Catalyst Bed Support Beam Deflection 1

[Trestala]

I have an existing vessel that needs to change out the catalyst with a heavier catalyst and doing verification if the existing bed support (grid with mesh sitting on top of a support ring and beams) would be able to sustain the new loading. However, existing beam is a tapered H-beam where the ends are smaller than the middle part. Typical beam deflection formula can't be applied since it doesn't have uniform cross section along its length. Does anyone have any idea on how to check deflection on this beam?

 

[HTURKAK]

There are some methods for the calculation of the beam deflection,

- One of the elastic deflection calculation methods , e.g. Using strain energy method , ( ref Shigley's Mechanical Engineering ,10th ed. chapter 4 ,or solid mechanics handbook ),
- Modelling the beam with FEM plate elements .
- the simplest way , you may use deflection formulas for uniform sections ( one for average depth , and one for max . depth and take the average )

Just saying,


Use it up, wear it out;
Make it do, or do without.

NEW ENGLAND MAXIM

 

[MJCronin]

Find a competent structural steel engineer ... He can do it !!
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By the way, I suggest that you horizontally slot the beams ..... on both ends !!!

MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer

 

[Trestala]

Yeah that is why I posted this since I prefer doing a manual calculation since I do not have any access to FEM software. The original Vendor or designer did not provide any calculation for beam deflection. All similar vessels we have before have uniform cross section support beams, so standard beam deflection formulas can be applied.

MJCronin, yes, the holes are slotted on both ends.