Which component is most likely to be affected by excessive settlement of a vessel foundation?

The component most likely to be affected by excessive settlement of a vessel foundation is the nozzles with attached piping. Excessive settlement can lead to misalignment and stress on these connections. Nozzles are points where piping is connected to the vessel, and any movement or shifting can create inappropriate loads on these welds and flanges, leading to potential leaks or even failure at these critical junctions.

In contrast, while vessel shell integrity and support structures can also be impacted by settlement, their primary concerns are related to overall stability and strength rather than the localized stresses that nozzles experience. Insulation systems, while they can be damaged indirectly through settlement-related movements, are not structurally critical in the same way nozzles are when it comes to the function and safety of the pressure vessel itself. Thus, the nozzles are particularly vulnerable to the effects of settlement because of their role in maintaining the integrity and function of the pressure vessel's piping system.