Higher Institute of Technological Studies_Gafsa-Tunisia Calculation and sizing in boilermaking

Department of Mechanical Engineering Tank sizing based on ASME code_Tutorial 2

Tutorial 2. Tank sizing based on ASME code

A tank is considered as it is depicted by Figure 2.1. The dimensions, service conditions and
materials of the tank are summarized in the Table 2.1.

Manhole

Outlet
Circumferential
joint

R
h Longitudinal h
joint

h/3 Inlet h/3

L
Figure 2.1. Geometrical characteristics of the tank.

Table 2.1. Dimensions, service conditions and materials of the tank.

Internal radius of the
R=1 m
cylindrical shell
Distance between tangent
L=3.5 m
lines
Height of the ellipsoidal
h=0.5 m
Dimensions formed head
Leg of the weld beads Leg= 7 mm
Corrosion allowance C=1.6 mm
N.B. The outside diameter of the reinforcing element as well as the diameters
of the manhole and the inlet/outlet openings are not necessary in scale. They
are just representative.
Internal design pressure Pi=7 bars
Service External pressure Pe=1 bar
conditions Design temperature T= 165°C
Fluid Superheated steam
Shells, formed heads and
SA-283 Grade B
Materials reinforcing element
Nozzle necks SA-557 Grade A2

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Higher Institute of Technological Studies_Gafsa-Tunisia Calculation and sizing in boilermaking
Department of Mechanical Engineering Tank sizing based on ASME code_Tutorial 2

Based on the ASME section VIII, division 1 through the ASME, section II, Part D

1/ Determine the minimum required thickness of the shell subjected to the specified internal
pressure.

Answer:

The cylindrical shell presents a longitudinal weld joint. No circumferential weld joints within
the cylindrical shell. Based on the ASME-section VIII-division 1-UG-27, the minimum
required thickness of the cylindrical shell subjected to the internal pressure Pi is expressed as:

Pi R
t=
SE − 0.6 × Pi

It is to note that the pressure should not exceed 0.385SE and the thickness should not
R
exceed .
2

The maximum allowable stress value S is given by Tables 1A in ASME section II, Part D,
Subpart 1 as follows:

Material of the cylindrical shell: SA-283 Grade B.

Design temperature: T= 165°C.

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Higher Institute of Technological Studies_Gafsa-Tunisia Calculation and sizing in boilermaking
Department of Mechanical Engineering Tank sizing based on ASME code_Tutorial 2

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Higher Institute of Technological Studies_Gafsa-Tunisia Calculation and sizing in boilermaking
Department of Mechanical Engineering Tank sizing based on ASME code_Tutorial 2

The maximum allowable stress value is S=98.6 MPa.

N.B. Notice that there is no need of linear interpolation since the maximum allowable stress S
remains constant at least in the design temperature range [150°C-200°C] (our design
temperature is T=165°C).

The maximum allowable joint efficiencies E for arc and gas welded joints are given by Table
UW-12 in ASME section VIII-division 1 as follows:
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Higher Institute of Technological Studies_Gafsa-Tunisia Calculation and sizing in boilermaking
Department of Mechanical Engineering Tank sizing based on ASME code_Tutorial 2

Type of weld joint: Butt joint (by default in this particular case).

Joint category: Category A (Longitudinal joint).

Based on the following illustration:

Degree of radiographic examination: Spot (Since superheated steam is not a lethal fluid, there
is no need of Full radiographic examination)

The maximum allowable joint efficiency value is E=0.85.

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Higher Institute of Technological Studies_Gafsa-Tunisia Calculation and sizing in boilermaking
Department of Mechanical Engineering Tank sizing based on ASME code_Tutorial 2

N.B. Notice that in the case of butt joint type, the category (A, B, C or D) does not affect the
joint efficiency.3

Thus, the numerical implementation gives the value of the minimum required thickness t for
the cylindrical shell subjected to internal pressure.

P i = 0.7 MPa
R = 1000 mm 0.7 × 1000
t = = 8.39 mm
S = 98.6 MPa 98.6 × 0.85 − 0.6 × 0.7
E = 0.85

2/ Determine the minimum required thickness of the shell subjected to the specified external
pressure.

Answer:

Based on the ASME-section VIII-division 1-UG-28, the minimum required thickness of the
cylindrical shell, subjected to the internal pressure Pe, is determined using the appropriate
procedure associated to the cylindrical shell and tubes:

The provisional thickness t (to validate) is taken the same (for example) as that determined for
the cylindrical shell subjected to internal pressure.

