For a first pass analysis the typical bowing displacements can be taken as 6" (150 mm) in 4 directions (N, S, E, W) similar to the wind direction logic. Obviously the bowing can occur in any horizontal direction but the logic above should be adequate. The vessel, mechanical, vendor or specialty group may be able to do an FEA on the actual vessel geometry.

FEPipe (and maybe now Nozzlepro) can apply temperatures to separate sections of the shell model to perform this analysis but you have to know your way around the software.

Personally I would like to do this but can never find the time. When I was at Foster Wheeler in the specialty group, Ryan P. stated he did these types of bowing evaluations "regularly" using Algor or Ansys and the results would not exceed 8" (200 mm) and were typically 6" (150 mm). Similar results from our Lummus group.

Field folks have observed 4" (100mm) in one plant.