Category: Blog

Pressure vessels are used to store fluids under various pressures. Most pressure vessels in Australia are built to Australian Standards (AS). However, this doesn’t always guarantee long-term performance. This is because pressure vessels are used to store a variety of toxic and non-toxic substances that may have a short or long-term impact.

It’s critical to understand the mandatory requirements and applicable Australian Standards (AS) to ensure that your equipment is safe to use and avoid fines associated with non-compliance with current safety regulations and legislation in Australia. The vessels must be inspected and repaired regularly to prevent any unforeseen accidents.

What Is Pressure Vessel Inspection?

Pressure vessel inspections refer to the internal, external, (or both) inspection of the vessel’s condition. The frequency of inspections is usually specified in most pressure vessel standards. Pressure vessels should be inspected at least once every five years as a general rule. Before the vessel is put to work, it must be inspected after installation.

When inspecting pressure vessels, inspectors may:

• Gather visual information on the vessel’s condition, such as the state of the joints, welds, insulation, or structural connections
• Collect thickness data to see if the vessel has any issues caused by continued use
• Perform a stress analysis to see if the vessel is still safe to use, and
• Perform a hydrostatic pressure test on the vessel’s pressure release valves to ensure they are working correctly.

Benefits Of Pressure Vessel Inspections

1). Prevent accidents

Naturally, a pressure vessel operates under extreme pressure or vacuum. As a result, it is prone to accidents and can be dangerous if it fails. As a result, a pressure vessel inspection is required to assess the condition and verify compliance with technical standards.

2). Avoid Fines

Inspections of pressure vessels can also go a long way in helping you avoid fines for failing to adhere to current safety laws and legislation in Australia.

Pressure Vessel Inspection Requirements

Expensive fines may be imposed if you fail to inspect pressure equipment to comply with applicable regulations. It is the responsibility of the pressure vessel owner to ensure that any pressure equipment in operation is “Safe to Operate” certified and registered with the appropriate regulatory authorities in your state.

As per AS3788-Pressure Equipment-In-Service Inspection, a “competent person” must regularly examine and appraise boilers and pressure vessels classified as Hazard Level A, B, or C. 

Pressure equipment inspections are precisely defined in AS3788 and take place:

• During commissioning and/or recommissioning.
• During service – A periodic in-service examination is performed as dictated under AS3788 Table 4.1.
• Following repairs (pressure vessels must be hydrostatically tested after weld repairs).
• Pressure relief and safety valves are inspected and overhauled/bench-tested on a regular basis to ensure they are in safe operating condition.

How Regular Should You Inspect Pressure Vessels According To To As3788?

External and internal periodic inspection frequencies for some of the more prevalent types of pressure equipment are listed in Table 4.1 of AS3788:

• Air Receivers – 4 years for internal inspections and 2 years for external inspections 
• Above ground LPG gas vessels – 2 years for external inspections and 10 years for internal inspections
• Refrigeration Vessels – 2 years and 12 years for external and internal inspection, respectively.
• Accumulators – 2 years for external inspections and 12 years for internal inspections

Annual testing and inspection of pressure relief and safety equipment are crucial and are needed for you to keep your inspection certifications valid.

Inspection of pressure equipment is required by most states’ existing safety legislation, with harsh penalties for non-compliance.

Pressure Equipment Repairs

While these may seem obvious, verify you’ve addressed these needs while altering, fixing, or modifying pressure equipment, particularly shell repairs. You should do this:

• To assure correctness, the vessel has been examined and tested to the standard.
• To confirm that you have a strict repair and testing protocol in place, including the weld operation, post-weld heat treatment, NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) and inspection of the repairs.
• To make sure that qualified welding technicians perform all weld repairs.
• To check if the vessel is hydrostatically tested in accordance with industry standards.

Record Keeping

All tests and certificates, including repair processes and repairer qualifications, must be stored and maintained in an equipment file under most current state safety legislation.

As you can see, there’s a lot to consider and manage when it comes to pressure equipment registration, maintenance, inspections, repairs, and record-keeping!

AME can assist in reducing “pressure.” We provide independent technical expertise to ensure that your assets, equipment, plants, and systems are planned, built, and operated in line with industry standards, classifications, and regulatory requirements.

Pressure Safety Valve & Pressure Relief Valve Inspection Requirements

PSVs and PRVs require an annual third-party examination by a certified person to ensure they are undamaged and functional. Instead of testing, the valves can also be replaced once a year. That is more cost-effective for some businesses.

Final Thoughts

Pressure vessel checks are critical to avoid unforeseen mishaps and fines for failing to follow current Australian safety laws and regulations. This page has outlined all of the AS pressure vessel inspection requirements that you must follow to avoid fines.

Why Register Pressure Vessel Design?

To be a Pressure Vessel owner in Australia, you need to be registered by an authorised examiner. At Sherwood Engineering, we are authorised examiners ready to serve you. 

 

Pressure vessels are widely used in various industries. These containers/vessels are used to store things under pressure. Things stored under pressure want to expand which creates pressure. Any kind of failure of a pressure vessel could have catastrophic consequences. 

