Optimization of the support of a horizontal pressure vessel
Authors:   AGH University of Krakow, Poland, Bembenek Michał , MYKHAILIUK Vasyl ,   Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas, Ukraine, Liakh Mikhailo ,   Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas, Ukraine, Deineha Ruslan ,   Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas, Ukraine, Matviienkiv Oleh ,   Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas, Ukraine, Pawlik Jan ,   AGH University of Krakow, Poland, Góral Tomasz ,   AGH University of Krakow, Poland, Dzienniak Damian ,   AGH University of Krakow, Poland
Published: October 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the optimization of support structures for horizontal pressure vessels using simulation modeling. The research aims to reduce the mass of the support while ensuring structural integrity and identifying opportunities for future improvements in materials and design. Design/methodology/approach: The research was conducted by creating a three-dimensional support model in SolidWorks, compliant with GOST standards. The stress–strain behavior and optimization of the support structure were analyzed using SolidWorks’ Simulation module, which employs the finite element method (FEM). Non-uniform load distributions, such as sinusoidal and parabolic loads, were applied during the loading process to enhance the accuracy of the simulation without incorporating the vessel body itself. Findings: The simulation results showed that optimizing the support structure led to a 15% reduction in its mass. Even though this also resulted in a 23% increase in equivalent stresses in critical areas, the support structure remains safe to operate, with a strength reserve factor under static loads exceeding 2. Research limitations/implications: Further research should include simulations that account for the type and properties of connections between elements, particularly weld calculations. Additionally, future studies could explore the use of higher-grade steels than the tested 09G2C steel to achieve further mass reductions, provided the cost is justifiable. Practical implications: This study is particularly relevant for the design of pressure vessel supports used in vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers transporting liquids or liquefied hydrocarbon gases. Reducing the mass of support structures can increase payload capacity, offering significant commercial benefits in transportation efficiency. Social implications: A lighter, optimized support structure can contribute to more fuel-efficient transportation of liquid and gas materials, thereby reducing the environmental impact of logistics operations. Originality/value: The originality of this study lies in the combined use of topological and parametric optimization techniques for modeling horizontal pressure vessel supports. The paper provides valuable insights into how simulation-based optimization can lead to significant mass reductions while maintaining structural safety. This research is particularly useful to engineers and designers working on pressure vessel supports for transportation applications. Keywords: pressure vessel, tank, tank support, simulation modeling, topological optimization, parametric optimization.