Design and Fabrication of Pressure Vessels

This five day course, through the use of examples, case studies and group workshop problem solving, and the extensive professional experience of the instructors, deals with the design, fabrication, inspection, repair and alterations of pressure vessels and how to comply with the relevant ASME Codes.

Design and Fabrication of Pressure Vessels

Based on the rules for pressure vessel design and construction, you will gain a comprehensive introduction to the requirements of Section VIII, Division 1 including background, organisation, design, materials, fabrication, inspection, testing and documentation of pressure vessels. The more commonly used subsections and paragraphs will be covered, and a discussion of individual problems or situations will be included.

Inspection, Repairs and Alterations of Pressure Vessels

You will also be provided with a comprehensive introduction to the requirements of various codes and standards, regarding inspection, repairs and alterations of pressure equipment, and in particular pressure vessels. The requirements of the National Board Inspection Code and the API-510 will be covered in detail. A brief introduction to API-579, Fitness for Service will also be included.  Simple flaw evaluation procedures will be evaluated. The activities of ASME’s Post Construction Committee will be explained and documents published by this Committee will be discussed.

Recognised for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) by Engineers Australia (EA) in accordance with EA CPD Guidelines.

Target Audience

For those involved with the purchase, design, fabrication, or inspection of pressure vessels including users, manufacturers, repair organisations, inspection agencies and other organisations involved with the design, maintenance and repair of pressure equipment. Some technical background will be helpful, but attendees are not required to have an engineering degree or previous work experience in the subject matter.

Course Outline

Design and Fabrication of Pressure Vessels (Day 1 through 3)

• Code rules, scope and jurisdiction
• General requirements related to materials and testing
• Material toughness and impact testing requirements
• Joint categories and joint efficiencies
• General requirements related to stamping, reports, testing, PWHT, tolerances, and NDEs
• Welding requirements
• Committees, operation and voting procedures
• Editions, addenda and interpretations
• Design Requirements
• Design loadings and allowable stresses
• Design criteria and strength theory for Division 1
• Formulas for internal pressure and tensile loading
• Procedures for external pressure (vacuum) and compressive loads
• Openings and reinforcement
• Hydrostatic and pneumatic testing
• Background of the design rules
• Example design problems and solutions;
• Cylindrical shells and formed heads
• Seismic loading on vertical vessels
• Nozzle reinforcements
• Other special components
• External pressure and stiffening rings
• Reinforced openings and ligament efficiency

Inspection, Repairs and Alterations of Pressure Vessels (Day 4 and 5)

• Introduction to post construction codes and standards and the interrelation of various documents
• Explanation of the responsibilities of the users, manufacturers, repair organisations, regulatory agencies and authorised inspectors
• How to obtain a National Board stamp
• Detailed requirements of the NBIC
• Differences between the NBIC and API-510
• Examples of repairs, alterations and the documentation requirements for each
• An introduction to API-579
• Simple Level 1 evaluation procedures for various flaws
• An introduction to the ASME Post Construction Committee
• Introduction to ASME post-construction standards
• Overview of work being performed by API, ASME, and PVRC related to post construction issues
• Examples demonstrating the application of the rules
• Open discussion of specific situations and problems brought up by the attendees

Course Objectives

Upon completion of the Design and Fabrication of Pressure Vessels part of the course, you will be able to:

• Understand the background of the Code rules
• Apply the Code rules to more common design and fabrication situations
• Perform calculations for some of the loadings and situations not addresses by the Code
• Prepare design specifications, design reports, data reports, and other documentation
• Understand how to prepare and submit an inquiry to the Code Committee for Code Interpretation, Code Cases or Code revision.

Upon completion of the Inspection, Repairs and Alterations of Pressure Vessels part of the course, you will be able to:

• Understand the background of the Code rules
• Identify the responsibilities of the users, manufacturers, repair organisations, regulatory agencies and authorised inspectors
• Apply the Code rules to more common inspection, repairs and alterations situations
• Be up to date on the latest developments in the rapidly advancing field of pressure equipment inspection and repairs
• Receive an overview of the work being performed by API, ASME, and PVRC, in the related areas

Facilitator Information

Urey Miller

Urey R. Miller, PE is the founder and principal for engineering consulting activity for pressure equipment and special problem resolution for petrochemical facilities at URM Consulting, PLLC.  He is a recognized expert in ASME Code interpretations and application for pressure equipment and piping.  Mr. Miller has participated in ASME Code Committee activity for over 36 years, and is presently the Chairman of the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Committee, the past Chairman of Subgroup on Design of Section VIII.  He is a member (past Chair) of the Special Committee on Interpretations which prepares the official published ASME interpretations for Section VIII. Also, as the past chairman of the Subgroup on Heat Transfer Equipment, Mr. Miller was instrumental in the adoption of Part UHX for heat exchanger tubesheet design.  He is experienced in the application and interpretation of ASME B31 piping codes.  His expertise includes the application of materials, fabrication, inspection, and design requirements for Code compliance.  In 2010, Mr. Miller was awarded the J. Hall Taylor Medal for distinguished leadership and professionalism in the advancement and recognition of ASME codes and standards for pressure equipment; and for significant contributions to the development and standardization of methods for pressure vessel design and construction.  Mr. Miller earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Evansville, Indiana, in 1968.  He is a professional engineer in Texas and Indiana.

Registration

This course will be reoffered again in 2013.