This document discusses how to find quality industrial grade pressure vessels. It outlines that pressure vessels must meet stringent ASME BPVC quality standards, use high grade materials specified in the Code, and undergo precise welding and testing/inspection processes. The key is looking for a pressure vessel manufacturer that adheres to all ASME BPVC regulations and can provide certification that the vessel has met all necessary requirements for safe industrial use.
2. 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.
3. Quality Features for Finding and
Selecting
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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Before the pressure vessel is provided to theBefore the pressure vessel is provided to the
customer, it must be inspected by an ASMEcustomer, it must be inspected by an ASME
qualified inspector. His examination includes: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.
8. 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.
Resources:
http://mpgia.com/blog/en/reliable-asme-pressure-vessel-manufacturer/
http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Find-Industrial-Grade-Pressure-
Vessels&id=8542469
