efficiency
C.A
Polishing
allowance
Hydrostatic test
pressure
Empty weight
Operating
weight
Hydrostatic
weight

UNITS
Kg/mmg
Kg/mmg
C
C
Kg/m

Mm

DESIGN
0.055
0
300
25
0
SHELL : SPOT 'T', HEAD: FULL
SHELL : 0.85, HEAD: 1
SHELL : 0.85, HEAD: 1
1.5

Mm

Kg/mmg

0.07308

Kg

1397.598

Kg

1397.538

Kg

8489.995

4.2 Material of Construction

Table 4.2 Material of Construction
Shell

SA-516-70 Plate

Head

SA-516-70 Plate

Nozzle

SA-516-70 Plate

Support

IS-2062-Plate

2 Design Calculations AS PER UG27

ti =

+ CA

+ 1.5

= 3.5445 + 1.5
= 5.0445
Provided Thickness = 6 mm
4.3 Design of Hemisperical Head: (Left)
4.3.1 Design Conditions
International Journal of Emerging Engineering Research and Technology

Prof. Vishal V. Saidpatil & Prof. Arun S. Thakare

Table 4.3. Left Head Design Data
Code

ASME- VIII DIV. 1

,2010
Pi
0.055

Design pressure
(internal)
Design temperature
Material of
construction
Allowable stress
@design temp.
Radiography
Joint efficiency
Allowance,
corrosion
Inside diameter of
shell

300
SA-516-70 plate

13.758
FULL

E
CA

1
1.5

ID

1500

4.3.2 Design Calculations As Per UG32f

Factor K = 0.5
ti =
+ CA + Thinning allowance
=
+ 1.5 + 0.48
= 1.5028 + 1.5 + 0.48
= 3.4828
Provided Thickness = 4 mm

4.4 Design of Hemisperical Head: (Right)

4.4.1

Design Conditions

Table 4.4 Right Head Design Data

ASME- VIII
DIV. 1 ,2010

Code
Design pressure
(internal)
Design
temperature
Material of
construction
Max. Allowable
stress @design
temp.
Radiography
Joint efficiency
Allowance,
corrosion
Inside diameter
of shell

4.4.2

Pi

0.055
kg/mmg

300 c
SA-516-70 plate

13.758
FULL

CA

1500
mm

Design Calculations As Per UG32f

Factor K = 0.5
ti =
+ CA + Thining allowance
=
+ 1.5 + 0.6
= 1.5028 + 1.5 + 0.48
= 3.4828
Provided Thickness = 4 mm

4.5 Nozzle Neck Design

4.5.1

Design Conditions

International Journal of Emerging Engineering Research and Technology

Design & Weight Optimization of Pressure Vessel Due to Thickness Using Finite Element Analysis
Code

ASME- VIII DIV. 1 ,2010

Design
Pressure
(internal)
Design
Temp.
Max.
Chord
length

4.5.2

4.5.3

Pi

0.055 kg/mmg

300 mm

453 mm

Material of Construction
Nozzle

SA-516-70 Plate

Shell

SA-516-70 Plate

Pad

SA-516-70 Plate

Nozzle Data
Allowable stress @ design temperature

Sn

13.758 kg/mm

Outside diameter

OD

460 mm

Inside diameter

ID

450 mm

Neck thickness (provided)

5 mm

Neck thickness (corroded)

tn

3.5 mm

4.5.4 Shell Data

Allowable stress @ design temperature

Sv

13.758 kg/mm

Inside Radius (corroded)

751.5 mm

Thickness (corroded)

4.5 mm

4.5.5 Pad Data

Allowable
stress @
design temp

Sp

13.757 kg/mm

Outside diameter

Dp

573.409 mm

Thickness

Tp

6 mm

4.5.6 Weld Data

Nozzle outside
weld

W1

6.4 mm

Pad weld

W3

4.242 mm

4.5.7 Minimum Shell Thickness Required as per UG 37 Calculations as per UG 27

tr =
=
= 3.0115 mm
4.5.8 Neck Thickness as per UG45 (a)
trn1 =

= 0.918

International Journal of Emerging Engineering Research and Technology

Prof. Vishal V. Saidpatil & Prof. Arun S. Thakare

4.5.9 Neck Thickness as per UG45 (b)

trn 2=

= 3.0115 mm

5. WEIGHT OPTIMIZATION
5.1 Weight Calculation by Using Thickness Calculated by ASME Code
Weight of shell (Ws) = Developed length length of shell density thickness
= 4.731 3 7.86 6
= 669.46 Kg
Weight of hemispherical dish (Wh)
= 1.57 diameter 2 density thickness
= 1.57 1.5 2 7.86 4
= 111.06 Kg
Weight of nozzle (Wn)
= Developed length nozzle projection density thickness
= 1.426 0.252 7.86 5
= 14.04 Kg
Weight of flange (Wf)
=

