Pressure

Vessels

 A Pressure Vessel is a
container for fluids under
pressure between 15 psig
to 3000 psig
ASME Boilers and Pressure
vessel Code Section VIII
Division I sets rules for
the design, fabrication,
and inspection of pressure
vessels

Main PV Components and

Configurations

Main PV Components and

Configurations
The shell is the primary
component that contains the
pressure. Curved shape
Vessel may be cylindrical,
spherical, or conical
The Vessel is always closed by
heads
The components are typically

Main PV Components and

Configurations
Multiple diameters, thicknesses or
materials are possible
The Saddle supports used for
horizontal drums
(1) Spreads load over shell;
(2) One support is fixed, the
other
slides

Main PV Components and

Configurations

Main PV Components and

Configurations

Most heads are curved shape

for strength, thinness, and
economy
Semi-elliptical shape is most
common head shape

Main PV Components and

Configurations
Small vertical drums typically
supported by legs
> Typically max 2:1 ratio of leg
length
to diameter
> Number, size, and attachment
details depend on loads

Main PV Components and

Configurations

Main PV Components and

Configurations
Nozzles used for:
> Piping systems
> Instrument Connection
> Manways
> Attaching other equipments
Ends are typically flanged, may be

Main PV Components and

Configurations

Main PV Components and

Configurations
Skirt Supports typically used for tall
vertical vessels
GENERAL support design
> Designed for weight, wind,
earthquake
> Pressure is not a factor
> Temperature is also a
consideration for material selection

Main PV Components and

Configurations

Main PV Components and

Configurations
Spherical storage vessels are
typically supported on legs
Cross- bracing is typically
used to absorb wind and
earthquake loads

Main PV Components and

Configurations

Main PV Components and

Configurations
Vessel size limits for lug support:
> 1 to 10 ft diameter
> 2:1 to 5:1 height to diameter
ratio
Lugs are bolted to horizontal
structure

MATERIAL SELECTION
Material Selection Factors:
> Strength
> Corrosion Resistance
> Resistance to Hydrogen Attack
> Fracture Toughness
> Fabricability

MATERIAL SELECTION
FACTORS
Strength matls ability to
withstand imposed loading
Determines reqd component
thickness
Overall strength determined by:
> Yield Strength
> Ultimate Tensile Strength
> Creep Strength

MATERIAL SELECTION
FACTORS

Corrosion Resistance
Deterioration of metal by
chemical action
MOST IMPORTANT factor to
consider

Corrosion allowance supplies

additional thickness

MATERIAL SELECTION
FACTORS

Resistance to Hydrogen Attack

At 300 400 F, monoatomic hydrogen
forms molecular hydrogen in voids
Pressure buildup can cause steel to
crack
Above 600 F, hydrogen attack causes
irreparable damage through
component thickness

MATERIAL SELECTION
FACTORS

Brittle Fracture and Fracture

Toughness
Fracture toughness ability of
matl to withstand condns that
cause brittle fracture
Brittle fracture
> Typically at low temperature
> Can occur below design

MATERIAL SELECTION
FACTORS

Brittle Fracture and Fracture Toughnes

Conditions for Brittle Fracture to Occur:
> High enough stress for crack initiation
and growth
> Low enough matl fracture toughness at
temperature
> Critical size defect to act as stress
concentration

Brittle Fracture occurs w/o warning and

is catastrophic

MATERIAL SELECTION
FACTORS

Brittle Fracture and Fracture Toughnes

Fracture Toughness Varies with:
> Temperature
> Type and Chemistry of steel
> Manufacturing and Fabrication
processes
> Arc strikes, esp. if over repaired
area
> Stress raisers or scratches in cold
formed
thick plate

MATERIAL SELECTION
FACTORS

Brittle Fracture and Fracture Toughnes

Simplified ASME Evaluation
Approach
Material specification classified into
Material Groups A to D
Impact test exemption curves
For each material group
Acceptable MDMT vs. thickness
where
impact testing not
required
> If combination of Material Group and

MATERIAL SELECTION
FACTORS

MATERIAL SELECTION
FACTORS

MATERIAL SELECTION
FACTORS

MATERIAL SELECTION
FACTORS

Brittle Fracture and Fracture Toughnes

Additional ASME Code Impact Test
Requirements
-Required for welded construction over 4
in. thick, or non-welded construction
over 6in. thick,
if MDMT < 120 F
-Not Required for Flanges if temperature
-20 F
-

MATERIAL SELECTION
FACTORS

Fabricability

Ease of Construction
Any required special fabrication
practices
Material must be weldable