when is code applicable?

[bnrg]

Hi,
This is a new area for me and I have a really basic question on the pressure vessel code. Under what conditions does it apply? For instance, an R&D project needs an unfired pressure vessel. Can we design this ourselves without it being certified as long as we follow the code requirements?

Thanks

 

[GenB]

You can design per code but not according to code... You can design but you can't build.the intention of the code is to design, build and stamp-certify.

 

[XL83NL]

Where are you located?

 

[LittleInch]

Different countries / authorities have varying rules on pressure and size before it becomes applicable to design checked and have an authorised system. normally those limits are quite low.

What is the pressure and volume and contents of your pressure vessel?

It might only be a R & D project, but if it goes badly wrong it will still kill people...

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[XL83NL]

R&D applications can be outside the scope of the PED if you're designing for europe (i.e. where PED is applicable). There's an exclusion in the PED. PED comes first (when applicable), then vessel code.
LI is cirrect that R&D can still be lethal, but in terms of regulations there may be exceptions.

 

[mbt22]

There is a rather specific exception in PED for research.

(6) Any pressure system or part thereof which—
(a) is the subject of a research experiment; or
(b) comprises temporary apparatus being used in a research experiment,
if, in the case of regulations 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 13 and 14, it is not reasonably
practicable to comply with them.

Which the UK HSE clarifies as:
Where pressurised apparatus has been set up in a laboratory and is itself the
subject of a research experiment, it is not always reasonably practicable to apply
most of the Regulations to the equipment. In the case of other research projects,
the individual circumstances and duration of the project will dictate whether it is
reasonably practicable to comply with the Regulations. Anyone relying on this
exception should be able to justify their reasons for non-compliance and any failure
to take the basic precautions required under the Regulations to prevent risk of
injury from system failure.

I rather like this as a reasonable approach - assess what is appropriate for your research and then justify complying with the spirit if not the letter of the directive. And, of course, be prepared to justify why you did so.

Matt

 

[bnrg]

We are in the US. There are 2 sections; one is approximately 14 cubic feet and 125 psig, the other is approx 4 cubic feet and is under vacuum internally. Even tho there is no plan to sell commercially, I want to use the code rules but am running into resistance hence my question as to what is required. I may have not phrased my initial post properly-under what conditions is use of the code mandatory and when not?

 

[TGS4]

What State are you located in? This is the subject of State safety laws, which vary from State to State. I would recommend that you refer to the laws of your State (and drowning in your exact location, there may also be City or County ordinances that also apply.

 

[LittleInch]

Try this - the national board is your key point of call, but this seems to list the relevant state laws and exceptions.

http://www.nationalboard.org/PrintAllSynopsis.aspx?Jurisdiction=Select

At the size and pressure you're talking about it will fall under someones jurisdiction, regardless of use or purpose.

The vaccum one probably not as any failure will just implode and not explode



Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[metengr]

If you are located within a federal facility (lab or base) - US Government, you are exempt from State/City Jurisdictional requirements regarding boiler and pressure vessel regulation/inspection. With that said, you can design and fabricate a pressure vessel using ASME Code requirements under a Federal program.

 

[LittleInch]

However, someone one will probably have to stand next to it in operation - maybe you... or better still your boss. Then ask them if they would be happy with a design and construction which has not been inspected and certified the same way as every other pressure vessel you would probably come across??

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[JStephen]

In the front of Section VIII, there is a list of exceptions, see if you fall under any of those.

The size and pressure should be pretty close to off-the-shelf air compression tanks, you might check if you can use something like that ready-made.

 

[Duwe6]

"In the front of Section VIII, there is a list of exceptions . . ." and at 14-ft^3 & 125 psi you don't qualify fot any. If you could get it down to 5.0-ft^3, you would. And in most of the 50 states, failure [refusal] to follow ASME is a violation of law. Make sure that the boss goes, not you. Sign nothing but your paycheck.