Design and Analysis of Welded Pressure-Vessel Skirt Supports

Factors determining the performance of welded skirt supports for vertical process vessels are discussed. The importance of thermal effects is emphasized. A comprehensive analysis of local stresses with closed-form solutions is presented, permitting assessment of expected performance in service on a fatigue basis. The expected shape of skirt distortion is briefly mentioned. Suggestions and recommendations are made for design practice, control of thermal stresses, weld and fabrication detail for optimum practical quality, as dictated by service conditions. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the application of the analysis.