Chapter 14 - Design of pressure vessels

Abstract

The mechanical design of pressure vessels can impose constraints on feasible process conditions or lead to significant step changes in equipment cost with small changes in process conditions. Chemical engineers therefore need a basic understanding of pressure vessel specification, design, and fabrication. This chapter introduces the design of pressure vessels in accordance with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (ASME BPV Code). Key vessel specifications that are set by the process engineer are reviewed in terms of their impact on vessel size and cost. Methods are given for calculating the wall thickness of vessels subject to internal pressure, wind loads, weight loads, earthquake loads, and combined loads. The design of vessel heads, branches, vessel supports, vessel skirts, saddle supports welded joints, bolted flanged joints, flanges, welds, and gaskets are discussed. A brief overview of methods for constructing vessels for very high pressure is given.