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EDITORIAL REVISION

May 2009



Process Industry Practices
Vessels
PIP VECV1001
Vessel Design Criteria
ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2



PURPOSE AND USE OF PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES

In an effort to minimize the cost of process industry facilities, this Practice has
been prepared from the technical requirements in the existing standards of major
industrial users, contractors, or standards organizations. By harmonizing these technical
requirements into a single set of Practices, administrative, application, and engineering
costs to both the purchaser and the manufacturer should be reduced. While this Practice
is expected to incorporate the majority of requirements of most users, individual
applications may involve requirements that will be appended to and take precedence
over this Practice. Determinations concerning fitness for purpose and particular matters
or application of the Practice to particular project or engineering situations should not
be made solely on information contained in these materials. The use of trade names
from time to time should not be viewed as an expression of preference but rather
recognized as normal usage in the trade. Other brands having the same specifications
are equally correct and may be substituted for those named. All Practices or guidelines
are intended to be consistent with applicable laws and regulations including OSHA
requirements. To the extent these Practices or guidelines should conflict with OSHA or
other applicable laws or regulations, such laws or regulations must be followed.
Consult an appropriate professional before applying or acting on any material
contained in or suggested by the Practice.
This Practice is subject to revision at any time.
Process Industry Practices (PIP), Construction Industry Institute, The
University of Texas at Austin, 3925 West Braker Lane (R4500), Austin,
Texas 78759. PIP member companies and subscribers may copy this Practice
for their internal use. Changes, overlays, addenda, or modifications of any
kind are not permitted within any PIP Practice without the express written
authorization of PIP.
PRINTING HISTORY
September 1997 Issued
February 1999 Complete Revision
August 2000 Revision
February 2007 Complete Revision
May 2009 Editorial Revision

Not printed with State funds
EDITORIAL REVISION
May 2009

Process Industry Practices Page 1 of 27

Process Industry Practices
Vessels
PIP VECV1001
Vessel Design Criteria
ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
Table of Contents
1. General Requirements ............... 3
1.1 Purpose .......................................... 3
1.2 Scope ............................................. 3
1.3 ASME Code Requirements ............ 3
1.4 National Board Registration ........... 4
1.5 J urisdictional Compliance............... 4
1.6 Units of Measurement .................... 4
2. References .................................. 4
2.1 Process Industry Practices ............. 4
2.2 Industry Codes and Standards ....... 5
2.3 Government Regulations ................ 6
2.4 Other References ........................... 6
3. Definitions ................................... 6
4. Responsibilities .......................... 7
4.1 Documentation to be Provided to
the Manufacturer ............................ 7
4.2 Language ....................................... 7
4.3 Designers Responsibility ............... 7
5. Design ......................................... 8
5.1 Design Pressure and
Temperature ................................... 8
5.2 Minimum Design Metal
Temperature (MDMT) and
Coincident Pressure ....................... 9
5.3 External Pressure Design .............. 9
5.4 Load Combinations ...................... 10
5.5 Wind Load .................................... 12
5.6 Seismic Loads .............................. 12
5.7 Cyclic Service ............................... 12
5.8 Formed Heads .............................. 13
5.9 Nozzles ......................................... 13
5.10 Manways ...................................... 14
5.11 Flanges ......................................... 15
5.12 Vessel Supports ........................... 19
5.13 Anchor Bolts ................................. 21
5.14 Internals ........................................ 22
6. Materials .................................... 22
6.1 General ......................................... 22
6.2 Source of Materials ...................... 23
6.3 Dual (Multiple) Marked Materials . 23
6.4 Corrosion/Erosion Allowance ....... 23
6.5 External Protection of Austenitic
Stainless Steel Equipment from
Stress Corrosion Cracking ........... 24
6.6 Support Materials ......................... 24
6.7 External Attachments ................... 25
7. Examination, Inspection and
Pressure Testing ...................... 26
7.1 Welded Pressure J oint
Requirements ............................... 26
7.2 Testing .......................................... 26
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May 2009

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Appendices
Appendix A General Considerations for Pressure Relief Valve Application
Appendix B Welded Pressure J oint Requirements
Appendix C Equivalent Pressure Formulas for Bending Moment and Axial Tensile Load