The ideal shape of a pressure vessel is a sphere but spheres are incredibly difficult to construct and this is why most pressure vessels have a cylindrical shape with concave ends. This blog post is focused on exploring the various aspects of pressure vessel design.

Pressure vessels have to meet certain standards such as Australian Standards AS1210 or AS4343. Also, some pressure vessels are required to be registered with the appropriate statutory authority depending on the level of hazard. Here’s a quick look at various aspects of pressure vessel design:

• Design work
• Presence of external loads
• Fluid temperature, physical and chemical properties
• Materials 
• Maintaining quality control
• Collaborating with engineers, designers and technicians

Design Work

One of the most important things when it comes to designing a pressure vessel is its shape and size. While these parameters are mostly defined by the team designing the plant where the pressure vessel is going to be used, there are certain things that are decided by the designer. The design of the vessel also covers how the vessel is going to be supported as well as the placement of connectors, nozzles and other such things.

External Loads

The design also accounts for the presence of external loads such as wind and snow as well as the weight of equipment that needs to be supported. The placement of connectors and nozzles can seriously affect the strength of the vessel.

Fluid Properties

The physical and chemical properties of the fluid that is stored inside the pressure vessel also affect its design. The choice of material also depends on the properties of the fluid.

Materials

A variety of materials are used for making pressure vessels. Some of the most commonly used materials include:

• Carbon steel
• High alloy and low alloy steels
• Carbon manganese steel

As far as the choice of material is concerned, it depends on a variety of design and operational parameters. Some of the more important considerations that affect the choice of material include the creep strength of the material at design temperature, its yield strength as well as ultimate tensile strength at design and room temperature respectively. 

A design engineer also collaborates with other designers, engineers and technicians to ensure product quality and maintain quality control. The overall goal of a design team is to ensure that the final product matches the pre-set criteria for safety. The engineer also collaborates with the appropriate authorities to ensure verification of the pressure vessel design.

Importance of Pressure Vessel Design

As explained earlier, pressure vessels are used in a variety of industries. For example, the oil and gas industry cannot function without properly designed pressure vessels. These are also used in the mining industry, nuclear reactors and a variety of other industries.

All the pressure vessels need to adhere to certain safety standards to ensure performance and safety. Since pressure vessels store liquid or gas at a huge pressure inside, any failure would lead to an instant release of a huge amount of energy and the contents inside. It could have catastrophic consequences and this is why the designs need to adhere to predefined standards.

Final Thoughts

Here at Sherwood Design & Engineering, we have been providing pressure vessel design services to various industries for more than 4 decades. We specialise in plant engineering, design of pressure vessels as well as certification of pressure vessel design.

Give us a call at (02) 9437 3566 or leave an enquiry if you would like to learn more about our pressure vessel engineering design and support services.

A pressure vessel is one of the most crucial pieces of equipment in petrochemical and industrial processing plants. In general, the term pressure vessel covers a wide variety of vessels including separation vessels, columns, storage vessels, reactors, and heat exchangers. Because of the risk associated with the accidental failure of pressure vessels, many countries have come up with regulations to govern pressure vessel designing and production. 

For construction and design purposes, the pressure vessel is typically referred to as the ‘pressure vessel proper’ including welded attachments like welded or screwed connectors, nozzle flanges and adjacent connecting pipes.

Pressure vessels are designed to meet specific requirements set by a team that typically include mechanical engineers, thermodynamicists and process engineers. 

Design Criteria

The first step in building a pressure vessel is establishing the design criteria or operational requirements. These directly affect the vessel as part of the overall processing plant. Some common design criteria include:

1). Transient Conditions

Some vessels may need an evaluation of cyclic loads that occur due to acoustic, structural, temperature or pressure vibration loading.

2). External Loads

Loads to be considered include local loads, snow and wind. Local loads include things like dead weight or pipe reactions from equipment supported by the vessel.

3). Fluid Conditions

Minimum and maximum fluid temperatures will need to be stipulated and applied to metal design temperatures. Fluid chemical and physical properties will impact material choice.

4). Operating Pressure

On top of normal steady operating pressure, the maximum maintained pressure should be determined. Standards and/or regulations will define how this maximum pressure is applied in the pressure vessel design.

Failure Modes in Pressure Vessels

There are many causes of failures in pressure vessels, such as the following:

1). Change of service routine occasioned by user: Inexperienced maintenance or operations personnel can differ from the normal and expected service routine, which can upset operational conditions. Some types of services that need special attention both for selection of design criteria and choice of material include:

• Vessel contents: Hydrocarbons, Chlorides, Caustics, Compressed air, Ammonia or Hydrogen
• High vibration or shock
• High temperature
• Low temperature
• Fatigue (cyclic)
• Lethal

2). Poor fabrication: poor quality control during fabrication or insufficient or improper adherence to fabrication procedures including forming methods, heat treatment and welding.

3). Incorrect Design data: Incorrect or inaccurate design techniques and inadequate testing can lead to pressure vessel failure.

4). Wrong selection of material: Choosing the wrong material or a defective material is another major cause of pressure vessel failure.