D0 2000 + 2 × 8.39
= = 240.38 ≥ 10
t 8.39

Thus, the following procedure should be adopted:

- Step1:

L
= 1.74
D0
D0
= 240.38
t

- Step 2: Determination of the Factor A, based on the ASME section II, Part D,
D0
Subpart 3, Figure G, using a linear interpolation for = 240.38 , as follows:
t

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Higher Institute of Technological Studies_Gafsa-Tunisia Calculation and sizing in boilermaking
Department of Mechanical Engineering Tank sizing based on ASME code_Tutorial 2

D0
For =250, Factor A≈0.00019
t

D0
For =200, Factor A≈0.00026
t

The value of the Factor A is determined using a linear interpolation and based on the above
D0 D
values for =250 and 0 =200.
t t

Do 0.00019 = α × 250 + β α = −0.0000014

Factor A = α × +β  
t 0.00026 = α × 200 + β β = 0.00054
Factor A Do =240.38 = −0.0000014 × 240.38 + 0.00054 = 0.0002
t

- Step 3: Determination of the factor B using the chart given by ASME section
II, Part D, Subpart 3, Figures CS.

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Higher Institute of Technological Studies_Gafsa-Tunisia Calculation and sizing in boilermaking
Department of Mechanical Engineering Tank sizing based on ASME code_Tutorial 2

Material of the cylindrical shell: SA-283 Grade B.

SA-283 Grade B is a carbon steel with a minimum yield strength equal to 185 MPa as it is
depicted by Table 1A.

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Higher Institute of Technological Studies_Gafsa-Tunisia Calculation and sizing in boilermaking
Department of Mechanical Engineering Tank sizing based on ASME code_Tutorial 2

- Thus, the Figure CS-1 should be used for the determination of the factor B,
using a linear interpolation for a design temperature T= 165°C, as follows.

20 = α × 150 + β α = −0.0091
Factor B = α × T + β  
19 = α × 260 + β β = 21.365
Factor B T =165°C = −0.0091 × 165 + 21.365 = 19.86

- Step 4: Determination of the maximum allowable external working pressure

Pa using the formula:

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Higher Institute of Technological Studies_Gafsa-Tunisia Calculation and sizing in boilermaking
Department of Mechanical Engineering Tank sizing based on ASME code_Tutorial 2

4B
Pa =
D
3 o
t

4 × 19.86
 Pa = = 0.11 MPa
3 × 240.38

It is clear that:

Pe = 0.1 MPa < Pa = 0.11 MPa

So, the minimum required thickness t = 8.39 mm permits to the cylindrical shell
to resist under the applied external pressure.

3/ Determine the minimum required thickness of the ellipsoidal formed head subjected to the
specified pressure, applied on the concave side.

The ASME-section VIII-division 1-UG-32 states that the minimum required thickness of an
ellipsoidal formed head, on concave side (head subjected to internal pressure), is given by:

PD
t=
2 SE − 0 . 2 P
Since the considered formed head is made of the same material as that of the cylindrical
shell(SA-283 Grade B) and since it is subjected to the same design temperature (T=165°C),
the maximum allowable stress is S = 98.6 MPa

Since the considered formed head is seamless and the weld joints will be spot radiographed,
the joint efficiency is E = 0.85 .

Thus, the numerical implementation gives the value of the minimum required thickness t for
the ellipsoidal formed head subjected to internal pressure (concave side).

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Higher Institute of Technological Studies_Gafsa-Tunisia Calculation and sizing in boilermaking
Department of Mechanical Engineering Tank sizing based on ASME code_Tutorial 2

P i = 0.7 MPa
D = 2 × R = 2 × 1000 mm 0.7 × 2 × 1000
t = = 8.36 mm
S = 98.6 MPa 2 × 98.6 × 0.85 − 0.2 × 0.7
E = 0.85

4/ Determine the minimum required thickness of the ellipsoidal formed head subjected to the
specified pressure, applied on the convex side.

The ASME-section VIII-division 1-UG-33 states that the minimum required thickness of an
ellipsoidal formed head, on convex side (head subjected to external pressure), is given by:

=1.67× Pe
 } 
 
 P *
× D 
The thickness given by t * =
Max  2 × S × E
{
*
− 0 . 2 × P *

 =1 
 ; 
 The thickness determined based on the ASME - section VII - division 1 - UG 28 for sperical shells 
 

The provisional minimum required thickness t * gives:

1.67 × Pe × Di
t* =
2 × S × E * − 0.2 × 1.67 × Pe

Since the considered formed head is made of the same material as that of the cylindrical
shell(SA-283 Grade B) and since it is subjected to the same design temperature (T=165°C),
the maximum allowable stress is S = 98.6 MPa

Thus, the numerical implementation gives the value of the provisional minimum required
thickness t * for the ellipsoidal formed head subjected to external pressure (convex side).

