BS 5 5 0 0 : 1994

Issue 2, January 1995

' Section three. Design

3.1General
3.1.1 The minimum thicknesses or dimensions to ensure
the integrity of thevessel design against the risk of gross
ic) weight of the vessel;
Id) maximum weight of contents under operating
conditions;
(e) weight of water under hydraulic pressure test
mnditinns:
.. . . .,
p asuc aeformat on. ncremental col apse and co apse
- - -
rhro-ah buck ina sha be determ ned s n a tne mater a s
specified in section t w o and the calculations specified
(11 w nd load ng.
(g) earthquake loading;
in 3.1.2 to 3.1.6or3.2.2. ih) other loads supported by or reacting on the vessel.
3.1.2 Minimum thicknesses or dimensions for particular Consideration shall be given to the effect of the following
components of vessels under internal pressure (see 3.5) loads where it is not possible to demonstrate the accuracy
shall be calculated in accordance with thesubclauses of the proposed design, e.g. by comparison with the
identified in (a) to If). behaviour of other vessels:
(a) cylindrical and spherical vessels (3.5.1); (1) local stresses caused by supporting lugs, ring
Ib) domed ends (3.5.2); girders, saddles, internal structures or connecting piping
or intentional offsets of median lines in adjacent
(c) conical ends and truncated cones (3.5.3):
components;
(d) openings and branch connections (3.5.4);
(2) shock loads caused by water hammer or surging of
(e) flat ends and flat plates (3.5.5); the vessel contents;
(f) spherically domed and bolted ends (see figure 3.5.6) (3) bending moments caused by eccentricity of the
(3.5.6). centre of the working pressure relative to the neutral
) 3.1.3 Minimum thicknesses or dimensions far particular axis of the vessel;
components of vessels under external pressure (see 3.6) (4) stresses caused by temperature differences
shall be calculated in accordance with the subclauses includino
" transient conditions and bv differences in
identified in (a) to (f). coefficients of thermal expansion;
(a) cylindrical shells (3.6.2); (5) fluctuations of pressure and temperature,
Ib) conical shells (3.6.3); Where portions of a vessel are subjected to high cyclic
(c) spherical shells (3.6.4); forces/moments or thermal stresses in service which will
(d) hemispherical ends (3.6.5); not be reproduced during the pressure test specified in
5.8, the possibility of unacceptable local strain
(e) torispherical ends 13.6.6);
accumulatina - over the life of the comoonent shall be aiven
-
(f) ellipsoidal ends (3.6.7). appropriate consideration.
3.1.4 Minimum thicknesses or dimensions for bolted 3.2.2 Design requirements specified i n this section will
flange connections. flat heat exchanger tubesheets and provide satisfactory designs for the types of loading
jacketed construction shall be calculated in accordance accounted for by the equations' therein. i f a component is
with 3.8.3.9 and 3.1 1, respectively. subjected to loading other than that accounted for in the
NOTE. Recommended methods of calculating stresses arising equations, reference shall be made to other design criteria
from local loads (on spherically or cylindrically shaped vessels1 (such as in A), unless it-is possible to
due t o nozzles, suppons, etc., and thermal gradients aregiven in
demonstrate the adequacy of the proposed design by
appendix G.
comparison w i t h the behaviourof similar existing
3.1.5Since the thicknesses determined by thevarious components.
)
'
equations are minima, the specified nominal thickness shall NOTE
The equations in thissection are based on mean
I include the mount of any negative tolerance permitted by diameter rulesand are not necessarily applicable when the ratio
the specification t o which the material is ordered. of the outside diameter of the vessel to the inside diameter of the
vessel D./D, exceeds 1.3.The desian of suchvessels should be
NOTE. Following replacement of BS 1501 by BS EN 10028 it should gwen speclai cons oerat on taa~ngrnto account tnat tne factor of
safety agalnst gross p as1 c deformauon w I De greater tnan :hat
be noted that plate to this specification is normally supplied to BS EN
Imp eo ay thc cquauons n this sect on. ana tnat the onset of
10029 class B, which permits a negative tolerance of 0.3 mm for all
plasticity (locally at the bore) will occur at relatively low pressure.
nominal thicknesses, however the purchaser may specify a 'zero'
npgative tolerance. NOTE 2. An aid to the selection of standardized pressure vessels
isgiven in BS 5276: Part 4. where a rangeof dimensionsand
3.1.6 Supports, attachments and internal structures (non pressure ratings for basic unpierced cylindrical pressure vessels
pressure parts) shall be designed in accordance with 3.7. with domed ends is given.
hOTE 1 Deta. ea recommendat ons to safeg.ard tre vessel NOTE 3. Where the s~ecifieddesian " strenath
" of a material is time
agatnst fa1fg.c cono~tronsare g ven .n appendlx C oepenaent. thedesogn proceddres cover ng sltuat ons wnern
tnterna press-re s not a oom nant form of oad ng l e g see 36.
3.1.7 Detailed requirements t o safeguard against brittle may not n themselies prov.de adeq-ate rnargln aga nst lne
fracture of vessels, ferritic steels i n categories MO t o M4 possibilityof creepdeformation leading to instability or creep
inclusive, are given i n appendix D (see also 2.2). rupture during the agreed design lifetime. In such cases the
design proceduresspecified in this section should, where
3.2 Application indicated, be supplemented by appropriate analysis to confirm
that this lifetime will be achieved.The design procedures
3.2.1 In the desian- of a vessel the followina- loads shall be included in this section do not necessarilv cover mechanisms
taken into account, where relevant: 1e.g creep ratchettingl which can significantly increase the
deformation rate of components operating in thecreep range and
(a) internal and/or external design pressure;
i subject tofrequent temperature cycling. Where such cycling is
likely,deformation ratesshould be confirmed by appropriate
(b) maximum static head of contained fluid under
operating conditions; supplementary analysis.

'The equations in this section may be used with any consistent set of units.
311
BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1. January 1994

For other components for which no requirements are NOTE 2. No such vessel should remain in service once theagreed
soecified i n this section. reference shall be made to other service life has been completed, without a periodic review based on
methods of evaluating the stress systems (such as i n the inspeclionlmonitoring of the partls) in question,
appendix A). Where, during normal operation, a vessel is subjected to
By agreement between the purchaserand the manufacturer. more than one loadingtltemperature condition, the
it is permissibleto usedesigns basedon requirementsother thickness shall be determined f r o m that condition which
than thoseaiven i n this section orovided thevcan be shown results i n the greatest thickness.
to comply w i t h t h e design criterla i n appendix A, b u t i n n o 3.2.5 The m i n i m u m design temperature which is used t o
case shall the m i n i m u m thickness for pressure loading only determine the suitability of the material to resist brittle
be less than that required b y 3.5.1 t o 3.5.3 lsee table 1:5). fracture shall be the lowest metal temperature expected i n
service. In the case o f components thermally insulated
The design pressure of vesse,ls l o r vessel parts) for w h i c h externallysthelowest metal temperatureshall be taken to be
the strength cannot be satisfactorily calculated shall be
t h e m i n i m u m temperature of t h e contents of the vessel at
determined f r o m the resultsof a proof hydraulictest carried
t h e appropriate loading condition. In the case o f
out i n accordancewith 5.8.6in the presence ofthelnspecting
components not thermally insulated, t h e m i n i m u m
Authority.
temperature of the components under operating conditions
3.2.3 The design pressure (i.e. the pressureto beused i n the and the method used for assessing t h e lowest metal
equations for the purposes o f calculation) shall be n o t less temperature shall be subject t o agreement.
than:
In cases where the calculated membrane stress can v a w
(a) t h e pressure which will exist i n t h e vessel when t h e w i t h the m i n i m u m design temperature, e.g. auto-
pressure relieving device starts t o relieve, or the set refrigeration
. during- de~ressurisation,
. the various
pressure o f the pressure relieving device, whichever is combinations o f stress and temperature shall be evaluated
t h e higher (see 3.13); todeterminetheone which is most onerous f o r t h e purpose
( b ) the m a x i m u m pressure which can beanained i n o f selection o f materials (see D.3.1).
service where this pressure is n o t limited b y a relieving 3.2.6 Provision shall be made i n t h e design t o permit
device. thermal expansion and contraction so as t o avoid excessive
The design pressureshall include thestatic head where thermal stresses.
applicable. 3.2.7 Unless otherwise agreed (see 3.2.21, w i n d and
Vessels subject to external pressure shall be designed for earthquake loadings shall be calculated i n accordance w i t h
the m a x i m u m differential pressure to which the vessel m a y appendix B a n d the higher permissible stresses given i n
besubjected i n service. It is recommended that vessels A.3.6 apply.
subject to vacuum be designed for a full negative pressure
of 1 bar* unless a vacuum break valve or similar device is 3.3 Corrosion, erosion and protection
provided, i n which case it is permissible for a lower design 3.3.1 General. The w o r d 'corrosion'as used i n this standard
pressure to be used b y agreement between the purchaser shall be taken t o mean corrosion, oxidation, scaling,
and the manufacturer (see table 1.5). abrasion, erosion and all other forms of wastage.
3.2.4 The m a x i m u m design temperature which is used t o The purchaser and t h e manufacturer shall give joint
determine t h e appropriate nominal design strength for t h e consideration to the likely effect which corrosion (both
selected material slid I be not less tnan t h e actual metal ~ n t e r n aand
i external) w'l, have .pon the usefu life o l t h e
ternperatLre expected i n servce. Tne m a x i m u m design vcsse [see . tau e 1.51..~Lnae. c o n d ~ ons
~ ~~ ~~ t wnere stress
temperature shall include an adequate margin t o cover corrosion m a y occur, consideration shall be given t o the
uncertainties i n temperature prediction. Where different materials used and the residual stress i n fabricated vessels.
metal temperatures can confidently be predicted for NOTE 1. Forms of corrosion, including the following, require
different parts of the vessel, it is permissible t o base the consideration.
design temperature for any point i n the vessel o n the (a) Chemical attack where the metal isdissolved bythe reagents
predicted metal temperature. It may be general over the whale surface or localized (causing
pining) or a combination ofthe two.
A n appropriate design lifetime shall be agreed between the
(bl Rusting caused by the combined action of moisture and air.
purchaser and the manufacturer for each vessel whose
m a x i m u m design temperature is such that the nominal (cIErosion corrosion where a reagent that is otherwise
innocuous flows over the surface at a velocity greater than some
designstrength intable2.3istimedependent (seetable 1.5). "r;,;">l .".""
". %,-I,,-
hOTE 1. h o vesscl der gneo on tn's oas s %no- u remaon in servcc lu) n'gn lcrnperalure oxoaal OP Iscalngl.
oeyondtr~eagreeooeslgnl~fet'mcun essarev'ewtsrhen madeof ts
contnueo fotnessforservce based on 'nspection for creep uamage Wnen in aoubt c o n s ~ d e r a t ~ oshal
n ue glven t o ~ o d e r t a * : n g
and consideration of its temperatureistresshistory and the latest corrosion tests t o be carried out o n the actual metal
materialsdata.Panicularattentionrhould bepaid,duringinspection, lincluding welds) or of metals
under exposure
to geometrical discontinuities and derails subject to load or
t o the actual chemicals used i n service.
..
temoerature cvclino. Subiecl to satisfactorv oeriodic review. it is
permissible to extend service lives beyond the original design life. NOTE 2. It isvery dangerous to assume that the major constituent of
a mixture of chemicals is the active agent, as in many cases small
A n appropriateservice life and design margin (as i n C.1.2) tracesafimpuriliesexertanacceleratingorinhibitingeffectoutofall
shall be agreed between the purchaser and the proponion to the amount of impurity.
manufacturer for each vessel of which any integral part
requiresa detailed fatigueanalysis (asin C.2) (seetable 1.51

1 bar = 105N/m'=0.1 N/mm2= l00kPa.

t In this context, the term 'loading' means any combination of loads llncluding pressure loading) acting simultaneously.
 BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1994

Fluid temperatures and velocities should be equivalent 3.3.4Wear plates. Where severe conditions of erosion
to those met i n operation. Corrosion tests should be and abrasion arise, consideration shall be given to fitting
continued for a sufficiently long period to determine the local protective or wear plates directly in the path of the
trend of any change i n the rate of corrosion with respect impinging material.
to time.
3.3.2 Additional thickness t o allow for corrosion. The 3.4 C o n s t r u c t i o n c a t e g o r i e s a n d d e s i g n stresses
additional thickness specified over and above that 3.4.1 Construction categories. For the purposes of this
required for design conditions shall be adequate to cover standard, a construction category in accordance with
the total amount of corrosion expected on either or both table 3.4 shall be agreed between the purchaser and
surfaces of the vessel and shall be agreed between the manufacturer for each pressure containing component of
purchaser and the manufacturer (see table 1.51. It shall be the vessel (see table 1.51.
at least equal in mggnitude to the expected wastage due
NOTE Any one of tne tnree constr.ctlon categor es n taoe 3 4
to corrosion during the specified life of the vessel and shall w II prov~deadequate ntegnty for normal pdrposes w~th~nrhe
be a minimum of 1 m m unless a protective lining is material and temperature limitations specified therein. The
employed. justification for any special precautions (e.g. additional inspection
and/ortest requirements, secondary containment,) to reduce
Where corrosion effects are negligible no excess external risks in the postulated event of an escape of hazardous
thickness need be specified. vessel contents involves consideration of matters bv the
3.3.3 Linings and coatings. It is permissible for vessels to
ourchaser
7 - ~~-~ land
.~ reaulatino
" " authoritvl~ ~.~ thescooe
,. which are bevdnd
~~~
~ . ~~

of m s standard Any rnod 1 catlons to the ieqd remcnts of rnis

be fully or partially lined (or coated1 with standard wnicn are reg. red for tn s pdrpose inodld becotered.
corrosion-resistant material. It is permissible for linings to as appropriate. under 1.5.1
be loose, intermittently attached to the vessel base 3.4.2 Design stresses
) material or integrally bonded to the vessel base material.
3.4.2.1 Categories 1 and2. Except as qualified in 3.4.2, the
The surface finish for coated vessels shall be agreed
design stresses shall not exceed the appropriate nominal
between the purchaser and the manufacturer
design strength value given in table 2.3, etc. for the
(see table 1.51.
material of construction at the design temperature.
Provided contact between the corrosive agent and the
The following points shall also be taken into account.
vessel base material is excluded, it shall not be necessary
to make a corrosion allowance against internal wastage of (a) Carbon andcarbon manganese steels
the base material. Corrosion-resistant linings shall not be (1) The nominal design strengths given in table 2.3
included in the computation of the specified wall are intended for general use with the steels listed
thickness except in the case of clad steels, when as and acceptance tests on material heat treated with a
agreed between the purchaser and the manufacturer, the completed vessel are not required, any reduction in
combined thickness of steel and cladding is permitted to properties of such steels due to post-weld heat
be used in calculating the wall thickness (see table 1.5). treatment being consistent with the overall benefit
The design of lining shall take into account the effects of obtained by stress relief of the structure. A purchaser
differential thermal expansion; integral linings shall have requiring such tests, or tests on samples subject to
sufficient ductility to accommodate any strain likely to be
imposed on them during service.

Temperature limits
I Lower

100%
(see 5.6.4.1

note 3 to3.2.2

See appendix D limitations

table 2.3
Austenitic
steel to 3.2.2
Aluminium
alloys 1050A. , I ] See table
3103.51 54. 2A.3; also
5 1 54A. 5 0 8 3 3.4.2.1 (c)(3)

Visual only
(see 5.6.4.31

-'For definition of Rm see K.2

C & CMn steel
(R,'<432
N/mm2)
Austenitic
steel I 3 0 0 'C
See appendix D limitations

None

NOTE. In the caseof flat ends andflanges, the limitation on thickness applies to the governing dimension of the attachment
weld and not to the thickness of the flat end or flange itself.
 BS 5 5 0 0 : 1 9 9 4
Issue 2, January 1995

non-standard heat treatments, shali specify them in 3.4.2.3 Additionallimit for statically cast components. In
the supplementary specification together with the case of static castings the design stress shall not
appropriate acceptance criteria (see table 1.5). exceed 0.7 x the nominal design strengthvaluegiven in
(2) In designs where slight deformation is important table 2.3, unless the quality specification (see 2.1.2.3)
or where the proposed post-weld heat treatment makes full provision for the detection and repair of
times or temperatures will significantly exceed the potentially harmful defects in all critical sections. in which
- .
limits aiven in table 4.4.3.1.. olate which will meet the
properties in the material specification in the
case it is permissible to take this limit as 0.9 x the nominal
design strength value given in table 2.3.
normalized plus simulated (3-hour) post-weld heat
treated condition is t o be specified.
3.5 Vessels u n d e r i n t e r n a l pressure
(b) Alloy steels 3.5.1 Cylindrical and spherical shells
(1) Manufacturers shall discuss the application and 3.5.1.1 Notation. Forthe purposes of 3.5.1.2 and3.5.1.3
proposed heating or reheating of alloy steels with the following symbols apply. All dimensions exclude
the material supplier before selecting the appropriate corrosion allowances.
nominal design strength. Di is the inside diameter of shell;
(2) The nominal designstrengthsgiven in table 2.3 Do is the outside diameter of shell;
shall be used provided the proposed post-weld heat e is the minimum calculated thickness of shell plate;
treatment does not exceed the time and temperature
f is the nominal des~gnstress;
limits given in table 4.4.3.1. This does not apply to
the limits permittedfor maximum softening and M is the longitudinal bending moment;
ootimum creeo , .orooerties
, fororades M 7 and M9; in p is thedesign pressure;
these and all other cases the properties used for Q is the longitudinal force in cylinder due t o M o r W,
design purposes shall be subject to prior agreement per unit length of inside circumference (positive if
between the purchaser and the manufacturer (see tensile); see equation (3.7);
table 1.5). Appropriate time and temperature limits
for non-standard heat treatments shall be Ri is the inside radius of shell;
established at the design stage. If acceptance tests W (for vessels with a vertical longitudinal axis only);
on material heat treated with a completed vessel or (a) for points above plane of supporr: is the weight of
in a non-standard manner are required, these shall vessels, fittings, attachments and fluid supported
be specified in the supplementary specification above point considered, the sum to be given a
together with acceptance criteria agreed between negative sign in equation (3.7);
the purchase and the manufacturer (see table 1.5).
(b) for points below plane of support: is the weight of
( C)Aluminium vessels, fittings, attachments and fluid below point
(1) Post weld heat treatment of aluminium vessels is considered plus weight of fluid contents not
not normally necessaryor desirable. supported above point considered, thesum to be
given a positive sign in equation (3.7).
(2)The nominal design strengthsgiven intable2.3 of
annex AAfor materials i n the annealed condition uZ is the nett longitudinal compressive stress.
shall be used in the design of welded constructions. 3.5.1.2 Minimum thickness forpressure loading only. The
(3) In the light of current experience materials for minimum thickness for pressure loading only shall be
vessels subject to external pressure shall be restricted calculated from the following equations.
I to materials 3103, 51 54A. 5 0 8 3 and 5454". (a) Cylindricalshells
3.4.2.2 Category 3. The following design stress limits shall PO.
apply irrespective of the orientation of the main welded e= 2 (3.1)
2f -p
seams.
or
(a) Carbon andcarbonmanganesesteel. The design
e= - P D ~ (3.2)
stressshall not exceed tR,/5.
2f+p
(b) Ausreniticsteel. The design stressshali not exceed
120 N/mm2 or (b) Spherical shells

120(*), whichever is the smaller, where t is the e= PO, (3.3)

%
400+t
~~
4f - 1 . 2 ~
design temderature ('C). or
i n cases where the specified minimum yield strength PDo (3.4)
e=
(1.0 %proof stress) is less than 2 3 0 N/mm2 the design
4 f + 0.8p
stress so calculated shall be multiplied by 0.8.
