1.8 Supports

Refer to Fig.(11).


  • Skirt supports

    • Used for tall vertical vessels such as distillation column.

    • Use mainly for installation on foundation outside buildings, especially if the ratio of apparatus height to diameter is greater than 5.

  • Leg supports

    • Small vertical vessels are typically supported on legs that are welded to the lower portion of the shell.

    • Spherical vessels are usually supported by legs.

    • Cross bracing between the legs if necessary, be used to absorb the wind load or earthquake.

  • Lug supports

    • Similar to leg supports, except for the bolted connection between vessel and support.

    • Lug supported vessels are usually of much smaller height than skirt supported vessels.

    • Lug supports are very suitable for thick-walled vessels.

  • Saddle supports

    • For horizontal vessels.

    • More than two saddles is undesirable.

    • One of the saddle is usually installed as a fixed anchor point and the other as a flexible anchor that accommodates thermal expansion to the longitudinal direction.

    • Many horizontal cylindrical apparatus such as storage vessels, heat exchangers, etc., are commonly supported by saddle supports or cradles.