PIP VECV1001 EDITORIAL REVISION
Vessel Design Criteria May 2009
ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
Process Industry Practices Page 3 of 27
1. General Requirements
Note to Readers: This Practice contains design criteria for pressure vessels built to Division 1
or Division 2 of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, henceforth referred to as the
Code. Section VIII Division 2 requirements are shown in braces { }.
1.1 Purpose
The primary focus of this Practice is to communicate vessel design criteria and
methodology from the User to a Designer. This Practice is also intended as guidance
for the development of purchase specifications covering the construction of new
pressure vessels which meet the philosophy and requirements of Section VIII,
Division 1 {or 2} of the Code.
1.2 Scope
1.2.1 This Practice shall be used in conjunction with PIP VEDV1003 and/or
PIP VEDV1003_EEDS, PIP VEFV1100 (Applicable Details), and
PIP VESV1002 in order to comprise a complete vessel purchase
specification.
1.2.2 Many recognized and generally accepted good engineering construction
practices are included herein. However, in light of the many diverse service
applications of Code vessels, these practices shall be employed with
engineering judgment and supplemented as appropriate with requirements
related to specific materials of construction, service fluids, operating
environments, and vessel geometries. Accordingly, provisions of this
Practice may be overridden or supplemented by an Overlay Specification.
1.2.3 Standardized pre-designed (off-the-shelf) vessels are not within the scope of
this Practice, but are covered in PIP VESSM001.
1.2.4 Vessels with layered construction are outside the scope of this Practice.
1.3 ASME Code Requirements
1.3.1 Pressure vessels within the scope of this Practice shall satisfy all applicable
requirements, including Code symbol stamping.
1.3.2 Applicable Code Scope Exemptions
The Code Scope exemptions that represent across-the-board acceptance are
those covered under Code Paragraphs U-1(c)(2)(h) {1.2.4.2 h} and
U-1(c)(2)(i) {1.2.4.2 i)}. These exemptions are not intended to prohibit the
use of other Scope exemptions in Code Paragraph U-1(c)(2) {1.2.4.2};
however, such use shall be by agreement with the User.
1.3.3 Waste Heat Recovery Vessels
Steam generating vessels associated with waste heat recovery operations
shall be constructed and stamped with the Code U symbol in accordance
with Code Section VIII, Division 1. Dual Code symbol stamping of such
vessels (both Section I S symbol and Section VIII, Division 1 U symbol)
is not permitted.
EDITORIAL REVISION PIP VECV1001
May 2009 Vessel Design Criteria
ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
Page 4 of 27 Process Industry Practices
1.4 National Board Registration
National Board registration of vessels stamped with the Code U {U2} symbol is
required.
1.5 Jurisdictional Compliance
All aspects of the work shall comply with applicable local, county, state, and federal
rules and regulations. This includes, but is not limited to, the rules and standards
established by EPA and OSHA, or applicable national standards at the point of
installation. (See Section 2.3.)
1.6 Units of Measurement
US customary (English) units shall be regarded as standard for domestic US
locations; metric (SI) units may be included for reference only and shall not be
interpreted as a precise conversion.
2. References
Applicable parts of the following Practices, industry codes and standards, and references shall
be considered an integral part of this Practice. The edition in effect on the date of contract
award shall be used, except as otherwise noted. Short titles are used herein where appropriate.
2.1 Process Industry Practices (PIP)
For the following reference documents, the latest edition issued at the date of contract
award shall be used.
PIP VEDV1003 - Vessel Drawing/Data Sheet and Instructions
PIP VEDV1003_EEDS - Pressure Vessels Electronic Entry Data Sheet
PIP VEFV1100 - Vessel Standard Details (29 Details and Index)
PIP VEFV1105 - Vessel; Horizontal, Saddles Supported on Concrete
PIP VEFV1106 - Vessel; Horizontal, Saddles Supported on Steel
PIP VEFV1116 - Vessel; Manway Hinges
PIP VEFV1117 - Vessel; Manway Vertical Davit
PIP VEFV1118 - Vessel; Manway Horizontal Davit
PIP VEFV1124 - Vessel; Vortex Breakers
PIP VEFV1125 - Vessel; Internal Ladders
PIP VEFV1129 - Vessel; Studded Joints
PIP VESSM001 - Specification for Small Pressure Vessels and Heat
Exchangers with Limited Design Conditions
PIP VESV1002 - Vessel Fabrication Specification ASME Code Section VIII,
Divisions 1 and 2
PIP VECV1001 EDITORIAL REVISION
Vessel Design Criteria May 2009
ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
Process Industry Practices Page 5 of 27
2.2 Industry Codes and Standards
For the following reference documents, if Table U-3 {1.1} of the Code lists an
edition or addenda different than the latest edition issued, the edition listed in Table
U-3 {1.1} shall be used. For documents not listed in Table U-3 {1.1}, the latest
edition or addenda issued at the date of contract award shall be used.
American Petroleum Institute (API)
API 650 - Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage
API 605 - Large-Diameter Carbon Steel Flanges (Nominal Pipe Sizes 26
through 60, Classes 75, 150, 300, 400, 600 and 900)
API 579 - Damage Mechanisms Affecting Fixed Equipment in the Refining
Industry
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
ASCE 7 - Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
Section I - Power Boilers
Section II - Materials, Parts A, B, C, D
Section VIII - Pressure Vessels, Divisions 1 and 2
Section IX - Welding and Brazing Qualifications
ASME B1.1 - Unified Inch Screw Threads (UN and UNR Thread Form)
ASME B16.5 - Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings, NPS 1/2 through NPS 24
ASME B16.9 - Factory-Made Wrought Buttwelding Fittings
ASME B16.11 - Forged Fittings, Socket-Welding and Threaded
ASME B16.47 - Large Diameter Steel Flanges, NPS 26 through NPS 60
ASME PCC-1 - Guidelines for Pressure Boundary Bolted Flange Joint
Assembly
ASME PCC-2 - Repair of Pressure Equipment and Piping
Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry, Inc.
(MSS)
MSS SP-44 - Steel Pipeline Flanges
Welding Research Council (WRC)
WRC Bulletin 488 - Damage Mechanisms Affecting Fixed Equipment in the
Pulp and Paper Industry
WRC Bulletin 489 - Damage Mechanisms Affecting Fixed Equipment in the
Refining Industry
WRC Bulletin 490 - Damage Mechanisms Affecting Fixed Equipment in the
Fossil Electric Power Industry
EDITORIAL REVISION PIP VECV1001
May 2009 Vessel Design Criteria
ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
Page 6 of 27 Process Industry Practices
2.3 Government Regulations
U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA)
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146(k)(3)(ii) - Permit-Required Confined Spaces for
General Industry
2.4 Other References
Dynamic Response of Tall Flexible Structures to Wind Loading. J oseph
Vellozzi, Ph.D., P.E. U.S. Department of Commerce, National Bureau of
Standards, Building Science Series Number 32, 1966.
Process Equipment Design. Brownell and Young. Wiley & Sons Publishers,
1959.
Stresses in Large Cylindrical Pressure Vessels on Two Saddle Supports,
L.P. Zick, Pressure Vessels and Piping: Design and Analysis, A Decade of
Progress. Vol. 2, 1972.
Wind Loads on Petrochemical Facilities, ASCE Task Committee on Wind-
Induced Forces, Wind Loads and Anchor Bolt Design for Petrochemical
Facilities. (ISBN-0-7844-0262-0)
3. Definitions
Code: ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII, Division 1{or 2} and reference
section such a Section II and Section IX and any Code Cases accepted by the User.
References to Division 2 are identified in braces { }.
construction: An all-inclusive term comprising materials, design, fabrication, examination,
inspection, testing, certification (Code stamp and Manufacturers Data Report),
{Manufacturers Design Report} and pressure relief
cyclic service: Services that require fatigue analysis per 5.5.2 of ASME Boiler and Pressure
Vessel Code Section VIII Division 2. This applies to Division 1 and Division 2 vessels.
Designer: The party responsible for defining and specifying the mechanical design
requirements (e.g., Vessel Drawing/Data Sheet {Users Design Specification}) consistent
with User criteria for use by the Manufacturer. The Designer is frequently an engineering
contractor, but could be the User, third party consultant, or the Manufacturer.
Manufacturer (Supplier): The party entering into a contract with the Purchaser to construct a
vessel in accordance with the purchase order. In accordance with the Code definition, the
Manufacturer is the party that possesses a valid Certificate of Authorization to manufacturer
pressure vessels with the ASME Mark. The Manufacturer may or may not be the Supplier.
National Board: The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors, an
organization comprised of chief inspectors of various governmental jurisdictions in the
United States and Canada.
Overlay Specification: Technical requirements that supplement or override the provisions of
this document, such as a User specification or a project specification.
PIP VECV1001 EDITORIAL REVISION
Vessel Design Criteria May 2009
ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
Process Industry Practices Page 7 of 27
Owner: The party who owns the facility wherein the vessel will be used. The owner is
normally also the User but in certain cases is not.
Purchaser: The party actually placing the order for the vessel or vessel components. This
may be the User or the Users Designated Agent.
User: The party responsible for establishing construction criteria consistent with the Code
philosophy and service hazards. User refers to the operator of the equipment.
Users Inspector: The person or company authorized by the owner and/or user to inspect
pressure vessels to the requirements of this practice and the Users requirements.
4. Responsibilities
4.1 Documentation to be Provided to the Manufacturer
The following information shall be provided to the Manufacturer with the purchasing
inquiry:
4.1.1 Design requirements to be provided to the Manufacturer shall be per
PIP VEDV1003, with additional drawings or details as necessary.
PIP VEDV1003_EEDS, Pressure Vessels Electronic Entry Data Sheet, may
also be used.
4.1.2 Welded pressure joint requirements, including:
a. Type of Category A, B, C, and D joints (see Appendix B)
b. Type and degree of nondestructive examination to be applied to the
joints (see Appendix B)
4.1.3 Quality Overview Plan, as shown in PIP VESV1002, Appendix A.
4.1.4 Documentation Schedule and Manufacturers Data Package, as shown in
PIP VESV1002, Appendix B.
4.1.5 {Users Design Specification per 2.2.2}
4.1.6 List of permanent attachments, if any, to comply with OSHA 29 CFR
1910.146, or applicable national standard at the point of installation.
(See Section 5.10.8.)
4.2 Language
The language of all documents shall be either English or include the English
translation.
4.3 Designers Responsibility
The Designer is responsible for the design of the vessels in conformance with this
Practice and the documents referenced herein. Review of Designers documentation
(e.g., design calculations or drawings) by the Purchaser or User does not alter this
responsibility.
EDITORIAL REVISION PIP VECV1001
May 2009 Vessel Design Criteria
ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
Page 8 of 27 Process Industry Practices
5. Design
5.1 Design Pressure and Temperature
5.1.1 The design pressure and coincident maximum metal temperature shall be
determined by the Designer by carefully considering all operating phases and
associated loadings (e.g., liquid head and other sources of pressure variation,
such as that resulting from flow) that the vessel may experience during the
specified project life, such as:
a. Initial startup
b. Normal operations
c. Temporary operations
d. Emergency shutdown
e. Emergency operations
f. Normal shutdown
g. Startup following a turnaround or an emergency shutdown
h. Cleaning, steam out, and decontamination
i. Upset conditions
j. Safety, health and environmental restrictions on material release during a
relief event causing increased pressure in the vessel.
5.1.2 The margin above the maximum anticipated operating pressure selected to
establish the design pressure and coincident maximum metal temperature
shall be carefully considered for each vessel component as a function of the
overall objective with respect to pressure relief, coupled with the
uncertainties in determining what actual pressures will be developed.
For example, where minimization of severely flammable or acutely toxic
environmental hazards is a controlling design requirement, the establishment
of a design pressure and associated Maximum Allowable Working Pressure
(MAWP) that will provide containment without actuation of the pressure
relief device may be a consideration.
As will be noted with reference to Appendix A, this margin is also dependent
upon the operational characteristics of the pressure relief device. For
example, when the maximum anticipated operating pressure of a gas/vapor
service can be identified with confidence, and when metal-seated, direct
spring-operated valves will be used, the design pressure is frequently
established by dividing the maximum anticipated operating pressure by 0.90.
However, when a pilot-operated pressure relief device is used, the design
pressure is sometimes established by dividing the maximum anticipated
operating pressure by a factor as high as 0.98.
Refer to the Overlay Specification for any margins to be applied to the
maximum operating pressure(s) and coincident temperature(s).
PIP VECV1001 EDITORIAL REVISION
Vessel Design Criteria May 2009
ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
Process Industry Practices Page 9 of 27
5.1.3 In lieu of the requirements of 5.1.2 above, use of Code Case 2211, entitled
Pressure Vessels with Overpressure Protection by System Design, Section
VIII, Divisions 1 and 2, may be an option. Note that prior jurisdictional
acceptance may be required and that this Code Case Number shall be shown
on the Manufacturers Data Report.
5.1.4 With permission from the authority having legal jurisdiction over the
installation of pressure vessels (should one exist), the advantages of using the
provisions of Code Case 2203, entitled Omission of Lifting Device
Requirements for Pressure Relief Valves on Air, Water over 140F (60C),
or Steam Service, Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2, shall be considered.
5.1.5 For multi-chamber vessels, common component(s) of multi-chamber or
compartmented vessels shall be designed for the most severe combinations of
pressure, temperature, and other loadings which may occur during operation
(see above bullet list) and test conditions. Design solely on the basis of
simultaneous loading of internal pressure in adjacent compartments is not
acceptable.
5.2 Minimum Design Metal Temperature (MDMT) and Coincident Pressure
The MDMT and coincident pressure to be marked on the Code nameplate shall be
selected by the Designer in consideration of the operating phases such as those listed
in Section 5.1.1 and of the Code rules in Paragraph UG-20(b) {4.1.5.2 e)}. Reliable
administrative procedures to control the pressure/coincident temperatures during
transient operations (e.g., startup and shutdown) are often appropriate from a
materials of construction selection point of view. For example, when considering the
effects of auto-refrigeration on carbon and low-alloy steels, such procedures make it
appropriate to consider operations below the MDMT stamped on the nameplate,
provided the reduction in MDMT for the coincident general primary membrane
tensile stress results in a temperature that is no colder than that permitted in Code
Paragraph UCS-66(b) {3.11.2.5}. When atmospheric temperatures govern the metal
temperatures during startup or normal operations, the lowest 1-day mean atmospheric
temperature at the installation site shall be considered. Figure 4-2 from API 650 may
be used to establish the lowest 1-day mean temperatures insofar as applicable. The
mean metal temperature during shop and future field pressure testing shall also be
considered during the vessel design stage.
5.3 External Pressure Design
In a manner similar to that described in Section 5.1.1, the Designer shall establish the
external design pressure and coincident temperature by determining requirements for
external pressure based on the expected operation of the vessel and adding a suitable
operating margin.
5.3.1. Non-jacketed vessels
Vessels subjected to operating pressure less than atmospheric shall be
designed and Code stamped for full vacuum. Vessels that are subjected to
steam-out conditions shall be designed for full vacuum. Consideration shall
also be given to external pressures caused by sudden cooldown of gases or
vapors in the vessel or by the sudden emptying of the vessel contents.
EDITORIAL REVISION PIP VECV1001
May 2009 Vessel Design Criteria
ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
Page 10 of 27 Process Industry Practices
5.3.2 J acketed or compartmented vessels
J acketed or compartmented vessels that are designed for vacuum in the
compartment under consideration shall have the common components
designed for an external pressure equal to the sum of internal design pressure
of the adjacent compartment plus the vacuum design pressure of the
compartment under consideration.
5.4 Load Combinations
5.4.1 Design Loads and Load Combinations
Design loads are defined and classified as follows:
5.4.1.1 Dead Load (L1)
Dead Load is the installed weight of the vessel, including internals,
catalyst or packing, refractory lining, platforms, insulation
fireproofing, piping, and other permanent attachments.
5.4.1.2 Operating Live Load (L2)
Operating Live Load is the weight of the liquid at the maximum
operating level, including that on trays.
5.4.1.3 Pressure Load (L3)
Pressure Load is the MAWP (internal or external at the coincident
temperature) considering the pressure variations through the
vessel, if any. MAWP may be equal to the design pressure (see
Code footnote 34 {2.2.2.1 d)1)}). For vessels with more than one
independent chamber, see Code Paragraph UG-19(a)
{4.1.8}.
5.4.1.4 Thermal Load (L4)
Thermal Loads are the loads caused by the restraint of thermal
expansion/interaction of the vessel and/or its supports.
5.4.1.5 Test Load (L5)
Test Load is the weight of the test medium, usually water. Unless
otherwise specified, design basis shall consider that the vessel will
be field tested in its normal operating position. (See Section 5.2.6
of PIP VESV1002.)
5.4.1.6 Wind Load (L6)
Wind Load shall be determined in accordance with Section 5.5.
PIP VECV1001 EDITORIAL REVISION
Vessel Design Criteria May 2009
ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
Process Industry Practices Page 11 of 27
5.4.1.7 Seismic Load (L7)
Seismic Load shall be determined in accordance with Section 5.6.
5.4.1.8 Piping and Superimposed Equipment Loads (L8)
Loads caused by piping other than the Dead Load in Section
5.4.1.1 and those caused by superimposed equipment shall be
considered as applicable
5.4.2 Load Combinations
Vessels and their supports shall be designed to meet the most severe of the
following load combinations, with the controlling load combination indicated
in design calculations, unless other combinations are required by the
applicable building code at the point of installation: (See Section 5.11.2 of
PIP VESV1002 for allowable stresses with wind or seismic loads.)
5.4.2.1 L1+L6 Erected Condition with full Wind Load
5.4.2.2 L1+L2+L3+L4+L6+L8 Design Condition with full Wind Load
(include both full and zero pressure conditions (L3) for check of
maximum longitudinal tensile and compressive stress)
5.4.2.3 L1+L2+L3+L4+L7+L8 Design Condition with Seismic Load
(include both full and zero pressure conditions to determine L3 for
check of maximum longitudinal tensile and compressive stress)
5.4.2.4 L1+(F)L3+L5+(0.25)L6 When specified by User, initial (new
uncorroded) hydrostatic test condition and future (corroded)
hydrostatic test condition with vessel in normal operating position
and with 50% of design wind velocity (25% of wind load).

