Understanding the Importance of ASME Standards for Pressure Vessels and Fabrication

Pressure vessels are used in various industries such as chemical, military and defense, petrochemical, as well as energy, oil, and gas for storage of toxic and non-toxic gases, chemicals, and liquids, among others. The safety of these vessels is the main concern among users using them. To meet this, extreme care is taken during the design, engineering, and fabrication phases, which are governed by ASME codes. Now you may ask how these ASME pressure vessel manufacturing codes govern different phases of manufacturing and ensure the safety of vessels. Read the post to find the answers.

A Discussion on Various ASME Codes and Their Impact on Pressure Vessel and Boiler Manufacturing

The ASME Section VIII is divided into three sections, with each describing the typical requirements of pressure vessel manufacturing. Pressure vessel manufacturers must refer to these divisions during the manufacturing phases.

1. Division 1: The division covers all specific prohibitions and mandatory requirements involved in the design and manufacturing of pressure vessels. This division is again bifurcated into three subsections, as described below:
   1. Subsection A: This subsection describes all general requirements regarding materials and construction such as materials to be used, designs, openings and reinforcements, markings and reports, overpressure protection, among others.
   2. Subsection B: This subsection mainly covers all requirements related to the pressure vessel manufacturing. There are separate references to ASME vessel fabrication techniques such as welding, forging, and brazing. By reading the individual sections one gets an idea of materials, fabrication, design, inspection, and other factors to be followed while employing any of these techniques.
   3. Subsection C: This refers to classes of materials used for pressure vessel manufacturing. The pressure vessels can be manufactured using low alloy and carbon steels, high alloy steels, cast iron or non-ferrous metals. This subsection covers all the mandatory requirements to be followed when building a pressure vessel from typical materials.
2. Division 2: This division covers all mandatory requirements regarding the design, fabrication, engineering, and testing of pressure vessels, which need to withstand the internal or external pressure. This division also provides references for using UV and U2 designators.
3. Division 3: The division covers all mandatory requirements and prohibitions governing the design, fabrication, engineering, and testing of all high-pressure vessels that are required to withstand the internal and external pressures. This division also refers to the utilization of U3 and UV3 designators.

Gaining an understanding on these divisions and implementing them during designing manufacturing, and engineering phases is mandatory for pressure vessel manufacturing companies operating in the US and Canada. It doesn’t matter whether you use the pressure vessel to store non-toxic liquid or gas; however, it is important to source them from an ASME-certified manufacturer or fabricator. Rexarc is one of the leading pressure vessel fabricators in the US. The company possesses certifications such as ASME Section VIII and AS1210. All pressure vessel fabrication procedures are performed at its well-equipped facility at West Alexandria, Ohio.