A pressure vessel is a container designed to hold gases or liquids at a pressure substantially different from the ambient pressure. Pressure vessels can be dangerous and can be designed to hold very high pressures, so they are often subject to regulatory oversight to ensure the safety of the people who work with them and the public.
Pressure vessels can be found in a wide range of applications, including:
- Industrial plants, such as chemical and petrochemical plants, power plants, and refineries
- Storage and transportation of gases, such as oxygen, nitrogen, and natural gas
- Propulsion systems, such as those used in rockets and missiles
- Medical equipment, such as oxygen tanks and inhalers
- Home appliances, such as hot water heaters and pressure cookers
Pressure vessels are typically made of metal, such as steel or aluminum, and are designed to withstand the internal pressure and any external loads, such as wind or earthquake forces. They may be cylindrical or spherical in shape, and may be horizontal or vertical. The design and construction of pressure vessels must meet specific safety standards to ensure their integrity and to prevent accidents.
Pressure Vessel Material
There are a wide variety of materials that can be used to construct a pressure vessel, including metals, alloys, and polymers. The most commonly used materials for pressure vessels are:
- Steel: Steel is a strong and durable material that can withstand high pressures and is resistant to corrosion. It is widely used in the construction of pressure vessels, particularly for applications that involve high temperatures or aggressive environments.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is a lightweight and corrosion-resistant material that is commonly used for pressure vessels that require good thermal conductivity. It is commonly used in the aerospace and automotive industries.
- Stainless steel: Stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant alloy that is commonly used for pressure vessels that will be exposed to corrosive environments. It is also resistant to high temperatures and has good strength properties.
- Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP): FRP is a composite material made of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibers. It is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and has good strength properties. FRP is commonly used for pressure vessels that will be exposed to corrosive environments or that require good electrical insulation.
The choice of material for a pressure vessel will depend on the specific application and the operating conditions it will be subjected to. Factors to consider when selecting a material for a pressure vessel include the operating temperature, pressure, and chemical environment, as well as the required strength and corrosion resistance.
Basic Difference Between ASME Section VII, Division 1, 2 and 3
1. ASME Section 8, Division I
ASME Section VIII, Division 1 is a standard published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) that provides rules for the design, construction, inspection, and testing of pressure vessels. The standard is commonly referred to as the “ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code,” or simply the “ASME Code.”
ASME Section VIII, Division 1 covers pressure vessels that operate at pressures up to 15,000 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) and temperatures ranging from -325°F to 1000°F. The standard covers both metal and non-metal vessels, and includes requirements for materials, design, fabrication, inspection, and testing.
ASME Section VIII, Division 1 is widely used in the design and construction of pressure vessels in a variety of industries, including petrochemical, chemical, power generation, and aerospace. The standard is recognized and used internationally as a benchmark for the design and construction of safe and reliable pressure vessels.
In addition to ASME Section VIII, Division 1, ASME also publishes other codes and standards for the design and construction of pressure vessels and other mechanical components, including ASME Section VIII, Division 2 (for high pressure vessels) and ASME B31 series of piping codes.
2. ASME Section 8, Division II
ASME Section VII, Division 2 is a standard published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) that provides rules for the design, construction, inspection, and testing of pressure vessels. The standard is commonly referred to as the “ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code,” or simply the “ASME Code.”
ASME Section VII, Division 2 covers pressure vessels that operate at pressures over 15,000 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) and temperatures ranging from -325°F to 1000°F. The standard covers both metal and non-metal vessels, and includes requirements for materials, design, fabrication, inspection, and testing.
ASME Section VII, Division 2 is used in the design and construction of high-pressure vessels in a variety of industries, including petrochemical, chemical, power generation, and aerospace. The standard is recognized and used internationally as a benchmark for the design and construction of safe and reliable high-pressure vessels.
In addition to ASME Section VII, Division 2, ASME also publishes other codes and standards for the design and construction of pressure vessels and other mechanical components, including ASME Section VIII, Division 1 (for low and medium pressure vessels) and ASME B31 series of piping codes.
3. ASME Section 8, Division III
ASME Section VII, Division 3 is a standard published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) that provides rules for the design, construction, inspection, and testing of pressure vessels. The standard is commonly referred to as the “ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code,” or simply the “ASME Code.”
ASME Section VII, Division 3 covers pressure vessels that operate at high pressures and temperatures, typically above 1000°F. The standard covers both metal and non-metal vessels, and includes requirements for materials, design, fabrication, inspection, and testing.
ASME Section VII, Division 3 is used in the design and construction of high-pressure, high-temperature vessels in a variety of industries, including petrochemical, chemical, power generation, and aerospace. The standard is recognized and used internationally as a benchmark for the design and construction of safe and reliable high-pressure, high-temperature vessels.
In addition to ASME Section VII, Division 3, ASME also publishes other codes and standards for the design and construction of pressure vessels and other mechanical components, including ASME Section VIII, Division 1 (for low and medium pressure vessels) and ASME B31 series of piping codes.