F is the appropriate Code test factor that, when multiplied by the
lowest ratio (for the materials of which the vessel is constructed) of
the stress value S {allowable stress S} for the test temperature of
the vessel to the stress value {allowable stress S} for the design
temperature, established the minimum required test pressure at
every point in the vessel.

Test factor F shall be per appropriate Code for the test medium
used. When applicable, Code Case 2055 on pneumatic testing of
pressure vessels can be used.

The general primary membrane tensile stress in the corroded
condition (or when no corrosion allowance is specified) under this
load combination shall not exceed 90% of the Specified Minimum
Yield Strength at 100F (38C) {that specified in 4.1.6.2 a)}for
hydrostatic testing or 80% of the Specified Minimum Yield
Strength at 100F (38C) {4.1.6.2 b)} for pneumatic testing.

(See examples of design considerations described in 5.2.6 of
PIP VESV1002 and testing requirements in Section 7.2.)
5.4.2.5 Lift Condition: See Section 5.8.
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May 2009 Vessel Design Criteria
ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
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5.5 Wind Load
5.5.1 ASCE 7
Unless otherwise specified at the point of installation, wind loads shall
conform to ASCE 7.
Note: Local codes or regulations may require compliance with other
rules for wind load design.
5.5.2 Force on Vessel Attachments
ASCE 7 does not provide the complete methodology needed to account for
wind-induced forces on common appurtenances to pressure vessels such as
ladders, platforms, handrails, piping, etc. The report entitled Wind Loads on
Petrochemical Facilities (see Section 2.4 of this Practice) provides
guidelines and examples for the determination of the total wind-induced
forces on pressure vessels, including those from appurtenances. If most detail
items (ladders, platforms, piping, etc.) of the vessel are known or can be
estimated with reasonable accuracy, the Detailed Method described in this
report shall be used for the vessel design.
5.5.3 Wind Induced Vibration
Vertical vessels having an h/D ratio (not including insulation thickness, but
including skirt height) greater than 15 may vibrate due to vortex-excited
resonance unless sufficient external appurtenances or wind spoilers are
present to disrupt the airflow over the vessel, thereby preventing the
generation of the vortices with the undesirable predominant frequency.
(In general, the addition of spoilers is typically more feasible than changing
the natural frequency of the vessel or providing supplementary damping.)
In the case of cylindrical pressure vessels that have been determined to be
candidates for wind-induced vibration, it has been found that spoilers are
only required for the top third of the vessel height and that normal
attachments in this region (e.g., ladders and piping) will be effective as
spoilers provided the maximum circumferential distance between them is
108 degrees (30% of the vessel circumference). See reference document
Dynamic Response of Tall Flexible Structures to Wind Loading.
5.6 Seismic Loads
Unless otherwise dictated at the point of installation, seismic loads shall conform to
ASCE 7.
Note: Local codes and regulations may require compliance with other rules for
seismic design.
5.7 Cyclic Service
The required service for all vessels shall include consideration by the Designer of
cyclic service. Code Paragraph UG-22(e) {4.1.1.4} mandates that cyclic and dynamic
reactions from any mechanical or thermal loading source be considered in design.
Batch operation vessels and vessels having agitators, for example, quite frequently
fall into this category. The following guidelines {5.5.2.3} are recommended as a
starting point when determining if cyclic analysis will be required. The need for a
PIP VECV1001 EDITORIAL REVISION
Vessel Design Criteria May 2009
ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
Process Industry Practices Page 13 of 27
fatigue analysis by the Manufacturer shall be stated on the Data Sheet by the
Designer.
5.7.1 Number of Cycles {See 5.5.2.3}
Code vessels shall be considered to be in cyclic service when the total
number of cycles in the following three items (1.+2.+3.) exceed 1000 cycles
in the desired design life of the vessel:
5.7.1.1 The expected number of full range (design) pressure cycles,
including startups and shutdowns
5.7.1.2 The expected number of operating pressure cycles in which the
range of pressure variation exceeds 20% of the design pressure
5.7.1.3 The expected number of thermal cycles where the metal
temperature differential between any two adjacent points exceeds
50F (28C) {For a definition of adjacent points, see Code Section
VIII, Division 2, Paragraph 5.5.2.3 d)1)and 2).}
5.7.2 Fatigue Loading Data
The applicable fatigue loading conditions shall be stated on
PIP VEDV1003.
5.8 Formed Heads
Formed heads in vessels over 2 inches (50 mm) thick typically have hemispherical or
2:1 ellipsoidal heads.
5.9 Nozzles
5.9.1 Vessels shall be provided with sufficient connections to permit purging,
pumpout, venting, decontamination, pressure relieving, and draining. Vortex
breakers shall be provided on pump suction nozzles. (See PIP VEFV1124.)
5.9.2 For vessels supported by a skirt, the flange of any nozzle in the bottom head
shall be located outside the skirt.
Nozzles (including attached piping) within or passing through vessel support
skirts shall be adequately supported for the operating conditions and for
protection during shipping and handling. Differential thermal expansion
between the skirt and nozzle in both the vertical and horizontal directions
shall be considered.
5.9.3 In establishing nozzle and manway projections, clearance shall be provided
for removing flange stud bolts from between the flange and vessel and for
accessing flange stud nuts. Clearance for flange studs and nuts shall be
considered when nozzles penetrate insulation or platforms.
Minimum projection from the outside of the vessel wall to the nozzle face
shall be:
a. 8 inches (200 mm) for nozzles up to and including NPS 8 (DN 200)
b. 10 inches (250 mm) for nozzles larger than NPS 8 (DN 200)
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ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
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Round up the dimension from the face of the nozzle to the vessel centerline
or reference line to the next larger 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) increment.
5.10 Manways
5.10.1 The location, quantity, and size of manways and internal ladder rungs shall
be specified to ensure that all interior areas are accessible as required.
Minimum requirements regarding manway and inspection openings are
covered in Code Paragraph UG-46 {4.5.16}, Inspection Openings.
5.10.2 Service conditions, size, and configuration of the vessel may justify
manways other than (or in addition to) those mandated by the Code.
5.10.2.1 Vessels with mixers/agitators shall be provided with at least one
manway that does not require removal of the mixer/agitator.
5.10.2.2 Manways are required on towers with feed and distribution trays.
A manway shall also be located about 3 ft (1 m) above the bottom
head seam and one at the top, 18 inches (450 mm) above the top
tray. Tray towers shall have manways spaced as follows:
a. Short towers (<60 trays) - Manways spaced 20 trays apart
b. Medium towers (60-120 trays) - Manways spaced 30 trays
apart
c. Tall towers (>120 trays) - Manways spaced 40 trays apart
5.10.2.3 Packed towers shall have manways at all locations where there is
feed distribution or redistribution of liquid.
5.10.3 Manways shall be usable from a ladder, platform, or grade.
5.10.4 Vessels 3 feet (1 m) ID and smaller that are subject to internal corrosion,
erosion, or mechanical abrasion shall be equipped with inspection openings
as described in Code Paragraph UG-46 {4.5.16}. Vessels in this size
category may justify the use of body flanges.
5.10.5 Vessels larger than 3 feet (1 m) ID that are subject to internal corrosion,
erosion, or mechanical abrasion shall be equipped with one or more flanged
and blinded manways.
5.10.6 Manways less than NPS 24 (DN 600) shall not be allowed without written
approval from Owner. In no case shall manways be less than NPS 20
(DN 500). Larger diameter manways shall be used to satisfy additional needs
such as, but not limited to, installation of internals/catalyst, packing,
maintenance requirements, long projection due to thick insulation, etc.
5.10.7 To provide utility for entry and exit, vessel geometry, and location of access
platforms shall be considered when locating manways. Internal ladders or
grab rungs may be needed at manway locations for entry and exit. See
PIP VEFV1125. Internal ladders shall not be used in corrosive or erosive
service.
5.10.8 Consideration should be given by the User for safe access and egress through
a manway, including the suitability of a retrieval system at manways for
personnel rescue as described in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146, or equivalent
PIP VECV1001 EDITORIAL REVISION
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ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
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national standard. Retrieval system as defined by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146
means the equipment (including a retrieval line, chest or full-body harness,
wristlets, if appropriate, and a lifting device or anchor) used for non-entry
rescue of persons from permit spaces. Permanent attachments, if any, shall
be specified by the User.
5.10.9 Manways shall be equipped with either a davit or a hinge to facilitate
handling of the blind flange. Manways oriented with the nozzle neck axis in
a horizontal plane shall be equipped with a hinge in accordance with
PIP VEFV1116 or a davit in accordance with PIP VEFV1117. Attach the
davit-socket bracket to the nozzle neck when lap joint flanges are employed.
Manways on the top of vessels oriented with a vertical nozzle neck axis shall
be equipped with a davit in accordance with PIP VEFV1118. Hinged
manways require Owner approval due to potential pinch point.
5.10.10 Consideration may be given for use of suitable process connections as
manways and handholes. (Consider both size and location.)
5.11 Flanges
5.11.1 The Designer is responsible for ensuring that the facings, bolt circle, number
of bolts, and size of bolts of vessel nozzles match the mating piping flanges.
Weld neck flanges shall be used except as permitted elsewhere in this
specification. Flanges for all flanged vessel nozzles equal to or smaller than
NPS 24 (DN 600) shall meet the requirements of ASME B16.5. Body flanges
in this size range may be either per ASME B16.5 or custom-designed per the
Code. For nozzles larger than NPS 24 (DN 600) and for body flanges of any
size, the options available (as follows in Sections 5.11.1.1 through 5.11.1.4)
to the User shall be carefully selected as a function of the need.
5.11.1.1 ASME B16.47, Series A (NPS 26 through NPS 60)
These are standard carbon, low-alloy, and austenitic stainless steel
flanges of the integral hub, welding neck style that are
dimensionally the same as MSS SP-44 flanges. The materials
covered are identical with those in Materials Groups 1 and 2 of
ASME B16.5. Line valves and machinery nozzles may be provided
with flanges of MSS SP-44 dimensions. Therefore, vessel nozzle
flanges that meet the dimensions of Series A flanges may be either
necessary or desirable. Series A and Series B flanges are not
dimensionally compatible in all sizes.
5.11.1.2 ASME B16.47, Series B (NPS 26 through NPS 60)
These are standard carbon, low-alloy, and austenitic stainless steel