For seamless components, or where, in areas remote from 3.5.1.3Minimum thickness for combinedloading
main welded seams, the local thickness required to 3.5.1.3.1 Cylindricalandsphericalshells. Where a shell is
withstand pressure has to be calculated (e.g. for design of subjected to loads in addition to internal pressure
local reinforcement,flatendsandflanges),thedesign stress (see 3.2.2) it is not possible to give explicit equations for
shall not exceed the values permitted for construction the minimum thickness and solution by trial and error is
categories 1 and 2. necessary (see appendix 01.

'Inb ew of tne ac* o'appropr aleaara 1 s recommenaca tnat useof 5154A ana M83 maler als be reslr Cleo to be ow 66 'C aaia
, tne usc of 3102 bc reslr clca lc 50 ' C Tne slval-es oflncsematcr alsusca n tnecq-allon 3 11 shal. not exceea 30 Nlmm2
 BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 2, January 1995

3.5.1.3.2Approximarion forcylinder. Where the effect of 3.5.2.2Lirnitations. The following design limitationsshall
) such loadings is to produce an axial load Wand a bending apply t o pressure vessel ends:
moment M, a first approximation t o the thickness required (a) hemispherical ends: 0.002DG e G 0.16D
shall be determined in the following manner. The first
approximation is always an overestimate by an amount
(b) ellipsoidal ends: 0.0020 G e 0.080 <
he> 0.180
which is greaterfor cylinders with larger values of e/Ri.
hOTE Where equal ons ( 3 51 and 1361 ma care thal an "crease (c) torispherical ends: 0.002DG e 0.080 <
jn the tn ccness orer rnat g ven by 3 5 121al is req~lred,reference r>0.06D
snoJ a oe rnaae to appena x B lo estab sn the rn n rnJrn r>2e
thickness. RGD
The first approximation t o the minimum thickness is the
The t w o relationships in (b) and the four relationships in
largest of thevalues given by equations (3.5) and (3.6)and (c) shall be fulfilled simultaneously.
by 3.5.1.2(a). '
In no case shall the thickness of the cylindrical or straight
For Q tensile: flange (see figures 3.10(1) and 3.10(2)) of a domed end be
less than the thickness of a seamless unpierced cylindrical
shell of the same diameter and material for the same
design pressure and temperature.
For Q compressive (i.e. term '-0' having positive value):

In these equations:

Q= -
W
nDi
*- 4M
nDi2
(3.7)

Where Q is compressive. oz, given by:

a,=---Q pDi
e 4e
(a) Elliptical end
is not t o exceed the limit given in A.3.5.
These calculations shall be performed for all combinations
of load expected in service.
Conditions during pressure testing shall be the subject of
special consideration.
NOTE 1. For dealing with local stresses in the neighbourhoodof
the points of application of the additional loads see appendix G.
NOTE 2. Fordealing with torsional loading, wind or earthquake
loading see appendix B.
3.5.2 Domed ends
3.5.2.1 Notarion (see figure 3.5.2.1 1. For the purposes
of 3.5.2.2 to 3.5.2.4 the following symbols apply.All
-j dimensions exclude corrosion allowances.
D is the outside diameter of end;
(b)Torispherical end
D, is the outside diameter of crown section of
torispherical end measured t o tangent between
crown and knuckle;
e is the minimum calculated thickness after dishing;
f is the nominal design stress;
h is the outside head height, i.e. external height of end
measured from plane of junction of end with
cylinder skirt;
NOTE,h=R- ( ( R - 0 / 2 ) ( ~ + 0 / 2 - 2 r l ) 112
(approximately)
I he is the smallest of h,D214 (R + e) and JD ir + ell2
p is the design pressure;
(c) End with manhole (ellipticalor torispherical)
R is the inside spherical radius, for torispherical ends;
r is the inside knuckle radius, for torispherical ends. Figure 3.5.2.1 Domed ends

) I NOTE. The derivation of these rules is given in Part 1 of PD 6550, the

Explanatory Supplemenl to DS 5500.
-n
LC)

S
w
!-"
E
0
z.
=
LC)

5m
-
"7

S
c
2.
m
In
0.
0
3
m
n
m
a
P
BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1994

3.5.2.3 Unpiercedends the basic thickness shall be determined from 3.5.1.2 (b)
3.5.2.3.1 Hernisphericalends. The thickness of taking D o or D i (as appropriate) as follows:
hemispherical ends shall be determined using equations Do = D for hemispherical ends
(3.3) or (3.4) in3.5.1.2. D i = 2R for torispherical ends
3.5.2.3.2 Ellipsoidaland torisphericalends (see figure Do = D x (factor obtained from the following table) for
3.5.2.3 and table 3.5.2.3). The thickness of ellipsoidal and ellipsoidal ends
torispherical ends shall be determined using the following
procedure.
(a) Calculate - P from the design pressurep and the
f 0.18 0.278
design stress of the chosen material f.
(b) Enter figure 3.5.2.3 with this value, read up t o the
0.41 7
appropriate h,/D line for the proposed end shape and
0,25 1.80 0.50 1.OO
then across t o the e/D axis for the corresponding e/D
value.
The thickness shall be assigned the value of Tin 3.5.4for
(c) Multiply b y D toobtain the end thickness. the purpose of determining local compensation T,for
interpolation between h,/D curves is permissible or, isolated or closely grouped openings as if situated in a
alternatively, values may be read from the next highest spherical shell of equivalent diameter as above, subject to
h./D curve. the conditions in 3.5.4.2Id) and figure 3.5.4(0) being
NOTE 1. The thickness of thespherical portion of a torispherical satisfied'.
end may be determined as for a hemispherical endof spherical If T, reinforcement thickness is less thane given by
radiusR within the areaof diameter 0,-2x. where: 3.5.2.3, then the dome end shall have a uniform
x = 0 . 5 \ I ~x torispherical thickness minimum thickness e.
NOTE. In cases where the design strength is timedependent,
hOTE 2. Fig-re 3.52 3 may oe ~ s c ov..rn valdes of h, and0
these proceduresshouldgenerally give adequate margins against
based on lnterna a'mens ons, provndea h,/D :. 027, oeyona rn s
creep rupture. However,fordomed ends madefromferritic
va8.r external d mens ons are to oe dsea.
materials with a largeD/e ( > 100). and also fordomed ends
3.5.2.4Piercedends. To determine the thickness of made from austenitic materials, it is desirable tocheck that any
pierced ends they shall first be considered as a sphere and end of life deformation that may be expected is acceptable.

Table 3.5.2.3 Values of e / D x 103 for unpierced domed ends in terms of he/Dand p/f
he
- p/f
0 0.001 0.0015 0.0025 0.004 0.006 0.010 0.015 0.025 0.050 greater
values

NOTE 1. This tableis notvalidforvaluesof e/Dx 103 < 2.00.

NOTE 2. Intermediate values may be obtained by logarithmic interpolation.
NOTE 3. Values in parentheses are providedfor purposes of interpolation.

'Symbols defined in 3.5.4.1.

 BS 5 5 0 0 : 1994
Issue 2, January 1995

) 3.5.3 Conical endsand truncated cones The increased cylinder thickness shall extend a minimum
3.5.3.1 Minimum thickness forpressure loading only distance from the junction by the dimension:
3.5.3.1.1 Notation. For the purposes of 3.5.3.1.2 VWKT
t o 3.5.3.1.4 the following symbols apply. All dimensions and the increased cone thickness shall extend a minimum
exclude corrosion allowances. distance from the junction by the dimension:
C1 is the factor given by figure 3.5.3(4) or by table 3.5.3;
is the outside diameter at cone base of which
*J
0, cos a
junction is considered. For junctions at large base
of cone, 0,is measured as indicated in These requirements shall only apply provided that the
figure 3.5.3.!1); for junctions at small base of cone, following conditions are satisfied:
0, is the outside diameter at small base of cone; (a) the t w o parts to be joined have the same axis of
is the inside diameter at large base of cone; rotation;
Dk
e is the minimum thickness of cone; (b) the loading is internal pressure;
is the mininlum thickness of cylinder with inside Ic) the joint is a butt weld where the inside andoutside
e,, surfaces merge smoothly with the adjacent cone and
diameter Dk required by 3.5.1.2(a);
cylinder thicknesses without reducing the thickness;
f is the nominal design stress;
NOTE. In cases where thedesign strength is time dependent. (d) the junction is not closer to another junction (such
components designed by the procedure specified in this sectlon as a conelcylinder, conelcone, coneldished head,
should be reviewed to ensure that creepdeformation (local or cylinderltubesheet, etc.) or major non-axisymmetric
general) will be acceptable throughout the agreed design lifetime. discontinuity (such as a branch opening) than the
L is the length equal to 0.5 \jD,e/cos y; dimension:
M is the ratio of corle and cylinder minimum thickness 2\lDylecy~
at the junction to eCyl; where
p is the design pressure; M = 1. when the angle y does not exceed the limit
r is the inside radius of knuckle; value shown in figure 3.5.3(2);
a is the semi-angle at apex of conical section M has the value shown in figure 3.5.3(3) if the angle
calculated; exceeds its limit value.
y is the angle between generating lines of t w o hOTE Eq- ~alentre nforcement may be pro" aea n the form
adjacent conical or cylindrical shell sections. of an externa sr~ffenlngr ng as na cated .n f gure 3 5 311llal
3.5.3.1.2 Thickness of cone wall 3.5.3.1.3.2Reinforcement wirh knuckle. When y is greater
3.5.3.1.2.1 Cones witha < 70 ".The cone wall thickness than 30 ',a knuckle shall be provided with r>,0.06D,.
shall not be less than that given by the equation: The knuckle shall have a thickness at least equal to the
value given by the equation:
e= - P D ~X -1-
(see figure 3.5.3(4) for value of Cl).
2f - p cos a e=
2f
This requirement shall only apply if the following
The same requirement shall apply to the adjacent parts of
conditions are satisfied:
the cylinder and cone (see figure 3.5.3(1 )(c))or of t w o
la) the conical shell is axisymmetrical; consecutive cones (see figure 3.5.3(1 )(d))over a
-'

,/ (b) the thickness e obtained remains below D,/6. distance L.

NOTE The con cal wa may conslst of s e ~ e r ashell
l sect~onsof This thickness of the knuckle and the adjacent parts of the
wn chlhe th~c*nessreduces w th tnea ameter For the cylinder and cone shall not, however, be less than that
r a cdlalfon of eacn ol rnese snell sectlons Dkis taken as tne
insidediameter of the joint at its large base. specified for the cone by 3.5.3.1.2.1 or3.5.3.1.2.2.
3.5.3.1.2.2 Cones witha > 70'. The minimum cone wall These requirements shall only apply provided that the
thickness shall be taken as the lower of the values given following conditions are satisfied:
by 3.5.3.1.2.1 and the equation: (a) the t w o parts to be joined have the same axis of
rotation;
(b) the loading is internal pressure;
(c) the tangent lines of the knuckle are not closer than a
3.5.3.1.3 Reinforcement ofjuncrion ar rhe large base of the distance L from another junction or a tangent line of a
cone. No reinforcement of cone/cylinder or cone/cone knuckle or a major non-axisymmetric discontinuity
junctions is required provided y is within the limits shown (such as a branch opening);
i n figure 3.5.312) (max. 3 0 '1.
(dl the stresses in thin knuckles (e/D<0.005) are
3.5.3.1.3.1 Reinforcemenr wirhour knuckle. Where y is shown by suitable analysis or test to meet appendix A I
outside the limit shown in figure 3.5.3(2) and equal to or criteria.
less than 3 0 ',it is permissible to provide reinforcement by The thickness of knuckles of radius less than 0.06De
increasing the cone and cylinder thickness. In the case of (permitted when y G 3 0 ") shall be calculated in
a cone cylinder junction (see figure 3.5.3(1 )(a)),the ratio of
1 the increased cone and cylinder thickness at the junction
accordance with 3.5.3.1.3.1.
t o the minimum cylinder thickness required by 3.5.1.2(a)
shall be taken to be the valueofMshown in figure
3.5.3(3).
BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1. January 1994

!'
degrees
 BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1994

3.5.3.1.4 Reinforcement of the ,junction

. at the- srnallhass o.. f .
NOTE. Where loadinas of the tvDe listed in 3.5.1 oroduce an axial
' ~

thecone. No reinforcement is r e q ~ i r e d
~ -
~ ~

provided ,s
the l i m t s shown in figure 35.315)(maximum 6 'J.
--..
load Wand a bendinimoment'~.a f:rstapprox.mat.on tothe
th;cknessofthecone req-#redmay be determnned in tne manner
~ - -

. -. torsional
detained in this note lfor .nadino see ann~ndorR I T ~ O
=...-FF-,.-...-,,
.
- ~~ ~~ ~~

3.5.3.1.41 Reinforcement without knuckle. Where y first approximation is always an overestimate by an amount
outside the limits shown in figure 3.5.3(5) and equal to or which is greaterforconesof large e/Ri.
less than 3 0 9 it is permissible to provide reinforcement by Forthe purposes of this note the following symbols apply. ~ l l
dimensions corrosion all0wances'
increasino
. ~
the cone and cvlinder thickness. The ratio of
e~~~
thickness theinsidediameter measured normal to axisof shell a t
~

cylinder to thecylinder thickness D; is

the cone
transverse section considered';
required by 3.5.1.2(a) shall be taken to be the value of M
Do is the outside diameter measured normal to axis of shell a t
shown in figure 3.5.3(6). transverse section considered':
.- ~ ~~

The increased cylinder thickness shall extend a mlnimum isthe tn;cknessattransverse section
distance from the junction by thed~mension: consiaereo':
doeMecvl f is the nominal design stress;
and the increased cone thickness shall extend a minimum M is the external bending moment acting in plane containing
distance from the junction by the dimension: cone axis a t transverse section considered';
p is thedesign pressure;
J- 0 is tne longitudinal force due to M ana Wper unit lengtn of
inside circumference [positive if tensilel:
cos y
W is the axial force (positive if tensile) acting at transverse
These requirements shall only apply provided that the section considered', (excludespressure load);
following conditions are satisfied:
a is the semi-angle at apex of conical section calculated;
i (a) the two parts to be joined have the same axis of
rotation;
g is the nett longitudinal compressive stress.
The first approximation to the minimum thickness is the
(b) the loading is internal pressure; largest of the values given by the following equations and
(c) the joint is a butt weld where the inside and outside that in 3.5.3.12.1.
surfaces merge smoothly with the adjacent cone and For Q tensile:
cylinder thicknesses without reducing the thickness;
(d) the junction is not closer to another junction (such e=
0.25pDi +Q x-
1

as a conelcylinder, conelcone, coneldished head, f - 0.5p cosa

cylindernubesheet, etc.) or major non-axisymmetric or
discontinuity (such as a branch opening) than the 0.25pD0+Q 1
e= x-
dimension: cosa
f
2vmG"l For (1compressive (i.e. term '-0
having positive value):
where 0 . 2 5 ~ ~-7Q~ 1
M = 1 when the angle ydoes not exceed the limit e= x-
value shown in figure 3.5.3(5); f cos a
M h a s the value shown in figure 3.5.3(6) if the angle y or
exceeds its limit value.
3.5.3.1.4.2 Reinforcement with knuckle. When y > 3 0 'a
knuckle shall be provided and a detailed analysis carried In these equations:
out to determine the thickness necessaly, over the
- ) distance L, to keep the maximum hoop stress within
acceptable limits.
3.5.3.2 Minimum thickness for combinedloading Where Q is compressive, the nett longitudinal
3.5.3.2.1 Conicalshells subject to cornbinedloading. compressive stress, q,is not to exceed the limit given in
A.3.5, i.e.
Where a conical shell is subjected to loads of the type
listed in 3.2.1 i n addition to internal pressure, it is not 0 - should not exceed this limit.
possible to give explicit equations for the minimum
thickness, and solution by trial and error shall be used,
. cos a
The calculation should be performed to satisfy all
reference being made to the design recommendations combinations of load expected in service.
and procedure detailed in appendix 6.
Conditions during pressure testing should be the subject
of special consideration.
For dealing with local stresses in the neighbourhood of the
point of application see appendix G.

'See figures B.3(1), B.3(21and B.3(31.

BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1994

$
Figure 3.5.3(5)
Maximum angle y for small base of cone

NOTE. Figure 3.5.316)has not been extended to the minimum values of Mbecause of a practical maximum of O.lOforp/f.
The minimum thicknessof the cone is e,,,/cos yr. The cylinderthickness may be reduced to e,,, aspermined by figure
3.5.315)forthepflvalue shown by a smail clrcle on theM=l.Oline above.

Figure 3.5.3(6)
Value of coefficient Mfor a junction at the small base of the cone without knuckle
 BS 5500 : 1 9 9 4
Issue 2, January 1 9 9 5

)
3.5.4 Openings and branch connections
3.5.4.1 General. The amount of compensation to be
T, is the actualthickness ofthe shell plate and includes any
corrosion allowance and mill tolerance; I
provided at an opening shall be not less than that specified T, is thetotal thickness of shell as required by 3.5.4;
in 3.5.4. The design charts are based o n approximate T, is the modified thicknessof shell (see figures 3.5.4(21)
analysesconsidering internal pressure loading only, butthe and 3.5.4(22));
effect of other loads shall be taken into account by the
t is the branch thicknesscalculatedusing branch design
selection of an appropriate value of the factor Cand using
stress by equations for pressure loading only in 3.5.1
the procedure i n 3.5.4.3.
for a plain cylinder:
The effects of attachments and discontinuities i n the
proximity ofthe openingsshall be taken into account and i n
no case shall branch connections be less than the thickness
specified i n 3.5.4.7. Where it is proposed to use material for
t=

t,
is the actual thickness of the branch wall and includes
any corrosion allowance and mill tolerance;
is the total thickness of branch as required by3.5.4;
I
branchesoradded compensation which isdissimilarto the t', is the modified thickness of branch (see figures
main shell material. 3.5.4.3.7 shall be used. All branch 3.5.4(21) and 3.5.4122));
connections, nozzlesand openings not covered i n 3.5.4.2la) a is theone-half apexangleofcone(seefigure3.5.4(5));
to id) shall be designed on the basis of special analysis,
experimental evidence, or tests to the satisfaction of the
purchaser (seetable 1.5).The useofthealternative methods
given in appendix F is permitted where experience has
3.5.4.2 Application. The requirements in 3.5.4 are valid for
shown it to be satisfactory.
the design of circular and obround openings and nozzles

,
/
I NOTE.The basis on which these requirementsare founded isoutlined
In Part 2 of PD6550. the Explanatory Supplement to BS 5500.

