Nozzle load measurement 1

[engrom]

Peers,

Are there any ways to measure nozzle loads (e.g. using load cells, strain gauges etc) on pipework or vessel to compare whether it is exceeding the allowable nozzle loads? From theoretical perspective I understand that we can do stress calc or FEA etc, but looking for some techniques / procedures to quantify nozzle loads.

 

[XL83NL]

https://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=477801

Huub
- You never get what you expect, you only get what you inspect.

 

[engrom]

Thanks XL83NL. Any references of companies (global or APAC region) who can do this kind of work?

 

[KevinNZ]

Industrial grade photogrammetry can compare surface displacement between cold and operating. You can then see how distortion relates the calculated values.

Where in the APEC are you. I know a company in NZ that does this work.

 

[LittleInch]

One thing we did once on a large gas compressor when we had to break the pipework and then remake was a set of very accurate dial indicators at 0, 90 and axial resting on the flange face set up off the foundation.

then attached the pipe trying to maintain no movement of the flange.

So you can do something like that, but need to know what your zero point is and then get the manufacturer involved to work out load versus movement of the flange.

It is not easy and usually you only find out when either the machine starts to exhibit either hotter bearings, more seal wear or some other issue other than nozzle failure.

Tanks can start to deform or buckle.

Then you take the pipe work off and see what happens using the dial indicators as noted above.

That's why good design and use of spring supports etc and construction is key because it is so difficult to measure.

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