API-510 Vessel Alteration

[weirweb]

We have a 25 gallon vertical code vessel (with R stamp)that was fabricated without a jacket. We want to add a steam heating system on the bottom third of the vessel. We want to wrap 3/8" copper tubing around the tank. In order for us to do that, we need to remove the namplate (which sticks out from the tank by 4 inches). We will not touch any welds on the tank. Once the tubing is on, we want to weld back the namplate. At the same time, the three angle iron supports that hold the tank up will need to altered. Again, we will not touch the weld between the support and the tank but will burn off a piece of the support, wrap my tubing, and then weld back the support piece. Altering the supports have no effect on the actual strength of the steel supports. Any thoughts on this?

 

[UKCats]

If you operate with oversight of a Code Inspector, the AI will have the ultimate decision. If you do not operate with AI oversight but completely self insured, it is your decision based on NBIC rules. Again, I believe if you do not change anything on the U-1A form, it is not considered an alteration.