Session: 12-03-05: General: Mechanics of Solids, Structures and Fluids

Paper Number: 144932

144932 - Examination of the Effect of Equipment Nozzle Load on Metal Compensators Using Solid Mechanics and Fem 

A comprehensive study was conducted on the effect of equipment nozzle load on the metal compensator (also known as expansion joints) by utilizing the principles of solid mechanics and Finite Element Method (FEM). Metal bellows-type expansion joints or compensators serve as flexible components within the equipment or similar piping systems, enabling the accommodation of thermal expansion, vibration, and movement. The ability to accommodate movements within the piping/equipment system is pivotal for ensuring its efficiency and safety. In equipment, there is thermal expansion, pressure pulsation, and external loads that cause stresses. Expansion joints/compensators are introduced to accommodate the movements due to thermal growth, pressure fluctuations and reduce the reaction forces and stresses in the system.  These expansion joints are imperative in equipment/piping design to facilitate the necessary flexibility and mitigate the risk of potential damage or failure. The metal compensators are strategically positioned to address displacement challenges within the system, facilitating movement while upholding stability. This study focuses on the force and moments generated by equipment nozzle loads with a system, which is crucial for the compensator's functionality. When branch lines or nozzles are installed/present in proximity to thin-walled metal bellows-type expansion joints, they produce multidirectional loads and moments. The intricate design necessitates Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to assess the deflection and its stresses at different locations of the expansion joint. When these forces generate torsional moments on the expansion joint, it becomes imperative to employ accessories that effectively isolate the metal bellows from such effects as these joints are not designed to accommodate substantial torsional loads. Torsion, or twisting, applies a rotational force to the joint, which is to be minimized or eliminated. By employing such hardware, the expansion joint can focus solely on its intended purpose of absorbing axial, lateral, and angular movements within the piping system, contributing to its overall reliability and performance. Solid mechanics concepts were utilized to convert these forces and moments into axial, lateral, and angular movements. FEM analysis, employing ANSYS Tools, further evaluated these movements, with the obtained data integrated into the fatigue evaluation process. The study also addressed identifying torsional loads from sustained and occasional equipment loads, implementing effective restraint hardware to isolate the compensator and maintain shear stress within allowable limits. These methodologies provide valuable insights into the behavior of the metal expansion joint assembly under such conditions/equipment, allowing for the determination of maximum deflection caused by resultant force and moment of nozzle load.

Presenting Author: Agraja Magesh Purdue University

Presenting Author Biography: Agraja Magesh is currently pursuing her doctoral studies in the School of Engineering Technology at Purdue University and has publications in Materials today, Elsevier. She is a student ambassador for the program. Alongside her academic pursuits, she actively engages in various professional memberships, including being a member of the ASME student body at Purdue and participating in the Indian Society of Non-Destructive Testing (ISNT). With a rich background, Agraja possesses four years of experience in the design and manufacturing sector of the Expansion Joints manufacturing industry. She has headed many product and process development verticals at her works. Beyond her academic and professional endeavors, she serves as an Impact Officer in the Global Shapers Community, an international youth-driven initiative established by the World Economic Forum.

Authors:

Agraja Magesh Purdue University
Umamagesh Ganesan LSI-MECH Engineers Pvt Ltd
Arasu Sekar LSI-MECH Engineers Pvt Ltd
Raji Sundararajan Purdue University