flanges of the integral hub, welding neck flange style that are
dimensionally the same as flanges covered under the now obsolete
API 605. The materials covered are identical with those in
Materials Groups 1 and 2 of ASME B16.5. Machinery nozzles may
be provided with flanges of Series B dimensions. Therefore, vessel
nozzle flanges that meet the dimensions of Series B flanges may
either be necessary or desirable. Series A and Series B flanges are
not dimensionally compatible in all sizes.
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May 2009 Vessel Design Criteria
ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
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5.11.1.3 Custom-Designed Flanges
Custom-designed flanges may be required when:
a. Materials of construction covered in ASME B16.5 or
ASME B16.47 are not appropriate for the service conditions.
b. For NPS 26 through NPS 60, the desired flange style is other
than the welding neck type (e.g., lap joint, slip-on) covered in
ASME B16.47.
c. Design conditions for the intended service application exceed
the pressure-temperature ratings of ASME B16.5 or ASME
B16.47 flanges.
d. Service requirements result in significant mechanical loadings
other than pressure. The pressure-temperature ratings of both
ASME B16.5 and ASME B16.47 are based primarily on
pressure loadings and accordingly, the flanges may not be
suitably designed for externally applied moment or axial thrust
loadings (e.g., as imposed by mating piping, weight, wind, or
seismic loadings), resulting in leak-tightness problems. See
Appendix C for the method usually employed for considering
such mechanical loadings.
e. Rigidity requirements of ASME B16.47 flanges are sometimes
below recommended guidelines, even when flanges are
subjected only to pressure loadings within the pressure-
temperature ratings, or for those flanges designed in
accordance with Code Appendix 2 {4.16}. See Code paragraph
2-14 {Table 4.16.10} for Rigidity Index requirements.
5.11.1.4 Custom-Designed Lap J oint Flanges
See paragraph 5.10.9 of PIP VESV1002 for requirements specific
to custom designed lap joint flanges.
5.11.2 Lap J oint Flanges NPS 24 (DN 600) and Smaller
When ASME B16.5 lapped flanges are specified, the User is cautioned to
make the checks/inspections necessary to ensure that the flanges actually are
ASME B16.5 lapped flanges.
For certain of the smaller sizes in each pressure class, the length-through-hub
(dimension Y) of the slip-on flange and the lapped flange are the same. (This
is true through NPS 12 (DN 300) for Class 150, through NPS 8 (DN 200) for
Class 300, etc.) Accordingly, since the slip-on flange is more commonly
used, flange manufacturers typically modify the small slip-on flanges to
make the lapped style. This modification consists of machining the corner
radius of the bore as specified in ASME B16.5 (dimension r) and removing
the raised face. The latter change is permitted in Interpretation 3-5 of ASME
B16.5, provided the resulting flange meets the requirements for a lapped
flange, including flange thickness, or a length-through-hub dimension.
The caution is focused on larger sizes where the length-through-hub
(dimension Y) for lapped flanges is greater than that of the slip-on style.
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ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
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Some flange manufacturers have furnished the modified versions of these
slip-on flanges as lapped flanges, calling them short-hubbed lapped flanges.
These flanges do not comply with ASME B16.5 and, as a result, do not
comply with either the Code or OSHA when Code construction is mandated.
The strength of the short-hubbed flanges cannot generally be justified by
Code calculations.
5.11.3 Slip-on Flanges
Slip-on flanges are limited to use under the following conditions:
5.11.3.1 ASME B16.5 standard forged flanges for design pressures and
coincident temperatures not exceeding the pressure-temperature
ratings for Class 150 flanges as specified in ASME B16.5, except
that the maximum design temperature shall not exceed 450F
(230C)
5.11.3.2 Custom-designed flanges per Code Figure 2-4(8), (8a), (9), (9a),
(10), or (10a){Figure 4.16.5 (a) or (b)} for design temperatures not
exceeding 650F (345C); and for flange thickness not exceeding 3
inches (75 mm)
5.11.3.3 Corrosion allowance does not exceed 1/16 inch (1.5 mm)
5.11.3.4 Carbon or low-alloy steel flanges attached to solid high-alloy necks
are limited to design temperatures no higher than 450F (230C),
unless a higher temperature is justified by a complete stress
analysis and approved by the User
5.11.3.5 MDMT is not colder than minus 20F (-29C) for carbon and low-
alloy steels
5.11.3.6 Vessel is not for lethal service (Code requirement)
5.11.3.7 Vessel or nozzle is neither for cyclic pressure or temperature
service nor subjected to cyclic loadings from associated equipment
5.11.3.8 For vessels not in hot hydrogen service [Hot hydrogen service is
defined as hydrogen partial pressure exceeding 100 psia
(700 kPa-a), with a corresponding coincident temperature
exceeding 400F (205C).]
5.11.4 Threaded and Socket Weld Flanges
Threaded and socket weld flanges shall not be used. (See Section 5.11.6.)
5.11.5 Flange Facing and Surface Finish
5.11.5.1 Flanges, except for lapped flanges, shall either have a raised face
or shall have a construction that provides outer confinement to the
gasket if required by Section 5.11.5.3. The height of a raised face
shall be 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) or a greater height when required by
ASME B16.5 or ASME B16.47, or as specified by the User. For
some User-designated services, flat-face flanges or ring joint
facings may be required.
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ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
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5.11.5.2 For standard flanges and for custom flanges and shop-fabricated
and factory made lap joint stub ends, the gasket contact surface
shall have either a serrated concentric or serrated spiral finish
having a resultant surface finish from 125 - 250 inch
(3.2 6.4 m) average roughness.
5.11.5.3 Confined Gaskets
For any of the following conditions, gasketed flange joint designs
(body flange and nozzle joints) larger than NPS 24 (DN 600) shall
provide outer confinement of the gasket:
a. Design pressure 300 psi (2 MPa) or higher
b. Design temperature hotter than 500F (260C)
c. MDMT colder than minus 20F (-29C)
d. Cyclic pressure or temperature service
e. J oint requires metallic gasket
Note: Robust metal reinforced gaskets (e.g., spiral-wound
with outer gauge ring, double-jacketed corrugated metal
gaskets with a corrugated metal filler, etc.) are exempted.
5.11.6 Piping Connections
All piping connections to vessels shall be either flanged or butt-welded. The
minimum size shall be NPS 1-1/2 (DN 40). The use of threaded connections
is not recommended because of the potential for crevice corrosion and notch
sensitivity. Threaded connections for vents and drains or instrument
connections are permissible when specified by the User. When used, the
minimum size shall be NPS 3/4 (DN 20) Schedule (Sch) 160 or 6000#
coupling. (See ASME B16.11.) Nozzle sizes NPS 1-1/4, 2-1/2, 3-1/2, 5,
and 22 (DN 32, 65, 90, 125, and 550) shall not be used.
5.11.7 Quick Opening Closures
Swing bolts (eye bolts) shall be of one-piece construction without welding.
Hinge pins shall be solid (not rolled) and of the same material as the swing
bolts. See Code paragraph UG-35.2 and Appendix FF {4.8 and Annex 4.B}
5.11.8 Lap J oints
Flanged joints for stainless steel and nonferrous alloy components may be of
the lap-joint type with carbon or low-alloy steel flanges when the nominal
diameter of the vessel component does not exceed NPS 24 (DN 600) and the
maximum temperature stamped on the Code nameplate is not warmer than
300F (150C).
5.11.9 Flanged J oints with Dissimilar Metals
Austenitic stainless steel or nonferrous alloy flanges may be bolted to carbon
steel flanges provided that the differential diametrical expansion will not
result in diametrical interference of recessed (e.g., tongue and groove) joints
and does not exceed 1/32 inch (0.8 mm). Bolting joining a carbon steel
PIP VECV1001 EDITORIAL REVISION
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ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
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flange to a stainless steel or nonferrous alloy flange shall be of low-alloy
steel.
5.11.10 Bolting Considerations for Studding Connections
When studded connections are used, the holes in the studded connection and
the studs may be machined per PIP VEFV1129. Indicator type studs for
studded connections, when used, shall be in accordance with ASME PCC-1
Figures 1 and 2. A spacer ring of the same material as the nozzle flange may
be provided behind the flange to increase the effective stud length (see note
on PIP VEFV1129). When used, the thickness of the spacer ring shall be at
least as thick as the mating flange thickness. The Manufacturer shall furnish
the studs and spacer ring (when required) for each studded connection on the
vessel. The studded connection shall be checked to assure the remaining
thickness of the drilled holes complies with UG-43(d){4.5.3.1 b)}.
5.12 Vessel Supports
5.12.1 The MDMT for the vessel support assembly shall not be warmer than the
lowest 1-day mean atmospheric temperature at the installation site.
(See Section 5.2.)
5.12.2 Vertical Vessels
5.12.2.1 Skirts shall have a minimum thickness of 1/4 inch (6 mm).
5.12.2.2 Vertical vessels shall normally be designed as self-supporting units
and shall resist overturn based upon wind or earthquake loadings
loadings per Paragraph UG-22 {4.1.5.3} of the Code.
5.12.2.3 Skirts or lugs shall be used to support towers or large vertical
vessels and are preferred for vessels having top-entering agitators.
5.12.2.4 Leg supports shall be limited to spherical and cylindrical vessels
that meet the following:
a. Operating temperature does not exceed 450F (230C)
b. Service is noncyclic and nonpulsating (See Note 1.)
c. Vessel h/D ratio does not exceed 5 (Height is the distance from
base of support to the top tangent line of the vessel.)
(See Note 2.)
Note 1: Vessels having agitators experience transient
transverse forces due to dynamic bending moments
from the agitator and sloshing of the liquid.
Therefore, the design of leg-supported vessels with
agitators requires the application of experience-
based engineering judgment to ensure that
displacement stiffness and stress levels essential to
satisfactory operation are provided.
Note 2: Caution is advised for leg-supported vessels that
may be within h/D 5 but could have excessive
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ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
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axial and/or bending loads on the legs or an
overstress condition in the vessel wall.
5.12.3 Horizontal Vessels
5.12.3.1 Horizontal vessels shall be designed for two saddle supports
attached by welding. Design of saddle supports and calculation of
localized shell stress may be determined by the L. P. Zick method.
(See Section 2.4 and Code Appendix G-6 {4.15.3}).
The minimum saddle support contact angle shall be 120 degrees.
For vessels, saddle supports shall be located a maximum distance
of R
o
/2 from the head tangent line, where R
o
is the shell outside
radius.
5.12.3.2 One of the saddles shall be designated as the fixed saddle in which
holes shall be provided to receive the anchor bolts. The other
saddle shall be designated as the sliding saddle in which slotted
holes shall be provided. The diameter of the bolt holes and width
of the slot shall be 1/4 inch (6 mm) larger than the bolt diameter.
