turbine nozzle allowable loads

[geliberman]

I am involved in designing a steam turbine piping system.
the inlet flange is 4" and outlet is 8"
as per NEMA SM-23 page 45:
the allowable load for nozzle are: Fx=447 lb, Fy=1118 lb, Fz=894 lb, Mx=2236 lb-ft, My=1118 lb-ft, Mz=1118 lb-ft
I used Caesar II to model the system, the forces are less than allowables, but the NEMA M-23 module in Caesar II has failed and I have to the 4.5 as the multiplication factor to pass this module.
I have some questions:
1-I have enclosed the turbine drawing, what point must be considered as reference point for NEMA M-23 load checking? Dx,Dy,Dz for 4" and 8" nozzle?
2-how can I reduce nozzle loads?

 

[CRG]

I did not look at your sketch to see if there is room; however if there is, look into pressure balanced connections.

http://www.usbellows.com/products/elbow-expansion-joint.htm

 

[rmw]

A bellows, even (and especially) a pressure balanced bellows won't support the weight of the pipe. So if you use a bellows you are going to have to anchor and support your pipe accordingly. Why not just anchor and support it so that it doesn't impart excessive loads to the turbine nozzle(s) and forget the bellows?

rmw