Pressure vessels are used to store and utilize high volume liquids and gases in industrial applications. The range of products includes oxygen, oil and gas, compressed air, and high grade chemicals. It safely store these gases and liquids for use in high pressure applications.
Clearly, its work is highly important. Hence, it is also critical that they meet stringent quality requirements of industries and customers worldwide. However, how can a customer know that the what he is planning to purchase is a quality manufactured product? This question can be answered by keeping a few important points in mind.
Quality Features for Finding and Selecting
There are certain features and qualifications that must be met to purchase.
ASME BPVC Code: The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) created the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) in 1914. This Code is the standard with which all aspects of pressure vessel manufacturing are performed. Depending on the vessel's design and use, every ASME pressure vessel will come with a certification mark such as UV, U, UM. This will guarantee that the vessel has met all the regulations of the BPVC, and can be safely installed and used in an industrial application.
High Grade Materials: The ASME BPVC basically defines all aspects of pressure vessel manufacturing. This includes materials that are used in the manufacturing process. Its manufacturers can or rather only use high grade materials within the criteria of the BPVC. These include stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, low and high alloy steels, copper, austenitic stainless steel, and nickel, to name a few. The completed vessel should be able to provide optimum performance even in harsh environmental conditions consisting of extreme weather, corrosion, natural or manmade tremors, etc.
Welding: When all the necessary components have been created, they are welded together to form the final product. The welding process is also a precise and intricate one. Only professional ASME certified welders are allowed to perform this task. The reason for this is that ASME welders have complete knowledge of the safety regulations in Section 9 of the BPVC. This section specifically provides information about welding.
Autofrettage, Testing, and Inspection: Autofrettage is a process where the vessel is subjected to high pressures to create internal compressive stresses within the vessel. This makes it more durable to withstand any environmental hazards. After assembly, one of the final processes is testing. Various types of NDE examinations such as radiography, magnetic particle tests, and ultrasonic testing are performed to ensure that there are no defects in the product.
Before the pressure vessel is provided to the customer, it must be inspected by an ASME qualified inspector. His examination includes:
- Washing of the vessel
- Removal and inspection of all plates, plugs, and water connections
- Examination of the vessel welds, headers, furnace, lugs and other supports
- Removal and testing of pressure gauges
- Inspections of the feed valves, drain valves, non-return and stem top valves, and the steam generation unit.
It is only when the inspection has been completed and all these factors have been met that the inspector provides a certification for the pressure vessel.
This may seem like a lot of information for any customer to process. However, every pressure vessel manufacturer is obligated to provide you with this information. By having a basic understanding of all the above points beforehand, it will be easy for you to find a quality pressure vessel.
As a specialist in custom metal fabrication and machining industry I am passionate about helping businesses succeed by sharing my knowledge and experience. ASME Pressure vessels are used to store and utilize high volume liquids and gases in industrial applications. Know certain features and qualifications that must be met to purchase pressure vessels.Intrested in knowing more about pressure vessel, Click here.
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