Types of Failures

1. Corrosion fatigue: This happens when fatigue and corrosion impacts occur at the same time. Corrosion can reduce fatigue life by pitting the propagating cracks and surface. Fatigue properties and material selection are the main considerations.
2. Stress corrosion: It is widely known that caustic service can cause stress corrosion in carbon steels, likewise chlorides cause stress corrosion in stainless steel vessels. Material selection is crucial in reducing rates of pressure vessel failure.
3. Low Cycle-High Strain fatigue is strain governed and happens due to high-ductile, low-strength materials.
4. Incremental collapse – Plastic instability: Incremental collapse is cumulative cyclic deformation or cyclic strain accumulation. Cumulative damage causes pressure vessel failure through plastic instability or deformation.
5. Creep deformation or stress rupture: This occurs due to progressive fatigue, cyclic loading or fatigue. Fatigue is a cycle-based phenomenon, whereas stress rupture is a time-based phenomenon.
6. Excessive plastic deformation. The main stress limits stipulated in pressure vessel design standards are intended to prevent incremental collapse and plastic deformation.
7. Brittle fracture: This happens at intermediate or low temperatures. Brittle fractures are common in pressure made of low carbon steel.
8. Elastic deformation: This is elastic buckling or elastic instability.

Final Thoughts

Following pressure design standards is the key to successful pressure design operation. At Sherwood Design & Engineering Pty Ltd, we have been providing engineering design and support services to industries such as steelmaking, minerals processing, water treatment, food/pharmaceuticals, materials handling, and many others for more than 40 years.

We specialise in pressure vessel design and pressure vessel design verification, as well as plant engineering where design, plant layout and preparation of arrangement, fabrication and manufacturing drawings are required.

If you are looking for trustworthy and reliable pressure vessel engineering design and support services, please call us today on (02) 9437 3566 or leave an enquiry.

To learn how pressure vessel design is calculated, it’s important to understand what pressure is and what its effects on pressure vessels are. Pressure is defined as force per unit area, i.e.: (Pressure = Force/Area). So, for any given pressure, the larger the area, the larger the force will be. 

It’s impossible to imagine the oil and gas industries without pressure vessels such as steam drums, columns, knock out drums, separators, etc. The thermodynamic energy contained in a pressure vessel can be huge. This is why pressure vessel design calculations should be done with extremely high accuracy and precision.

Effects of Pressure

You have probably participated in a tug of war game where two teams pull on the opposite ends of a rope. It’s the same when we apply stress or tension to a metallic vessel by pulling it to different levels, the vessel under stress begins to elongate and deform. Pressure inside also subjects a vessel to stress. If a vessel is designed for a particular pressure and is exposed to higher pressures, it may result in catastrophic failure.

Designing for High Pressure

Ideally, all pressure vessels should be designed to withstand the maximum pressure that can be reached during normal operating conditions. However, in some cases, it may not be economically viable to do this. Vessels are typically designed for a particular pressure, which is calculated by adding a margin to the maximum operating pressure. A relief valve can be used to ensure that maximum operating pressure is not reached.

However, not all pressure vessels have relief valves. Centrifugal pumps, for instance, do not feature relief valves because they are designed to operate at the highest possible pressures whereas the associated vessels and piping are protected by a relief valve.

Pressure Terminology

1). Operating Pressure (OP)

The OP is the gauge pressure that exists inside a vessel during normal operation. 

2). Design Pressure (DP)

Design pressure is the pressure at the top of the vessel in its operating position. Design pressure is used to determine the minimum thickness of the vessel at Design Temperature. Design pressure is usually determined by the process engineer in close consultation with the pressure vessel mechanical engineer.

Designing for Low Pressure

Low pressure design takes into account the atmospheric pressure or external pressure that a vessel is subjected to in its operating position. Low pressure design is used to determine the minimum thickness of stiffening rings at the design temperature.

In low pressure vessels, the pressure is normally directed inward and comes from the atmosphere. Some processes that make use of low pressure vessels include:

• Pumping out without using vapour
• Steam side of heat vessels or exchangers with steam
• Components with a boiling point below 0 °C
• Processes where cool-down is expected

After pressure, it is important to understand the different terminologies related to temperature.

Temperature Terminology

1). Operating Temperature (OT)

This is the temperature that exists inside a vessel during normal operation.

2). Maximum Operating Temperature (MOT)

The MOT is the maximum equilibrium temperature of the contents of a vessel at the maximum operating pressure. If operational flexibility is required, the MOT is set higher than the OT, otherwise, they are equal.

3). Upper Design Temperature (UDT) or Maximum Design Temperature (MDT)

The Upper Design Temperature (UDT) is often referred to as the Maximum Design Temperature (MDT). The UDT is the highest temperature a vessel can handle at the lower and/or upper design pressure.

The design pressure and temperature are used as the foundation for pressure vessel design and are used together to calculate minimum wall thickness for pipes and vessels.

At Sherwood Design & Engineering Pty Ltd, we have been providing engineering design and support services to industries such as steelmaking, minerals processing, water treatment, food/pharmaceuticals, materials handling, and many others for more than 40 years.

We specialise in pressure vessel design and pressure vessel design verification, as well as plant engineering where design, plant layout and preparation of arrangement, fabrication and manufacturing drawings are required.

If you are looking for trustworthy and reliable pressure vessel engineering design and support services, please call us today on (02) 9437 3566 or leave an enquiry.