For the purposes of 3.5.4.2 to 3.5.4.5 the following symbols

(including oblique nozzles), arranged singly or i n groups, i n
spherical, cylindrical, domed and conical shells, positioned
to comply with 3.10.1.2, provided that the following
apply. All symbols exclude corrosion allowances. conditions (a)t o Id) are satisfied.
are tne cross-sectiora, areas "sed i n ca c ~ l a t ~ n g AOTE. n cases wnerc tneder gn slrcngtn 'E t'medcpcraenl, tllesc
erocedures snould general y g've aaequale rrarg'ns against creep
compeisat'on for ad:acent orancnes (see f g-re rrpt.re no*evcr, for vessels maae from ferrftc rralarfals w 1 1 , ~
IargeD T, > 1001anaalso resse smaacfroma~slen tcmalcr 3 s. t
isdesirable to checkthat any end of lifedeformationthat may be
is a factor applied to T,IT:
expected is acceptable.
isthemean diameter ofspherical or cylindricalsection (a) Spherical shells
of shell (2R, for conical section of shell) (see figure
(1I Openings a n d nozzles normal to shell surface
3.5.4(5)), or in the case of domed ends, the mean
diameter of the equivalent sphere derived in 3.5.2.4. With (i) Themajor axis (mean dimension or,where no branch
regard to figures 3.5.4(6) to (1 3), it is sufficiently accurate is fitted, the bore) of the opening does not exceed one-
to take the mean diameterofthe shellas the inside half of the diameter of the shell.
diameter ofthe shell +T; (ii) The ratio of the major to minor axes of the opening
is the bore of opening not provided with branch, or does not exceed 2.
mean diameter of branch; in the case of non-circular (2) Obliouenozzles. The nozzle is of circular cross section
openings (see 3.5.4.3.6); complyingwith ( a ) ( l ) ( iandthe
) angle betweentheaxisof
istheaveragevalueofdforany twoadjacent openings the nozzle and a line normal to the shell surface does not
being considered: exceed 50 ".
is half the length of a reinforcing plate i n the axial (b) Cylindrical shells
direction (see figure G.3(2)): (1) Openingsandnozzlesnormalto theshellsurface.The
is half the length of a reinforcing plate in the ratio of the major to minor axes of the opening does not
circumferential direction (see figure G.3(2)): exceed 2.
is the design stress of shell: (2) 0bliquenozzles.The nozzle is of circular cross section
and the angle between the axis of the nozzle and a line
is the design stress of rim or forging;
normal to the shell surface does not exceed 50 ".
is the arrangement factor from figure 3.5.4(16):
(3) Protruding nozzles. d-tdoes not exceed one-third of
is the distance along shell within which shell the mean diameter o f t h e shell.
thickening is assumed to contribute to reinforcement
(4) Flush nozzles. d-tdoes not exceed one-third of the
of opening;
mean diameter of the shell if Ofla> 200. (If Ofla< 200, no
is the distance along branch within which branch limit is placed on the permissible diameter of a flush
thickening is assumed to contribute to reinforcement nozzle.)
of opening;
(c) Conical shells
is the compensation ratio:
(1) Openings a n d nozzles normal to the shell surface
is the pitch measured between centre lines of t w o
(i) The major axis (mean dimension or, where no branch
openings along mid-thickness of shell;
is fined, the bore) of the opening does not exceed one-
is the mean radius of conical shell section at opening third of the diameter of the shell.
(see figure 3.5.4(5)):
(ii) The ratio of the major to minor axes of the opening
is the shell thickness as calculated by equations for does not exceed 2.
pressure loading only i n 3.5.1,3.5.2.4 and 3.5.3 for
plain spherical, cylindrical or conical shell section;
BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1994

(2) Obliquenozzles. The nozzle is of circular cross (iiil Openings and nozzles in torispherical and
section complying with ( c ) ( l)(i)and the angle between semi-ellipsoidal ends are positioned to comply with the
the axis of the nozzle and a line normal to the shell requirements shown in figure 3.5.4(0). Where
%I
surface does not exceed 50 ', reinforcement is provided by means of pads or local
(dl Domedends thickening of the head plate, the distance L shall be
( 1) Openings andnozzles normal to the shellsurface measured from the edge of the weld or taper nearest
the outside of the vessel. Where a dished end has
(i) The major axis of the opening does not exceed
uniform thickness, the distanceL shall be measured
one-half of the diameter of the sphere for a
from the outside of the nozzle or rim of the opening.
hemispherical end or one-half of the diameter of the
equivalent sphere (obtained from 3.5.2.4) for a (2) Obliquenozzles. The nozzle of the circular cross
torispherical or semi-ellipsoidal end. section complying with d ( l )(i)
and the angle between
the axisof the nozzle and a line normal to theshell
(ii) The ratio of the majoi to minor axes of the opening
surface does not exceed 50 ".
does not exceed 2.

0 (mean diameter)

(a) When reinforcement is provided by means of pads (or local thickening of shell)

(b) When no local reinforcement is provided

Figure 3.5.4101 Positions of openings or nozzles i n dished ends (for w e l d details see appendix El
 BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 2, January 1995

3.5.4.3Design of isolatedopenings andbranch connections If the value oft, obtained differs from the estimate,a
) 3.5.4.3.1 Genera/.The thickness ofshell. T, shall be not
revised value of T, shall be used and the calculation
less than Tand the thickness fbr a branch connection, t,
shall benot less than t. Figures 3.5.4(1) to 3.5.4(4) are provided for ease of
Where external loads are negligible, the factor Cshall be application in manual calculations and definitive
taken as not more than 1.1. thicknesses shall be obtained from the data in
table 3.5.4(21 and figure 3.5.4(4). Where it is required to
Where branch or nozzle connections are attached to a determine t,/T,for CT,/Tandp values that are not
piping system designed with due allowance for expansion explicitly tabulated, the following procedure shall be used.
thrusts, etc. (e.g. complying with the flexibility
requirements of BS 8061 Cshall be taken as not more (a) For the nearest listedp value below that required,
than 1.0. find the nearest tabulated CT,/Tvalues bounding the
exact value above and below. Interpolate linearly t o
Other loadings shall be evaluated in accordance with obtain t,/T, corresponding to the required value of
a.~. ~ e n dGi xand the thickness of shell or branch increased CT I T
L',, '.
if necessary, such as by selection of a value of C less than
(b) Similarly obtain r,/T,for the exact CT,/Tvalue for
1.o.
the nearest tabulatedp value greater than that required.
For vessels operating in the creep range C < 1
(c) Finally interpolate linearly to obtain t,/T,for the
3.5.4.3.2 Openings not fitted with branchpieces. If exact value ofp.
Extrapolation of the data beyond the limits presented is
< 0.1. no further reinforcement is not permitted. If the chosen CT,/Tvalue for the vessel is
required.
i greater than CT,/Tfrom the figure for which t,= Ofor the
relevant value ofp, then no reinforcement of the branch is
For larger values ofp the value of t,/T, =Oinfiyure 3.5.4(2)
for spherical or conical shells or shown in figure 3.5.4(3) required and r, can be chosen as the minimum permitted
by table 3.5.4(1). For additional ease of application, table

1
for cylindrical shells, shall be taken and the factor C = 1.1
used to obtain the shell thickness T,. An iteration 3.5.4(3) gives values of CT+'Tforvarious values of pwhen
procedure shall then be performed using a revised value of tiT,=O in figures 3.5.4(1) to (3).
p until the assumed and derived values of T, are equal. Table 3.5.4(1)Thickness of branches
3.5.4.3.3 Branchconnections. I t is permissible to reinforce
branch connections by means of an increase in shell Branch nominal size I Minimum thickness
thickness or nozzle thickness or by a combination of such
increases, subject to the branch thickness limits specified
in 3.5.4.3.4(c) and external pipework loads. The design
chans covering the following cases shall be used:
figure 3.5.4(1), protruding nozzles in spherical vessels
with d/D < 0.5 and protruding nozzles in cylindrical and
conical vessels with d/D < K:
figure 3.5.4(2). flush nozzles in spherical vessels with
d/D < 0.5 and flush nozzles in conical vessels with
d/D < K;
figure 3.5.4(3),flush nozzles in cylindrical vessels with
0 < d/D < 0.3;
figure 3.5.4(4l,flush nozzles in cylindrical vessels with
0.2 < d/D s 1.o.
A value of shell thickness T, > Tshall be chosen, and an
estimate of the branch thickness t, 3 t made so that the
mean branch diameter dand henced/D and (where
necessaryip can be calculated. An appropriate value of C
from 3.5.4.3.1 shall be used CT,/Tshall beentered in the
relevant design chart to obtain t,/T,. In the case of flush
nozzles in cylindrical vessels where 0.2 < d/D < 0.3 NOTE 1. It is recommended that branches of uo
~ ~~
.~to.~80 mm
~~

nom~nalsize in alum nodm vessels s h o ~a oe forged or macn nsa

a value t, shall be derived from figure 3.5.4(3) and a value
from wrougnt materoal. as ma catea *nf.g~reE.2125), types I ) . 1111
of tr2shall be derived from figure 3.5.4(4) and the required or c I:), in preference to pope connecttons we ded d rectlyto the
thickness t, obtained as follows; shell.
t,= t, + 10/d/D - 0.2)(tr2 - t,ll. NOTE 2. These tabular values incorporate a margin of strength,
suggested by experience, to cover additional loading by
connected pipework of the order normally to be expected with
a properly designed and supponed piping arrangement. They
apply to nominal pipe thickness before deducting any
manufacturing under-tolerance.
Figure 3.5.412) Design curvesfor flush nozzles in spherical shells ld/D <0.5) and for flush nozzles in conical shells
Id/D < 'A)
5E
C
:%
- 0
L O
111 "

3
El:
2 P
BS 5500 : 1 9 9 4
Issue 2, January 1 9 9 5

. For values of d/D :

d/D < 0.3 see 3.5.4.3.3.

I r ' 'r
Figure3.5.4(3) Design curvesfor flush nozzles in cylindrical shells (O<d/D<0.3)

T a b l e 3.5.4(2)Design values of t,/T,

(a) Associated with figure 3.5.4 (1)

2 . 1.8 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1
CT./T \
3.2
3.1 .04
3.0 .ll
2.9 .15 .06
 BS 5500 : 1 9 9 4
Issue 2, January 1 9 9 5

I Table 3.5.412) (continued)

(b)Associated with figure 3.5.4(2)

74
CT,/?'
4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.8 1.6 1.4 1.2 lo 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 o,i 0 4 0.3 0.2 0.1
Table 3.5.4 ( 2 ) lconcludedl

(c)Associated with figure 3.5.4 (3)

 d

ff V) w

of:

-I
3
:W
[g -

w
-
m
a
-
-i
II
0
 BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1994

3.5.4.3.4Limits on reinforcement. The limits on The rim shall be designed to a smooth profile,
reinforcement shall be as follows: concentrating material near the edge of the opening, such
(a) Where reinforcement is provided by uniform branch that one-half of the total cross-sectional area falling
thickening, the thickness t, of the branch, and protrusion within the outermost extremities of the dimensions h and
if fitted, shall not be reduced within a distance h = H a s calculated and measured in 3.5.4.3.4(a) and (b) shall
measured from the relevant surface of the shell of be not less than the following:
thickness T, (see figures 3.5.4(7), 3.5.4(8), 3.5.4(9). [2ht,+ TJH+ t,)] (f,/f.) if the rim protrudes;
3.5.4(11),3.5.4(12) and3.5.4(13)). [ht,+ T,(H+ t,)] (f,/f.) .. if the rim is flush.
I t is permissible to modify thedistribution of NOTE.The cross-sectional area of the rim required in this
reinforcement so as to concentrate the material close to derivation will vary depending on the particular combination of T,
the opening in the shell. For flush nozzles, one-half of and t . A trial Drocedure usina different combinations of T.and t,
may be empliyed to establisk the minimum area required. or'
the total cross~sectionalarea of the branch walls falling the protruding rim, the cross-sectional area should be equally
within the distance h as calcuiated and measured in this disposed about the shell mid-thickness.
item (a) shall be not less than ht, (see figure 3.5.4(21)1. 3.5.43.6 Obround. elliptical openings andoblique nozzles.
For protruding nozzles. the corresponding Non-circular openings and oblique nozzles shall be treated
cross-sectional area shall be not less than Zht,, and the according to the rules for circular openings and nozzles
reinforcement shall be (approximately) equally disposed normal to the shell with the following exceptions.
about the shell mid-thickness (see figure 3.5.4(22)). The
(a) For a cylindrical shell with the minor axis of the
value of h is establishedfor the uniform branch
opening parallel to the axis of the shell and for a conical
thickening case and shall not be recalculated if t, is
shell with the minor axisof the opening lying in a plane
varied.
1 (b) Where reinforcement is provided by uniform shell
containing the axis of the conical shell, d i s the
dimension measured on the chord across the minor axis
thickening, the thickness T,of the shell shall not be of the opening where a branch is not provided and d i s
reduced within a distance H measured from the outer the corresponding dimension of the opening plus the
surface of the branch piece of thickness t, or the bore of nozzle thickness where a branch is attached.
the opening if no branch is fitted (see figures 3.5.4(6).
For all other cases, d i s the dimension measured across
3.5.4(9), 3.5.4(10), 3.5.4(13) and 3.5.4(18)), where H is
the major axis of the opening where a branch is not
thesmallerof H = d / 2 a n d H = m
provided and dis the corresponding dimension of the
It is permissible to concentrate the reinforcing material opening plus the nozzle thickness where a branch is
close to the opening. In this case, one-half of the total attached.
cross-sectional area taken between the outermost
(b) In determining dimensions H and h, the value of d
extremity of the dimension H o n one side of the nozzle
shall be given as in (a).
and a similar point on the opposite side of the nozzle,
but excluding any area included in (a), shall be not less (c) In the case of multiple openings the value of dAused
than TJH+ t.). The value of H shall be calculated and in 3.5.4.4.1 shall be determined using dasgiven in (a).
measired as in this item (b) (see figures 3.5.4(21) and 3.5.4.3.7 Dissimilar materials. The design procedure
3.5.4(22)) and once established it shall not be normally assumes the use of similar material in the branch
recalculated. and shell but where this is not the case and provided that
(c) The required thickness of the branch, t,(except for the design strength of the branch, f, is within the range
studded pads, see 3.5.4.8) shall be not greater than 0.6 f,to 1.5 f, the following shall apply:
(2 - d/D)T,. Where the distribution of the reinforcement if 0.6 f, < f, < ,f the calculated branch thickness
has been concentrated close to the opening, as (disregarding here the requirement of table 3.5.4(1))
permitted in (a) and (b), the modified thicknesses t,' and shall be increased to
T; (see figures 3.5.4 (211 and 3.5.4 (22))shall be
substituted in this relationship as appropriate. tr, where tc, > t,(*)
(rnJ
(d) The transitions between sections of shell or A check shall be made to ensure that t, complies with
between sections of branch or nozzle connections of
the minimum thickness requirements given in table
different thicknesses shall be achieved by means of a
3.5.4(1).
smooth taper. The requirements of 3.10.2 shall apply in
the case of shell sections. Where the thickness t, is modified in accordance with
this subclause, it shall not be necessary to recalculate
3.5.4.3.5 Rim reinforcements andset-in nozzle forgings. I t is the mean branch diameter, d, and iterate further and
permissible for the design of rim reinforcements (see neither is it necessary to recalculate h.
figures 3.5.4(14) and 3.5.4(15)) to be derived from that for
Iff, > f, no reduction in t, is permitted.
branch connections in the following manner.
NOTE 1. Where reinforcement is concentrated near the
In accordance with 3.5.4.3.3, a combination of T,and t, opening, see also figures 3.5.4(21)and 3.5.41221.
shall be determined. using figure 3.5.4(1) if the rim is to be NOTE 2. For forged nozzle Inserts, the procedure in 3.5.4.3.5
protruding (see figure 3.5.4(14)) and figure 3.5.4(2), includes the necessav thickening correction factor.
3.5.4(3) or 3.5.4(4) for a flush rim (see figure 3.5.4(15)).
BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1994

\D
Figure 3.5.4(5) Nozzle in a conical shell Figure3.5.4(9) Notation applicable
to spheres
C--- d-

Figure 3.5.416) Notation applicable \ D

to spheres Figure 3.5.4(10) Notation applicable
to cylinders

Figure 3.5.4(7) Notation applicable Figure3.5.4111) Notation applicable

to spheres tocylinders

Figure 3.5.4(8) Notation applicable Figure 3.5.4(12) Notation applicable

to spheres to cylinders
 BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1994

Figure3.5.4(13) Notation applicable

t o cylinders

NOTE. The dimensions T, H, f, and h refer to the design of a branch connection using components of constant thickness from
which the design of the profiled rim is derived on an area basis.
Figure3.5.4114) Protruding rim Figure 3.5.4(15) Flush rim

Spherical vessels Cvlindrical vessels

g = ( l +cosB 8 ) / 2
For holesarranged
along theaxialdirection
(P=P.J, g=1
For holesarrangedalong
the transversedirection
P=P,.g=0.5

Cylindrical tube sheets

P
g5 1
P
-
P -d
*-dx-
1 +cosn8
2
whicheverislarger
_Axial
direction
NOTE. For elliptical and oblique nozzles the value of dis the dimension of the opening in the direction of the relevant pitch.

Figure 3.5.4(16) Arrangement factorg

2 " Z Z
222
5P 2;;
Z nb
$ll 2.4=
. = w g
-*-. b93
y .= $9
2 0 5.
y a - 0
5 -a g :
0 % A D
a- 0 sg
0 C O J
0 a65
3 g5-
u W C
2 2 7
2
YI C
2 O
O O

0 -.7
% e 5
5E
m w
3 :
'Y-4
m
2.- 5
a a
I.
0 0
s
J 0
3
-s z 2

'PI(
53
m
J

9
0
2
7

2
t-.
L
BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1994

Area = hrf,/f,

Area
+
Area 2 [2 h I,+ q I,+GX] I,/+

Area 2 7 H-T,X

Area of weld metal may be

added toeitherarea above kssl
---

Figure 3.5.4122) Modified protruding branch compensation

3.5.4.4 Design ofgroups o f openings and branch (2)Calculate the compensation ratio K2from the
connections following:
3.5.4.4.1 Calculations. The following calculations shall be
carried out. K2=l- (l-K1) IS-zrn
(a) A group of openings or branch connections is
defined as being where the shortest distance (measured
rn
NOTE. IfK, calculated from ( 1 1 is greaterthan unity, use^,
= 1 in this equation.
along the mid-thickness line) between the bores of any
t w o is less than 3@ (3) Increase the dimensions calculated in (b) if
required so that, for each ligament,
(b) Calculate reinforcement required as for the isolated
A s +A, - A t >K2gPT
case assuming that the full width H is available.
(el The final thickness of the branch, t, shall be less
(c) Where the shortest distance (measured along the than (2 - d/DIT,.
mid-thickness line) between the bores of adjacent
openings is less than 2 the reinforcement (f) The transitions between sections of shell or between
calculated in (b) shall be increased if required so that, for sections of branch or nozzle connections of different
each ligament (see figures 3.5.411 6)and 3.5.4(17)), thickness shall be achieved by means of a smooth taper.
A,+A.-A,>gPT. The requirements of 3.10.2shall apply in the case of
sections'
(d) Where the shortest distance,^, (measured along the
mid-thickness line) between the bores of adjacent 3.5.4.4.2 Ligament efficiency. Where openings such as
openings lies between 2 *and 3 p, the tube holes are drilled in a definite pattern it is permissible
to determine a ligament efficiency and use it in
reinforcement required shall be determined by linear
interpolation as follows, using the dimensions accordance with BS 11 13.
determined in (b). 3.6.4.5 Reinforcingpads
11 Calculate the compensation ratioK1 using the 3.5.4.5.1 Pressureconsiderations. It is permissible for the
reinforcement required in lbl: requirements in 3.5.4.1 to 3.5.4.4 for the design of integral
A,+A,-At reinforcement to be used for reinforcement of
K, =
gTldA+3 fin
 BS 5500 : 1994
Issue2, J a n u a r y 1995

penetrations or openings incorporating pads or doubling (b) Ability to withstand superimposed loading by
) plates, but all of the following conditions shall be connected pipework or fittings. Notwithstanding the
observed. minimum thickness as requiredfor (a) or to comply
with 3.5.4.3, the nominal thickness of a branch intended
(a) The dl0 ratio is not greater than:
for connection to external piping shall not be less than:
one-third for double-sided pads;
one-quarter for single-sided pads. (1) the value given in table 3.5.4(1) increased by the
amount of any required corrosion allowance; or
(b) The width of the pad is not less than H/2.
(2) the nominal (as-built) thickness of the main
(c) The thickness of a pad does not exceed 4 0 m m or
portion of the vessel shell where this is less than (1).
the as-built shell thickness, whichever is the lesser.
(c) Suitability for the recommended forms of branch to
(d) The thicknessof the pad is not less than T/4.
shell attachment welds (see appendix €1.
The amount of compensation to be provided shall be
equal t o the amount which would have been necessary
had the compensation been integral.
