IRA – 26 -1261
BEPeterson is proud to spotlight our recent collaboration with the United States Air Force at Arnold Air Force Base in Tennessee—delivering advanced, high-pressure air dryer vessels designed for the facility’s demanding requirements.
The project presented an intriguing engineering challenge: reduce the overall weight of the pressure vessels to meet strict onsite limitations, while maintaining uncompromising performance and code integrity. The initial design, rooted in ASME Section VIII, Division 1, exceeded the weight limitations at Arnold AFB. Our engineering team pivoted to leverage BEPeterson’s ASME Section VIII, Division 2 certification, which allows for optimized wall thickness and lower material volumes through in-depth design analysis. Combining these advanced criteria with finite element analysis (FEA), we decreased the air dryer system weight by over 40% – all while ensuring superior strength and safety compliance.
Key Project Highlights:
- Engineered weight reduction through Division 2 code, FEA, and specialty material selection.
- Project development included new welding procedures and techniques for unique alloys.
- Complete in-house fabrication and full build accountability.
- Turnkey support from initial problem-solving through hydrotesting.
Unique Features of the Arnold AFB Solution:
The material choices for these air dryers played a critical role. By moving beyond the standard carbon steel historically used, BEPeterson’s team specified and procured higher-strength alloys that deliver equivalent or superior durability at a substantial weight savings. Each vessel was fabricated and tested in a horizontal orientation, enabling exacting process control for both construction and final inspection.
BEPeterson solved a multifaceted problem achieving significant mass reduction without compromising the primary performance or integrity of the pressure vessel system. Our investment in Division 2 certification and in-house engineering delivers real, tangible value to customers with complex needs, especially in defense, energy, and aerospace settings.
BEPeterson’s experience extends beyond basic custom fabrication. Our team possesses deep industry knowledge and advanced analysis capability to tackle the toughest engineering constraints. For your next project – when innovative thinking and precise execution matter -BEPeterson is ready to partner with you.