A pressure vessel is one of the most critical components in petrochemical and industrial process plants. In general, the term pressure vessel covers a wide variety of vessels ranging from separation vessels, columns, storage vessels, reactors, unit heat exchangers and many more. Because of the risks associated with pressure vessel failures and accidents, the production and operation of pressure vessels are governed by national legislation and/or standards. 

Pressure vessel design standards define how different pressure vessels should be designed, tested and inspected during production and operation. These standards also define when a vessel should be considered a pressure vessel. A minimum pressure rating (usually 5.104 N/m2) is used to differentiate pressure vessels from low-pressure tanks. Pressure vessels are designed to meet requirements specified by a team of mechanical engineers, thermodynamics engineers, and process engineers. 

Factors To Consider When Designing A Pressure Vessel

There are many factors that should be taken into consideration when designing pressure vessels for different applications. These factors can be divided into 3 main categories; operational, design and material considerations. Following are some of the operational considerations:

Operating Pressure

Both the normal operating pressure and the maximum maintained pressure need to be considered when designing a pressure vessel. Pressure vessel design standards define how the operating and maximum pressures are factored into the vessel design.

Fluid Conditions

Minimum and maximum fluid temperatures must be considered and factored into the overall pressure vessel design. Fluid chemical and physical properties will influence the choice of construction material. On the other hand, the specific gravity will influence support design.

External Loads

Loads to be considered include snow, wind, and local loads like connecting piping, screwed or welded connectors, and the weight of equipment supported by the vessel.

Transient Conditions

Some pressure vessels may require an evaluation of cyclic loads arising from acoustic, structural, temperature and pressure vibration loading.

Design Considerations

Next, the design considerations which encompass geometrical parameters must be defined. Most of these parameters are defined by the plant design team, while some are left to the discretion of the pressure vessel designer. Some key functional considerations to make when designing a pressure vessel include:

• Shape and size of the vessel
• Method of vessel support
• Size and location of attachments such as nozzle flanges and connectors

Material Considerations

After considering both operational and design factors, you can proceed with choosing a suitable material for construction based on the conclusions you have made. Some pressure vessel standards specific acceptable materials with appropriate design stresses and temperature ranges. When picking a material, it is important to make the following considerations:

• Creep strength at design temperature
• Ultimate tensile strength at room temperature
• Yield strength at design temperature

You can pick a suitable material based on the above material properties together with the insight of the following properties that affect production and operation of pressure vessels:

• Reduction and Elongation of material at fracture
• Notch toughness
• Embrittlement and aging under normal operating conditions
• Fatigue strength
• Availability

The scope of materials used for pressure vessels is vast and includes:

• Carbon steel (with less than 0.25% carbon)
• Carbon manganese steel (stronger than carbon steel)
• Low alloy steels
• High alloy steels
• Austenite stainless steels
• Non-ferrous materials (nickel, copper, and aluminium alloys)
• Heavy-duty bolting materials

Clad materials can also be used, but typically only the base material thickness should be used in design calculations. Also, proprietary materials can be used for unique applications by agreement between the buyer and designer, although regulatory authorities may require evidence of previous successful execution before approving the use of a specific material.

At Sherwood Design & Engineering Pty Ltd, we have been providing engineering design and support services to industries such as steelmaking, minerals processing, water treatment, food/pharmaceuticals, materials handling, and many others for more than 40 years.

We specialise in pressure vessel design and pressure vessel design verification, as well as plant engineering where design, plant layout and preparation of arrangement, fabrication and manufacturing drawings are required.

If you are looking for trustworthy and reliable pressure vessel engineering design and support services, please call us today on (02) 9437 3566 or leave an enquiry.

As a pressure vessel or tank manufacturer, it’s critical to work with experienced and certified experts who can deliver the projects on time and without a lot of inconveniences. This means that you have to find a reliable pressure vessel design and engineering support company that can effectively manage projects right from the concept stage all the way to the installation stage. The company should also provide inspection support for high-risk vessels that are used to store pressurised gases or liquids. 

The Stakes Are High

The most important thing to remember is that any mistake in pressure vessel design can cause serious safety hazards, which nobody wants. Any variations in pressure could cause cracks to form, leading to serious malfunctions and accidents. This is why it is mandatory for companies to follow specific regulatory codes and standards when designing, producing and operating these pressure vessels and ranks. While these standards are followed across Australia, they are also deemed necessary and crucial in many other countries across the world.

The design of pressure vessels varies based on the pressure requirements of different applications like nuclear reactor vessels, petrochemical plants, industrial compressed air receivers and many more. With that in mind, designing vessels specific to their application or use is essential and is often highly regulated by different authorities in the country. 

Pressure Vessel Design Services

Pressure Vessel Engineering Design ensures that the equipment produced operates safely at a specified temperature and pressure, commonly referred to as design temperature and pressure. Typically, manufacturers seek support from companies offering pressure vessel design services to ensure each design of the pressure vessel or storage tank is compliant with regulatory standards and meets the client’s requirements. 