NOTE. In the case of stainless steel pressure vessels forthe food
in dust^ where the thickness to meet3.5.4.7la) is less than 25rnm.
an0 nnere brancnconneuons are formeo by ce r g out as typ Tea n
I
The design of reinforcing pads for branches where one or fgde E 2 17) a). In€m n m-m branchtnckness may De ess:nan lne
more of the criteria in (a) to Id) are not satisfied shall be thickness of the vessel, provided thatthe compensation reaulrements I
the subject of special consideration and the adequacy of of 3.5.4aresa~sfeoanolnalmem n m.mtn cdness snotless than
tne m n m-m In ckness spec feo n BS 4825 forsla n ess stee p pes
the proposed design shall be demonstrated either by
and fittings for the food industry. I
experience or by an hydrau!ic proof test in accordance
with 5.8. 3.5.4.8 Studded, socket weldedandscrewedconneclions.
3.5.4.5.2 Non-pressure considera:ions. Conditions (a) to Permissible forms of construction of studded. socket
welded and screwed connections are shown in figures
) (d) of 3.5.4.5.1 do not apply to reinforcing pads which are
E.2(24) and E.2(25). Where required by 3.5.4 appropriate
used t o limit the local stressesdue to mechanical loads on
branches, supports or mounting. However, the maximum reinforcement shall be incorporated.
thickness of a pad which can be counted as effective The thread forms on which joints are to be made shall
reinforcement of a branch for pressure loading shall be comply with BS 2 1 unless otherwise specified (see 3.2.2)
limited to thevaluegiven in 3.5.4.5.1 (c) and shall not exceed the 1 X thread size designation unless
If the thickness of the reinforcing pad is greater than the taperhaper thread joints are used. Taperhaper thread
vesselshell thickness, itssize (d,x d,in figure G.3(2))shall jointsshall not be used with thread size designations
besuch that thedesign leg length o f t h e attachment welds greater than the following:
t o the vessel shell does not exceed the vessel thickness 2X where pressure < 1.25 N/mm2
(see G.2). 3 where pressure < 1.05 N/mm2
3.5.4.5.3 General. Reinforcing pads are permitted to have 4 where pressure < 0.90 N/mm2
oneventilation hole which shall remain open during Irrespective of thread form, screwed connections in
welding and/or post-weld heat treatment. excess of the 1X thread size designation shall not be used
Reinforcing pads shall not be used under conditions when the design temperature exceeds 2 6 0 "C. If parallel
where severe corrosion/oxidation is possible or where threads are used, a collar and a facing around the hole
there is the possibility of severe temperature gradients shall be arranged to provide a joint face. Welded sockets
occurring. in service, across the thickness of the shell. complying with BS 3799 or of equivalent form are
3.5.4.6 Vessels subject to externalpressure perm~tted.The maximum diameter of holes tapped in
3.5.4.6.1 Compensation of openings in single-walled platesshall not exceed the thickness of the plate before
, '1
, vesselssubject to external pressure shall be designed in addition of the corrosion allowance.
accordance with the requirementsforvessels subject t o Stud holes shall straddle the centre line of thevessel
internal pressure specified in 3.5.4, using an internal where practicable and shall be tapped to a depth of not
design pressure equal to the external design pressure. less than the diameter of thestud plus 3 mm.There shall
3.5.4.6.2 Compensation required for openings in each be a minimum of 6 m m of metal between the bottom of
shell of a double-walled vessel shall comply with 3.5.43.1 the stud hole and the pressure retaining surface of the
forthe shell subject toexternal pressure and with the vessel before the addition of the corrosion allowance.
requirement for vessels subject to internal pressure The thickness of a studded connection shall be not less
irrespective of whether there is a common branch than the largest of the following:
connection rigidly attached to both shells or not.
(a) T',, the minimum thickness required for
3.5.4.7 Brancllpipes. The design of branch pipes shall be compensation (see 3.5.4.1);
governed by the following three main considerations. (b) t, the minimum thickness required for a flange
(a1 Ability to withstand design pressure. For this (see 3.8.3);
purpose the minimum thickness of a branch shall be (c) the minimum thickness as given above for
calculated in accordance with 3.5.1 for cylindrical shells. tapped holes.
 BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 2, January 1995

3.5.5 F l a t ends a n d flat plates ,e

,, is the thickness of cylindrical shell;
3.5.5.1 Notation.For the purposes of 3.5.5.2 the following e,,,, is the minimum thickness of cylindrical shell as
symbols apply. All dimensions exclude corrosion derived from 3.5.1.2;
allowances. e, is the calculated thicknessof end withopenings; I
a is the smallest dimension of rectangular, elliptical or
F is the total bolt load;
obround end;
f is the nominal design stress:
b is the greatest dimension of rectangular, elliptical or
obround end; NOTE. In cases where the design strength is timedependent,
components designed by the procedure specified in this section
C is the factor as given in figures 3.5.5(1 )(a) and should be reviewed to ensure that creepdeformation (local or
3.5.5(2)(a), (b) and (d) or, in the case of weldedflat general) will be acceptable throughout the agreed design lifetime.
ends or plates (e.g. figures 3.5.5(1)(b) and (c)), C is H is the total hydrostatic end force;
determined from figure 3.5.5(3);
p is the design pressure;

I
I d,
is the diameterof an opening (inside diameter of a
branch);
isthemeandiameterofthetwoopenings:
R is the distance of centre of circular opening from the
centre of the circular end: I
D is the diameter measured as in figures 3.5.5(1) and
-P isthedistance between centre oftwoopenings I
3.5.5(2): r is the corner radius;

Di is the diameter measured as in figure 3.5.5(1); u is the distance between flat end and end of
e is the minimum thickness of end or plate; thickness reduction (figure 3.5.5(1 )(a));
w is the minimum length of shell of thickness eCylin
figure 3.5.5(1)(b)and (c):
----- --.
1
w a 4~ + eCyl)ecyl
Z is the coefficient for rectangular, elliptical or obround
ends given i n figure 3.5.5(4).

Otherwise. C = 0.41

""W' T--li"l
-. I ecy:E1 -!-~-~

I
-

TI---=-^ i 2;
--

-\I i 1 - I -4 r r :
15>-'1
th\

ID ID

(bl (ci
~ ~ - - . . - . __.I
~~ 1.
Dotted lines indicate alternative profiles. r 3 5 mm or eCy1/4.The end may be undercut as shown to make
provision for the radius r or to improve access for "on-destructive
testing of the weld (see figure E.2134))provided that r <, ,e and
the thickness of the end is nowhere less thane,,,

NOTE. The thickness of the cylinder. e, need only be maintained over a distance wfrom the end.The thickness of the cylinder may be
increased above eCyl[but not so as to exceed ei local to the end and be reduced to a value not less thanecylaat more distant points
provided that the total cross-sect~onelarea of the shell wallsfalling within thedistance wfrom the end is not less than weC
determined from figure 3.5.513).
., is I
Figure 3.5.5(1) Typical w e l d e d f l a t ends a n d covers (for typical weld joint details, see figure E.2(34))
 BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1994

)
+$& t t tP t t

(b) Blind flange with a full face gasket C=0.41

(a) Flat coverwith a full facegasket C=0.41

(c) Blind flange with gasket entirely within the bolt circle

Circular end plates

. = d o 3 G2p + 1.909 Wnl hy

S~~ G SFO

and el =

,,,,/
or el =
1.909 Wm,hG
whichever is the greater

where
,I
-., G, W, Wml, hG,SFAand SFOare as defined in 3.8.2;
el is the minimum thickness at and beyond gasket.
(d) Cover with self-sealing joint
Non-circular end plates

where
G being measured along the shorter axis F is the total bolt load
6 WhG H i s the total hydrostatic end load
and el = d n r n S F A

orel= whichever is the greater

where
rn is the minimum bolt spacing;
n is the number of bolts.

Figure 3.5.5121 Typical non-welded flat ends and covers

j
 P'f

Figure 3.5.5(3) Flat unstayed heads: design curves

 BS 5 5 0 0 : 1994
Issue 3, M a r c h 1995

hOTE In tne case of long f.at enas (wnere a/b < 0.21otner tnan as snown n flg.re 3.55121. a m:nimum value of CZequal to 0.71
sno. a be "sea n accordance w t n 3 5 5.2.1 to dererm;netne tnicwess req-red.
Figure 3.5.5(4) Value of coefficient2 for noncircularflat heads

3.5.5.2 Flat unstayedheads' (b) Where reinforcement of a long rectangular flat plate
(b/a >3) is obtained by increasing the thickness of the whole
3.5.5.2.1 Calculations.The minimum thickness of an
end, the minimum thickness is the greater of:
unstayed flat end without an opening shall comply with
the following:
circular head:e = ~ ~ \ 5 f

~.~
rectangular, elliptical or obround end:e=CZa\p/f
7
e~ = e EC (3)
For blind flanges with the gasket entirely within the bolt
) , circle reference shall be made to figure 3.5.512)Ic). and

Flat heads with openings where dlDor dla ~ 0 . shall

5 be
provided with reinforcement as follows.
(a) Where reinforcement of a circular end is obtained by
increasing the lhickness ofthe whole end, the minimum
Equation (4) does not apply if the lines joining the centres
thickness is the greater of:
of the two holes are perpendicular to the axis of the end.

Holes may extend up to the inside of the shell if the plate

I is welded or the inside of the gasket if the end is bolted.
and

Holes may extend up to the inside of the shell if the end

is welded or the inside of the gasket if the end is bolted

'For supporting information, see appendix R

DS 5500 : 1 9 9 4
Issue1, J a n u a r y 1995

(c) For all other cases: 3.5.5.3 f l a t stayedplares without openings

Every opening shall be provided with reinforcement 3.5.5.3.1 Plarethickness.The thickness of stayed and
of 0.5 de (halfthat required by appendix Ffor a shell), braced carbon and carbon manganese steel and
axisymmetrically disposedaboutthecentre ofthe opening. aluminium plates shall be calculated in accordance with
The thickness of material considered as reinforcement shall the following:
not increase away from the opening. The limit on branch
material that may be included as reinforcement is as given
in appendix F. There is no limit on the extent of
reinforcement across the sudace of the plate except the
edge of the plate itself. The same piece of metal shall not be where
used toreinforce more than one opening. D is thediameter of a circledrawn through at least
three points of support pitched at reasonably
NOTE. 1. In no case is there a limit on the numberofopenings. regular intervals circumferentially;
NOTE 2. Obround openings forwhich the ratio ofthe major and minor e is the minimumcalculated thickness;
axes does not exceed 2, may be replacedfor purpose of calculation by f isthe design stress;
a circumscribing CirCularopening (which need not be concentric).
K is a constant depending on method of attachment
Where an opening of diameter greater than D/2 is of stay to plate (see figure 3.5.5(5)).Kshall be a
present, the flat head shall be designed in accordance with mean value when more than one type of support
the basic principles used in 3.8for flange design. is involved;
If, in the case of welded ends/covers, the nominal design p is the design pressure.
stressof the cylinder and end/cover are different, the
Designs in which plate deflection and/or differential
lowervalueshall be used in every case. Thisensuresthat at expansion are significant shall be given special
the junctionwith the cylinder, the cylindrical endofthe flat head
consideration,
is notthinnerthan the adjacent cylinder (see figure3.5.5(1)(a)).
3.5.5.3.2Methods o f support. The method of support shall
3.5.5.2.2Additionalloads.Where the external load on the
be chosen from the typical methods shown in figure
end lor the loading due t o reverse pressure) can
3.5.515Ha) to If).
exceed 1 0 % o f the load due to design pressure, or where,
in the case of welded ends/covers, the temperature NOTE. When it is undesirable to drill a plate for the atlachment of
stays, e.g. when the plate is to be lined, the use of stays of the
difference between'the end/cover and the vessel branch type shown in figure 3.5.5(5)(a)or (b) iswcommended.
exceeds 50'C 130 "Cfor austenitic steel), the design shall
be given special consideration
 BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1 9 9 4

3.5.5.3.3 Stays. The design stress of stays, calculated on The equations are approximate in that they do not take account
) the least cross-sectional area, shall be not greater than ofthestructural continuity that exists at the junction of the head
the following: and flange. A more exact (and often less conservative) analysis is
given by Soehrens'.The stresses calculated using this approach
for solid staybars: 0.75f should be assessed in accordance with appendix A.
for staytubes: 0.70f For the purposes of 3.5.6.2 and 3.5.6.3 the following
for staybolts: 0.65f symbols apply. All dimensions exclude corrosion
where f i s the design stress from table 2.3 or 3.8.1.4, as allowances.
appropriate.
For the purposes of calculation, the gross area supported A is the outside diameter of flange or, where slotted
by each stay shall beas shown in figure 3.5.5(5)(9). In the holes extend to outside of flange, the diameter to
case of stays of the type shown in figure 3.5.5(5)(b) it is bottom of slots;
permissible to use the nett area supported in the is the inside diameter of flange;
equations. is the bolt pitch correction factor (see 3.8.2);
The design stress in attachment welds shall not exceed is the nominal design stress for material of spherical
0.51.n fil et welds and 0 61in penetration welds. crown section;
Stays shall be of welding quality wrought materials is the hydrostatic end force on area inside of flange
complying with section t w o and shall be compatible with (i.e. force applied via connection to
the material of the plates which they support. Stays shall flange) = 0.785B2p;
not be welded, except at the point of attachment. Where
necessary, long stays shall have additional support to is the gasket load;
) prevent sagging. is the radial component of membrane force
developed in spherical crown section, acting at
3.5.5.3.4 Tube to tubeplate connections. The centre line of edge;
tubes that are to be expanded shall not be closer together
is the hydrostatic end force due to pressure on
than 1.125d+12.7 mm, measured at the tubeplate, where
flange face, = H - HD, where H i s defined in 3.8.2;
dis the outside diameter of the tube in millimetres.
is the radial distance from bolt circle to circle on
NOTE. This rubclause doer not apply t o tubeplater covered which HDacts;
in 3.9.
is the radial distance from gasket load reaction to
3.5.6 Spherically domed and bolted ends of the form bolt circle=(C- G)/2 where C and G are as defined
shown in figure 3.5.6 in 3.8.2;
3.5.6.1 General. Except as specified as follows for bolted is the axial distance from mid-surface of crown
ends of the form shown in figure 3.5.6, conical and domed section at edge to centroid of flange ring cross
and bolted ends shall be designed by treating the domed section;
end and the bolted flange as t w o separate components in hT is the radial distance from bolt circle to circle on
compliance with the relevant clauses of this standard. which H, acts;
Ma,, is the total moment acting upon flange for gasket
sealing conditions;
Mop is the total moment acting on flange for operating
Full conditions;
penetration /' Point of
H, action
p is the design pressure;
R1 is the inside radius of curvature of spherical crown
section;
SFA is the nominal design stress for flange material at
atmospheric pressure from table 2.3;
I I/Y1 I hr
. .
Shownas welded
Smnnlh weld
,S
F
, is the nominal design stress for flange material at
design temperature (operating conditions) from
table 2.3;
T is the minimum flange ring thickness;
Tto is the flange thickness required for operating
condition;
T
,I is the flange thickness required for bolting-up
Use any suitable type of gasket
condition;
Figure 3.5.6 Spherically domed and bolted end t, is the minimum thickness of spherical crown
section:
hOTE Tne metrloo ofocterm nlng tne tnlckness of tne f.ange r ng
nvo ves assessong ine flna in ccness in oroer to arrw at the 1s the angle between tangent to domed crown
locat on of tne cen~roa ano nence tne value of n, an0 s tn-s a sectnon at ts edge and a plane paral.el to flange face
'trial and error' calculation.

. j
' J. E. SOEHRENS. The design of floatingheads for heat exchangers. Pressure Vessel and Piping Design. Collected Papers 1927 to
1959. ASME.
 B S 5500 : 1994
Issue 2, January 1995

3.5.6.2 Subject to internalpressure (concave to pressure) associated documentation. (See the notes to 3.6.2.1 and
3.5.6.2.1 Crown section.The minimum thickness of the 3.6.4.)
spherical crown section shall be: NOTE 1. In cases where the design strength is timedependent,
components designed by the procedure specified in this clause
5pR1 should be reviewed to ensure that creep deformation (local or
t,=- (3.8)
6f general) will be acceptable throughout the agreed design lifetime.
NOTE2. For more information on the background to thissection
3.5.6.2.2 F1angering.The bolting area required, the bolt
see proceedingsof 1.Mech.E. Conference, 7 December 1972, on
loads and the aasket width check shall be calculated in
~ ~

Vessels under Buckling Conditions. and in panicular the following

accordance with 3.8. papers.
3.5.6.2.3 Flange ring thickness.The minimum thickness, T, NOTE 3. Thederivationofthese rules isgivenin Part 3of PD6550,
of the flange ring shall be the greater of Tfo or TfA theexplanatorysupplernentto BS 5500.
determined asfollows, but shall be not less than twice the NOTE 4. Some worked examplesfor the design method are given in
crown thickness, i.e. T>2tC. Enquiry Case 5500152.
(a) Operating condition: C187/72 Buckling under external pressure of cylinders with
eithertorispherical or hemispherical end closure. by G.D. Galletly
Tf, = F + \ m and R.W.Aylward.
where C190/72 Collapse of stiffened cylinders under external pressure,
p 8 v q z F byS.B. Kendrick.
F= C191/72 Collapse of domes under external pressure, by C.N.
~ S F ~-( 8
A) Newland.
3.6.1.1 Notation. For the purposes of 3.6.2 to 3.6.3 the
following major symbols apply. All dimensions exclude
corrosion allowances.

A is the modified area of stiffener=~~~,/R:;

A, is the cross-sectional area of stiffener plus effective
NOTE.The product H,h,may be negative if the senseof this length of shell= (A, + eL,);
moment isopposite to the momentsHoho.H~h~ andHh.This is the cross-sectional area of stiffener;
negativesenseis indicated in figure 3.5.6.
The absolute values of
p andM,, should be used in the equationsforFand J,. = 2eN/a(A +be);
(b) Bolting up condition: is the width of stiffener in contact with shell;
is a parameter dependent on stiffener proportions
(see figure 3.6(4));
-
=1(R - Rf) X,+ e/2 orX,, whichever is larger
where X, is given by equation (3.1 5);
3.5.6.3 Subject to externalpressure (convex to pressure).
The crown section and flange ring shall comply with the is the radial height of stiffener between flanges (if
following. any);
(a) Crownsection.The minimum thickness of the is the modulus of elasticity of material of part u n d e ~
spherical crown section shall be the greater of: consideration at design temperature (see table
3.6(3));
(1) thicknessdetermined in accordance with
3.5.6.2.1; is the minimum calculated thickness of shell plate;

(2) thickness of a spherical shell of radius R1 under is the thickness of flange of stiffener section (see
external pressure determined in accordance with figure 3.6(4));
3.6.4. is the thickness of web of stiffener section (see
(b) Flangering.The thickness of the flange ring shall be figure 3.6(4));
determined in accordance with 3.5.6.2.2 except that: maximum stress in
M O p = H o (ho - h ~+ H
) T ( -~hG) - h,H, F. =stiffener f ange (at factored load) (see equarlon
y.eld stress of st ffener (3.17);
NOTE. The gasket should be checked against excessive
deformation under the action of the bolt load and the external f, f, are the nominal design strengths from table 2.3for
pressurethrust. shell and stiffener respectively;

3.6Vessels u n d e r e x t e r n a l pressure 2 sinh aL

- cos aL
- + cosh aL
- .aL
sun- (see table
3.6.1 General. These requirements take account of G - 2 2 2 2 3.6(2));
sinhaL + sinaL
loading due t o pressure and temperature and, where
I* is the second moment of area of stiffener cross
significant loaa~ngsas listed i n 3.2.1 are present, support section about axis through centroid parallel t o
shall be provided for such loads, if necessary, by cylinder axis;
increasing the shell thickness or by other means.