The length of the slot shall be: 2D
L
T
where:
= Coefficient of thermal expansion of shell material,
in/in/F (mm/mm/C)
D
L
= Length between saddle supports, measured to centerline
of anchor bolts, inches (mm)
T = Greatest absolute value of: ambient temperature at
installation [but not warmer than 70F (20C)] minus the
maximum or minimum shell temperature to be stamped
on the Code nameplate, F (C)
The anchor bolts are to be located at the center of the bolt holes
(fixed saddle) or the midpoint of the slot (sliding saddle). All
sliding saddles shall be provided with slide plates, when the
operating temperature exceeds 250F (120C) or the calculated
thermal expansion exceeds 1/4 inch (6 mm). Slide plates are to be
furnished by others. Examples of standard details that may be used
(non-mandatory) are shown on PIP VEFV1105 and PIP
VEFV1106.
5.12.3.3 The bottom of the saddle supports may extend at least 1 inch
(25 mm) below nozzles or other projecting vessel components.
Otherwise, a temporary member shall be attached at each support
to provide necessary extension until the vessel is placed in
permanent position.
5.12.3.4 Saddles to be used in conjunction with weigh cells or slide plates
require design considerations to accommodate the applicable
loadings.
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ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
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5.13 Anchor Bolts
5.13.1 Materials for anchor bolts shall be selected from one of the following:
1. Carbon steel: A-36, A-307 Grade B, or F-1554 Gr 36
2. Low-alloy steel: A-193 B7. (Note: Some users have reported
environmental cracking of B7 anchor bolts as a result of the hydrogen
from the corrosion process.)
3. For corrosive conditions, stainless steel or other high alloy materials may
be used, with due consideration for possible chloride exposure, as well as
the yield strength.
5.13.2 The allowable design stress, as calculated using the tensile stress area of the
threaded portion, shall not exceed the following (see the following Note):
a. Carbon or stainless steel: 20,000 psi (138 MPa)
b. Low-alloy steel: 30,000 psi (207 MPa)
Note: For vessels on concrete foundations, the allowable stress of
anchor bolts may be limited by the strength and dimensions of
the concrete for the bolt spacing selected. Also, other local codes
may be more stringent than these values, in which cases shall
govern. Allowable stresses used in the final design shall be
agreed to by the structural engineer.
5.13.3 Anchor bolts shall be selected with the following threads and the tensile
stress area shall be selected accordingly:
a. Bolts 1 inch (25 mm) and smaller in diameter: Coarse thread series,
ASME B1.1
b. Bolts larger than 1 inch (25 mm) in diameter: 8 thread series,
ASME B1.1
5.13.4 For vessels on concrete foundations, the design concrete bearing stress used
shall be 1658 psi (11.4 MPa).
Note: This value is based on the use of concrete with an ultimate strength,
f'
c
, of 3000 psi (20.7 MPa) for which the minimum allowable bearing is
(0.65)(0.85)f'
c
[approximately 1658 psi (11.4 MPa) for 3000 psi (20.7
MPa) concrete].
Higher values may be used consistent with the ulitmate strength chosen
(if known) and other provisions of state-of-the-art concrete foundation
design. The design loadings for anchor bolts embedded in concrete may be
determined by either the simplified method (neutral axis of bolt pattern at
centerline of vessel) or the shifted neutral axis method (See Section 2.4,
Brownell and Young). However, the use of the latter method is
recommended for large vertical vessels because of the economic benefit.
Note: The neutral axis shift method does not apply for vessels supported
by steel structures.
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ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
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5.13.5 Anchor bolts embedded in concrete foundations shall be zinc-coated (hot dip
galvanized or mechanically zinc-coated), unless the bolts are stainless steel,
so that the addition of a corrosion allowance is not required. If J -bolts are
used, they shall be fully stress relieved at 1100F (595C) for one hour per
inch of diameter prior to hot dip galvanized coating. Threaded J -bolts in the
bent area are not allowed.
5.13.6 Anchor bolts for vessels shall not be less than 3/4 inch (19 mm). Anchor
bolts shall straddle normal centerlines. (See PIP VEDV1003, Section 3.3.2(d)
and (l).) The anchor bolt circle shall be selected to provide radial clearance
for the bolt tensioning device when low-alloy steel bolting is required.
5.13.7 Anchor bolting shall be furnished and installed by the User.
5.14 Internals
Process design of trays and other removable internals are outside the scope of this
Practice.
5.14.1 Removable internals shall be sized to pass through designated vessel
openings. On vessels with internals where a vessel manway is not located in
the top head, internal rigging clips shall be provided to facilitate handling of
the internals.
5.14.2 Vessel internals such as distributors, dip tubes, baffles, and thermowells shall
not be located near manways in a manner that would interfere with personnel
access or rescue. Special consideration shall be given to the area directly
below manways and to head knockers above manways. In some
circumstances, the addition of grab rungs may be necessary.
5.14.3 Unless otherwise specified on the data sheet, the material for internal
attachments shall be the same nominal composition as the cladding, weld
overlay, or alloy shell.
6. Materials
6.1 General
6.1.1 Care shall be taken to comply with the temperature limitations for the
material. (See applicable General Notes to the allowable stress tables in
Section II, Part D, Notes in Table 2 of B16.5, etc.)
6.1.2 The cost of heating the test fluid for shop or future field hydrostatic tests
[so that the temperature of the pressure-resisting components is MDMT plus
30F (17C) during the test] shall be a consideration when selecting the
materials of construction and the associated MDMT to be stamped on the
vessel.
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ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
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6.2 Source of Materials
If the User restricts sources of fabrication materials, the prospective manufacturers
shall be informed at the time of bidding. Some reasons for restrictions may include
but are not limited to:
a. Maintenance of a specific alloy composition
b. Compliance with government requirements
c. Compatibility with existing equipment
d. Compliance with User procurement policies
6.3 Dual (Multiple) Marked Materials
ASME guidelines for dual or multiple marking of materials are given in Appendix 7
of Section II Part D of the Code. Under these ASME guidelines, dual or multiple
marking signifies that the material so marked meets all of the requirements of all of
the specifications, grades, classes, and types with which it is marked. Therefore, this
means, for example, that the allowable stress values given in Section II Part D of the
BPV Code for a regular grade of Type 304 stainless steel plate may be used in design
for SA-240 plate material with a dual marking of 304/304L. By the same standard,
the rating for an SA-182 GR F304 B16.5 flange may be used when it is dual marked
SA-182 GR F304/F304L. However, the following requirements apply for dual-
marked materials and Standard pressure parts that comply with Code requirements
(e.g., flanges and pipe fittings per UG-44) {3.2.8.2}:
6.3.1 The Purchaser shall specify if dual marked materials may be used.
6.3.2 When using only one set of allowable stress values for the dual-marked
Grade designation, the material listed on the Manufacturers Data Report
Forms shall be the material grade chosen from the allowable stress or ratings
tables. For example, if the allowable stresses for SA-240 Type 304 are used
in design for the shell and heads, the material listed in the Manufacturers
Data Report Form shall be SA-240 Type 304. However, a note in the
Remarks section of the Manufacturer's Data Report Form may contain the
phrase: The shell and head material meet all of the requirements of SA-240-
304 and SA-240-304L. (See Code Interpretation VIII-1-92-166). By the
same standard, this same material information shall be included on the Data
sheet and/or drawings covering the pressure parts involved, as appropriate,
since this is the source of the information used by the Manufacturer.
6.4 Corrosion/Erosion Allowance
6.4.1 Basis
The required design life shall be based on written agreement between User
and Engineering Contractor. Allowances specified by the Designer shall be
based on need and can best be determined by past experience in similar
operating environments. If no past experience is available, such as with a
new process, a materials engineer shall examine the process and make
judgment on the expected corrosion rate. Corrosion allowance shall not be
arbitrary; rather, it shall be compatible with design life requirements.
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6.4.2 Corrosion Loss
Additional metal thickness shall be added to compensate for anticipated loss
due to metal reacting with the environments to which it is subjected
(including cleaning operations, shutdowns, etc.).
6.4.2.1 Internal corrosion loss due to the process conditions affects all
pressure-containing parts. Internal structural parts may experience
corrosion loss on more than one surface. Bolted parts are
frequently constructed of different materials and need to be
assessed separately.
6.4.2.2 External corrosion may result from exposure of bare metal to the
atmosphere, especially in coastal areas and under insulation. Other
equipment operating nearby may influence corrosion (e.g., cooling
towers).
6.4.3 Erosion Loss
Additional metal thickness shall be added in specific locations where metal
loss is expected due to stream flow that is of high velocity or abrasive for any
reason. Erosion loss usually occurs within a definable area, and
compensation can be made as follows:
a. Weld overlay of the area with the intent that the overlay is sacrificial
b. Addition of a welded wear plate with the intent that the plate is sacrificial
Note: Use caution when using this method in hydrogen service.
c. Internal refractory linings, if appropriate
d. Increase of inlet nozzle size
6.4.4 References for Damage Mechanisms
The User, when selecting the materials of construction, shall consider all
damage mechanisms associated with the service fluid at design conditions.
Informative and non-mandatory guidance regarding metallurgical
phenomena is provided in Section II, Part D, Appendix A, API RP 571, and
WRC Bulletins 488, 489 and 490.
6.5 External Protection of Austenitic Stainless Steel Equipment from Stress
Corrosion Cracking
Insulated austenitic stainless steel equipment that is susceptible to atmospheric
chloride stress corrosion cracking shall be protected by a suitable external protective
coating and the use of a low chloride insulation.
6.6 Support Materials
6.6.1 The skirt for stainless steel or other high-alloy steel vessels shall be of a
material with essentially the same coefficient of expansion as the head to
which it is attached when the maximum temperature stamped on the Code
nameplate is hotter than 450F (230C). The length of this high-alloy steel
portion of the skirt shall be ) ( 2 Rt , but not less than 12 inches (300mm),
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ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
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where R is the mean skirt radius and t is skirt thickness. The lower portion of
these skirts may be constructed of carbon or low-alloy steel.

