Abstract: The vertical equipment of petrochemical plant is arranged in framework. Due to the influence of thermal expansion during the operation of equipment, the head of the equipment and the pipes connected with the equipment often collide with the steel structure. Combined with the problems emerged during construction, this article expounds the basic requirements and matters needing attention for the platforms and openings at different positions of vertical equipment in the framework of petrochemical plant, classifies and analyzes the influence of thermal expansion of equipment on the platforms and openings at special positions such as the reducing section of equipment, the inclined pipeline and the top of equipment, compares and discusses in detail the three different design forms of top platform, and summarizes the key points and precautions of platform settings under different circumstances for better application in other designs.

Key words: vertical equipment, platform hole design, platform settings