Hello everyone,

I’m working on the piping system connected to a 20” pump nozzle and the designer put an expansion joint after the pump nozzle and a line stopper after the expansion joint. The expansion joint that is being used is an untied single type bellow. Initially, they calculated this with no effective ID or no pressure thrust was considered and the nozzle is within the allowable. When I tried to input the effective ID, the nozzle failed. The anticipated maximum pressure is at 8.5 kg/sq.cm and it will produce a pressure thrust of around 15300 kgf, this force is to be carried by the restraint (stopper) and the pump nozzle so this value is very disastrous to both restraints.

1. Is there any problem on the way the piping is supported?
2. Is the pressure is too high?
3. Is there any problem with the type of expansion joint?
4. What other solution in order to overcome large pressure thrust?