Proceedings of PVP2002

2002 ASME Pressure Vessels and Piping Conference

August 5-9, 2002, Vancouver, BC, Canada
STIFFNESS COEFFICIENTS FOR NOZZLES IN API 650 TANKS

Manfred Lengsfeld Kanhaiya L. Bardia

PVP2002-1279
Jaan Taagepera
Fluor Daniel Inc. Fluor Daniel Inc. Valero Refining Co.
manfred.lengsfeld @fluor.com ken.bardia@fluor.com Jaan.taagepera@valero.com

Kanajett Hathaitham Donald G. LaBounty Mark C. Lengsfeld

Fluor Signature Services Inc. Fluor Daniel Inc. Crane Valves
ken.hathaitham @fluor.com donald.la.bounty@fluor.com lengsfeld @yahoo.com

ABSTRACT this paper stiffness coefficients are provided for nozzles away
The analysis of tank nozzles for API Standard 650 [1] tanks from a structural discontinuity. The distance at which a
is a complex problem. Appendix P of API 650 provides a discontinuity has no influence on the spring rate of a nozzle is
method for determining the allowable external loads on tank defined by Welding Research Council (WRC) Bulletin 297
shell openings. The method in Appendix P is based on two [11]. Height factors are used to calculate stiffness coefficients
papers, one by Billimoria and Hagstrom [2] and the other by for nozzles located close to a gross structural discontinuity.
Billimoria and Tam [3]. Although Appendix P is optional, With the height factors provided, the engineer is able to arrive
industry has used it for a number of years for large diameter at stiffness coefficients for nozzles at any location on the tank
tanks. For tanks less than 120 feet (33.6 m) in diameter, shell, which in turn helps to predict more accurately the piping
Appendix P is not applicable. loads at the nozzle.
In previously published papers [4-10], the authors used
finite element analysis (FEA) to verify the experimental results NOMENCLATURE
reported by Billimoria and Tam for shell nozzles. The analysis B = 2(12*Dt) in, height from tank bottom per WRC,
showed the variance between stiffness coefficients and stresses Bulletin 297 where tank bottom has no influence
obtained by FEA and API 650 methods for tanks. on stiffness on nozzles (see Figure 1), in
In this follow-up paper, the authors present stiffness D = nominal diameter of tank, ft
coefficients for tank nozzles located away from a structural Do = outside diameter of reinforcing pad, in
discontinuity. Factors to establish spring rates for nozzles FR = radial load, lbs
varying from 6 to 48 inches and tank diameters from 30 feet to KBc = stiffness coefficient due to circumferential
300 feet and for nozzles at different elevations on the shell are moment at distance B, in-lbs/radian
provided. Mathematical equations are provided together with Kc = stiffness coefficient for circumferential moment,
graphs for the stiffness coefficient factors. in-lbs/radian
KBL = stiffness coefficient due to longitudinal moment
INTRODUCTION at distance B, in-lbs/radian
In Appendix P of API 650 a procedure has been established KL = stiffness coefficient for longitudinal moment, in-
to determine the allowable loads on tank shell openings. This lbs/radian
procedure is a practical solution to a complex problem, KBR = stiffness coefficient due to radial force at
especially since low-type nozzles, as defined in API 650, are distance B, lbs/in
close to the bottom and thus are affected by the bottom-to-shell KR = stiffness coefficient for shell thrust (radial) load,
junction (See Fig. 1). As mentioned by Billimoria and lbs/in
Hagstrom, this procedure is conservative. Users in industry L = vertical distance from nozzle centerline to tank
have questioned the need for such conservatism. Even though bottom (see Figure 1), in
Appendix P is not mandatory, many designers use this method LB = vertical distance of nozzle centerline where tank
for lack of any other guidance. bottom has no influence on nozzle stiffness
In previously published papers, the authors used FEA to = B + ½Do
verify the experimental results reported by Billimoria and Mc = circumferential moment, in-lbs
Tam. In papers by Lengsfeld, et. al [4-7] various degrees of ME = longitudinal moment, in-lbs
conservatism were reported for different nozzle sizes attached a = outside radius of opening connection, in
to tanks. Stress factors and stiffness coefficients for low-type d = outside diameter of nozzle (2a), in
nozzles were published by the authors [8,9]. Stress factors for h = height factorL/LB
varying nozzles heights were published by the authors [10]. In mc = stiffness ratio for circumferential moment