Pressure Vessel Design Services are used by manufacturers who don’t want to operate an in-house design and engineering department with employees and a dedicated budget for it. Also, for manufacturers who don’t want to have a contract with a 3rd party engineering and design company to manage the design and production process, using pressure vessel design services can be extremely useful.

Virtual Testing

Apart from offering design support, pressure vessel engineering design companies also offer Virtual Testing services for pressure vessels as per relevant codes and standards. The companies make use of finite element evaluation tools such as ANSYS Mechanical to do deformation and stress studies on pressure vessel geometry. These simulated tests help to predict the behaviour of pressure ranks under high temperature and pressure of liquids and gases.

Benefits of Using Pressure Vessel Engineering Design Services

One of the main benefits of using a pressure vessel engineering design service is that it helps in identifying crucial design parameters prior to fabrication and prevents manufacturers from making costly design errors and mistakes. Also, it is possible to predict the lifecycle of pressure vessels and tanks through fatigue life estimation, thereby helping to determine the appropriate servicing schedules and warranties.

Choosing the right engineering and design support partner is crucial for a pressure vessel manufacturer. It’s critical that manufacturers pick partners that meet their specific needs. 

Pressure Vessel Design Services

Some of the most useful pressure vessel design services offered by pressure vessel engineering design companies include:

• Design verification of storage tanks and pressure vessels.
• Finite element analysis for structural strength and life estimation.
• Accurate drawings for floor space requirements.
• Making fabrication and manufacturing drawings.
• Pressure vessel design calculations based on industry-specific and country standards.
• Assistance with pressure vessel installations and inspections.

While pressure vessel design support firms usually offer their services to various industries such as power plants, cement manufacturers, oil and gas, food and beverage companies and many more, as a manufacturer, it is crucial to select a company that has adequate expertise and experience in your specific industry. This ensures that the support company is familiar with the industry-specific codes and standards that need to be followed.

At Sherwood Design & Engineering Pty Ltd, we have been providing engineering design and support services to industries such as steelmaking, minerals processing, water treatment, food/pharmaceuticals, materials handling, and many others for more than 40 years.

We specialise in pressure vessel design and pressure vessel design verification, as well as plant engineering where design, plant layout and preparation of arrangement, fabrication and manufacturing drawings are required.

If you are looking for trustworthy and reliable pressure vessel engineering design and support services, please call us today on (02) 9437 3566 or leave an enquiry.

 

Do you own any pressure vessels? If you do, you are required to register it with the relevant authorities (Ministry of Manpower) according to the legal guidelines and standards set out by Australian law. Failure to do so may leave you liable to pay hefty fines. 

Some good examples of commonly used pressure vessels include autoclaves, hot water boilers, accumulators, steam boilers, gas storage vessels, vacuum trucks, refrigeration equipment, fuel filters, pressure piping and air receivers used to store compressed air among others. 

If you are wondering what pressure vessel registration is, you have come to the right place. To help you understand what it is, this article will explore the following important questions: 

• What Is A Pressure Vessel?
• Why Do You Need To Register A Pressure Vessel?
• How To Register A Pressure Vessel

Read on to find out more about pressure vessel registration. 

What Is A Pressure Vessel?

To understand what pressure vessel registration is, you first need to understand what a pressure vessel is. In the simplest of terms, a pressure vessel is any vessel or container that is designed to be used in holding a liquid or gas (fluids) that is subjected to external or internal pressure. 

All interconnected components and parts, including gauges, valves and any other fittings extending to the first point of connection to the pipe-work in use are considered to be part of the pressure vessel.  

Why Do You Need To Register A Pressure Vessel?

If you own a pressure vessel, you must register it in accordance with the provisions set out by the Workplace Safety and Health Regulations. 

There are two main reasons why you need to register pressure vessels. The first one is to ensure that the equipment in question is safe to use. Using unregistered pressure equipment exposes users to unnecessary safety risks. 

The second reason why you must register pressure vessels is to avoid the hefty fines associated with non-compliance with the legal guidelines set forth by the law. 

How To Register A Pressure Vessel?

It is upon you, the owner, to register pressure vessels. The law requires you to contract an authorised examiner to inspect and register your pressure vessel(s). To facilitate the work of the examiner, the owner must provide the examiner with all the necessary registration documentation relating to the equipment in question. These documents must be retained until the pressure equipment is no longer in use.  

On their part, the work of the authorised examiner is to inspect and evaluate the vessel, furnish you with an examination report, have the vessel registered on your behalf, and where necessary, create a non-notifiable workplace to register the equipment. 

For clarity purposes, the law requires you to register air receivers, steam boilers, economisers, steam receivers, superheaters and refrigeration plant pressure receivers.

However, you are not legally required to register the following pressure vessels: 

• Pressure equipment designed to work under negative pressure or vacuum. 
• Steam boilers with a maximum working pressure below 0.5bar. 
• Refrigerating plant pressure receivers, steam receivers or air receivers designed for safe operation below 0.5bar, or whose product under safe operating conditions (including volume and pressure) is below 100 bar litres. 
• Pressure equipment that is only designed to process other substances such as chemicals, without steam, water or air – when utilised as a refrigerant. 

It is worth noting that even if your pressure vessel is exempted from registration, it still needs to comply with the regulations set forth under the Workplace Safety and Health Act. 