L is the unsupported length of shell (see figure3.6(4));
The thicknessof a component under external pressure
LC is the distance between heavy stiffeners (see figure
shall not be less than the thickness required b y this
standard for similar components under the same internal 3.6(4)1;
pressure, or that required by 3.6, whichever is the greater. Le is the effective length of shell acting with stiffener
(see table 3.6);
The allowable deviation from the shape assumed in
design shall be specified on the drawing or in the L,.' L,", etc. are components of L,:
Ls is the distance between light stiffeners (see figure
3.6(41);
3136
 BS 5 5 0 0 : 1 9 9 4
Issue 2, January 1 9 9 5

N = (cosh aL - cosaL) / (sinhaL + sin aL) (see table (a) Estimate a value f o r e (e.g. not less than that
required for internal pressure (see 3.6.1 ) ) and calculate
1 3.60));
is the required external design pressure;
p, asfollows. It is permissible to use the approximation
p
y = O to simplify the calculation but this may lead to an
p, is the elastic instability pressure for collapse of
underestimation of the allowable pressure p.
spherical shell (see equation (3.25));
sfe
p
, is the elastic instability pressure for collapse of P" =
cylindrical shell (see equation (3.12)); R ( l - YG)
,p
, is the elastic instability pressure for collapse of (b) Calculate p, as follows (using the same value f o r e
conical section between stiffeners (see equation assumed in ~ a l c u l a t i n g p ~ ) .
(3.19)); Eec
P,=T (3.12)
D.. is the elastic instabilitv. Dressure
. of stiffened ,,
cylinder(see equation (3.1 3));
The value of c is obtained directly from figure 3.6(2).
is the pressure at which mean circumferential stress
(c) Calculatep,/py and determinep/py from curve (a)
in cylindrical shell midway between stiffeners
of figure 3.6(3).
reaches yield point of material (seeequation (3.1 1));
(d) Calculate the allowable pressurep. If this value is
is the pressure at which mean circumferential stress
less than required, the assumed value of e shall be
in conical section between stiffeners reaches yield
increased or the spacing of the stiffeners, if any, shall be
point of material (see equation (3.1 8));
adjusted until the required value is obtained.
is the pressure causing circumferential yield of
NOTE. Thedesign curve in figure 3.613) only applies to
stiffener (see equation (3.1 6)); cylinders that are circular to within 0.5 %on the radius
is the pressure at which membrane stress in measured from the truecentre. A procedure by which the
spherical shell reaches the yield point of material departure from the mean circle may be obtained is given in
3.6.8. For cylinders outside this tolerance,^ may be
(see equation (3.24)); estimated by. the Drocedure given in aDDendix
. . .. M.
R is the mean radius of cylindrical, conical or spherical 3.6.2.2 Stiffening rings for cylindrical shells
shells or sections, or crown radius of torispherical
3.6.2.2.1 General. Any stiffening rings assumed to act in
ends;
the derivation o f p shall comply with 3.6.2.2 and 3.6.2.3.
Rf is the radius of standing flange of stiffener; The size of the stiffeners' (acting at L,) necessary to
R, is the radius of centroid of ring stiffener cross comply with these requirements will depend significantly
section; upon the use that 1s made of occasional heavy stiffeners
r is the mean knuckle radius of torispherical ends; or diaphragms (acting at LC)to control the effective length
is the radius of toe at point of rotation; and overall collapse of the stiffened cylinder: stiffeners
r, used for this latter purpose are hereafter termed 'heavy'
is the radial distance of frame centroid from toe;
rz stiffeners and all other stiffeners 'liaht'- stiffeners.
s is the factor relating f to effective yield point of NOTE. Stiffeners mav take the form of .~uroose-built
~ ~ ~~
- rinos
"
material; forthe purposes of 3.6 s may be taken to be encompass ng tne shcll S-cn r.ngs rnay be locateo in1ernal.y.
1.4for carbon, carbon manganese and ferritic alloy externa l y or partly nterna l y ano part y external y to tncvesse
steels and 1.1 for austenitic steels and aluminium Geometric d scont n-ities or otner struct-ra features rnay also
provioe effect ve stffen:ng as I l~strateoin fig~res3.6141ano
I alloys N5, N8 and N51;' 3 6151
wf is the outstanding width of flange of stiffener (see Rings for supporting trays, etc. in fractioning columns and similar
figure 3.6(4)): constructions may be used as stiffeners providedthat they are
adequate for theduty and that they also comply with 3.6.2.3.
Z =aR/L:
Stiffening rings and other features used as stiffeners shall,
a =1 . 2 8 / F where practicable, extend and be completely attached
E is the mean elastic circumferential strain at collapse; around the circumference; any joints shall be so designed
0 is the angle of inclination of conical shell to vertical as to develop the full stiffness of the ring (see also 3.10).
axis; Stiffening rings arranged with local spaces between the
shell and the ring, as shown in figure 3.6(0), shall be
A is a parameter=+ 1 for internal stiffeners, - 1 for
subject to special consideration, but in no case shall the
external stiffeners;
length of the unsupported shell plate exceed the value:
p is Poisson's ratio (to be taken as 0.3);
circumference
y = A ( 1 - p/2) /(A +be) (1 + B ) = Ofor no stiffeners.
4n
3.6.2 Cylindrical shells where o is derived from figure 3.6(1).
3.6.2.1 Unsupportedcylinders. The thickness of Welds attaching stiffening rings to the shell should be
unsupported cylinders, or cylindrical lengths between designed in accordance with 3.10. Intermittent welds
points of support, shall not be less than that determined should not be used where crevice corrosion is likely to
by the following procedure. occur.

' It 1s perm neofor carbon. carbon manganese and fen ilca~oy steelstotake sias 1 4 R.11
I
I 50, I4 ~ . dI 5 (wn cnevcr tstne ower, for
app callons an0 temperat.res wne%t medcpendent propelt es n table 2 3do notgoverntneval.eso1 f
'An approximate estimate of the order of magnitude of the moment of inertia of the required stiffener cross section, 1, (after wh~ch
the full calculations required can be done to checkdesign adequacy) may be Obtainedfromthe following:
1.44R~,R,~p
[=
E
 BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1994

1 (c) Calculate F. from equation (3.17), taking n=2. If the calculated values of p, orF, are outside the limits
The value F, shall be equal to or less than 1.0, but specified, either additional or heavier stiffeners shall be
greater than 0. introduced or the shell thickness increased.
If the calculated values of p, or F, are outside the limits (b) Heavy stiffeners
specified, use one of the following procedures: (1) Calculatep,from equation (3.131, taking thefirst
(1 ) perform a more rigorous assessment (i.e. use term as zero, n = 2 and L, as L.,
methods B or C if appropriate); The value of p, shall not be less than 1.8p in the case
(2) introduce additional or heavier stiffening; of fabricated or hot formed stiffeners and 2p i n the
(3) increase the shell thickness. case of cold formed stiffeners.
3.6.2.3.1.2 MethodB. Method B shall be used for a more (2) Calculate py,from equation (3.16).
rigorous assessment than method A. As in method A, it (3) Calculate F. from equation (3.17) for value of
shall be used for vessels stiffened only by light stiffeners, n=2.
but account is taken of the increased resistance to
The value of F. shall be equal to or less than 1.0 but
collapse of the vessel when treated as having a finite
greater than 0.
length between the planes of substantial suppon provided
by the vessel ends.The following calculations shall be If the calculated values of p, orF. are outside the limits
performed. specified, either additional or heavier stiffeners shall be
(a) Calculatep,from equation (3.13),forvalues of n = 2 , introduced or the shell thickness increased.
3.4.5 and 6 using the appropriate value of I ,in each 3.6.2.3.2 Equations for assessment of stiffenedcylinders.
) caseand taking LCas the distance between domed or The following equations shall be used for the assessment
flat ends, and L, as defined in method A. of stiffened cylinders.
In each case, the value of p, shall not be less than 1.8p Eep (n2 - 1)
pn=-+ -
EIC
in the case of fabricated or hot formed stiffeners and 2p R R~L,
in the case of cold formed stiffeners.
(b) Calculatepysfrom equation (3.1 6).
p for values of n = 2.3.4. 5 and 6, as required, is
obtained from figure 3.6(6);
(c) Calculate F.from equation (3.17) forvaluesof n=2,
3.4.5 and 6 using the appropriate value of p, in each
, is the second moment of area of the composite
I
cross section of stiffener, and effective length (L,) of
case. shell acting with it, about axis parallel to axis of
In each case the value of F. shall be equal to or less than cylinder passing through centroid of combined
1.0 but greaterthan 0. section (see figure 3.6(4));
If the calculated values of p, or F, are outside the limits The value of L, shall be determined from table 3.611) for
specified, either additional or heavier stiffening shall be the value of n that is used for determiningp, from
introduced or the shell thickness increased. . equation (3.1 3) for methods A. Band C.
3.6.2.3.1.3 MethodC. Method C shall be usedforvessels hOTE Tneva Les of n dsed thro.ghodt tnlsc adseshodla not be
having planes of substantial support intermediate conf~seaw.tn n dsea ~nfigdres 3 6111 ana 121
between the vessel ends i.e. designs employing only I
,may be evaluated as follows:
heavy stiffeners or those with heavy stiffeners and
e3L
intermediate light stiffeners. I,=-e + Is
+A, [e/2 + AIR - R,)I2 -A ~ (3.14)
X ~ ~
NOTE.Theseintermediateplanes of substantial support can be 3
j diaphragms, bolted flanges, etc. or can be deliberately introduced where
as heavy stiffeners.
The following calculations shall be performed.
(a) Light stiffeners
(1) Calculate p, from equation (3.13) for values of
n = 2,3,4,5 and 6 using the appropriate value of I
each case and taking L, as half the distance from the
centre line of the light stiffener to the next line of
,in Pys =
sf,eRt
R2(1 -p/2)
A
be + 2Ne
a
I (3.1 6)

NOTE. Thesimplification A =Ois alwayspermissiblebut will

support on one side plus half the distance to the next result in a largerstiffenersection.
line of support on the other side, and LCas the
distance from the centre line of the heavy stiffener to
the centre line of the next heavy stiffener or point of
substantial suppon.
In each case thevalue of p,shall not be less than 1.8p in the case of fabricated or
in the case of fabricated or hot formed stiffeners and hot formed stiffeners
2p in the case of cold formed stiffeners. or

1
(21 Calculatepy, from equation (3.1 6).
(3) Calculate F, from equation (3.17) for values of
n=2,3.4,5 and 6 using the appropriate value of p. in
each case.
PVS Rsf,
( n 2 - 1)O.OlOp

in the case of cold formed stiffeners

1
In each case the value ofF, shall be equal to or less
than 1.0 but greater than 0.
b b b
3
% < >
2 b <
Y) <
 BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1994

Suaaested w o r k i n a f o r m

Cylindrical shell external pressure

Simplified hand calculation. Method A for light stiffeners

Units =

Shell check Material :

Young's modulus E =
Design stress f =
Stress factor s =
(1.4forferritic steels .
1.1 for austenitic steels)
Poisson's ratio fl = 0.3

With no stiffeners (figure 3.6(5)) For stiffeners (figure 3.6(5))

Unsupported shell length L = 2. = ( = + I for internal stiffeners o r = - 1 for external
stiffeners)
maximum distance between stiffeners
L, =

Allowable external pressure Assuming y = OandL = L, Requiredf=

Corroded assumed
thickness
L/2R
From figure 3.6(2)
pv = sfe/R =
Pm = EedR =
p/pvfrom figure 3.6(3)
.-.(allowable) p

Stiffener check Material :

e2/12~2 =
L,/~XR -
a = 1.28NRe = a1 =
Stiffener
N = from 3.6(2)
centroid
If L,/2nR <
0.1 with n = 2
from table 3.6(1) L,/L, -
NOTE. Use linear interpolation.
Hence L, =

I f L,/2nR > 0.1 with n = 2 Cross-sectional area As

from table 3.6(1) Z = Stiffener stress fs
NOTE. Use logarithmicinterpolation. Radius 6
see Enquiry Case No. 5500/52. Flange radius Rf
2nd moment of area 1s
L, = Z R
Modified area = R2A,/R: A

p, = 3EI,/R3L, N0TE.p" to be > 2p ( > 1.8pfor fabricated or hot formed stiffeners) -

-
7 = greater of j.(R-R,) -X,+e/2 andX, -
-

o r -
1.8~
pvr
+-[ Ea
Rsf,
0.027~
]
P, - 1 . 8 ~
forfabricated or hot formed
stiffeners0 < F, <1.0 =

Check stiffener proportions comply with 3.6.2.2. if p, < 2p or F, > 1.0 see 3.6.2.3.1.1

Date Calculation by Checked by

F G '
9;
m m m m
z z $ $
8 ; - m
2 2
a n % %
3 3
0 0
2 :
3 3.CTm
o m ?
.
2 2
% %
m m
2 2
m m
% %
2 2
2
m m
-
z&
s
x
'3
-g
-.
0 Q
2 0
:3
m 0
2 m
5. z
!= 2.
.n.
 BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1994

) Design step with light stiffeners with light and heavy stiffeners of
equivalent pointsof substantialeupport

1 1

*;
F p h r e qau ~ vg a l emn or
t 1 '-
substantial s u p p o r t 1

Determination of L for evaluationofZin L is determined for each bay separately as:

equations (3.21) and (3.22)
L1 =(B1-b"~I+0.4h'i (bay 1).L2=B2 - b'2 b"2 (bay21

;::::::
-

+fb
b ;

Bay 1 Bay 2 Bay 3

Determination of L, and L,for evaluation of Not applicable as there are no stiffeners L, is determined for each (lightl stiffener separately as:
p, in equation 3 8, +0.4h, + 8, 8 +B
Method A (LCassumed infinitel L, = (stiffener l I . ~ , = ~ " ( t i f f e n e 2)
r
2 2

Method B (LCassumedfinite] Not aoplicable as there are no stiffeners LC(for purposeof evaluatingpl =A+0.4Hi +0.4Wi
Eep in2 - 1)Elc
p n = -+ L, is determined for each (lightl stiffener separately as above
R R~L,
s'

,, Method C (taking account of intermediate Not applicable as there are nostiffeners Proceed as for method B above L,forthe purpose ofevaluationpis
determined for each bay between heavy stiffeners as:
) pointsof substantial supponl
(a) for designof light stiffeners
LC1= B ' ~+0.4h'~1bavE',I

LC2= B ' (bay

~ &,I
(b) for design of heavy stiffeners L, is determined for each light stiffener
In2 - llElc separately as above
P" =
R"=

Not applicable as there are no intermediate LCis determined for each heavy stiffener as:
points of substantial support as defined in
3.6.3.2

Figure 3.6(51 Design o f stiffeners

 BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1994

3.6.3 Conical shells. The procedures specified in 3.6.2for The value of L, shall then be obtained by taking the
1 cylindrical shells shall be modified in accordance appropriate value of L,/L, from table 3.131 1 and
with 3.6.3.1 to 3.6.3.3 to determine the thickness of multiplying it by L,/cos6.
conical shells with an angle of inclination 8 to the vertical
axis < 75 '. sfecosb'Rf
Pys = (3.211
3.6.3.1 Unsupportedlengths (see figure
3.6(7)~a)).Unsupported lengths shall be designed using
the following equations. NOTE. The SimplificationA =Oisalways permissible but will
result in a largerstiffenersection.
(a1 Assume a value f o r e and calculatepy, as follows:
esfcosb'
Pvc'- (3.181
Rmax .

i
This equation is obtained from equation (3.1 1) by in the case of fabricated or
substituting e'for e wheree'=ecos6,Rm,,forRand hot formed stiffeners 13.22)
taking y = 0 or
(bl Calculatep,,
E~ECOS~O
asfollows: -- 2P +
-
~ y s
E?
Rmax~fs
[ (n2 - IIO.OI op
Pn - 2~ I
Pmc = (3.191
J
Rmean in the case of cold formed stiffeners
This equation is obtained from equation (3.121 by
w h e r e d = X f + ef/2 (see figure 3.6(4)(a)].
substituting fore, R and E as follows:
3.6.3.2.2 Procedure where shell thickness and stiffener
e' = ecosb'
size/spacing vary along length of cone (see figure
Pi = Rm,,,cos26 3.6(71(cIl. The minimum shell thickness for any length
E* = E C O S ~ B between planes of substantial support shall be
Eis determined from figure 3.6(21 using L'/2R'and determined using equations (3.18) and (3.1 9). The
2R'/e' where L'=Lcosb'. requirementsfor stiffening ring proportions in 3.6.2.2 shall
apply without modification. It is permissible to use the
(cl Calculatep,Jp,, and determinep/py, from curve alternative methods of assessment for stiffened cylinders
(a1of figure 3.6(31. in 3.6.2.3 with equations (3.20.3.21 and 3.221 with any of
(dl Calculate the allowable pressurep. If this value is the following.
less than required, the assumed value eshall be (a) Where the stiffener pitch and size is constant, use
increased or the spacing of the stiffeners (if any) shall be the minimum thickness anywhere along the length of
adjusted until the required value is obtained. the section under consideration (i.e. el in figure
3.6.3.2 Sriffenedconicalshells 3.6(7l(c)l in calculatingp, andp,; take I ;as defined
3.6.3.2.1 Procedure where shell thickness and srfffener in (c).
size/spacing is constant alonglength of cone (see figure (bl Consider each stiffener separately using the
3.6(71(bIl.The requirements for stiffening ring proportions appropriate minimum shell thickness and Rm,,for the
in 3.6.2.2 shall apply without modification. t w o half bays on eitherside of the stiffenerandp=O (i.e.
The alternative methods of assessment for stiffened ignoring the first term in equation (3.20) in the
cylinders in 3.6.2.3 shall apply except thatp,,~,,, andF,, calculation of p,).
shall be determined from the following modified versions (cl Consider each stiffener separately using the
of equations (3.13.3.16 and 3.17!. appropriate minimum shell thickness and,,R , for the
t w o half bays on either side of thestiffener.
Wheren > 2, calculatep, as in (bl i.e. withp=O, and
where n = 2, calculatep,from the following equation:
where
Eacos36 + 2Ecosb'(n2 - 1)
p is determined from figure 3.6(61 takingLJ2R as P" =
L,/ ~R,,,,coso; Rmean LC
I', is the second moment of area of composite cross i=N- 1 ["I]
section including stiffener and effective length IL,) c PCisin2tl LC (3.231
of shell acting with it (see figure 3.6(41(aIl. i=o R;
For the purposes of evaluating I,, the effective length of where
-
each bay on either side of the stiffener under e is the minimum thickness in total cone length;
consideration shall be taken as one-half of L, as derive.d
from table 3.6(11 taking: p is determined from figure 3.6(61 taking
L,/2R as L,/2Rm,,,cos6;
(ecosO12 . e2
In place of - Ri is the radius in plane of stiffener under consideration
12~~' 1 2 ~ ~ at axial distancexi from small end of the cone;
L, N is the number of bays betweenlight stiffeners in
Ls in place of -
j 2nRicosb' 2rrR length L;

where
IC i
is the combined second moment of area of stiffener
and shell at axial distancexi from thesmall end of
Ri is measured in plane of stiffener under the cone using L, as determined in 3.6.2.3.2 and
consideration. taking values f o r e separately for each bay.
 BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1994

Table 3.6 (1) Derivation of L, e2

-=lo-7
e2 1 2R2
-> 1 0-4
1 2R2
Le
L /L,
e/
L,

2 3 4 5
L n 6
2nR
0 1.0980 1.0980 1.0980 1.0980 1.0980
0 1.0980 1.0980 1.0980 1.0980 1.0980 0.01 0.9072 0.9072 0.891 3 0.8913 0.8913
0.01 1.0823 1.0823 1.0663 1.0663 1.0504 0.02 0.4297 0.4297 0.421 8 0.42 18 0.42 18
0.02 1.0663 1.0504 1.0265 0.9947 0.9629 0.03 0.2759 0.2759 0.2759 0.2759 0.2759
0.03 1.0504 1.0027 0.9549 0.9019 0.8435 0.04 0.2207 0.2207 0.2207 0.21 91 0.21 91
0.04 0.9907 0.9231 0.8515 0.7838 0.7082 0.05 0.1655 0.1655 0.1655 0.1623 0.1623
0.05 0.8976 0.8276 0.7512 0.6716 0.5952 0.06 0.1490 0.1487 0.1487 0.1461 0.1461
0.06 0.7921 0.7298 0.6609 0.5871 0.5143 0.07 0.1324 0.1318 0.1318 0.1299 0.1299
0.07 0.6866 0.6321 0.5707 0.5025 0.4343 0.08 0.1159 0.1149 0.1149 0.1136 0.1136
0.08 0.61 1 1 0.5630 0.5088 0.4480 0.3877 0.09 0.0993 0.0980 0.0980 0.0974 0.0974
0.09 0.5355 0.4940 0.4470 0.3935 0.3410 0.1 0.0828 0.081 2 0.081 2 0.081 2 0.081 2
0.1 0.4600 0.4249 0.3852 0.3390 0.2944
NOTE 1. WhendeterminingL,for heavy~1iffeners.L~ should be
e2 used instead of L, .Where stiffeners are spaced unequal
-= lo-5 distances apart,L,shall be taken as the average of the twovalues
1 2R2 ofL,, calculated as above, taking L, orL, corresponding to the
lengthsof the bays on each side of thestiffener under
consideration.
L
e/Ls e2
NOTE 2. For intermediate values o f 3 use logarithmic
interpolation.
" 2 3 4 5 6
L
2nR
NOTE 3. For intermediate values o f use linear
2nR
interpolation.
0 1.0980 1.0980 1.0980 1.0980 0.0980
0.01 1.0823 1.0823 1.0663 1.0663 L
1.0504 For~,o,l
0.02 1.0345 1.0186 0.9947 0.9629 0.931 1 ZnR
0.03 0.9019 0.8807 0.8541 0.81 17 0.7639 -
Le' - -- x t- (a-O.1lZ
0.04 0.7242 0.7003 0.6724 0.6326 0.5929 L, 100a2 6.28a2
0.05 0.5602 0.541 1 0.5220 0.4934 0.4647 where
0.06 0.4483 0.4350 0.4218 0.4005 0.3793 L
0.07 0.3752 0.3661 0.3547 0.3388 0.3206 a = 2
ZnR,
0.08 0.3263 0.3163 0.3084 0.2964 0.2805
0.09 0,2920 0,2847 0,2775 xis thevalueofL,/L,in table 3.6(11 ata=0.1.
0,2660 0,2525 Z i s the valuefromfollowing table.
0.1 0'2531 0'2467 0'2355 0'2244
This expression is also an acceptable approximation
where
--e2
12R2
- 10-6 0.07 G
L
' GO.l
2nR

L z
e/L*

A " 2 3 4 5 6
2nR

0 1.0980 1.0980 1.0980 1.0980 1.0980 2 0.273 0.257 0.235 0.207 0.180
0.01 1.0663 1.0504 1.0504 1.0504 1.0345 10-5 0.159 0.157 0.154 0.147 0.140
0.02 0.8276 0.8196 0.8037 0.7878 0.7719 10-6 0.091 0.090 0.090 0.089 0.087
0.03 0.5252 0.5199 0.5146 0.5040 0.4934 10-7 0.051 0.051 0.051 0.051 0.051
0.04 0.3740 0.3700 0.3661 0.3621 0.3541
0.05 0.2960 0.2928 0.2897 0.2865 0.2801
0.06 0.2661 0.2632 0.2604 0.2575 0.2521
0.07 0.2362 0.2336 0.231 1 0.2285 0.2241
0.08 0.2063 0.2040 0.201 8 0.1996 0.1 961
0.09 0.1763 0.1744 0.1725 0.1706 0.1681
0.1 0.1464 0.1448 0.1432 0.1416 0.1401

'It is always safe to use the approximationL,=ZR todetermineL,.

 BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1994

i Table 3.6(2) Values for G and Nwhich may be

assumed

d G N d G N

0 1.000 0 3.2 0.41 1 1.090

0.2 1.000 0.100 3.4 0.335 1.085
0.4 1.000 0.200 3.6 0.264 1.077
0.6 0.999 0.300 3.8 0.200 1.066
0.8 0.996 0.400 4.0 0.144 1.054
1.0 0.990 0.497 4.2 0.095 1.042
1.2 0.979 - 0.593 4.4 0.054 1.032
1.4 0.961 0.685 4.6 0.019 1.023
1.6 0.935 0.772 4.7 0.004 1.019
1.8 0.899 0.851 14.73) 0.000 1.018
2.0 0.852 0.921 4.8 0.000 1.015
2.2 0.795 0.979 5.0 0.000 1.009
2.4 0.728 1.025 5.2 0.000 1.005
2.6 0.653 1.058 5.4 0.000 1.001
2.8 0.573 1.078 5.5 0.000 1.000
3.0 0.492 1.088 > 5.5 0.000 1.000

Table 3.6(3) E v a l u e s f o r ferritic and austenitic s t e e l s and aluminium alloys ( Y o u n g ' s m o d u l u s )

Temperature Ferritic materials Austenitic materials Temperature Aluminium

2 1 0 lo3
~ 203x l o 3 -200 76.6 x 1o3
20 209 x l o 3 202x 103 70.5 x 1O3
150 202 x 1o3 192x lo3 69.9 x 1o3
200 199x l o 3 187x lo3 20 69.3 x 1O3
300 191 x l o 3 178x 103 100 67.4 x 1o3
400 181 x l o 3 170x l o 3 150 65.4~ 1O3
500 174x lo3 161 x 103 200 62.3 x 1O3
600 162x lo3 152x 103

3.6.3.3 Cone/cylinderintersections 3.6.4 Spherical shells. The thickness of a spherical shell

3.6.3.3.1 Intersection atlargeendofcone. I t shall not be shallbe lessthan that given the
necessary t o provide additional thickening or local procedure.
stiffening when the following procedure is followed. la) Assume a value f o r e and calculatep,,, as follows:
When 0 2 30 ',the intersection may be viewed as a plane 2sfe
of substantial support and the cone and cylinder treated Pysr =
separately provided that", the mode number for minimum
overall buckling pressure obtained from fig 3.6(1), or from Ib'Calculatepe as follows(using the same value fore
-
eouation 3.1 3 when liaht stiffeners are oresent. does not
equal 2 for etther the cone or cylinder.
assumed in calculating~vssl.
1.21~e~
Pe=-
When 8< 30 ',orn= 2, the minimum thickness of both R2
the cylinder and the cone shall be determined (c) Calculatep,/p,,, and determinep/py3, from curve
from 3.6.2.1 by assumingL t o be the effective (b) o f figure 3.6(3).
unsupported length o f the cylinder (fig. 3.614)) plus the
(d) Calculate the allowable pressurep. If this value is
axial length of the cone. Light stiffener dimensions and
less than required, the assumed value of eshall be
and spacing, if appropriate, shall be determined
increased until the required value of p is obtained.
from 3.6.3.2 and assumed for the cone as well as the
cylinder. In this caseLt=L as defined above. NOTE. The designcurve in figure 3.613) appljesonly tospheres
that are spherical to within 1 %on the radius and in which the
NOTE. Additional thickening and/or local stiffening will generally radius of curvature based on an arc length of 2 . 4 c d o e s
be necessary at the intersection at the small end of the not exceed the nominal value by more than 30 %. (See Enquiry
cone to keep the maximum hoop stress under external pressure Case No. 5500/33.)
within accentable limits. This stress should be calculated bv
Forsonte applications this criterion for applicability can be too
sL.taole means and wnere necessary, add~t.onalstlffenlng should
oe prwloeo or tne m~cknessof the con~calsectlon ~ncreasedto stringent to be met owing to difficulties of manufacture and
rneva .e requtred by th~sclausefor theact.a oes gn press-re measurement. In such cases it is permissible to divide the
multipliedby the factor lmax. hoop stress xe/pR). pressure obtained from the above procedure by the factor
1 (~,~,/1.3~)~ where,R ,, is the maximum local radius of
curvature either measured or estimated conservatively.
 BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1994

(c) Stiffened conical shells with varying thickness and stiffener pitch (see 3.6.3.2.2)

Figure 3.617)/concluded)

3.6.5 Hemispherical ends. Hemispher~calends shall be The radial measurements need to be corrected for the
designed as for spherical shells. mean and forthe error in positioning the centre. This is
3.6.6 Torispherical ends. Torispherical ends shall be done by finding the coefficients ba a, and bl in the Fourier
designed as spherical shells of mean r a d i u s equal
~ to the series expansion of the radial measurements from the
external dishing or crown radius.The shape limitations centre:
in 3.5.2 shall apply.
3.6.7 Ellipsoidal ends. Ends to true semi-ellipsoidal form
shall be designed as spherical shells of mean radiusR
equal to the maximum radius of the crown, i.e. ~ ~ / 4 The
h. For 24equally spaced measurements
shape limitations in 3.5.2 shall apply. r=O,1,2 ............ 23,@=15'
3.6.8 Procedure by which thedeparture from the mean and
circle may beobtained (see 3.6.2).Where difficulty is
experienced in determining the departure from the mean
circle by more direct methods, use of the following
procedure is permitted. Radii are measured at 2 4
equally spaced intervals around the circumference.This
can be done either by swinging an arm internally orby
external measurements with the cylinder mounted in a
lathe. It is necessary to rotate the internal arm or cylinder
about an axis near to the true centre of circularity of the
section under consideration.'

The departure from the mean circle at any point r@is

Rmr- bo- alsinr@- blcosr@
whereRg,are the radial measurements from the assumed
centre.

See also Enquiry Case 5500/33

 BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1994

Table 3.6(4)Values of (o,/E\ (d/eJ2 for internal flat bar stiffeners

1
0.02 0.M 0.06 0.08 0.10

0.01 19 0.0236 0.0466 0.0691 0.0913 0.1 14

0.0239 0.0461 0.0865 0.123 0.1 56 0.187
0.0395 0.0734 0.130 0.176 0.216 0.252
0.0577 0.103 0.171 0.223 0.266 0.304
6 0.0778 0.132 0.208 0.262 0.306 0.347
7 0.0981 0.160 0.240 0.294 0.340 0.382 0.427 0.474 0.527
8 0.1 19 0.186 0.268 0.322 0.369 0.415 0.465 0.517 0.580
9 0.139 0.210 0.290 0.345 0.394 0.445 0.502 0.565 0.638
10 0.158 0.231 0.310 0.365 0.417 0.474 0.536 0.614 0.696
11 0.176 0.249 0.328 0.383 0.440 0.502 0.575 0.662 0.758
12 0.193 0.266 0.343 0.400 0.461 0.531 0.614 0.715 0.831
13 0.209 0.280 0.356 0.416 0.483 0.560 0.657 0.768 0.903
14 0.224 0.293 0.368 0.431 0.502 0.594 0.700 0.831 0.981
15 0.237 0.304 0.379 0.446 0.527 0.628 0.749 0.894 1.068
16 0.249 0.314 0.389 0.461 0.551 0.662 0.797 0.961
17 0.260 0.324 0.399 0.476 0.575 0.696 0.850 1.034
18 0.270 0.332 0.409 0.493 0.599 0.734 0.903 1.106
19 0.279 0.339 0.418 0.507 0.623 0.773 0.961
20 0.287 , 0.346 0.427 0.522 0.652 0.816 I 1.019
NOTE 1. Since (a,/E) ld/ew)2 islimited t o a maximum value of 1.14,valuesof the expression should not be extrapolated beyond that
value.
NOTE 2. Forintermediate values of d/R, use logarithmic interpolation.
Example. Forn=2, the valueof la,/€) Id/ew)2is required for d/R=0.05.
Then:

(rr,/Ei (d/ew)2=antilog log 10.04661+ [ log 10.0691) - log 10.0466)]

Table 3.6(5) Values of loe/E) (d/e,I2 for external flat bar stiffeners

0.01 0.011 0.012 0.015 0.02 0.025 0.03 O M 0.045

n

3 0.0366 0.0492 0.0557

7 0.0846 0.1 19 0.138
0.175 0.268 0.326
0.361 0.679 0.965
0.881 1.44*

'These values are provided to enable intermediate values to be interpolated.

NOTE 1. Buckling cannot occurforn > 10, d/R > 0.01 under external pressure.
NOTE 2. (o./E) (d/e,J2 is limited to a maximum valueof 1.14.
NOTE 3. For intermediate values of d/R. use logarithmic interpolation. For an example, see table 3.6(41.
 BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1994

3.7 Supports, attachments and 3.7.2.2Vertical vessels

) internal structures 3.7.2.2.1Bracketsupport. Where vertical vessels are
3.7.1 General. Supports. attachments and internal supported o n lugs or brackets attached t o the shell, the
structures shall be designed t o withstand all loadings supporting members under the bearing attachments shall
likely to be imposed i n service due t o pressure, weight of be as close t o the shell as clearance for insulation will
vessel and contents, machinery and piping loads, wind. permit.
earthquake, etc. NOTE.The choice between a numberof brackets and a ring
girder will depend upon the condition for each individualvessel.
NOTE, Deformations likely to occur under such loads and rapid
changes in temperature can give rise tosignificant stresses in 3.7.2.2;2
Column support. Vertical vessels supported o n a
supports and attachments and will require particular number of posts or columns shall, if necessary, be
consideration.
provided with backing or stiffening by means of a ring
For vessels designed to withstand external pressure,the support or similar devices in order to
girder, internal
arrangements should distribute loadings as evenly as practicable
and should avoid points of high load concentration. resist the forces tending to buckle the vessel wall.
The effects on the shell of a pressure vessel of local forces and 3.7.2.2.3Skirtsupport. Skirt Supports (for typical details
moments which may come from typical attachmentsand see appendix G) shall be not less than 6 m m thick.
supports arecovered in some detail in appendix G. Criteria forthe openings shall be inthe side o f t h e skirt to permit
assessment of the stresses caused are given in that appendixand
inspection of the bottom of the vessel, if it is not readily
more generally in appendix A.
visible through the supporting framework. All such
It is permissible t o weld or stud bolt Supports, etc. t o the ~ ~ ~ ~ i n g s be
s hreinforced
all if necessary. Where the
shell of a pressure vessel. Weld design shall comply with product of skirt diameter (in mm), thickness (in mm), and
3.10.In the design o f stud connections, particular temperature at the top of the skirt above ambient (in'C)
attention shall be given t o fatigue loading and t o t h e exceeds 1.6 x 1 0' (in mm2.'C), accountshall be taken of
) specification o f attachment methods which w i l l the discontinuity stresses in both skirt and vessel induced
consistently meet the design duty. Where significant by the temperature gradient in the upper section of the
tensile stresses are likely t o be developed through the
thickness of a shell plate as a result of a local attachment,
NOTE, It is recommendedthat these stresses should be
suitabletestsshall be specified b y t h e manufacturer atthe calculated by the methods of references and 121. and
design stage ( t o be carried out as i n 4.2.2.6) t o check that assessed by the criteria of appendix A.
theshell material is locally suitable for such loads.
3.7.2.3HoriIontal vessels
The for attachments connected direct Where practicable, only t w o supports shall be provided for
shell shall comply w i t h 2.1.The welding of all attachments
horizontal vessels,
shall be carried out by welders and procedures approved
NOTE. Horizontalvessels may be supported by means of saddles,
in accordance w i t h section five. equivalent leg supportsor ring supports (see eppendix GI. For
3.7.2Supports thin-walled vessels where excessive distortion due to the weight
of the vessel may be expected. ring supports as shown in
3.7.2.1Design. The design of supports shall enable figure G.303) are recommended. Vessels designed to withstand
inspection and maintenance t o be carried out during the external pressure should be supported close to the ends or
life of the vessel. Care shall be taken that the t e m ~ e r a t u r e alternatively atstiffeners.
grad~entsin external str-ctures lmnledlately adlacent to Hor~zontalcyllnd, cal vessels that are prov~dedw ~ t h
the shell d o not produce stresses in excess o f those laid ve
- n~c
~ - aexternal
l
~ ~~- tower-l~<e
~ extensions
- ~~ shall where
~

d o w n as permissible. If necessav, lagging shall be applied necessary, have the extensions supported independently
to limit the temperature gradient t o a value producing of the vessel w i t h suitable provision t o ensure that loads
acceptable stresses. Loads arising from differential imposed on the vessel due t o thermal expansion or
thermal expansion of the shell and the supporting contraction are acceptable.
structure i n general shall not produce stresses in either in
3.7,2,41nternalstructures
excess of those permitted by the appropriate
specification. 3.7.2.4.1 As far as practicable, internal structures and
fittingsshall be arranged t o avoid imposing local
NOTE. External stays or internal framing which support internal
concentrated loads on the walls of the vessel,
parts may be used to provide a stiffening effect on theshell
..
where external suooorts are attached. Steei suooortin~ - consideration being given t o the necessity for a corrosion
stwctLres tnat oo not form pan of the vessel should comP y allowance and avoidance of crevices where corrosion may
wltn BS 449 or BS 5950 When sdcn supports are to be start.
constr~ctedin re "forced concrete. BS 81 10 snot. d be
consulted. 3.7.2.4.2Where possible, local loads from internal
structures, or from vessel contents, shall be carried by
Incases where the design strength is time dependent.
components designed in accordance with this clause should be means of appropriate stiffeners and/or spacers, directly
reviewed to ensure that creep deformation (local or general) will t o the vessel s u. ~. ~ o rand
t s thus to the foundations without
be acceptable throughout the agreed design lifetime. stressing the vessel wallS0r ends

' ( I ) Weil, N.A. and Murphy J.J. Design and analysis of welded pressure vessel supports. Trans.ASMEJ. Engfor lnd. 1960. Februav: 1.
(2) Bergman. D,J.Temperaturegradientsfor skirt supponsof hot vessels. Trans.ASME J. Eng. for lnd. 1963, May: 219.
 BS 5500 : 1 9 9 4
Issue 2 , January 1 9 9 5

3.8 Bolted flanged c o n n e c t i o n s NOTE. The minimum bolt loading to achieve a satisfactory joint
is a function of the gasket and the effective gasket area to be
3.8.1 General
seated.
hOTE 1. Work ng forms S-ggesteo working forms w t n
scelcnes coverng tne fo.,owing types of f anges are provded 3.8.1.2 Operating condition. T h e operating c o n d i t i o n
at tne end of 3.8.4. Tne scctcnes snow tne loads ana shall apply w h e n t h e hydrostatic e n d force d u e t o t h e
dimensions as defined in 3.8.2
design pressure tends t o p a r t the joint a n d t h e b o l t load
(1) Narrow-face flange design: smooth bore; has t o m a i n t a i n sufficient pressure o n the gasket t o
(2) Narrow-face flange design: stepped bore; ensure a t i g h t joint.
(3) Narrow-face flange design: slip-on hubbed type; NOTE. The minimum bolt load under this condition is.a-
14) Lap-type joint: loose flange with hub; f,nct on of des gn press-re, gasket Taler a and tne etfectve
(51 Lap-type joint: loose flange without hub; gascet contact area to De cept 1 ght Lnaer pressLre. More tnan
onc operating condtion may req-re cons:aerat:on. 8n tne case
16) Narrow-face flange design: smooth bore (external of external pressure there is no minimum bolt load but flange
pressure case); stresses still require consideration.
(71 Narrow-face flange design: stepped bore (external 3.8.1.3 Classification. For t h e purposes o f 3.8, flange
pressure case);
connections shall b e classified as follows.
