In my understanding, cold point of spring support should be checked as the following order.
1. Piping and Spring Support installation
2. Hydrotest
3. Nozzle Alignment
4. Completion of piping connection to equipment nozzle
5. Remove Spring Support Locking Device
6. Check cold point on spring can.
7. Check hold point during operation of project.

With the sequence, locking devices shall be installed during nozzle alignment, but one of equipment vendors(compressor) is requesting nozzle alignment after removing locking devices.

The equipment vendor requests it to minimize loads generated by piping after connection. Theoretically, it is best that the spring take case of all piping weight and there is minor displacement at nozzle connection point.

However, spring support is usually located a little away from the nozzle point, so small displacemets are generated by some of bending moment and this displacement may exceed allowable of alignment limit.

Furthermore, during piping stress analysis, cold/hot loads of spring support are normally set in operation and sustain condition, not in nozzle disconnection condition.

Please share your idea on this matter.

Pl refer to the following post
http://65.57.255.42/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=45273

"one of equipment vendors(compressor) is requesting nozzle alignment after removing locking devices" - It is the custom for most steam turbine & centrifugal compressor vendors.

But, if you have not thought about it at first, it is now difficult to achieve.
reg,
sam

Place or Replace supports as adjustable type. At site, field engineer will adjust support to meet the alignment limit.

Also as the post Sam refered, Load case shall be modified and check the alignment.

I prefer cold balance setting for spring rather than hot balance for this reason.

I agree with Sam. Most renowned vendors I have come across, perform nozzle alignment check both with springs locked and unlocked just to ensure that the piping is properly supported and don't unnecessarily impose strains on nozzle.