P e = 0.1 MPa
D = 2 × R = 2000 mm 1.67 × 0.1 × 2000
 t* = = 1.69 mm
S = 98.6 MPa 2 × 98.6 × 1 − 0.2 × 1.67 × 0.1
E =1

The provisional minimum required thickness determined based on the ASME-section VIII-
division 1-UG 28 (for spherical shells) is given as:

- Step 1: Determination of the factor A, assuming a thickness t=3 mm for

example, using the formula:
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Higher Institute of Technological Studies_Gafsa-Tunisia Calculation and sizing in boilermaking
Department of Mechanical Engineering Tank sizing based on ASME code_Tutorial 2

0.125
A=
R0
t

0.125
 A= = 0.00037
1000 + 3
3

- Step 2: Determination of the factor B using the chart given by ASME section
II, Part D, Subpart 3, Figures CS.

Material of the ellipsoidal formed head: SA-283 Grade B.

SA-283 Grade B is a carbon steel with minimum yield strength equal to 185 MPa as it is
depicted by Table 1A. Thus, the Figure CS-1 should be used for the determination of the
factor B, using a linear interpolation for a design temperature T= 165°C, as follows.

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Higher Institute of Technological Studies_Gafsa-Tunisia Calculation and sizing in boilermaking
Department of Mechanical Engineering Tank sizing based on ASME code_Tutorial 2

39 = α × 150 + β α = −0.0273
Factor B = α × T + β  
36 = α × 260 + β β = 43.1
Factor B T =165°C = −0.0273 × 165 + 43.1 = 38.6

- Step 3: Determination of the maximum allowable external working pressure Pa

using the formula:

B
Pa =
Ro
t

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Higher Institute of Technological Studies_Gafsa-Tunisia Calculation and sizing in boilermaking
Department of Mechanical Engineering Tank sizing based on ASME code_Tutorial 2

38.6
 Pa = = 0.12 MPa
1000 + 3
3

It is clear that:

Pe = 0.1 MPa < Pa = 0.12 MPa

So, the minimum required thickness t = 3 mm permits to the ellipsoidal formed

head to resist under the applied external pressure.

Finally, the minimum required thickness of an ellipsoidal formed head, on convex side (head
subjected to external pressure), is given by:

 t * = 1.69 mm 
 
 = 3 mm
Max  ;
 t = 3 mm 
 

5/ Determine the maximum allowable diameter of the manhole opening.

Based on the fact that:

• The manhole opening is located in the cylindrical shell.

• The internal diameter of the cylindrical shell is Di = 2 × R = 2000 mm > 1520 mm

The maximum allowable manhole opening diameter shall be d max = 1020 mm . For example, the
diameter of the manhole opening can be taken as d manhole = 800 mm . It is to note here that the
diameter of the manhole should be large enough to ensure an easy access to the pressure
vessel.

6/ Determine an appropriate diameter for the inlet/outlet openings.

Based on the fact that:

• The inlet/outlet opening is located in the cylindrical shell.

• The internal diameter of the cylindrical shell is Di = 2 × R = 2000 mm > 1520 mm

The maximum allowable opening diameter shall be d max = 1020 mm . It is to note here that the
diameter of the inlet/outlet can be selected as negligible compared to the diameter of the

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Higher Institute of Technological Studies_Gafsa-Tunisia Calculation and sizing in boilermaking
Department of Mechanical Engineering Tank sizing based on ASME code_Tutorial 2

manhole opening. Thus, the inlet/outlet diameter can be selected in the range
1 1 
10 × d manhole ; 5 × d manhole  . For example, the diameter of the inlet/outlet opening can be taken
 

as d inlet/outl et = 80 mm .

7/ Determine the minimum wall thickness of the manhole nozzle neck.

Only a longitudinal weld joint is supposed in the manhole nozzle neck.

The minimum thickness tnz required for internal and external pressure for the manhole nozzle
neck is determined based on ASME-section VIII-division 1-UG-27 and UG-28. Thus, the
minimum wall thickness of the manhole nozzle neck is determined in the same way as used
for the answer of the question 1/ (for internal pressure) and 2/ (for external pressure). Just take
into consideration that the manhole nozzle neck is made of SA-557 Grade A2. All the other
parameters are the same as used for the cylindrical shell.

Try to carry out the numerical implementation.