18) Narrow-face flange design: slip-on hubbed type
(external pressure case); (a) N a r r o w - f a c e d flanges. These are flanges w h e r e
19) Reverse narrow-face flange design: flange diameter = all t h e face contact area lies inside the circle enclosed
shell outside diameter; b y t h e bolts. Narrow-faced flanges w i t h ring-type
(10) Reverse narrow-face flange design: slip-in type; gaskets shall c o m p l y w i t h 3.8.3 a n d t h o s e w i t h
(11) Reverse narrow-face flange design: flange diameter = ungasketed seal w e l d e d flanges w i t h 3.8.5.
shell outside diameter (external pressure case); (b) Full-faced flanges. These are flanges where t h e
(12) Reverse narrow-face flange design: slip-in type face contact area, either direct o r via a gasket o r
(external pressure case); spacer, extends outside the circle enclosing the bolts.
113) Full-face flange design; Full-faced flanges w i t h soft ring-type gaskets shall
1141 Reverse full-face flange design to 3.8.7.2; c o m p l y w i t h 3.8.4t.
115) Reverse full-face flange design to 3.8.7.3. i c i Reverse flanges. These are flanges w h e r e t h e
Circular b o l t e d flanged connections used i n t h e shell is attached at t h e outer edge, rather t h a n t h e
construction of vessels t o t h i s specification shall either: inner edge, o f t h e flange. Narrow-face reverse
(a) c o m p l y w i t h a n appropriate British Standard f o r flanges with gaskets shall c o m p l y w i t h 3.8.6.
p i p e w o r k flanges 1e.g. BS 1560 or B S 4504). a n d b e o f Full-face reverse flanges w i t h soft ring-type gaskets
appropriate rating; o r shall c o m p l y w i t h 3.8.7.
(b) c o m p l y w i t h t h e requirements f o r b o l t e d flanged 3.8.1.4 General r e q u i r e m e n t s f o r bolting. If steel bolts
connections specified i n 3.8. ~ ~ ~

material shall have a d e s i g n stress at 50 "C as g i v e n i n

-
o r studs smaller t h a n 12 m m are t o b e used.. t h e b o l t i n a
~

I1 NOTE 2. Forthe application of flanges coupling to ANSI 016.5, see

Enqulry Case 5500158.
NOTE 3. The recummendalions lor the surface finish of the
table 3.8.1.4 o f m o r e t h a n 160 N/mm2. If a l u m i n i u m
bolts o r studs are used, special attention shall be g i v e n
gasket contact surface given in the note to 3.8.1.6 apply to all t o t h e risk o f fracture t h r o u g h overtightening.
- and flanges
bodv. flanaes - fitted with covers. whether standard NOTE 1. In the case of small diameter bolls i t may be
or special. necessary to give consideration to the use of torque spanners
W h e r e a standard p i p e w o r k flange m a t e s w i t h a p i p i n g or other means for preventing the application of excessive load
flange t h e surface finish shall be t h e same as t h a t on the bolt.
specified f o r t h e m a t i n g p i p e w o r k flange. NOTE 2. Table 3.8.1.4 gives recommended bolt stresses for
determining the minimum bolt area in 3.8.3.2. These stresses
I NOTE 4. A flange is attached to and supported by a nozzle are nominal insofar as they may have to be exceeded in
neck, pipe, or vessel wall, which will be referred to as the shell. practice to provide against all conditions that tend to produce a
I NOTE 5. The desiqn rules have been derived from leaking joint. However there is sufficient margin to provide a
considerations of siennth.
< Where ooerations
, ~~~- far lona
Idme at n gn 1e.nperat.re 1s req-ircd, witno.1 tnc need for DO I
-~
- oeriodn
--- nf
- satisfactory closure without having to overload or repeatedly
tighten the bolts. It is permissible to use higher values than
retgntennng, specia cons oeraron may be needcd n tne
aesgn, ta*~ng'nto account tne possoi 'ty of reduction 'n
~ -
those aiven in table 3.8.1.4 in s ~ e c i f i ccases based on known
operating experience or more r'igorous analysis, by agreement
gasket load due to creep of the bolts and the flanges. In the between the purchaser and the manufacturer (see table 1.5).
design of large diameter flanges special consideration should specialmeans are required to ensure that an adequate
be given to the choice of gasket, size and pitch of bolts and
sequence of bolt tightening when closing the joint. Special preload is obtained o n tightening large diameter bolts
consideration should also be niven to a~olicationswhere a n d t h i s aspect shall be considered w h e n t h e n o m i n a l
flanges are subject to significant additidnat loading. b o l t diameter is greater than 38 m m .

3.8.1.1 B o l t i n g - u p condition. T h e b o l t i n g - u p c o n d i t i o n
shall a p p l y w h e n t h e gasket or joint contact surface i s
seated d u r i n g assembly o f t h e joint at a m b i e n t
temperature a n d w i t h t h e o n l y l o a d i n g c o m i n g f r o m t h e
bolts.

t For full-faced flanges with metal to metal contact outside the bolt circle, the design method given in ASME Vlll DIV 1 appendixy.
when used in conjunction with the other requirements of this standard may be regarded as a design rule as defined in 3.2.2.
 Tabb.-.8.1.4 R e c o m m e n d e d design stressvalues fdL/;lge bolting materlals d d

Material BS re,erencer Diameter

Recommended design stress (Nlmm'l for design metal temperatures (.C) not exceeding
(mm) 50 100 200 250 300 350 4M) 425 450 475 500 525 550 575 600 625 650 675 700 725 750

Mild and carbon steel

(BS 3692
grade 8.8) <68 192 174 139 129 119
(BS4190
grade 4.61 < 68 120 113 92 81 71
- - - - - - - ---- - - -
1 %chromium '63 193 181 167 158 154 148 140
molybdenum steel 4882
IBS
GradeB7.L7) >63<100 174 163 152 145 141 134 127
(BS 4882
grade B7AI ,< 100 193 181 167 165 163 158 154 146 118
12% chromium steel (BS 4882
grade 661 ,< 100 190 179 170 168 165 160 146 134
1 %chromium (BS 4882 I
molybdenumvanadium grade B l 6 1 <I00 193 187 183 176 169 165 157 153 144 130 115 93
steel
1 %chromium (BS 4882
molybdenumvanadium grade 6 1 6A) < 100 174 168 163 159 152 149 143 140 135 130 115 93 61
boron steel
- - - --- - - - - --- -
Austenitic chromium (BS 4882
nickel 18/8 type steel grade 68) All 126 106 89 83 80 77 75 72 71 70 69 66 66 64
(BS 4882
grade B8X) ,< 19 200 169 142 128 117 106 94 87 80 75
- - - - - - - - - -- - - -
Stabilized (BS 4882
austenitic chromium grade B8T) All 126 108 90 83 79 76 75 74 73 73 72 72 68 58
nickel
18/8 type steel (BS 4882
grade BBTXI < 19 201 172 144 130 119 107 96 90 84 79
(BS 4882
grade B8CI All 128 118 104 97 92 90 88 88 87 87 87 86 85 74
IBS 4882
grade B8CX) < 19 209 189 166 153 139 126 113 106 99 93
- - -- - - --- - - ----
Austenitic chromium IBS 4882
nickel molybdenum grade B8M) All 129 109 94 87 83 79 78 77 76 75 74 74 73 72
steel IBS 4882
grade B8MXl < 19 207 174 148 136 124 112 100 93 87 81
Precipitation (BS 4882
hardening austenitic grade 8178) All 145 142 141 139 138 138 137 137 136 136 136 135 134 133 115 90 69
nickel chromium steel'
Precipitation (BS 4882
hardening nickel grade B80A) All 207 206 205 204 204 203 202 200 198 198 198 197 196 194 187 174 152 131 110 90 69
chromium titanium
aluminium alloy't
A
~
F o r v e high temperature applications the selection of materials for bolts. gaskets and flanges, as well as the design offlanges.requiresspecialconsideration and the bolt design stresses may ditfer appreciably from the values
recommended lsee also 3.8.1.41.
w
w
tMaterial liable to exhibit negativestressrelaxation. m
I NOTE. See Enquiry Case 5500182fordesignstresses forASTM 193.
Table 3.8.1.4lconcludedl

Material BS references Diameter Recommended design stress (Nlmmz) for design metal
(mm) temoeratures ('El not exceeding
I
1
Aluminium BS 1473
alloy grade HE 3 0
Al Si M g Mn conditionTF

Aluminium BS 1473
alloy grade HB 15
AlCu4SiMg conditionTF

Aluminium BS 1473
Al M g 5 grade NB 6 All 75 - - - - - -
condition H4
 BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1994

1 Bolt root areas for use in the calculation of A, shall be

determined as follows:
3.8.1.5 Where flanges are constructed by welding, weld
dimensions shall be i n accordance with appendix E.
Flange construction shall be of one of the following
(a) for metric bolting to BS 3643 the root area is
forms as applicable:
based o n the minor diameter d, as defined i n A.3 of
BS 3643 : Part 1 : 1981; (a) face and back welded flange (see figure
E.2(26)(a));
(b) for inch series bolting to BS 1580 the root area is
the 'section at minor diameter' as tabulated for Ib) bore and back welded flange (see figure
unified coarse thread series (UNC) i n column 8 of E.2(26)(b));
table 15 and for unified 8-thread series (8 UN) i n (c) welded neck flange (or taper hub flange) (see
column 8 of table 20 of BS 1580 : Parts 1 and 2 : 1962. figure E.2(27)(a))or paraliel hub (long forged weld
NOTE. Table 3.8.i.4.1 gives bs:: root areas for some commonly neck) type:
used bolt sizes. (d) welding neck flange fabricated from plate (see
figure E.2(27)(b));
Table 3.8.1.4.1 Bolt root areas l e l lapped type (see figure E.2(27)(c)l;
Metric bolting to BS 3643 NOTE. This form is known as a lap-joint. The bolt load is
transmined indirectly through a loose backing flange to a
Nominal Root area Nominal Root area narrow lap or stub flange. The loose flange may have a hub.
size lmml Imm21 size imm) Imm21 The stub flange incorporates the gasket contact face. It may
be anached to the shell by any of the arrangements
M42 x 3 permitted for other flange constructions, not just that
M45 x 4 shown in figure E.2(271(c).
M48x 4 (f) Slip-on hubbed flange (see figure E.2(28)(a));

M52 x 4 ( g l Fillet welded flange (see figure E.2(28)(b)).

NOTE. For design purposes a distinction is made between the
M56 x 4 flanges listed in la) to (dl, in which the bore of the flange
M64 x 4 coincides with the bore of the shell, and those with a fillet weld
at the end of the shell and in which the two bores are different.
M70 x 4 They are known as smooth bore and stepped bore flanges
M72 x 4 respectively.
M76 x 4 Any fillet radius between flange and hub or shell shall
be not less than 0.25 go and not less than 5 mm.
M82 x 4
Hub flanges shall not be made by machining the hub
M90 x 4
directly from plate material without special approval by
M95 x 4 the purchaser (see table 1.5).
MlOO x 4 Fillet welds shall not be used for design temperatures

-.
F"
UNC bolting to BS 1580

size linl
above 370 "C.
3.8.1.6 Machining. The bearing surface for the nuts
shall be parallel to the flange face to within 1". Any back
facing or spot facing to accomplish this shall not reduce
the flange thickness nor hub thickness below design
133.5 363.2 values. The diameter of a spot facing shall be not less
.- 518
314 199.4 than the dimension across corners of the nut plus
3 mm. The radius between the back of the flange and
8 UN bolting to BS 1580 the hub or shell shall be maintained.
1 363.2 1 718 1503 NOTE. The surface finish of the oasket
" contact face should be
In accordance w th the gasket manufact.rerss
1 118 47 8 2 1729 recommendat ons .f any, be based on exper ence or
1 114 609 2 114 2226 follow tne recommenoat ons glven i n taDle 3 8 1 6
1 318 756 2 112 2787
1 112 919 2 314 3419
1 518 1097 3 4103
1 314 1290
 BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1994

Table 3.8.1.6 Recommended surface finish o n gasket contact faces for bodvflanges and flanges fitted w i t h covers
Type of gaskets I
Required surface
texture range
Machining details

T grade no."

Compressed asbestos fibre (CAF) Continuous spiral groove

Fibrous substitutes for CAF or concentric groove
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) finish
Exfoliated graphite sheet
Rubber and reinforced rubber sheet

Exfoliated graphite sheet 6.3 N9 25 Continuous spiral groove

Spiral wound filled with: to to to or concentric groove
CAF IR); or 3.2 N8 12.5 finish
PTFE (S)
Rubber and reinforced rubber sheet

Fiat metal jacketted asbestos filled (R)

Solid flat metal ring (S) Produced by a variety of

Octagonal or oval metal ring (R) tool shapes showing no
definite tool markings to
the eye
Metallic solid or hollow ' 0 ' rings including Wills
type rings (R)
Fully trapped rubber ' 0 ' rings of rectangular
section

NOTE. (RI or (Sl indicates a preference for the rougher or smoother end of the range respectively.
'I R, and R, are defined in BS 1134 : Part 1.
"Roughness grade no, is extracted from IS0 1302 : 1978
 BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1994

' 3.8.2 Notation. For the purposes of 3.8.3 the following

symbols apply. All dimensions are i n the corroded
condition.
G, is the diameter of location of load reaction
between loose and stub flanges in a lap-joint,
normally assumed t o be the mean diameter of the
NOTE. Further and modified notation is given in subsequent contact face between them;
sub clauses. is the thickness of hub at small end;
go
A is the outside diameter of the flange or, where is the thickness of hub at back of flange:
g,
slotted holes extend to outside of flange, the
diameter to bottom of slots; H is the total hydrostatic end force, = 0.785G2p;

A, is the outside diameter of the contact face HD is the hydrostatic end force applied via shell t o
between loose and stub flanges i n a lap-joint; flange, = 0.785Ep;

is the actua! total cross-sectional area of bolts at HT is the hydrostatic end force due to pressure on
A, flange face = H- Ho;
the section of least diameter under load, as
defined i n 3.8.1.4; HG is the compression load on gasket to ensure tight
is the total required cross-sectional area of bolts, joint, = 2 b x 3.14Gmp;
A,
taken as the greater of A,, and ;A
,, h is the hub length;
A
,, is the total cross-sectional area of bolts required h, =u'Bg,;
for operating conditions, = WS I, ;, is the radial distance from bolt circle to circle on
hD
,A, is the total cross-sectional area of bolts required which HDacts, = I C - B - g,)/2 except for slip-on
for gasket seating, = WJ,S;, hubbed and stepped bore flanges for which ho=
B is inside diameter of flange; (C- Bl/2;
I is the radial distance from gasket load reaction to
B, is the inside diameter of the contact face between hG
loose and stub flanges i n a lap-joint; bolt circle, = I C - GU2;

is the basic gasket or joint seating width, = N/2 h, is the radial distance from bolt circle to circle on
b, which load reaction acts for the loose flange in a
with the exception of the ring-joint for which
b, = NI8: lap-joint, = ( C - G,)/2;
b is the effective gasket or joint seating width: hT is the radial distance from bolt circle to circle o n
b = b, when b, < 6.3 m m which H , acts, = l2C- B - GV4;
NOTE. For the stub flange in a lap joint Cis replaced by G, in
b = 2.52 \KO when b, > 6.3 mm. (This the definitions of ho, h, and h.,
expression is valid only with dimensions
K =4/8;
expressed i n millimetres);
M = Ma, CF/ B (bolting-up condition), or
C is the bolt circle diameter;
= MooC, / B (operating condition);
CF is the bolt pitch correction factor,
Ma,, is the total moment acting upon flange for bolting-
bolt spacing u p condition:
= 4 1 2 x bolt outside diameter1 + 6 r / ( m + 0.5)
Mop is the total moment acting upon flange for
where 'bolt spacing' is the distance between bolt operating condition;
centre lines m i s the gasket factor given in table 3.8.3(1 I;
(if calculated value < 1, CF = 1); N is the contact width of gasket, as limitedby gasket
) D is the inside diameter of shell; width and flange facing:
~.
.~ d is a factor; for integral method flange design p is the design pressure;
p, is the external design pressure;
S, is the bolt nominal design stress at atmospheric
U
for loose method flange design = - hogo,; temperature given i n table 3.8.1.4;
VL S, is the bolt nominal design stress at design
F temperature given i n table 3.8.1.4;
e is a factor; for integral method flange design = -;
c ho SF, is the design stress of flange material at
for loose method flange design = -r~
, . atmospheric temperature given in table 2.3;
ho SF, is the design stress of flange material at design
F is a factor for integral method flange design temperature given i n table 2.3;
(from figure 3.8.3(3)): ,,S
, is the lower of design stresses of hub and shell
is a factor for loose hubbed flanges (from materials at atmospheric temperature from
FL
figure 3.8.3(51); table 2.3;
f i s the hub stress correction factor for integral SHo is the lower of design stresses of hub and shell
method flange design from figure 3.8.3(7) (for materials at design temperature given i n table 2.3;
values below limit of figure use f : l ) ; SH is the calculated longitudinal stress in hub;
G is the assumed diameter of gasket load reaction. S, is the calculated radial stress i n flange;
When b, < 6.3 mm, G = mean diameter of gasket
ST is the calculated tangential stress i n flange;
contact face,
when b, > 6.3 mm, G = outside diameter of gasket
contact face less 2b;
 BS 5 5 0 0 : 1 9 9 4
Issue 2, January 1 9 9 5

T i s a factor from figure 3.8.3(2); NOTE 1. Inmore unusualshapes of hub itmay be necessaryto choose
r is the minimum allowable flange thickness. valuesofg, and hdefining asimpletaperhubfihing withlnthepmfileof
measured at the thinnest section; Ihe actual assembly.

U i s a factor from figure 3.8.3(21;

NOTE 2. There is no minimum value of hforaslip-onhubbedflange.
V i s a factor for the integral method, from NOTE 3. The rule for calculating the moment Misindependentofthe
method being used.
f~gure3.8.3(4);
VL is a factor for the loose hubbed flanges, 3.8.3.2 Bolfloadsandareas. Bolt loads and areas shall be
from figure 3.8.36); calculated for both the bolting-up and operating conditions.
W
,, is the minimum required bolt load for operating
(a) Bolting-up condition.The minimum bolt load,,W
,, shall
conditions. = HG+ H;
be 3.14bGy.
W
,, is the minimum required bolt load for gasket
seating, = 3.14bGy; (b) Operafingcondilion. The minimum bolt load, W
,,, shall
be H + H
.,
W is the flange design bolt load. = 0.5 (A, +A,) S,;
The required bolt area A, shall be the greater of A,,
X is the nominal gap between the shell and the
and A
.,,
loose flange i n a lap-joint;
The actual bolt area, A, shall be not less than A
.,
Y is a factor from figure 3.8.3(2);
NOTE. Recommended valuer for the gasket facror.m, and the
y is the gasket or joint contact surface seating gasket rearing pressure. y. are given in table 3.8.311 1 for
pressure; various gaskets.
Z i s a factor from figure 3.8.3(2);

A is a factor, = Lt7 P + -
d
]
3.8.3.3 Flange moments. Flange moments shall be
calculated for both the bolting-up and operating
conditions.