When the maximum temperature stamped on the Code nameplate is between
-20F (29C) and 450F (230C), the entire skirt may be made of carbon or
low-alloy steel.


In all cases, the materials and thicknesses selected shall be suitable for the
maximum and minimum design metal temperatures and the imposed
loadings.
6.6.2 For vessels with a design temperature lower than -20F (-29C), the skirt
shall be the same material as the head for a minimum length of ) ( 2 Rt , but
not less than 12 inches (300 mm).
6.6.3 Corrosion allowance for the skirt and base ring shall be specified separately
from the vessel corrosion allowance.
6.7 External Attachments
As a minimum, the attachments shall be of the same type material (ASME Code
P-number) as the pressure part to which attached except austenitic stainless steel
external welded attachments may be any 300-series stainless steel. Carbon and low-
alloy steel attachments welded to pressure-retaining components shall be considered
as being essential to the structural integrity of the vessel; accordingly, for purposes of
establishing the attachment impact test requirements, the level of applied general
primary membrane stress shall be considered to be the same as the maximum level
applied to the pressure boundary component to which they are attached. The
Manufacturer may propose other materials for the attachments with due consideration
being given to the following:
a. Potential problems associated with welding dissimilar materials
b. Compatibility with the Code nameplate maximum and minimum design metal
temperatures
c. Whether or not the attachment is essential to the structural integrity of the vessel
(see Code Paragraph UCS-66(a) {3.11.2.3 c)})
d. Differential thermal expansion characteristics and associated stresses
e. Corrosion resistance
f. Painting requirements
g. Suitability for the anticipated loadings
EDITORIAL REVISION PIP VECV1001
May 2009 Vessel Design Criteria
ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
Page 26 of 27 Process Industry Practices
7. Examination, Inspection and Pressure Testing
7.1 Welded Pressure Joint Requirements
Consistent with the service-specific needs of each vessel, consideration shall be given
to the type of welded pressure joints to be furnished in the pressure-boundary
components. Consideration shall also be given to the type/degree of nondestructive
examination to be applied to these joints. (See Users responsibilities under the Code
as outlined in the Code Foreword. See also Code Paragraph U-2(a) {2.2.2.2}.) As a
minimum, specific Code requirements shall be met. In order to provide a means of
communicating the requirements to the prospective manufacturers in a manner that is
not open to dispute, the Code has provided the Welded J oint Category system in
Code Paragraph UW-3 {4.2.5}. A Welded Pressure J oint Requirements Form for
documenting and transmitting the needed information for each welded joint category
(location) is included in Appendix B. Also included in these Appendices is a
completed form showing the requirements described in Sections 7.5.1, 7.5.2, 8.1.3
and 8.1.4 of PIP VESV1002, illustrating the use and usefulness of this form for
communicating welded pressure joint requirements to manufacturers for quotations
and purchase specifications. Notes A through C of the Nondestructive Examination
Notes (Page 2 of the Form) are standard examination notes that may be selected by
the User. The remaining options or User-defined options may be added as
appropriate.
Use the Welded Pressure J oint Requirement form Appendix B to specify the welded
pressure joint type and associated nondestructive examination requirements.
7.2 Testing
The following paragraphs provide guidance and references to design and execution
considerations relative to hydrostatic and pneumatic pressure testing.
7.2.1 Hydrostatic Test
Vertical vessels being tested in the erected position, whether shop or field,
shall have consideration given to the additional pressure and weight due to
the fluid head.
7.2.2 Pneumatic Test
Caution: Pneumatic testing presents hazards that require careful
attention as part of the engineering design of the pressure
vessel to ensure personnel safety during the test.
(Reference Code Paragraph UG-100 {8.3}, Pneumatic Test
and Code Paragraph UW-50 {Not Division 2 Applicable},
Nondestructive Examination Of Welds On Pneumatically
Tested Vessels.)
Due to the additional hazards of pneumatic testing, vessels shall be
manufactured and inspected to minimize the possibility of failure during the
test. The vessels shall be constructed of materials that ensure fracture
toughness during the test. Additional nondestructive examination may be
required of main seams, nozzle attachments, and some structural
PIP VECV1001 EDITORIAL REVISION
Vessel Design Criteria May 2009
ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
Process Industry Practices Page 27 of 27
attachments. All such nondestructive examination shall be performed in
accordance with Code methods and acceptance criteria.
Large diameter low-pressure designs, vessels with exceptionally large
volume, service that would not allow residual water in the process, and
designs that would force great over design of the vessel and foundation only
to support a water full test may be considered for pneumatic testing.
Acoustic emissions monitoring during pneumatic testing may successfully
locate flaws in the vessel and shall be considered for field erected vessels.
ASME PCC-2 Article 5.1 provides guidance on energy calculations for
pneumatic tests and safe distances for personnel during the test.
7.2.3 Proof Test
(Code reference - Paragraph UG-101, Proof Tests To Establish Maximum
Allowable Working Pressure.{not Div.2 applicable}) Proof tests are highly
individualized and are not included in this Practice.


