Session: DA-01-03 Design and Analysis of Pressure Vessels and Components-3

Paper Number: 123581

123581 - Case Study: Installation and Operation of Non-Asme Stamped Pressure Vessels in the United States 

The overwhelming majority of pressure vessels installed in the United States are constructed and stamped to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, particularly Section VIII Divisions 1, as required by most states’ pressure equipment laws. In states where there are laws mandating pressure vessel construction to ASME Section VIII, vessels constructed and stamped to a different construction code or certification body are not allowed unless the state’s laws provide an exception, and the state’s governing body, such as a board, accepts the non-ASME stamped equipment. A vessel that is accepted in this manner typically referred to as a “state special.” Alternatively, a similar exception and approval is needed for previously installed equipment that was not designed to any pressure vessel code, but new operating conditions exceed the state’s applicability limits for pressure, typically 15 psig, or other criteria.

This paper presents two case studies. The first case study examines a case where pressure vessels that were CE stamped in accordance with the European Union’s Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) were requested to be installed in a US state.  The next case study examines a case where a vessel was originally built to be non-pressure containing in the 1950s, but recent operational changes raised the possible pressure the vessel could experience higher than the exemptions provided by the state. In both cases, the fundamental considerations and approach for gaining state/jurisdictional acceptance are discussed. Additionally, a review of the US states where pressure vessel laws exist and the states’ specific requirements for pressure vessel installation and operation is provided.

Presenting Author: Nathan Barkley Becht

Presenting Author Biography: Mr. Nathan Barkley has nearly 15 years of experience in the design, analysis, and construction of pressure equipment for refinery and petrochemical applications. He has completed the detailed engineering or evaluations of hundreds of new and existing ASME pressure vessels and other pressure equipment including ductwork, piping, and storage tanks. He is an active volunteer for codes and standards as a voting member of several ASME committees for Section VIII and Conformity Assessment. He is also a member of the PVP Design and Analysis committee as the Secretary and the DA-01 Topic Organizer. A PVP veteran, he has authored, co-authored, or assisted in the development of a dozen PVP papers. Mr. Barkley earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Mississippi and a Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in numerous US states and has a API 510 pressure vessel inspector certification.

Authors:

Nathan Barkley Becht
Everett Chatham Becht
Kevin Baquero Becht