ASME pressure vessels, which are leak-tight pressure containers, are designed to hold gases or liquids at pressures higher or lower than the ambient air pressure. To meet the requirements of various industries, ASME pressure vessels are designed and manufactured in different sizes. Improper pressure vessel sizing can threaten travel efficiency and increase costs and damage, making it essential to select the right size.
ASME Vessel Design and Sizing Considerations
When sizing a pressure tank, you will want to consider three main factors:
- Application: A pressure vessel’s size is largely determined by its use case. Some applications require a far greater capacity than others, and undersized vessels may not be able to meet those needs. As such, it is vital to understand the pressure and capacity requirements of the application in question.
- Material and design: The shape and construction of pressure vessels vary widely based on size and environmental requirements. They must be able to stand up to the pressure and substances they will be exposed to.
- Transportation and logistics: Moving the pressure vessel comes with its own costs. The vessel must be designed and sized with transportation and the associated costs in mind.
Understanding these factors is a vital part of ASME pressure vessel sizing, and it can significantly reduce the overall cost of the manufacturing and transportation processes.
The Risks of Incorrect Pressure Vessel Sizing
Sometimes, pressure vessels are manufactured in bigger or smaller sizes than the applications they are intended for. There are a number of problems that can occur as a result, and these vary based on the size of the pressure vessel.
Issues With Oversized Pressure Vessels
The larger the vessel is, the greater the risk of damage. ASME pressure vessels frequently travel to remote or international locations. During these long trips, larger vessels become more difficult to manage, which can lead to severe damage unless appropriate steps are put in place. Often, these challenges are further complicated by the use of trains or planes. If the size and weight of the vessels are beyond certain limits, air freight will not be possible, potentially leading to significant delays.
Transporting larger vessels by land also needs special arrangements so as not to obstruct other vehicles. It requires permission from local highway authorities and transport police. Sometimes, logistics service providers need permission to transport the vessel by road far in advance. If you intend to transport a larger vessel by ship, you will also need specialized haulage cranes to move it.
Issues With Undersized Pressure Vessels
The smaller the size, the more pressure vessels will be needed for a given job. This can be a huge inconvenience, as managing multiple vessels is more difficult than managing one. Undersizing like this typically happens when ASME vessels are designed without understanding the client’s requirements or based on poor specifications provided by the client.
In such cases, the user will be forced to utilize two or three vessels in the place of one large one. This creates problems for transportation, increases transportation and logistics charges, and leads to over-pressurization, which could result in damage to the vessel and its surroundings.
Best Practices for Proper Pressure Vessel Sizing
Sizing pressure vessels properly is essential for easy and quick transit handling. Transportation lead times and damage risks can be minimized greatly if pressure vessels are designed and sized according to end-user applications. This means evaluating operating pressure and temperature, fluid or gas properties, and other important characteristics.
Since designing and sizing pressure vessels is a complex procedure, it is important to partner with a qualified manufacturer. The right manufacturers have advanced tools and software to design and test pressure tank sizes based on client specifications. This approach produces higher quality vessels designed for both transport and practical use.
As a client, keep in mind that proper measurements and calculations are necessary. You must be cautious and precise when evaluating the application of your ASME pressure vessel. Clear communication between both parties is needed to ensure maximum satisfaction for both the manufacturer and the client.
Learn More From BEPeterson Today
Are you looking for a manufacturer that is an expert in ASME vessel design and sizing? BEPeterson can assist. We specialize in ASME pressure vessels, ASME tanks and vacuum furnaces and have been serving clients across various industries since 1935. Request a free quote today to learn more.
