Vessel supports: for which type of equipment is a skirt support the most appropriate and commonly used solution from structural and thermal viewpoints?

Introduction / Context:
Process vessels require supports that safely transmit loads (weight, wind, seismic, thermal) to foundations. Support selection depends on geometry, size, and operating conditions. Skirt supports are a standard choice in many plants.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Cylindrical pressure or storage vessels.
• Outdoor installation subject to wind and thermal expansion.
• Need for access and nozzle clearance near the bottom head.

Concept / Approach:
A skirt support is a cylindrical shell welded to the vessel bottom head, transferring loads axially to a base ring and anchor bolts. It provides excellent resistance to overturning moments from wind/seismic on tall vertical equipment while keeping the shell free of local leg loads. It also accommodates thermal expansion via a defined hot-to-cold interface and allows insulation clearance.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify vessel category needing overturning resistance: tall vertical columns, reactors, and towers.Select support that gives strong moment capacity and clean load path: skirt support.Conclude that “tall vertical” vessels are the best match.

Verification / Alternative check:
Design standards and vendor catalogues pair skirts with columns/towers, saddles with horizontal vessels, and legs/lugs for small vertical drums.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Small/large horizontal: Better served by saddles.Thick walled: Wall thickness alone does not dictate the support type; geometry and moment loads do.

Common Pitfalls:
Locating heavy nozzles on skirts without considering differential expansion; underestimating anchor bolt design for overturning.

Final Answer:
tall vertical