ASME Pressure Vessel Protection Since 1907

Pressure vessels have a profound impact on our lives on a daily basis. Hot water storage tanks, refrigerant vessels, gas storage tanks, hydro pneumatic tanks and autoclaves are just a few of the uses for them. They are defined as a sealed container designed to hold gases or liquids at a set pressure which is different from the ambient pressure. Pressure vessels are created to work at a specified pressure and temperature. They are specifically designed for pressures greater than 15 psi and an overall volume higher than 5 cubic feet. These technical terms are often described as design temperature or design pressure.

Although harmless looking, they can propose a serious danger if not maintained or built correctly. The pressure differential within them is dangerous and throughout history many accidents, sometimes fatal have occurred while developing and operating pressure vessels. These accidental explosions caused shrapnel to be sent into the air or exposed hazardous content which leaked from the vessels. As a result of these accidents, pressure vessel operations are regulated by engineering authorities to ensure safety.

These engineering authorities include the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code in North America, the Pressure Equipment Directive of the EU (PED), Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS), and the CSA B51 in Canada to name a few. The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code is recognized as an American Society of Mechanical Engineers standard that sets guidelines for design, fabrication and the inspections of pressure vessels. The committee is made up entirely of volunteers who are nominated based on their knowledge and expertise in the areas pertaining to pressure vessels as well as boilers. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers is also the accreditation body which entitles independent third parties to complete such tasks as verification, testing and allows certification agencies to inspect and ensure that all of the vessels and boilers meet compliance to the BPVC.

The origin of these committees dates back many years. The ASME which was originally formed in 1880 created the Board of Boiler Rules. This was before it became the ASME Boiler Code Committee which came about in 1911. This would be the committee that would eventually setup the ASME Boiler Code - Rules for the Construction of Stationary Boilers and for the Allowable Working Pressures. This first edition was published in 1915. All of this was initially started by the public outcry after several serious explosions that took place in Massachusetts during the early 1900's. These boiler explosions lead the state of Massachusetts to enact the initial legal code on boiler construction, which was based on ASME's steam boiler construction guidelines.