Final Thoughts

Registration of pressure vessels is mandatory. Owners of the equipment in question must engage an authorised examiner to perform the necessary inspection, testing and registration of their pressure vessels, to ensure compliance with the relevant legal guidelines. 

At Sherwood Design & Engineering Pty Ltd, we have been providing engineering design and support services to industries such as steelmaking, minerals processing, water treatment, food/pharmaceuticals, materials handling, and many others for more than 40 years.

We specialise in pressure vessel design and pressure vessel design verification, as well as plant engineering where design, plant layout and preparation of arrangement, fabrication and manufacturing drawings are required.

If you are looking for trustworthy and reliable pressure vessel engineering design and support services, please call us today on (02) 9437 3566 or leave an enquiry.

Pressure vessels are generally used in disciplines like mechanical engineering as well as practitioners in pipeline and risk engineering. In order to ensure safety, it is imperative that owners and operators ensure the integrity of any pressure vessels under design or operating conditions. In Australia, there are several national and international regulations that are required to be adhered to by owners, operators, and suppliers of pressure equipment.

Mandatory Regulation For Pressure Vessels

In Australia, it is required that both operators and suppliers of compressed air equipment must abide by specified legal requirements. AS4343 Australia Standard requires that pressure equipment with hazard levels of A, B, C, or D are registered with the relevant territory or state OHS Regulatory Body.

In order to confirm that the design complies with the Australian Standard AS1210 for internal pressure design, it is required to be verified by an independent verifying body as part of the registration process. The owner or operator may be required by the relevant OHS regulatory body to periodically renew the registration and to inform the OHS when the pressure vessel changes ownership or is relocated.

In-Service Inspection Of Pressure Equipment AS3788

Depending on the design, size, pressure, and hazard level of the equipment, a pressure vessel is required to be inspected every 2 years internally and every 4 years externally by a competent person in accordance with  Australian Standard AS3788.

Pressure Vessel Design

Our qualified engineers at Sherwood Design & Engineering can provide you with a pressure vessel design in accordance with Australian Standard AS1210 and sign off for Design Registration with the relevant Australian authorities. Our services include 3D design drafting and detailed, read- for- manufacture drawings. 

In addition, we will supply you with a calculation set and can obtain independent, 3rd party design verification on your behalf for the purpose of registering with the relevant authority.

Should you require a full design and manufacture service, we also work in collaboration with a number of extremely capable fabrication companies to provide a complete service.

We can also provide the services of an engineering inspector for the final sign-off of the required Item Registration in order to ensure that the pressure vessel is safe to put into service.

Design Verification

It is mandatory in Australia to register the design of a pressure vessel within a specific hazard level range with the relevant authority prior to putting it into service. In order to register the design, an independent third-party verifier must check and sign off on the design. 

Sherwood Design and Engineering offers a pressure vessel design verification service by fully qualified engineers to verify that the vessel complies with the relevant international standard. In addition, we will assist you in the required steps to get your pressure vessel into operation and apply to the relevant authority in NSW on your behalf for pressure vessel registration.

Mandatory Registration Of A Pressure Vessel Design

If your pressure vessel has been determined to fall under specific hazard levels it is mandatory to register with the relevant statutory authority in your state. The design verification and registration process involve a comparison to the design requirements of the relevant nominated international standard for design and operating conditions. 

By meeting the minimum stated requirements, it ensures that the pressure equipment has sufficient structural integrity required for in-service conditions. Design verification is more concerned with the safety of the equipment than its functionality.

There are a number of other national and international regulations that may impact owners, suppliers, and operators of compressed air vessels, but we hope this short guide has given you a better understanding of the regulations for the design and registration of air compression equipment in Australia. 

At Sherwood Design & Engineering Pty Ltd, we have been providing engineering design and support services to industries such as steelmaking, minerals processing, water treatment, food/pharmaceuticals, materials handling, and many others for more than 40 years. We specialise in pressure vessel design and pressure vessel design verification, as well as plant engineering where design, plant layout and preparation of arrangement, fabrication and manufacturing drawings are required.

If you are looking for trustworthy and reliable pressure vessel engineering design and support services, please call us today on (02) 9437 3566 or leave an enquiry.

Pressure vessels are containers that are built to hold gases, vapours, or liquids at high pressures, typically above 15 psig. Pressure vessels are commonly used in the chemical processing, pharmaceutical, brewing and petroleum refining industries as heat exchangers, boilers and storage tanks. Each vessel has its unique specifications and operating limits that are built-in by custom design and engineering often referred to as design temperature and design pressure. Exceeding these operating limits could damage the vessel or lead to catastrophic failure and loss of containment.

Industry Standards And Practices

Because they work under immense pressure, a faulty, leaking or ruptured pressure vessel can be extremely dangerous, causing potentially lethal gas/chemical leaks and even massive explosions. It is because of this that pressure vessel engineering must be done with utmost care and perfection. There are specific standards and industry best practices that guide the designing, construction, maintenance, and inspection of pressure vessels. Some of the key standards that all pressure vessels must adhere to include:

• API 510- The API 510 is a standard that governs In-Service alteration, repair, rating and inspection of pressure vessels. 
• ASME VIII – This is a pressure vessel and boiler code that offers detailed requirements for the design, construction, testing, inspection and approval of various types of pressure vessels.

