FEM with Analytical Approach based Wind and Seismic Design Recommendations for Vertical Tall Process Column

The wind and seismic design is a major requirement in equipment design in oil and gas industries. In this paper we have investigated how height column intended for being designed to withstand weighty external seismic and wind effects and few significant design steps intended for considering in order to avoid column failures. Finite element based design approach is recommended as this is not a normal industrial practice currently. Many of the fabrication industries are following analytical based approach. That may be the reason some times under designed columns fail. The disadvantage of analytical method is that we cannot see exact stresses during design, so the chances of over and under design is high in analytical methods. This is one of the major reasons for developing a firm solution through this research paper. Also there is no firm fem based design procedure available in industries to follow. The code rules like ASME SECVIII DIV-I, ASME DIV-II, ASCE, IS-875, and IS-1893 are used and the allowed stresses to determine the adequacy of this design within every required loading conditions are learnt and presented. Achieved outcomes are acceptable along with the prerequisite of international standards and codes and current industry practices. FEM was redone and found that the column is safe with is to be check various shell and skirt thickness.