Design and Construction Codes for Pressure Vessels

Codes and Authority

Design codes for pressure vessels

Pressure vessels are made and manufactured based on the various design codes and standards that exist and are accepted by many countries in the international market to meet the required safety and reliability of pressure vessels and to meet the legal requirements. Some of the most commonly used design codes for pressure vessels include:Some of the most commonly used design codes for pressure vessels include:

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC):ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC):

Among all such codes, ASME BPVC is perhaps the most commonly used code for pressure vessels ’ design and construction, especially in the United States and its neighboring countries. It is divided into multiple sections, with Section VIII specifically addressing pressure vessels. Subsections include Division 1 (for vessels with internal or external pressure) and Division 2 (for alternative rules for high-pressure vessels).

European Pressure Equipment Directive (PED):European Pressure Equipment Directive (PED):

The PED is a European Union’s directive that provides the requirements for the design, manufacture and conformity assessment of pressure equipment and pressure vessels within EU. It is widely used for vessels intended for use in Europe.

ISO 13445:

ISO 13445 is a standard that gives requirements for design, manufacture, and examination of pressure vessels that are not used for fired services. It is https://blog.oilandgasclub.com/pressure-vessel-design-calculationsinternationally used and may be accompanied by other national or regional codes.

API 510:

API 510 is a widely recognized code prepared by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and given to address the issues related with the inspection, repair, alteration and rerating of pressure vessels in petroleum and petrochemical industry.

BS 5500:

BIPEL is a process code that provides design and construction guidelines for unfired fusion welded pressure vessels as per British Standard BS 5500. It is most frequently used in the United Kingdom and other areas that observe British norms.

AD 2000 Code:

The AD 2000 Code is one of the published codes and is usually used in Germany and other parts of Europe. This code gives requirements for fabrication, design, and other aspects of pressure vessels and other pressure containing structures.

JIS B 8243:

EU Directive PS Pressure Equipment Directive, PED 97/23/EC the pressure equipment is the pressure equipment designed for use at headquarters and Monitoring and Evaluation of Structures That Adhere to the JIS B 8243 Pressure Vessel Standard. It is used particularly in Japan and few other countries in the Asia continent.

CODAP:

CODAP (Conception et Calcul des Appareils à Pression) is a French code that outlines the guidelines to be followed in the conception as well as in the calculation of pressure vessels. It is used in the French speaking countries of the world and in France in particular.

Tema Standards:

TEMA has put out standards that are specialized for shell and tube heat exchangers which are one of more widely utilized pressure vessels in the process industries.

However, it is pertinent and essential to know that the correct design code to be applied on a pressure vessel depends with the function of the vessel, geographic region the vessel is designed to work in, and the industry standards or set rules governing the particular subject matter in question. These are factors that engineers /designers must be circumspect to understand as well as select the right code that will suffice the demand. Furthermore, while designing pressure vessels, it sometimes becomes essential to consult with qualified and certified personnel due to the legal requirement of the pressure vessels and the vessel’s structural reliability.

ASME code for pressure vessel design

The ASME Code for Pressure Vessels, also known as ASME Section VIII, is a set of technical standards that govern the design, fabrication, inspection, and testing of pressure vessels. It is one of the most widely used codes for pressure vessel design in the world.

The ASME Code is divided into three divisions:

• Division 1: This is the most comprehensive division and covers the design of all types of pressure vessels, including those that are used in hazardous applications.
• Division 2: This division is for the design of pressure vessels that are not used in hazardous applications. It is less restrictive than Division 1.
• Division 3: This division is for the design of pressure vessels that are fabricated using welding. It includes more stringent requirements for welding procedures and inspection.

The ASME Code also includes a number of Appendices that provide additional information on specific topics, such as the design of pressure vessels for nuclear applications.

To use the ASME Code, engineers must first become familiar with the requirements of the applicable division. They must then use their engineering judgment to apply the requirements to the specific design of the pressure vessel.

The ASME Code is a complex document and it is important to consult with a qualified engineer when designing a pressure vessel.

