Pressure vessels are essential sealed containers designed to safely contain liquids, gases, or steam at pressures significantly higher or lower than the surrounding environment. These containers are widely used in industries such as petrochemical, oil and gas, chemical processing, and food production. Typical examples of pressure vessels include reactors, flash drums, separators, and heat exchangers.

To ensure both safety and reliability, pressure vessels are governed by multiple standards for pressure vessel design. One of the most widely recognized guidelines is the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC), which provides comprehensive directions for the design, construction, installation, testing, inspection, and certification of pressure vessels and related components, including those in nuclear power plants.

Key Divisions of ASME BPVC for Pressure Vessels

The ASME BPVC Section VIII specifically addresses pressure vessels, dividing them into three distinct divisions:

Division I: Covers pressure vessels designed to operate at pressures above 15 psig. These vessels may be fired or unfired, with pressure generated externally or by heating. Engineers typically use a design-by-rule approach based on normal stress theory.

Division II: Applies to pressure vessels operating at pressures up to 10,000 psig. This division has more rigorous material, design, and non-destructive testing standards than Division I, allowing vessels to withstand higher stresses. Engineers follow a design-by-analysis approach based on maximum distortion energy theory.

Division III: Focuses on pressure vessels intended to operate above 10,000 psig. It sets mandatory requirements and prohibitions to ensure the vessels are safe and reliable.

Additional Standards for Pressure Vessel Maintenance

In addition to the design guidelines set by the ASME BPVC, the API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspection Code outlines comprehensive standards for the ongoing inspection, repair, and alteration of pressure vessels during their service life. These standards are crucial to maintaining the integrity and safety of pressure vessels throughout their operational lifetime.

Ensuring Safe Operation of Pressure Vessels

It is critical that all pressure vessels operate within their designated safety limits, including the maximum allowable working pressures and temperatures. All operations involving pressure vessels must be conducted by certified professionals to avoid risks such as leaks or accidents, which can potentially endanger the environment and personnel.

Our Commitment to Quality and Safety

At Ekaislot, we strictly adhere to internationally recognized standards for pressure vessel design, including ASME, PED, China GB, TEMA, and CRN, to ensure that our pressure vessels meet the highest quality and safety requirements. We offer custom manufacturing services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients and provide specialized logistics solutions to guarantee the safe and timely delivery of large equipment.

Our team of certified experts ensures that every pressure vessel we design and manufacture is built to last, offering our clients reliable, efficient, and safe solutions for their operations.

Learn more about our pressure vessels