pressurevessel

A pressure vessel is a closed container designed to hold gases or liquids at a pressure substantially different from ambient pressure. Such vessels are widely used in chemical processing, petrochemical refining, oil and gas production, power generation, food and beverage processing, and many manufacturing industries. The primary purpose is to store, process, or transfer pressurized substances while maintaining structural integrity.

Design and construction follow recognized engineering codes and standards to ensure safety and reliability. In the United States, the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section VIII governs design, fabrication, and inspection, with Division 1 and Division 2 providing different design philosophies. In the European Union, the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED 2014/68/EU) and related national standards apply, along with EN 13445 for unfired pressure vessels and EN 13480 for piping. Materials are chosen for strength, toughness, corrosion resistance, and service temperature, with typical choices including carbon steel, stainless steel, and various alloy steels. Design considerations cover internal or external pressure, temperature, corrosion allowance, and the effects of nozzle loads, reinforcements, and supports.

Common vessel configurations include cylindrical shells and spherical shells, with various end closures such as dished or hemispherical heads. Key components are the shell, end caps, nozzles, flanges, manways, supports, insulation, and, critically, safety devices like pressure relief valves or rupture discs.

Manufacture involves forming, welding, heat treatment, and nondestructive testing (radiography, ultrasonic testing, dye penetrant or magnetic particle testing). After fabrication, hydrostatic or pneumatic pressure testing verifies strength and leak-tightness. In-service, pressure vessels require periodic inspection and maintenance under programs such as API 510, with operation limited to design pressure and temperature and monitored for corrosion, wear, and defects.