Appendices
Appendix A General Considerations for Pressure Relief Valve Application
Appendix B Welded Pressure J oint Requirements Form
Appendix C Equivalent Pressure Formulas for Bending Moment and Axial Tensile Load



Appendix A
General Considerations
for
Pressure Relief Valve Application

EDITORIAL REVISION PIP VECV1001
May 2009 Vessel Design Criteria
ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
Page A-2 Process Industry Practices
General Considerations for Pressure Relief Valve Application
A general comparison of operational characteristics is given for the different types of pressure relief
valves in common industrial use. The influence on operating margin, from set pressure, is
considered.
Operational characteristics of direct spring-operated and pilot-operated pressure relief valves
shall be known by the User as well as the Designer. Direct spring and pilot-operated relief valves
are available for use on applications that are required to meet Code requirements. The
approximate reseating pressure for direct spring-operated valves is 93% of the set pressure in
gas or vapor service and 85% of set pressure for National Board tested safety relief valves in
liquid service. Many older liquid service safety valves, requiring 25% overpressure to be full open,
have a reseating pressure as low as 70% of the set pressure. The reseating pressure for pilot-
operated valves is typically specified in the same range as the direct spring valves. However, the
reseating pressure of pilot-operated valves can be lowered to a value slightly above atmospheric
by adding a manual blowdown connection which can be operated either locally or remotely. Pilot-
operated valves are used in this fashion as remote, manual, emergency, blowdown valves. The
versatile pilot-operated valve has some significant application limitations. Pilot-operated pressure
relief valves are supplied with filters to protect against foreign matter and are generally
recommended for relatively clean service. A summary detailing when, and when not, to use pilot-
operated valves is given below.
USE DO NOT USE
Clean gas or vapor service Corrosion of wetted part is possible
Clean liquid service Polymerization process
Coking service
Abrasive or dirty service
Freezing of contents at ambient temperature is
possible


The point where leakage begins to be a concern when using direct spring-operated valves
depends on the disk seat design. Metal-to-metal contact seats will begin to leak at about 90% of
set pressure. O-ring soft seat disk type direct spring-operated valves will not leak below 95% of
set pressure. Pilot-operated valves will not leak below 98% of set pressure. The recommended
maximum equipment operating pressure is slightly below, but many times considered to be equal
to, the start-to-leak limit for the valve.


