Parametric modeling and analysis to optimize size and location of opening in pressure vessel

Abstract

The main objective of this paper to accelerate the process of optimization for size and location of horizontal pressure vessel and get optimum results for same. The method utilized here is modeling software with Finite element analysis software for real time geometry update and data exchange. A thick walled cylinder having internal diameter of 2684 mm and length of 8000 mm is considered for Analysis. Parametric modeling of a pressure vessel is utilized to save time. First, single hole is optimized for size and location. Analysis is performed for different location and diameter, Optimum location found to be 2400 mm and diameter as 460 mm. In the next, pressure vessel with two holes is considered for optimization and optimum result found at location of first nozzle 1200 mm and second 6800 mm having 510mm diameter for each nozzle. It is observed that with the decrease in diameter of the nozzle equivalent stresses decrease. With the change in location (shifting towards end) first equivalent stresses decreases up to location 2000 mm and again start increasing onwards.