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Lowest Stress Ratio for Shell Side Heat Exchanger (ASME VIII Div.1/Div.2) 1

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CrisDom

Mechanical
Apr 25, 2019
24
Dear All,
I've a doubt regarding the evaluation of the lowest stress ratio to be used to calculate Hydrotst Pressure for Heat Exchanger Shell Side.
I usually consider the main components for both Tube and Shell Side and I always consider exchanger tubes for both sides.

Actually I'm wondering whether it's correct to take into consideration tubes in evaluting the lowest stress ratio for calculating Shell Side Hydrotest.

I noticed that Compress does consider tubes to calculate Tube Side Hydrotest pressure, but is doesn't consider tubes to calculate Shell Side Hydrotest pressure.
In the past I managed a job based on GOST regulations and, in that case, applicable specifications highlighted that tubes shouldn't be considered in evaluating the stress ratio for Shell Side.

I suppose it depends ont he fact that the reaction to an external pressure is different from the one to an internal pressure, so it could be the reason why tubes could be excluded in calculating Shell Side hydrotest pressure.
This would imply that also for other equipment with different configurations a component subject to Ext pressure should be excluded when evaluating the Lowest Stress Ratio of the chamber that "contains" it: e.g. Should a shell under a jacket be considered to calculate the hydrotest pressure of the jacket?

I tried to find a Code Interpretation, but I didn't succeed, so I'd like to know whether an official position has been expressed or if it's simply a logical and not contestable assumption.

Thanks for your feedback.

Have a great day!

Regards

Cristiana
 
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I had asked the same query to compress about 2 years back. They replied that compress assumes shell side and tubeside hydrotest is carried out separately. ie tubes are not present when shell side hydrotest is carried. Hence they write NI in their report.

Per my opinion you should include the common element ( tubes in your case ) in calculation of LSR. The purpose of LSR is to consider the effect of a higher allowable limit at test temperature than at design temperature ( MAWP is calculated at design temp ) . For both internal pressure and external pressure condition the allowable limit is higher at room temperature than at design temperature even though the failure criteria is different for both.

UG-99(b) states that vessel designed for internal pressure shall calculate LSR for all pressure boundary element. The external surface of the tube is a pressure boundary element for shell side ( even though the stresses on it is compressive due to shell side internal pressure )

There is a related post. You should have a look at it too.

 
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