pump nozzle load allowables

[ak2004]

Hello all,
This might sound like a silly question for most of you but I've always wanted to understand how is the pump nozzle allowable loads gets established? Is it based from the strength of anchorage to the foundation or from the strength of the nozzle/flange (connected to the pump body) itself?

Thanks!

 

[BigInch]

Supposedly its based on minimizing nozzle deflection, warping of the casing and resultant misallignment of bearings and clearances within. I can understand why you ask the question. Usually allowable pump and compressor nozzle loads are surprizingly small and it can be quite difficult to keep pipe stresses under the limits, but it only goes to show how important a good pipe stress analysis can be under those circumstances.

BigInch-born in the trenches.

http://virtualpipeline.spaces.msn.com

 

[ak2004]

Low pump allowables can be a nightmare to some. You can burn a lot of hours trying to qualify these loads and maybe add more expenses by buying more pipes & fittings.
Why waste time and money trying to qualify against 1xAPI if you can qualify against 2x or 3x API?