8/ Determine the minimum wall thickness of the inlet/outlet nozzle necks.

Only a longitudinal weld joint is supposed in the inlet/outlet nozzle neck.

Since the inlet/outlet nozzle necks are not intended for access our inspection, the minimum
wall thickness is given as:

t nz = Max[t a , Min (tb 3 , Max (tb1 , tb 2 ))]

With

ta: The minimum thickness required for internal and external pressure for the manhole nozzle
neck is determined based on ASME-section VIII-division 1-UG-27 and UG-28. This
minimum wall thickness ta of the inlet/outlet nozzle neck is determined in the same way as
used for the answer of the question 1/ (for internal pressure) and 2/ (for external pressure).
Just take into consideration that the manhole nozzle neck is made of SA-557 Grade A2. All
the other parameters are the same as used for the cylindrical shell.

tb1: The minimum thickness of the cylindrical shell (where the nozzle is located) subjected to
internal pressure, assuming a joint efficiency E = 1.0 . (plus corrosion allowance)

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Higher Institute of Technological Studies_Gafsa-Tunisia Calculation and sizing in boilermaking
Department of Mechanical Engineering Tank sizing based on ASME code_Tutorial 2

tb2: The minimum thickness of the cylindrical shell (where the nozzle is located) subjected to
external pressure, assuming a joint efficiency E = 1.0 . (plus corrosion allowance)

tb3: The thickness given in ASME-section VIII-division 1-Table UG-45 (plus corrosion
allowance).

Try to carry out the numerical implementation.

9/ Assuming an appropriate outside diameter for the reinforcing element, determine the
minimum thickness for the considered reinforcing element.

The sizing of the reinforcing element is based on the ASME-section VIII-division 1-UG-37.

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Higher Institute of Technological Studies_Gafsa-Tunisia Calculation and sizing in boilermaking
Department of Mechanical Engineering Tank sizing based on ASME code_Tutorial 2

The specific studied case presents a manhole with a nozzle wall abutting the vessel wall (no
inward nozzle).

The manhole opening is adequately reinforces only if:

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Higher Institute of Technological Studies_Gafsa-Tunisia Calculation and sizing in boilermaking
Department of Mechanical Engineering Tank sizing based on ASME code_Tutorial 2

A1 + A2 + A41 + A42 + A5 > A

With (in the specific studied case):

P× R P×r =1 (for nozzle walls abbuting

=
(since θ = 0)
=  
S ×4 − 04
.6×4 8 644=14 ×17− 04.6 × 4  
*
E7 P4 S4 P8 the nozzle wall)
644 74448 64 }
A= d{ × tr × F
{ + 2× tn × t rn × F × 1 − f r1 
Diameter of
{
Correction factor
{ {  
Required thickness of a
from ASME, section VIII,
Thicnkess of Required thickness  
the manhole seamless cylindrica l shell
division 1, UG - 37 (Figure 7.1)
the nozzle wall of a seamless nozzle  
based on the circumfere ntial wall using E =1
stress

=1 since the opening is

 in 
P× R
 through
the solid plate (not passing = 
any welded joint) × E − 048
.6 × P
 } 6 S47

d manhole ×  E1 × t{ − F × t r  − 2 × t n × (E1 × t − F × t r ) × (1 − f r1 )
A1 = Max  Thickness of the 
 cylindrica l shell 
 
2 × (t + t n ) × (E1 × t − F × t r ) − 2 × t n × (E1 × t − F × t r ) × (1 − f r1 )
Sn
=
Sv
644
47444 8
5 × (t n − t rn ) × fr2 ×t
{
A2 = Min Ratio of the maximum
allowable stresses of the
nozzle and the cylindrica l
shell (vessel)

5 × (t n − t rn ) × f r 2 × t n
(
Min S n ; S reinforcing element )
=
Sv
}
A41 = Leg 2 × fr4
S reinforcing element
=
Sv
}
A42 = Leg 2 × f r3
 
 
A5 =  D − d − 2 × tn  × te × fr4
 {p  {
 Outside diameter of  Thickness of the
 reinforcin g element  reinforcin g element

Consequently, the thickness te of the reinforcing element should meet the following condition:

Minimum thickness of
64the4reinforcin
4 47g4 element
444 8
A − A1 − A2 − A41 − A42
te >
(D p − d − 2 × tn )× f r 4
Try to carry out the numerical implementation.

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Higher Institute of Technological Studies_Gafsa-Tunisia Calculation and sizing in boilermaking
Department of Mechanical Engineering Tank sizing based on ASME code_Tutorial 2

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