Suggestions for Reducing Equipment Loading

Piping imposes loads on equipment nozzles. These loads may exceed the allowables given by the manufacturer or codes such as API 610.

The following guidelines may be helpful in reducing these piping loads on nozzles connected to equipment.

1. If the dead loads exceed the allowable,
• Ensure the piping system is adequately supported,
• Remove unneeded supports; they may be the cause of the problem.

2. If the thermal loads exceed the allowable,
• Check the design and operating temperatures. Consult the process engineer to obtain correct or reasonable values for different operating conditions.

3. Try modifying the piping support system and layout
• Add expansion loops if apt,
• Use expansion joints or other flexible joints,
• Consider spring mounted pumps,
• Modify the layout of piping by rerouting,
• Use guides or anchors at strategic locations,
• Use reinforcing pads on vessel nozzles.

Many of the above points are true however, there is a specialized group called Piping Stress Engineering who are specialists in managing these stress critical lines to make them safe.
Generally Stress guys will advice the supporting arrangement, Pipe rouing configuration so as to keep the allowable loads within limits.

As you are from Structural Team you may not be aware about the same.

Thanks for the inputs.