Pressure Vessel Engineering

There are 2 main approaches in pressure vessel engineering; engineering by code and engineering by analysis.

A pressure vessel can be engineered based on the formula and rules specified in the standards. Engineering by code allows you to build a vessel that is safe to work under the required design temperature and design pressure. More recent in pressure vessel construction is engineering by analysis. Engineering by analysis is used where the specifications or structure of a vessel are not covered by the available standards and design codes.

Pressure Vessel Engineers

Pressure vessel engineers are the professionals tasked with the designing, fabrication, testing, repair, maintenance and inspection of pressure vessels. They are the only people who are qualified and approved to undertake this highly technical work due to its sensitive nature. Pressure vessel engineers have experience in building pressure vessels that follow the relevant codes and standards. They also have the necessary skill set to offer sound advice on pressure vessel engineering based on analysis.

Many people in the pressure vessel industry consider the design standards and codes to be advisory, meaning various accommodations can be made in cases where the codes and standards simply do not apply. When an engineer wants to push the limits imposed by the design codes, the engineering by analysis approach is considered the best because it offers more accurate stress-testing results.

The different stress parameters, such as bending stress intensity, and membrane stress intensity or bending stress, can be assessed more precisely and accurately when an engineering by analysis approach is used in pressure vessel construction.

Engineering by Analysis Is Taking Over

Engineering by analysis is gradually overtaking the more conventional approach of pressure vessel construction which tends to lean more towards following rules rather than providing efficiency, safety and durability. More demanding designs in terms of safety and reliability together with the cost of production are the main factors that have contributed to this gradual advancement in pressure vessel engineering techniques.

Many customers and industry stakeholders are now calling for a review of the existing pressure vessel design codes and standards in order to provide a wide framework for pressure vessel engineers and designs. Although strict adherence to applicable codes and standards cannot be ignored, engineering by analysis should not be completely ruled out because of all the amazing benefits this approach has to offer.

At Sherwood Design & Engineering Pty Ltd, we have been providing engineering design and support services to industries such as steelmaking, minerals processing, water treatment, food/pharmaceuticals, materials handling, and many others for more than 40 years.

We specialise in pressure vessel design and pressure vessel design verification, as well as plant engineering where design, plant layout and preparation of arrangement, fabrication and manufacturing drawings are required.

If you are looking for trustworthy and reliable pressure vessel engineering design and support services, please call us today on (02) 9437 3566 or leave an enquiry.

Although there are many sectors and industries that use stainless steel pressure vessels on a day to day basis, there are many people who still do not understand how pressure vessels work, as well as their importance in various applications. Pressure vessels are usually one of the largest components that many pieces of equipment required to function correctly. 

Pressure vessels are specially designed to store liquids and gases in a safe and secure manner. The use of pressure vessels has become standard among many homes and businesses. Professional engineering design services understand the importance of using proper design when building pressure vessels in order to prevent accidents from taking place. 

Where Are Pressure Vessels Used?

Pressure vessels were initially used in industries like mining and nuclear reactors. Over the years, their use has expanded to include many other sectors and industries. Currently, pressure vessels are used by ordinary people in activities like distillation and heating water. Pressure vessels are capable of storing liquefied gas in a safe, convenient and reliable manner. They are also used in storing and disposing of unstable substances and chemicals like LPG, ammonia and propane.

Pressure Vessel Design

When most people think of pressure vessels, they imagine large metal cylindrical tanks. While this may be the most popular pressure vessel design and shape, it is not the only one. There are many other acceptable shapes and form factors like cones and spheres. Of all other form factors, many professionals agree that a sphere is most reliable. Unfortunately, many designers and manufacturers claim that this design is both costly and difficult to implement. Consequently, consumers are forced to settle for cylindrical pressure vessels.

Components Of A Pressure Vessel

Pressure vessels have varying parts depending on the contents housed inside. Many vessels are custom-made for a specific purpose or use like storing butane. In most instances, people have to buy or build a pressure vessel to hold one type of substance or material. There are laws that govern how pressure vessels should be designed and built in order to meet various safety guidelines. Using wrong designs, materials or construction methods can cause spills, leakages and dangerous blasts that can injure people or cause damage to property.

Codes And Regulations

If you are looking for a pressure vessel for your home or business, there are several things to consider before acquiring it. There are specific laws and guidelines that vary from country to country that govern the making and operation of pressure vessels. The most important thing to keep in mind is the specific code that a vessel must adhere to depending on its contents and application. Getting advice from a professional inspector is mandatory when applying for a permit or renewing one. This process is very crucial to prevent accidents and protect both people and the environment.

Importance Of Pressure Vessel Inspection

Pressure vessels need to be regularly inspected to ensure optimal performance and safety. Usually, in the event of failure, pressure vessels release a huge amount of energy and content. There can be catastrophic consequences like the vessel throwing high-speed projectiles or a massive shockwave of its contents. Pressure vessels and storage tanks fall under different categories based on their threat. Any sort of failure in design or construction can endanger the lives of employees. Failure can also lead to deadly and poisonous substances escaping into the environment resulting in toxic contamination.