Here are some of the key design criteria in pressure vessel according to ASME Code:

• The pressure vessel must be designed to withstand the maximum pressure and temperature that it will be exposed to.
• The pressure vessel must be made of materials that are strong enough to withstand the stresses that will be imposed on it.
• The pressure vessel must be designed to prevent leaks.
• The pressure vessel must be designed to be safe to operate and maintain.

The ASME Code also includes requirements for the fabrication, inspection, and testing of pressure vessels. These requirements are designed to ensure that the pressure vessel is safe and meets the design requirements.

The ASME Code is a valuable resource for engineers who are designing pressure vessels. It provides a comprehensive set of requirements that can help to ensure the safety and reliability of these vessels.

How to design a pressure vessel

• Design of pressure vessels is a complex and elaborate engineering activity; a great many important tasks must be completed in order to reach optimal outcomes with regard to the vessel’s reliability, versatility, and compliance with the codes and standards that may be required. Here is a general overview of how to design a pressure vessel:Below is general information on how Pressure Vessel can be designed:

Determine Design Parameters:

• Note the function and use of the vessel, the relative characteristics of the items that will be contained in the vessel – in liquid or gaseous form, the operating pressure, temperature, and any other conditions that may include a proscription or a prescription.

Select Applicable Codes and Standards:The next step is to choose the most appropriate codes and standards required in the project.

• Choose the codes and standards to apply for your project namely ASME BPVC, PED, ISO 13445, or others that can be used according to your geographical and specialties areas of interestPressure Vessel Design Codes).

Material Selection:

• Select the proper material for construction of pressure vessel depending on nature of the fluid to be contained, temperature and pressure. Selection of material is very important for both safety and durability of the building.

Design Calculations:

• Draw basic working sketches and layout plan of the pressure vessel showing the directions, size and position of the components of the vessel. That aids in envisioning the overall design.

Component Selection:

• Select and specify the nozzles, manholes, flanges and valves as well as other parts pertaining to the design specifications and standards.

Pressure Relief and Safety Devices:

• Pressure Relief and Safety Devices plays an important role in regulating the pressure in the boiler and avoiding dangerous overpressure.

Stress Analysis:

• The pressure vessel has to be checked for stresses in service using FEA or other methods to arrive at a confirmation that the material can withstand expected loads – thermal stresses inclusive.

Nozzle Loads and Connections:

• Evaluate the loads on vessel nozzles and connections to ensure they meet design criteria and standards. Proper reinforcement may be required.

Welding and Joint Design:

• Set down the welding processes and joint configurations to be used with regard to the type of weld, dimensions, and inspection objectives.

Corrosion Protection:

• Mitigation measures like use of protective coating, lining or cathodic protection should be applied on the internal and external surface of the vessel.

Documentation and Drawings:

• Produce generation engineering drawings, fabrication, assembly, inspection drawing and bill of materials.

Fabrication and Manufacturing:

• Oversee the construction of the vessel and make sure that the fabrication and/or manufacturing process adheres to the blueprint and design.

Inspection and Testing:

• Perform methods such as non-destructive testing (NDT) and pressure testing in order to determine the vessel’s soundness and efficiency.

Quality Control and Documentation:

• Keep the records of design, construction, testing procedures to substantiate conformance to the prescribed code and standard.

Certification and Compliance:

• Look for certification and permit for the pressure vessel from the local authorities if necessary to make sure it complies with safety standards and permitted codes.

Installation and Commissioning:

• Place the pressure vessel where it is planned to be installed and then fully commission the pressure vessel and readiness for acceptance and integration within the system.

Operation and Maintenance:

• Design an operation and maintenance plan checklist that comprises of inspection, testing and maintenance to safeguard the operating integrity of the pressure vessel.

Pressure vessel design involves professionals such as engineers and designers with adequate knowledge on the codes and standards for the same. Special attention should be paid to safety in the process of design and construction and cooperation with corresponding authorities in case if necessary to conform to the local and international legislation.