1 3.8.3 Narrow-faced gasketed flanges (a1 Bolting-up condition. The total flange moment
3.8.3.1 General. Oneof the threefollowing design methods shall be:
sha!l be applied to circular narrow face flanges with ring type Ma, = W ~ G
gaskets or joints under internal pressure, taking account of the ( b l Operating condition. The total flange moment
( exceptions given shall be:
/ (a) Integral method (in which account is taken of support
from the shell and the stresses in the shell are evaluated ,F, flange
--
M. "" = Hnhn + H .A 7. + Hchc
u u

pairshaving different design conditions, as

and compared with allowable stresses). The integral for example when they trap a tubesheet, bolt loads shall
method shall not be applied tothe slip-on hubbed flange be calculated at bolting.up and operating conditions for
(see figure E.2(28)(a)) or to the loose flange in a lap joint each flangeigasket combination separately. W
l, and
(see suggested working forms (1) and (2)). W-,,,,ashall then be taken as the greater of the t w o
(b) Loose method (in which the flange is assumed to get no calculated values. For the flange on which W ,, was the
support in bending from the shell and correspondingly lower calculated value, the value of HGshall be
imposes no bending stresses on it). The loose method increased as follows.
shall only be applied, except for loose flanges in lap joints H~= w ,, - H
(see figure E.2(27)(c)), if all of the following requirements
3,8,3,4 Flange slresses and stress limits
are met:
3.8.3.4.1 Flangeslresses. Flange stresses shall be
determinedfor both boltina-UDand o~eratina
the moment, M, as follows~where:
' -
conditions from

M=Ma,F C~ and M = M C~
- respectively
OP B

(4) operating temperature r 370 "C (a) Integral method

(see suggested working forms (I), (2) and (5)
fM
(c) Loose hubbed flange method, which shall be applied to longitudinal hubstress SH=7
the slip-on type of hubbed flange and the loose hubbed ACl
flange in a lap joint (see suggested working forms (3) and
(1.333te + 1) M
(4)). radial flange stress S, = .,
t-
The face and back welded flange, bore and back welded
flange, parallel hub flange, welding neck flange and fillet
welded flange may all be designed by either of the loose or tangential flangestress ST=YM
-- ZSR
integral 'methods (see figures E.2(26), (27) and (28) for these t2
types of flanges). The design methods allow for
a taper hub, which may be a weld; the hub assumed for
purposes of calculation shall not have a slope of more than
1 : 1, i.e. gl s h + g w
 BS 5500 : 1994
I s s u e 2, J a n u a r y 1 9 9 5

,I (b) Loose method If the diameters A, and B,aredefined by thesame

component, as shown in figure 3.8.6, then X = 0. I
I
YM The bearing stress shall not exceed 1.5 times the lower
tangential flange stress ST= -
t2 design stress of the t w o flanges, using design stresses
at ambient temperature for the bolting-up condition and
design stresses at design temperature for the operating
condition.
The diameter of the load reaction between stub and
(c) Loose hubbed flange method loose flanges shall be as follows:
G, = (A, + B2)/2

I longitudinal hub stress SH= -2

radial flange stress SR=

hgl
M

(1.333te+ I ) M
unless otherwise agreed with the purchaser.
The stub flange shall meet the requirements for a flange
loaded directly by the bolts as given i n 3.8.3.4 or 3.8.4,
except that the bolt load is assumed to be imposed at
hf
diameter GI, which therefore replaces C i n the
calculations. The diameter of the bolt holes, d, required
I tangential flange stress ST= - - ZS,
YM
f2
in 3.8.4, shall be zero.
The moment arm on the loose flange for all
3.8.3.4.2 Stress limits. The flange stresses as calculated components of load shall be h, where h, = (C- Gl)/2
in 3.8.3.4.1 shall not exceed the following values, using such that
) design stresses at ambient temperature for the bolting- Mop= W
,, x h, and
u p condition and design stresses at design temperature
Ma," = Wm, h~
for the operating condition:
The loose flange stresses and stress limits shall meet
,, s the smaller of 1.5SHo or 1.5SFo, or S, 5 the
S the requirements of 3.8.3.4.
smaller of 1.5SHAor 1.5SFA:
NOTE. The option to use integral or loose design method
SRand ST s SF, or SF,; applies to the stub flange.
0.5 IS, + S,) 5 SFo or SF,; 3.8.3.7 Split ring flanges
0.5 IS, + ST) 5 SFOor SFPI. It is permissible to split the loose flange i n a lap-joint
NOTE. SH0and ,S ,, the hub design stresses, are the design across the diameter to make it readily removable from
stresses of the shell material except for the case of welding the nozzel neck or vessel. The design shall be i n
neck or slip-on hubbed construction. accordance with 3.8.3.6 modified as follows.
~ ~

3.8.3.5 Narrow-face flanges subject to external (a) When the flange consists of a single split ring, it
pressure. (See suggested working forms 6.7 and 8.)If shall be designed as if it were a solid flange (without
the flange is subject to both internal and external splits), using 200 % of the moment M required
pressure it shall be designed for both conditions, except
in 3.8,3,6,
that external pressure need not be considered where
the external design pressure p, is less than the internal (b) When the flange consists of t w o split rings, each
design pressure p. ring shall be designed as if it were a solid flange
(without splits), using 75 % o f the moment M
The design of flanges for external pressure shall be i n required in 3.8.3.6. The pair of rings shall be
accordance with 3.8.3 except that:
) assembled so that the splits i n one ring are 90" from
p, replaces p the splits in the other ring.
Mop=
H o l h o - h G ) +H T ( h T - h G ) (c) The splits shall be located midway between bolt
W
,, =A
,, = 0 holes.
Where the flange for external pressure is one of a flange 3.8.4 Full-faced flanges w i t h soft ring type gaskets (see
pair having different design conditions, W,, shall be suggested working form 13)
that calculated for the other member of the pair and Mop Full-faced flanges with non-metallic gaskets not less
shall be the greater of Mop as calculated in 3.8.3.5 and than 1.5 m m thick and extending beyond the circle
Wm1 hG. enclosing the bolt holes shall be in accordance with the
3.8.3.6 Lap-joints. (See suggested working forms 4 and requirements of 3.8.4.
5.) The stub flange may take any of the forms listed 3.8.4.1 Additional and modified notation for 3.8.4. For
in 3.8.1.5 and either the narrow-faced (see 3.8.3) or full- the purposes of 3.8.4 the following symbols are in
faced (see 3.8.4) method shall be applied. Separate addition to or modify those given in 3.8.3.
calculations shall be carried out for the stresses i n the
loose and stub flanges.
Bolt loads and areas shall meet the requirements
A, is the inside diameter of gasket or inside diameterof
flange face, whichever is greater; 1
of 3.8.3.2 or 3.8.4.2 as appropriate.
Bearing stress at the contact face between the twc
tlanyes shall be determined for both bolting-up and
) operating conditions using the following equation.
(Wml or W
hearing Stress =
1.57B2(A2- 6, - 2 8
BS 5 5 0 0 : 1994
I s s u e 2, J a n u a r y 1995
(a) only the operating condition is t o be considered;
is the basic gasket seating width effective under
initial tightening u p = Go - C; (b) G = 4 where DL is outside diameter of seal weld
lip;
is the effective gasket seating width = 4b1b',;
NOTE. This expression isvalid only with dimensions Ic) HG= 0.
expressed in millimetres. 3.8.6 Reverse narrow-face flanges (see suggested
is the effective gasket pressure width, taken as
5 mm;
is the diameter of bolt holes;
3.8.6.1 Reversenanow-faceflangesunderintemalpressure
(see suggested working forms 9 and 10) I
Reverse flanges with narrow-face gaskets under internal
is the bolt outside diameter; pressure, and for which the ratio of diameters BIA is
is modulus of elasticity of flange material at less than 1.1, shali be designed i n accordance with 3.8.3
design temperature from table 3.6(3); except that:
is the diameter at iocation of gasket load reaction, (a) the limits on goand B/g, to the application of the
= C- I d + 2b"); loose flange option do not apply:
is outside diameter of gasket or outside diameter (b) A is the inside diameter of the flange;
of flange, whichever is less; (c) B i s the outside diameter of the flange;
is the total hydrostatic end force, = 0.785(C- d)'p; (d) H, = 0.785~02;
is compression load on gasket to ensure tight (e)H,=H,-H
joint, = 2b" x 3.14Gmp;
where HTis the net pressure load on the flange
is the balancing reaction force outside bolt circle faces;
in opposition to moments due t o loads inside bolt
circle; Ifl h, = l2C- G - D)/4;
is radial distance from bolt circle to circle o n which (g) h, = ( 6 - C- g,)/2. If the flange is slipped into the
HGacts, = Id + 2b")IZ; shell with a fillet weld o n the outside, so that 161D).
h, becomes instead:
is radial distance from bolt circle to circle on which
HR acts, = (Go - C + dl4; h, = I8 - 012
is radial distance from bolt circle to circle on which l h l M,,=HThT +Hobo;
H, acts. = ( C + d + 2b" - 8114; (ilK = BIA;
is balancing radial moment in flange along line of (11 M = IM,, or M,,)CFIA
bolf?loles; NOTE 1. The sign of h,, which may be negative, has to be
respected.
is "umber of bolts.
NOTE 2. The moment due to gasket reaction is taken as 0
3.8.4.2 Bolt loads andareas. Bolt loads shall be for the operating condition since this assumption gives
calculated in accordance with 3.8.3.2, taking: higher stresses.
Wm, = H + H G +HR
where
HR=
Hobo + HThT+ HGhG
3.8.6.2 Reversenanow-face flangesunderexternal
pressure (seesuggested working forms 11and 12)
Reverse narrow-face flanges under external pressure shall
I
"R be designed according to the rules of3.8.6.1 togetherwith
Wm2= 3.14Cb'~ the modifications of 3.8.3.5 except thatthe formula for Mopin
3.8.4.3 Flange design. The flange thickness shali be not 3.8.3.5 shali be replaced by Mop=H,(h,+ h,)+ Hr(hr- h,).
less than the value of t f r o m the following equation:
')
3.8.7 Reverse full-face flanges (see suggested working
6M forms 14 and 15)
SF, (3.14C- nd) 3.8.7.1 Geneml
where The design method shall be in accordance with 3.8.7.2 or
M = HRhR 3.8.7.3 as appropriate. For bothdesign methods, the bolting
The bolt spacing shall not exceed: loads at the ambient condition and the gaskets shall be in
2db + lE/200000)0"5 x 6f/(m + 0.5) accordance with 3.8.4.
NOTE. Two alternative design methods are provided for
where E i s expressed i n Nlmmz. If necessary the flange reverse full-face flanges. The first follows the approach of 3.8.3
thickness shall be increased to enable this requirement at the operating condition and assumes resistance to rotation
to be met. I comes from the flange itself; the second fallows 3.8.4 and
requires a larger bolt area.
The minimum spacing shall be determined by
consideration of the space necessary t o apply a spanner
t o the nuts and possible interference from gussets and
other obstructions.
3.8.5 Ungasketed seal welded flanges

Ungasketed seal welded flanges (see figure 3.8.5) shall be

designed in accordance with 3.8.3, except that:
 BS 5500 : 1994
I s s u e 2, J a n u a r y 1995

) 3.8.7.2 Design following method of3.8.3. Design for the 3.8.7.3 Design following method of3.8.4. Design for the
operating condition shall be in accordance with 3.8.3 operating condition shall be i n accordance with 3.8.4
with the following modifications. with the following modifications.
(a) A is inside diameter of flange; (a) A is inside diameter of flange;
(b) A, is inside diameler of gasket or contact face, (b) A, is inside diameter of gasket or contact face,
whichever is greater; whichever is the greater;
( c ) B is outside diameter of flange; (c) B i s outside diameter of flange;
(d) D i s the shell internal diameter; (d) G, is outside diameterof gasket orconlact face,
whichever is the lesser;
I (e) disthe diameterofthe bolt holes;
le) Ho = 0.785pDt;
(f) N =(C-Al)/2r
(f) Hc = H, - 0.785pC; where H, is the hydrostatic
(g) G,istheoutsidediameterofthegasketorcontactface force on the flange.face outside the bolt circle
1 whichever is the lesser, diameter;
(g) h, = I B - C - g,)12;
(h) H = 0.785p(C- d)';
Ih) hc = (0- 014:
(i) HG=2bx3.14Crnp:
(i)M, = HohD- Hchc;
(i) HD=0.785pD2; (j) M, = Hh;,
(k) H', = HD- 0.785pA:; (k) M is greater of MI and M2;
(I)W,, depends on which is greater, Ml or M, as
(I) H T = 0 . 5 ( H - HD+H',)
follows.
(m) h,= ( 6 - g, - C)/2; exceplforiheslip-in type (1) If M, > M2then:
flange (6; D),forwhich:
h, = (C- A, + dl4
h,=(B- C)2; H, = MIh,
(n) h',= ( 2 C - 0 -A, )14; Wm, = HGR+ HD- HC where HGRis the greater of
(0) h,=(2C+d-2Al)16; H,- and H,.
(2) If M, c M, then:
(P) Ma,= HJl,+H,'h,'- H,h,:
h,=(G,- C+d)14
(q) K = BIA;
H, = (M2- M,)IhR
(r) M = M,C,IA. Wml=HG+HD-Hc+HR.
NOTE 1. The sign af h',, which may be negative has lo be
respected.
NOTE 2. The moment due to gasket reaction is taken as 0
far the operating condition since this assumption gives
higher stresses.
 BS 5 5 0 0 : 1994
Issue 2, January 1995

Table 3.8.3(1) Gasket materials and contact facings: gasket factors (ml for operating conditions and
minimum design seating stress l y )
i
NOTE, This table gives a list of many commonly used gasket materials and contact facings with suggested design values of m and
ythat have generally proved satisfactory in actual service when using the methods of 3.8. The design values and other details
glven i n this table are suggested only and are not mandatory.

Gasket material
Seating
Imin.1
--

Rubber without fabric o i a high

+-I N/mm2
-

percentage of asbestos5 fibre:

'below 7 5 ' BS and IRH 0.50 0
7 5 ' BSand IRHorhigher 1.OO 1.4

Asbestos5 with a suitable 110

binder for the operating
conditions

Rubber with cotton fabric insertion

Rubber with asbestos5 fabric

insertion.with or without wire
reinforcement
I,
I
3-ply

2-ply
2.25

2.50
15.2

20.0

Vegetable fibre

Carbon
Spiral-wound metal,
applicationt
asbestos5 filled monel

Corrugated metal.
asbestos5 inserted
or
Corrugated metal,
Soft aluminium
SofIcopperorbrass
Iron or soft steel
Monel o r 4 to 6 %
2.50
2.75
3.00
3.25
1 20.0
255
31.0
37.9
1
jacketed asbestos5 chrome
filled

Soft aluminium 2.75 25.5

Soft copper orbrass 3.00 31.0
Corrugated metal Iron or soft steel
Monelar4 t o 6 %
3.25
3.50
37.9
44.8 ,&zF'
chrome
Stainless steels 1 3.75 52.4 1
Soft aluminium
Soft copper or brass
Flat metal jacketed lron or softsteel
asbestos5 filled Monel
4 106 %chrome
Stainless steels

- - - -..- - - . . - .,, .- -
I f See BS 3381 1989. Advice shoula oeso-gnt from the gas6.el manufad~reron aeslgn seat.ng stress.
9Nrn non-asbes:os bonaeaf~oresnret gascels are nor necessar i v d rect suusti~.tcsfor asueslos uasea materla s .npart.cu ar
pressdre, t c m ~ r a l . r s an0 Do t loaa om tar ons may oc aopl ca - s e n tnln tne man.fact~rer's current rccurr menaar ons

NOTE. i n selecting gasket materials for use with aluminium alloy flanges account should be taken of the relative hardnessvalues of
the gasket and flange materials.
BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1994

Table 3.8.3(2)Values of T, Z, Y, and U (factors involving K )

K T 2 Y U K T 2 Y U

1,001 1.91 1000.50 1899.43 2078.85 1.051 1.89 20.12 38.68 42.51
1.002 1.91 500.50 951.81 1052.80 1.052 1.89 19.74 37.96 41.73
1.003 1.91 333.83 637.56 700.70 1.053 1.89 , 19.38 37.27 40.96
1.0041.91 250.50 478.04 525.45 1.054 1.89 19.03 36.60 40.23
1.005 1.91 20050 383.67 421.72 1.055 1.89 18.69 35.96 39.64

1.006 1.91 167.17 319.71 351.42 1.056 1.89 18.38 35.34 38.84
1 W 7 1.91 143.36 274.11 ' 3 0 1 . 3 0 1.057 1.89 18.06 34.74 38.19
1.008 1.91 125.50 239.95 263.75 1.058 1.89 17.76 34.17 37.56
1 0 0 9 1.91 111.61 213.42 234.42 1.059 1.89 17.47 33.62 36.95
1,010 1.91 100.50 192.19 21 1.19 1.060 1.89 17.18 33.04 36.34

1,011 1.91 91.41 174.83 192.13 1.061 1.89 16.91 32.55 35.78
1.012 1.91 83.84 160.38 176.25 1.062 1.89 16.64 32.04 35.21
1.013 1.91 77.43 148.06 162.81 1.063 1.89 16.40 31.55 34.68
1.014 1.91 71.93 137.69 151.30 1.064 1.89 1815 31.08 34.17
1 . 0 1 5 1.91 67.17 128.61 141.33 1.065 1.89 15.90
 , , , - - - - A
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- - - - A ----... 4 A 4 - - - - - A - - - - - A A A A - - 4 A - - -

b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b ' m b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b ' m b r n b
*
N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N W W W W W W W W W Y W W W W W Y W W W W O W Y W W P P P P P P P P P P ,

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----- I I '
- . . - A A - - - - - A -----
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m m m m m m m m m o
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2x:mg ~ z m w om
o o
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b k mh r m~ .

- A > - - - - A - 2 ----- R
b ' b b b b b b b b ' w bbb'Nb b b b b b b b b b b bbbb'N b b b b b b b b b b b'N.hb'N b.Nbbb
o w m m m m m m m z m m m m m m m m m q m u u u u u u u - 2 u m m m m m m m m z m m m m m m m m m y
O W m U m U l P W N O W C O u m W P W N O W m U m V l P W N O W m u o ) U l P W N 0 c ~ m u m ~ P W N
- - A - - - a - - - - - A -----
$ $ $ $ $ g$g$g *

v"vvP P p P " + + + P P P ++.+++ t;tg: t.Et.-c c;+-.z ggggg ++.+P+ K W

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g"L8 Z 8 5 1 8 8ESWg8 5 8 6 = <
-w rm em su fm o N P ~
m m m o ~w m m u m o u w m m t $ y Z P
1" 1 L"
BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1994

Table 3.8.3(2)(continued)
 BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1994

Table 3.8.312) (concludedl

\)
 K = A/B

Figure 3.8.3121 Values of T, U, Yand Z

- -
N X W e
.
Ln
-
m d m o o
-
rn
N N
o r n
 BS 5500 : 1994
Issue 1, January 1994

Suggested working f o r m Ill

) Moment arms and moments
Narrow-face flange design: smooth bore

Design pressure p =
Design temperature =

Flange material

Hub/shell material

Gasket type

Bolting material

Corrosion allowance
Loose method criteria

2N/mm2>p= 370'C > design temperature =

Shape constants

Bolts dia. h, Hr, H~

PCDlCl h6 6=
A=

NOTE. This configuration is also applicable to parallel hub flanges ( f = 1.0).

CF= 4 - bolt spacing
(2 x bolt outside diameter) + 6t/(rn + 0.5)

Assumed t =
Design stresses Operating Ambient
t
Flange material s ~ o= s~~=
Hub/shell material H
'O = SHA=
,I Stress calculatior~
Bolts Sb = S, =
Moment M = Mo,CF/Bor M,,,CF/B(CFr 1)
Gasket details I

Gasket contact face 0.d. i.d. 1 condition

operatong
For
' condition

N = (0.d. - i.d.112 = b, = N/2 =

b = min. (b, , 2.52\lbOl = rn =

G=o.d.-2b= Y=
0.5 (S, + max. (S,, ST)) - -
-
Loads and bolting
H = 0.785G2p - HG= 6.28bGrnp =
(loose ontion) YM /t -
- -

Conclusion:
W
,, = H G +H = ,W
, = 3.14bGy =

,A, = W
,, ISb = ,A
, = WJ,S, =

A, = max. (A, )A
,, =

A, = number of bolts x root area =

1
W = (A, + A,ISJ2