Failure to undertake regular inspections can have severe consequences. Using poor designs and materials when building pressure vessels can have fatal results. Pressure vessel design must adhere to the set rules and guidelines imposed by regulatory bodies in your state and country. Often, states have very strict rules governing the building, sale and operation of pressure vessels.

At Sherwood Design & Engineering Pty Ltd, we have been providing engineering design and support services to industries such as steelmaking, minerals processing, water treatment, food/pharmaceuticals, materials handling, and many others for more than 40 years.

We specialise in pressure vessel design and pressure vessel design verification, as well as plant engineering where design, plant layout and preparation of arrangement, fabrication and manufacturing drawings are required.

If you are looking for trustworthy and reliable pressure vessel engineering design and support services, please call us today on (02) 9437 3566 or leave an enquiry.

Most people have never heard of a pressure vessel design engineer, let alone know what they do. So we are going to change that situation right now! 

In short, the job of a pressure vessel design engineer is to create the designs and specifications for tanks that store gasses or liquids under high pressure. Pressure vessels are used in many industries, including aerospace, oil & gas production, petrochemical processing plants, chemical manufacturing facilities and more. 

Now that we have that out of the way, if you’d like to learn in more detail what a pressure vessel design engineer does, please feel free to continue reading our article below!

What Is A Pressure Vessel Design Engineer?

A pressure vessel design engineer is an individual who specialises in the creation of various vessels, such as air tanks and hot water heaters. They are responsible for designing them to ensure that they can withstand higher pressures than standard containers while still maintaining their shape so that they won’t leak or rupture under pressure.

A pressure vessel design engineer is always on the go. They are responsible for everything from designing and building machines that pump fluids into a tank, ensuring gas tanks have enough pressure in them so they don’t explode, and making sure pipes carry water without bursting under high-pressure situations. Their job is never over!

The Role Of A Pressure Vessel Design Engineer

There are many roles that a pressure vessel design engineer typically performs. Some of these roles include the following:

1). Design Pressure Vessels For A Variety Of Industries

Of course, this is one of the most basic roles of a pressure vessel design engineer. Pressure vessel design engineers are responsible for designing vessels that can withstand intense pressure in a variety of industries. In the world of high-pressure engineering, it’s a challenge to design pressure vessels that will withstand an immense amount of force. 

You need to be careful about how you build these vessels because they must work within very strict guidelines and specifications. With their creativity and expertise, pressure vessel design engineers make sure all customers receive safe products with which they can operate in any environment or industry.

2). Ensure The Quality Of All Manufactured Components Is Up-To-Date

In the ever-changing world of manufacturing, a pressure vessel design engineer is always on the lookout for new technologies that can be used in their work. Whether it’s software or hardware, they know how to ensure all manufactured components are up-to-date and meet industry standards. With that, a pressure vessel design engineer is tasked with ensuring that all manufactured components meet the latest standards in safety, efficiency, and quality. 

3). Working With Engineers, Designers And Technicians 

A pressure vessel design engineer is responsible for collaborating with engineers, designers and technicians to create the best possible product. Some of these professionals may also be involved in drafting or testing new equipment before it is put to use. The engineer must be able to balance other people’s needs with their own in order to ensure that every aspect of a project has been considered.

4). Utilise Computer-Aided Design Software That Meets Industry Standards

Engineers in the pressure vessel design field use high-tech computer programs to create new, innovative designs that meet industry standards. The process of designing these vessels requires extensive knowledge and skill, as well as a team that communicates openly about each facet of their work simultaneously. 

This is done in order to avoid any miscommunication or mistakes. Engineers are in charge of everything from selecting and optimising material, risk assessments for complex projects, developing manufacturing processes, and more!

5). Test And Improve Manufacturing Processes And Product Designs

The role of the pressure vessel designer is critical for advancing innovation, from developing new prototypes to testing innovative manufacturing methods that can be used by engineers across all industries today. 

With that, the pressure vessel design engineer analyses the production process from start to finish including materials procurement, machining procedures, assembly techniques etc. They will also be tasked to test processes and products for efficiency as well as making modifications where necessary, taking into account any safety issues that arise during this period of time.

Summary

Pressure vessel design engineers are responsible for designing the structure and components that makeup pressure vessels. They use proven engineering principles to create designs that will not only be safe but also cost-effective. 

Engineers who work in this field are often tasked with reducing the risk of accidents occurring when a pressure vessel is being used or transported by ensuring they have been designed correctly. To accomplish their goals, these professionals must first understand what pressures should be allowed within each container type as well as how much weight it can withstand before breaking down under strain from exterior forces such as gravity, wind resistance and various levels of impact.

At Sherwood Design & Engineering Pty Ltd, we have been providing engineering design and support services to industries such as steelmaking, minerals processing, water treatment, food/pharmaceuticals, materials handling, and many others for more than 40 years.

We specialise in pressure vessel design and pressure vessel design verification, as well as plant engineering where design, plant layout and preparation of arrangement, fabrication and manufacturing drawings are required.

If you are looking for trustworthy and reliable pressure vessel engineering design and support services, please call us today on (02) 9437 3566 or leave an enquiry.