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 Y

..... ~
l X .
:-----~LONGrlIlJDINAL
1 MOMENTM~,

+M~
Figure 1: Dimensions for nozzles per API 650

mL = stiffness ratio for longitudinal moment three-dimensional models of the tanks and the nozzles. Larger
mR - stiffness ratio for radial force tanks (D>30 feet) were modeled with 4 node shell elements.
t = shell thickness of tank, in Smaller tanks were modeled using 8 node solid elements.
t. = thickness of nozzle wall, in Each variation of tank and nozzle diameter had different
tp = thickness of reinforcing pad, in numbers of elements. The analyses were performed on a

DESCRIPTION
Figure 2 shows a detail of the nozzle area. Each tank was
assumed to be at ambient temperature of 70 ° Fahrenheit. The
bottom of the shell course for each model had the nodes fixed
in all displacements while rotations were not fixed. This
assumes that the annular ring provides little resistance to shell
rotation due to imposed piping loads. Only an 180 ° section of
each tank was modeled, utilizing symmetry to reduce model
size. Stiffness coefficients were calculated from the deflection
of the nozzle after the loads were applied.
For the FEA, COSMOS software developed by Structural
Research and Analysis Corporation was used to construct
Silicon Graphics Workstation and PC's.
Figure 3a represents stiffness coefficients due to a radial
force for tanks from 30 feet to 300 feet in diameter with a wall
thickness of 3/4". Figure 3b gives the stiffness ratio due to a
radial force to be used for nozzles located closer to a structural
discontinuity. Figures 4a and 4b are for circumferential
moments where as Figures 5a and 5b for longitudinal
moments. Actual stiffness ratios mi conform to a relative
narrow scatter band. For simplicity these bands were combined
into single lines in Figures 3b, 4b and 5b. Stiffness coefficients
for above figures 3a, 4a and 5a are for nozzles 6" to 48" in
diameter located away from a gross structural discontinuity.
Nozzles were chosen to have reinforcing pads with equivalent

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 Figure 2: Detail of a typical nozzle and shell area

The loadings were applied independently. In excess of 100

dimensions of Table 3-6, column 5 of API 650. The tanks
combinations of loading, tank, thickness, and nozzle sizes
modeled were 30 feet to 300 feet in diameter and 64 feet high.
were evaluated.
Several shell-thickness were investigated for each tank. The
mathematical method of least-square fits for polynomial curves
RESULTS
was used to smooth these curves and derive mathematical
Stiffness coefficients vary with the location of the nozzle in
equations. Table 1 lists the equations for tank diameters and
height on the tank wall. Stiffness coefficients increase as the
thickness presently available. These equations were then used
nozzle moves closer to a gross structural discontinuity. Factors
to produce the graphs of Figures 3a through 5b. Using the
have been established to calculate spring rates for nozzles at
mathematical equations will simplify the creation of computer
any location on the tank wall using as a basis the rates for
programs for the calculation of nozzle stiffness coefficient at
nozzles away from a discontinuity. Stiffness coefficients are
the nozzle-to-shell junction.
inverse proportional to the height, the lower the location on the
tank, the higher is the spring rate. Depending on the location of
LOADING
the nozzle, the value for the stiffness coefficients from Figures
The same loadings were applied to all finite element models,
3a, 4a or 5a will be divided by the height factor from Figures
namely
P = 1,000 lbs 3b, 4b or 5b respectively.
Radial,
Longitudinal Moment, ML = 10,000 in-lbs
Circumferential Moment, Mc = 10,000 in-lbs

