Pressure Vessel Designation

[mmchugh2]

Hello, I'm trying to figure out as to why our main condenser and our dump condenser would have no designation as a pressure vessel as per PA inspection requirements. They're still vessels that CAN encounter pressure and they have an NBIC number accompanied by shell MAWP ratings in psig.

 

[SnTMan]

mmchugh2, first, check your jurisdictional requirements (PA = Pennsylvania?). A given jurisdiction can exempt certain kinds of equipment.

Second, per ASME Sec VIII, Div 1, vessels can be exempted based on size and service. See U-1(c)(2), and especially U-1(c)(2)(f).

Are your condensers stamped? Could be they were NBIC registered even if not stamped.

Regards,

Mike

 

[mmchugh2]

Mike, thanks for the reply. These vessels are NBIC stamped but PA also applies an identifying serial number to pressure vessels. My only information that I can collect is that they are exempt from the codes because under typical and optimum operation these vessels are seeing vacuum. Hoever, as not everything is always perfect and situations are never optimal, the shell supply (steam) lines are equipped with relief devices. PA requires that pressure vessels and associated safety valves are re-certified every three years. I hate having the "ah it's been this way for twenty years" attitude.

 

[TD2K]

What is their design pressure? How are they protected against overpressure?

 

[MJCronin]

I believe that design pressure is your key here.

ASME VIII requires devices to be code stamped only when the MAWP is 15 psig or greater.

Your condensers probably have a MAWP that is much less...

Have you made a call to the original fabricator ?