IDAC were approached by Zeta-pdm to conduct an independent finite element analysis on a compressor suction scrubber vessel design. The primary objective of the analysis was to assess the structural integrity of the assembly under its own dead weight. The geometry consists of a vertical vessel, 4 holding clips, and a support ring. The inlet device rests on 4 clips while the gas outlet system is supported on a fully circumferential ring. Zeta-pdm were most interested in obtaining the Von-Misses stresses acting on the structure and total deformations caused due to these stresses.

The analysis was performed using ANSYS DesignModeler for the geometry modifications and parameterization, while ANSYS Simulation was used to set up, solve and post process the linear static analysis.

Given the simplicity of the structure and the relative small mesh count as a result, a decision was made to model the entire model instead of using any natural planes of symmetry. To also reflect operating conditions accurately, idac used a combination of fixed, sliding and frictionless supports on the entire structure. For example, the bottom of the vessel, sits on a skirt during daily operations. As a result, fixed supports were used on these surfaces.

In this particular analysis, hydrostatic and buoyancy forces were neglected, as they were determined to be minor in comparison to the operating loads. Gravity however was taken into consideration, as the assembly was being analysed under its own dead weight.

Upon review of the results, it was found that the maximum stresses do occur in the region of the pin supports. However, the design did not need to be edited as both the total deformation and maximum stresses were well under the Yield Limit of the material. As the material did not pass into the plastic part of the stress-strain curve, the design has been verified for use in operation.