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 ANALYSIS PROCEDURE
The procedure for the evaluation of stiffness coefficients is
as follows:
1. Calculate the distance B
2. Establish the height LB
3. Establish the height factor h
4. For a given nozzle on a tank with established wall
thickness read the stiffness coefficient from Figures
3a, 4a or 5a for the corresponding loading
5. From Figures 3b, 4b or 5b establish the stiffness ratio
factors mi
6. Divide the value of the spring rate from (4) by the
stiffness ratio factor from (5) to arrive at the stiffness
coefficient for the nozzle under consideration
DISCUSSION
The graphs presented in this paper were constructed to be on
the conservative side.
The presented results may be interpolated to establish
stiffness coefficients for other nozzles, tank diameters and
shell thickness.
The purpose of this paper is to give the designer a simple
means to arrive at a spring rate at a nozzle to tank shell
connection.
For more complex or critical applications, it is
recommended to perform an FEA analysis including the
complete piping system.
CONCLUSION
The method presented in this paper provides the design
engineer a means to calculate stiffness coefficients at the shell
to nozzle junction. With these rates applied piping loads can
be established.
Once accurate piping loads have been established, stresses at
the nozzle-shell junction can be calculated using the methods
published previously [10].
The use of the finite element analysis models in determining
the stiffness coefficients for tank nozzles is recommended
when piping loads indicated by the method provided in this
paper are excessive and would result in expensive piping
systems.
Additional data for other tank sizes are being developed
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Time and size constrains prevent the authors from
investigation of several more shell thickness.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of the
managements of Fluor Daniel, Valero Refining Co and CCI to
prepare and publish this paper. Special thanks to Gilbert
Chen, Avtar S. Mann and Dennis Mitchell for their review of
the manuscript and their encouragement.
REFERENCES
[1] American Petroleum Institute, API Standard 650 tenth
Edition, November 1998 "Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage"
[2] Billimoria, H.D., and Hagstrom, K.K, "Stiffness
Coefficients and Allowable Loads for Nozzles in Flat Bottom
Storage Tanks" Paper 77-PVP-19. ASME 1977
[3] Billimoria, H.D., Tam, K.K., 1980, "Experimental
Investigation of Stiffness Coefficients and Allowable Loads
for a Nozzle in a Flat Bottom Tank" ASME Publication 80-
C2/PVP-5
[4] Lengsfeld, M., Bardia, K.L, Taagepera, J., 1995 "Nozzle
Stresses Resulting from Piping Loads at Low-Type Nozzles in
API 650 Storage Tanks" ASME PVP-Vol. 315
[5] Lengsfeld, M., Bardia, K.L, Taagepera, J., 1996 "FEA vs.
API 650 for Low Tank Nozzles" ASME PVP-Vol. 336
[6] Lengsfeld, M., Bardia, K.L, Taagepera, J., 1997 "FEA vs.
API 650 for Low Tank Nozzles (2)" ASME PVP-Vol. 359
[7] Lengsfeld, M., Bardia, K.L, Taagepera, J., 1998 "Spring
Rates for Low Tank Nozzles" ASME PVP-Vol. 368
[8] Lengsfeld, M., Bardia, K.L, Taagepera, J., Hathaitham,
K., 1999 "Stress Factors for Low-Type Nozzles in API 650
Tanks" ASME PVP-Vol. 388
[9] Lengsfeld, M., Bardia, K.L, Taagepera, J., Hathaitham,
K., 1999 "Spring Rates for Low Tank Nozzles in API 650
Tanks" ASME PVP-Vol. 388
[10] Lengsfeld, M., Bardia, K.L., Taagepera, J., Hathaitham,
K., LaBounty, D.G., Lengsfeld, M.C., 2001 " Analysis of
Loads for Nozzles in API 650 Tanks" ASME PVP-Vol. 430
Ill]Bulletin 297, September1987, "Local Stresses in
Cylindrical Shells due to External Loadings on Nozzles"
Welding Research Council (WRC), New York
 STIFFNESS COEFFICIENT DUE TO RADIAL FORCE

