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 welded

together
 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 welded

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 and thermal expansion
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 – mat’ls ability to withstand

imposed loading
Determines req’d component thickness

Overall strength determined by:

> Yield Strength
> Ultimate Tensile Strength
> Creep Strength
> Rupture Strength
 MATERIAL SELECTION FACTORS

Corrosion Resistance – Deterioration of

metal by chemical action

MOST IMPORTANT factor to consider

Corrosion allowance supplies additional

thickness

Alloying elements provide additional

resistance to corrosion
 MATERIAL SELECTION FACTORS
Resistance to Hydrogen Attack

At 300 – 400 ⁰F, monoatomic hydrogen forms

molecular hydrogen in voids

Pressure buildup can cause steel to crack

Above 600 ⁰F, hydrogen attack causes irreparable

damage through component thickness

Increased alloy content (i.e. Cr) increase H2 attack

resistance
 MATERIAL SELECTION FACTORS

Brittle Fracture and Fracture Toughness

Fracture toughness – ability of mat’l to

withstand cond’ns that cause brittle
fracture
Brittle fracture
> Typically at “low” temperature
> Can occur below design pressure
> No yielding before complete failure
 MATERIAL SELECTION FACTORS

Brittle Fracture and Fracture Toughness

Conditions for Brittle Fracture to Occur:
> High enough stress for crack initiation and
growth
> Low enough mat’l 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 Toughness

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 Toughness

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
thickness not exempt, then must impact test at
CET
MATERIAL SELECTION FACTORS
MATERIAL SELECTION FACTORS
MATERIAL SELECTION FACTORS
 MATERIAL SELECTION FACTORS

Brittle Fracture and Fracture Toughness

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

-MDMT reduction if calculated stress < allowable

stress
 MATERIAL SELECTION FACTORS

Fabricability

Ease of Construction

Any required special fabrication practices

Material must be weldable