Thermal expansion anchor bolts in horizontal vessels with saddles.

[engineer54]

Pressure vessel hand book lists the Thermal expansion for anchor bolts dimension as "a". Seems to me, Delta_L= L* Delta_T* Expansion coeff equation is closer to a/2 dimension listed. Any advice how to make sure anchor bolt saddle slots are long enough to handle thermal expansion and contraction.
thanks.

 

[fegenbush]

You are correct that Delta_L=L*Delta_T*Expansion Coeff. This should give you the minimum slot length.

I would calculate the Delta_T value as the difference between the as welded temperature and the MDMT or Maximum Temperature, whichever is greater. I would also use an anti friction material between the foundation and the saddle.