400

350

300

..... [. 30'Dia.xl/2"
250

30'Dia.x3/4"
o ~ 200
KBR = 3.4604X + 70,876

150
1 gO'Dia.xa/4"
KBR = 2.3202x + 47.251
100
300'Dia.x3/4"
5O KBR= 0.4032X + 4.4569

0
10 20 30 40 50

Z
Note 3/4" thicknesses are solid line
Nozzle Size (in)

Figure 3a

STIFFNESS RATIO DUE TO RADIAL FORCE

0.9

0,8

0.7

0.6

0.5-

I¢ 0.4-

0.3-

0.2

0.1
mR = -0.2504h 2 + 1.2516h - 0.0086
,,, , .... , ,,,,,
0 ,

0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9

h=L/L B

Figure 3b

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 STIFFNESS C O E F F I C I E N T DUE T O C I R C U M F E R E N T I A L M O M E N T

200 -

180 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
T 3O'Oia.x3/4"
K ~ = 0.0622x 2 + 0.451 l x + 9.1617

160 -

140 180'Dia.x,3/4"
KBC = 0.0243x = + 0.0707x + 2.2218

8~
o 12o

7, 1oo.
ff,- 3O'Dia,xl/2"
~.~ 80- P
120'Dia.x3/4" KBc = 0.0421 x2 - 0 . 2 7 2 3 x + 9.9571
60 KBC = 0.0364x ~ + 0.106x + 3 3 3 2 7 ~ I =.

40 . . . . .

t 300'Dia.x3/4"

Kec= 0.0075x 2 + 0.2921x + 4.1626

0 . . . . . . . i ........
10 20 30 40 50

x
Note 3/4" thicknesses are solid line
Nozzle Size (in)

Figure 4a

S T I F F N E S S RATIO DUE TO C I R C U M F E R E N T I A L M O M E N T

0.9

0.8

07

0.6

~ 05

E 0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1
mc = -0.2947h2 + 1.0205h + 0.2751
0
0.1 0.2 03 0.4 0.5 06 0.7 0.8 0.9

h=L/LB

Figure 4b

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 SPRING RATE DUE TO LONGITUDINAL MOMENT

:eli ..... _
/ / - ~ K,L = o.2~oo,' - o.o883,+ 2o.,~ /

400 - - - 30'Dia.xl/2"
I-/
- .......

~ "~ 3001 " I ~ ,20'Dia.x3/4" I" / ~ "

2'°1 . . . . . / . . . . ,,~ = o.,3,~e- o.,,,x+,.o,,~ . . . . . - ....

50 1 ~ ~ ~ " - 300'Dia.x3/4"
o| ~,L= o o249x~ + o 2o8,x + , , , ~ 9
0 t0 20 30 40 50

Nozzle Size (In) Note 3/4" thicknesses are solid line

Figure 5a

STIFFNESS RATIO DUE TO LONGITUDINAL MOMENT

0.9

0.8

0.7

.j 0.6 . . . . . . . . . .

0.5 ................................................................