Appendix B
Welded Pressure
Joint Requirements Form

EDITORIAL REVISION PIP VECV1001
May 2009 Vessel Design Criteria
ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
Page B-2 Process Industry Practices
Welded Pressure Joint Requirements
DESIGN BASIS
SHELL AND CONE THICKNESS BASED ON:
J OINT EFFICIENCY E =_________
DISHED HEAD THICKNESS BASED ON:
J OINT EFFICIENCY E =_________
WELDED PRESSURE JOINT REQUIREMENTS
J OINT LOCATION
PARAGRAPH UW-3{4.2.5)
TYPE OF J OINT NDE
(SEE LETTERED NOTES)

CATEGORY A (SEE NOTE 5) TYPE NO. (1) OF TABLE UW-12{4.2.2}



CATEGORY B
HEAD -TO-SHELL
TYPE NO. (1) OF TABLE UW-12{4.2.2}

OTHER


CATEGORY C
BODY FLANGES

NOZZLE FLANGES FIGURE 2-4 {TABLE 4.2.9 and FIGURES
4.16.1, 4.16.2 & 4.16.5}

CATEGORY D SEE GENERAL NOTE (6)

GENERAL NOTES:
1) Unless otherwise indicated, all references on this form are to ASME Code Section VIII, Division 1 paragraphs, tables, and figures.
Comparable ASME Code Section VIII, Division 2 references are shown in brackets {}.All nondestructive examination shall meet or exceed
ASME Code requirements and shall be performed per Code methods.
2) J oints supplied shall be either detailed or identified by use of standard AWS welding symbols on the vessel Manufacturer's drawings.
3) Permanent weld joint backing strips are not permitted.
4) Separate internal nozzle reinforcing plates are not permitted.
5) The flat plate from which formed heads are to be made shall be either seamless or made equivalent to seamless in which all Category A
welds are Type (1) and fully radiographed per UW51{7.5.3}before forming. After forming, the spin hole, if it remains in the final
construction, shall be closed in accordance with UW-34 {6.1.2.9}with the weld meeting the Category A weld joint requirements shown in
the table.
6) Category D welds shall be per Figure UW-16.1{Tables 4.2.10, 4.2.11, 4.2.13}using full penetration welds through vessel wall and through
inside edge of external reinforcing plates, when used. Nozzle necks designated to extend beyond the inside surface of the vessel wall shall
have a fillet weld at the inside corner.


ITEM NUMBER: ____________________________________
WELDED PRESSURE
J OINT REQUIREMENTS
PRESSURE VESSELS

VESSEL ASSEMBLY DWG.: __________________________
DRAWN BY CHECKED BY DATE DRAWING NUMBER
PAGE 1 OF 2



PIP VECV1001 EDITORIAL REVISION
Vessel Design Criteria May 2009
ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
Process Industry Practices Page B-3
Nondestructive Examination Notes
A. Full radiography shall be per Paragraph UW-51{7.5.3}. For welded pipe components, this
applies only to Categories B and C butt joints. For exclusions, see Paragraph UW-
11(a)(4){Table 7.2}.
B. Spot radiography shall be per Paragraph UW-52{7.4.1, 7.4.2, 7.4.3 & 7.5.3 }. For welded pipe
components, this applies only to Categories B and C butt joints. For exclusions, see
Paragraph UW-11(b) {Table 7.2}.
C. Spot radiography shall be per Paragraph UW-52{Table 7.2}. Rules of UW-11(a)(5)(b) {not
Division 2 applicable}shall be satisfied. The Manufacturer is cautioned to select the
appropriate increments of weld for establishing the spot radiography requirements for the
vessel. [See UW-52 {7.4.3.5}]
General Note: Notes D through H are examples of user options that are sometimes
selected for critical services. Other options may be provided as appropriate.
D. When joint thickness exceeds 2 inches (50 mm), examine (using MT or PT) the root pass
after back-chipping to sound metal and all accessible surfaces of completed welds of
Categories A, B, C, and D butt type joints.
E. When design is based on a joint efficiency of 1.00, examine (using MT or PT) Categories C
and D non-butt type joints after back-chipping or gouging root pass to sound metal and
accessible surfaces of completed weld.
F. Examination (using MT or PT) of completed welds shall be made after PWHT for the
following:
1. Vessels or vessel parts for which impact testing is required
2. Welds joining non-impact tested low-alloy steels thicker than 1-1/4 inches (32 mm)
3. Welds joining carbon steels thicker than 2 inches (50 mm)
4. When required by Code
G. Butt welds exempt from radiography by Paragraph UW-11(a)(4) {Table 7.2}shall have
accessible surfaces of completed welds MT or PT examined. (Only applies to designs
employing impact-tested steels when Category A joints are based on a joint efficiency of
1.00.)

Item Number:
Vessel Assembly Dwg.:
Reference paragraphs are contained in Division 1 of the ASME Code.
MT = Magnetic Particle Examination
PT = Liquid Penetrant Examination

PAGE 2 OF 2
EDITORIAL REVISION PIP VECV1001
May 2009 Vessel Design Criteria
ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
Page B-4 Process Industry Practices
EXAMPLE
Use Of Welded Pressure Joint Requirements Form
To illustrate the use and usefulness of the Welded Pressure J oint Requirements form for communicating welded
pressure joint requirements to manufacturers for quotation and purchase specification purposes, the following completed
form shows the requirements described in Sections 7.5.1.1, 7.5.1.2, 8.1.3, and 8.1.4 of PIP VESV1002. With reference
to the lettered Nondestructive Examination Notes (page 2 of the form), note that other options are available for
convenient use or may be provided.
DESIGN BASIS
SHELL AND CONE THICKNESS BASED ON:
J OINT EFFICIENCY. E =__0.85_______
DISHED HEAD THICKNESS BASED ON:
J OINT EFFICIENCY. E =__0.85_______
WELDED PRESSURE JOINT REQUIREMENTS
J OINT LOCATION
PARAGRAPH UW-3{4.2.5}
TYPE OF J OINT NDE
(SEE LETTERED NOTES)

CATEGORY A (SEE NOTE 5) TYPE NO. (1) OF TABLE UW-12{4.2.2}


B

CATEGORY B
HEAD -TO-SHELL
TYPE NO. (1) OF TABLE UW-12{4.2.2}

B
OTHER
B

CATEGORY C
BODY FLANGES

--
NOZZLE FLANGES FIG. 2-4 {TABLE 4.2.9, and FIGURES
4.16.1,4.16.2, & 4.15.5 }

B
CATEGORY D SEE GENERAL NOTE (6)
--
GENERAL NOTES:
1)) Unless otherwise indicated, all references on this form are to ASME Code Section VIII, Division 1 paragraphs, tables, and figures.
Comparable ASME Code, Division 2 references are shown in brackets {}. All nondestructive examination shall meet or exceed ASME
Code requirements and shall be performed per Code methods.
2) J oints supplied shall be either detailed or identified by use of standard AWS welding symbols on the vessel Manufacturer's drawings.
3) Permanent weld joint backing strips are not permitted.
4) Separate internal nozzle reinforcing plates are not permitted.
5) The flat plate from which formed heads are to be made shall be either seamless or made equivalent to seamless in which all Category A
welds are Type (1) and fully radiographed per UW51{7.5.3}before forming. After forming, the spin hole, if it remains in the final
construction, shall be closed in accordance with UW-34 {6.1.2.9}with the weld meeting the Category A weld joint requirements shown in
the table.
6) Category D welds shall be per Figure UW-16.1{Table 4.2.10, 4.2.11, 4.2.13}using full penetration welds through vessel wall and through
inside edge of external reinforcing plates, when used. Nozzle necks designated to extend beyond the inside surface of the vessel wall shall
have a fillet weld at the inside corner.



ITEM NUMBER: ________PIP 123456___________________
WELDED PRESSURE
J OINT REQUIREMENTS
PRESSURE VESSELS

VESSEL ASSEMBLY DWG.: ___PIP 123456______________
DRAWN BY CHECKED BY DATE DRAWING NUMBER
PAGE 1 OF 2




Appendix C
Equivalent Pressure Formulas for
Bending Moment and Axial Tensile Load

EDITORIAL REVISION PIP VECV1001
May 2009 Vessel Design Criteria
ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
Page C-2 Process Industry Practices
Equivalent Pressure Formulas for Bending Moment and Axial Tensile Load
When sustained bending moments or axial thrust loadings are applied to the flanged joint during
operation in sufficient magnitude to warrant consideration in the flange design, the design
pressure, P, used in the calculation of total hydrostatic end load, H, in the flange design
calculations shall be replaced by the following design pressure:
P
FLG
=P +P
EQ

The equivalent pressure P
EQ
is determined as follows:
P
EQ
=
16M
G
4F
G
3 2

+
Where:
M = Sustained bending moment applied across full section at flange during the design
condition, in-lb
F = Sustained axial tensile force applied at flange, lb
G = Diameter at location of gasket load reaction, in (See Appendix 2-3 {4.16.6.1 c), and
4.16.12}of the Code for full definition.)
Note: Experience has shown that axial tensile forces resulting from a properly
designed piping system have no significant effect on the flange design and hence are
typically not included in the P
EQ
determination.
Therefore, the hydrostatic end load, H, used in the flange calculations is determined as follows:
H =0.785 G
2
P
FLG
Dynamic Bending Moment
P
EQ
=
8M
G
3



Where:
M = Bending moment, as defined above, but including dynamic bending moment
(e.g., seismic moment) applied across full section at flange during the design
condition, in-lb

Other Terms =Same as above

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