Appendix 2 Flange Analysis for Unrestrained Piping Expansion Joints in Anchored Systems

[flexy]

Hello,

Just wondering if anyone has come across the adaptation of the ASME Section VIII, Div.1 Appendix 2 flange analysis for an unrestrained expansion joint in an anchored piping system. In this situation, the loads on the flange are different because much of the thrust that is pulling the flanges apart is in fact held by the main anchors on each side of the expansion joint rather than the bolts.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

SG

 

[XL83NL]

App 2 is just for flange sizing, nothing more (i.e. no additional loads).
This more sounds like a WRC 368 analysis on the nozzle rather than the flange.

Huub

 

[flexy]

XL83NL

Thanks for your reply.

There aren't additional loads. The loads on the flange are in fact reduced for the operating
condition as the Hd load is no longer being applied. There appears to in fact be counter load from the bellows that reduces to total force (and operating moment on the flange). At least the way I see it. I was just wondering if anyone had seen analysis for this situation. When an unrestrained expansion joint is installed on anchored piping, it's the anchors that take thrust loading, not the bolts. On the other hand, Appendix 2 in its stock form assumes the bolts are restraining the full H + Hp load (no anchors to prevent the flanges from separating).