Thermo-Structural Analysis and Life Cycle Evaluation With Optimization of Separation Plate In Pressure Vessel

Abstract

Pressure vessels are being used in many industries. Ammonia converter is also one kind of pressure vessel. It is being used for the production of ammonia in fertilizer industries and some other industries. It is one of the most required product in the world. Ammonia converter is horizontal pressure vessel which has three to five compartment filled with catalyst bed. There is a different type of chemical processes taken place in each compartment. So, separation plate is being used to separate the compartments. The catalyst is being used to increase the speed of the chemical reaction which is also supported by a separation plate. Due to the exothermic reaction, this catalyst bed generates a different temperature in each compartment. It results in structural and thermal stresses in the separation plate. The structural and thermal loads make the separation plate a crucial part of the converter basket. The design of separation plate has been carried out and same has been verified for safety. The thermo-structural analysis of the separation plate has been carried out and cause of high-stress concentration have been evaluated, then the various changes in the design have been made for stress reduction. Each design has been analysed using FEA software and the optimum design has been selected. The fatigue life cycle evaluation has been carried out using ASME guidelines.