( OD2 + ID 2) density thickness

(0.5602 + 0.4502 2) 7.86 27.873

= 20.57 Kg
Weight of saddle (Wsaddle)
= Weight of saddle , lifting lug and other accessories
= 471.348 Kg
Total weight = (Ws) + 2 (Wh) +(Wf) + (Wsaddle)
= 669.46 + (2 111.06) + 14.04 +20.57 +471.348
= 1397.538 Kg
5.2 Weight Calculation by Using Thickness Calculated by FEA
Weight of shell (Ws)
= Developed lengthlength of shelldensitythickness
= 4.725 3 7.86 4
= 475.75 Kg
Weight of hemispherical dish (Wh)
= 1.57 diameter 2 density thickness
= 1.57 1.5 2 7.86 3
= 83.29 Kg
Weight of nozzle (Wn)
= Developed lengthnozzle projectiondensity thick.
= 1.426 0.252 7.86 4
= 11.21 Kg
International Journal of Emerging Engineering Research and Technology

Design & Weight Optimization of Pressure Vessel Due to Thickness Using Finite Element Analysis

Weight of flange (Wf)

=

( OD2 + ID 2) density thickness

(0.5602 + 0.4502 2) 7.86 20.64

= 14.15 Kg
Weight of saddle (Wsaddle)
= Weight of saddle , lifting lug and other accessories
= 471.348 Kg
Total weight = (Ws) + 2 (Wh) +(Wf) + (Wsaddle)
= 445.75 + (2 83.29) + 11.21 +14.15 +471.348
= 1109.03 Kg
Table 5.3 Weight Optimization
DESIGN PARAMETERS
Weight of shell (Ws)
Weight of dish(Wh)
Weight of nozzle
(Wn)
Weight of flange
(Wf)
Weight of saddle
(Wsaddle)
Total Weight
Difference in
Weight

WEIGHT BY ASME CODE

(KG)
669.46
111.06

WEIGHT BY FEA
(KG)
445.75
83.29

14.04

11.21

20.57

14.14

471.348

471.348

1397.538

1109.03
288.5

Fig. 5.3 Reduction of Weight in comparison of ASME and FEA

6. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE SCOPE

Design approach of pressure vessel are by ASME codes and Finite element analysis out of
which analysis of Pressure vessel by FEA method is easy and get optimum parameters.

Design calculation of FEA is compare with ASME boiler and pressure vessel regulations.

In Comparison of the results and design parameters calculated by ASME boiler and pressure
vessel code and finite element analysis are in thickness and reduces in weight of pressure vessel.

Design by FEA is in weight reduction of pressure vessel.

International Journal of Emerging Engineering Research and Technology

Prof. Vishal V. Saidpatil & Prof. Arun S. Thakare

Optimize design by FEA reduces the total Cost of pressure vessel.

The optimization in design of pressure vessel using FEA is safe and has successfully satisfied
the goal of economics.

REFERENCES
[1] R. Carbonari, P. Munoz-Rojas, E. Andrade, G. Paulino, K. Nishimoto, E. Silva, Design of
pressure vessels using shape optimization: An integrated approach, International Journal
ofPressure Vessels and Piping, Volume 88, May 2011, Page no.198-212.
[2] V.N. Skopinskyand A.B. Smetankin, Modelling and Stress analysis of nozzle connections in
Ellipsoidal heads of Pressure vessels under External loading International Journal of Applied
Mechanics and Engineering, 2006, vol.11, No.4, Page no. 965-979.
[3] DrazanKozak, FranjoMatejicek, DarkoDamjanovic, Weld misalignment influence on structural
integrity of Cylindrical Pressure Vessel, Structural integrity and life, Vol. 10, No 2 ,2010, Page
no. 153-159.
[4] Vince Adams and Abraham Askenazi, Building better products with finite element analysis, 1st
edition, Onward press, USA, 1999.
[5] Noraziah Wahi, Amran Ayob and MohdkabashiElbasheer, Effect of Autofrettage on Allowable
Pressure of Thick- Walled Cylinders, International Conference on Environment and Agriculture
Engineering IPCBEE vol. 15 (2011), Singapore, Page no.14-17.
[6] R. Adibi-Asl, P. Livieri, Analytical Approach in Autofrettaged Spherical Pressure Vessels
Considering the Bauschinger Effect, Journal of Pressure Vessel Technology, Vol. 129, August
2007, Page no. 411-418.

International Journal of Emerging Engineering Research and Technology