E 0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1
m L = -0.2512h 2 + 0.641h + 0.6034

0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9

h=L/LB

Figure 5b

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 Table 1 = 32.86 in
2) Establish the centerline distance of the
Size Formulae
nozzle of no discontinuity influence
LB = B+0.5*D0
30' Tank, 1" Wall KBC = 0.0529x 2 + 4.0405X - 26.146
= 32.86 + 0.5 * 49.5
30' Tank, 1" Wall KBL = 0.2662X 2 + 4.3491X - 35.678 = 57.61 in
30' Tank, 1" Wall KBR = 0.0079X + 0.1919 3) Establish the height factor
30' Tank, 1/2" Wall KBC = 0.0421X 2 - 0.2723X + 9.9571 h = L/LB
30' Tank, 1/2" Wall KBL = 0.15X 2 " 1.0719X + 6.4632 28/57.61
0.486
30' Tank, 1/2" Wall KBR = 4.1196X + 50.97
4) From Figure 3a, 4a, 5a read the stiffness
30' Tank, 3/4" Wall Kac = 0.0421X 2 - 0.2723x + 9.9571 coefficients
30' Tank, 3/4" Wall KBL = 0 . 1 5 X 2 " 1.0719x + 6.4632 KBR = 280,000 lbs/in (Fig. 3a)
30' Tank, 3/4" Wall KBR = 4.1196X + 50.97 KBC = 80,000 in-lbs/rad (Fig. 4a)
120' Tank 1" Wall KBC = - 0 . 0 5 8 9 X 2 + 4.9447x + 2.4016 KBL = 200,000 in-lbs/rad (Fig. 5a)
120' Tank. 1" Wall KBL = 0.1462X 2 - 3.7726X + 54.295 5) From Figure 4, 5, 6 read the coefficient
factor
120' Tank 1" Wall KBR = 0.5828x + 88.103
mr = 0.6 for Kr ( Fig. 3b)
120' Tank. 1/2" Wall KBc = -010199x 2 + 1.6614x - 4.0694
mc = 0.68 for Kc (Fig. 4b)
120' Tank. 1/2" Wall KBL = 0.0215X 2 + 0.2208X + 5.3213 mE = 0.88 for KL (Fig. 5b)
1 2 0 ' T a n k 1/2" Wall KBR = 0.3677X + 38.396 6) Divide the stiffness coefficients
120' Tank 3/4" Wall KBC = 0.0364X 2 + 0.106X " 3.3327 established in step 4 by the factors from step
120' Tank. 3/4" Wall KBL = 0.1373X 2 - 0.798X - 9.0685 5 to arrive at the stiffness coefficients for the
nozzle under investigation.
120' Tank, 3/4" Wall KBR = 3.4804X + 70.876
KR = KBR/mR
300' Tank, 1" Wall KBC = 0-0089X 2 + 0.771X + 13.236 280,000 / 0.6
300' Tank, 1" Wall KBL = 0.0393X 2 + 0.5196X + 13.023 466,000 lbs/in
300' Tank, 1" Wall KBR = 0.1211X + 34.977 Kc = KBc/mc
300' Tank, 3/4" Wall KBC = 0.0421X 2 - 0.2723X + 9.9571 80,000 / 0.68
300' Tank, 3/4" Wall KBt_ = 0 . 1 5 X 2 - 1.0719x + 6.4632
117,600 in-lbs/rad
KL = KBL/me
300' Tank, 3/4" Wall KBR = 4.1196X + 50.97
200,000 / 0.88
227,000 in-lbs/rad
SAMPLE PROBLEM
Calculate the spring rate for the following tank:
Thus for this sample problem the above calculated stiffness
Material: A36
coefficients should be used when establishing the loads for the
D = 30 feet (360 in)
piping system attached to the nozzle, namely:
t = %in
d = 30 in
KR= 466,000 lbs/in for a radial load
t, = 3/4 in
Kc = 117,600 in-lbs/rad for a circumferential moment
L = 28 in (regular p e r A P I 6 5 0 )
KL = 227,000 in-lbs/rad for a longitudinal moment
The nozzle has a reinforcing plate in accordance with API
650.
Do = 49.5 in
t = ½ in

SOLUTION

1) Calculate the distance where the bottom

discontinuity has no influence on the spring
rate
B = 2(12*Dt) °5
= 2* (12"30"0.75) 0.5

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