Section 7 Construction

7.1.1 Pressure vessels are to be so made that the internal surfaces may be examined. Wherever practicable, the openings for this purpose are to be sufficiently large for access and for cleaning the inner surfaces.

7.1.2 Manholes in cylindrical shells should preferably have their shorter axes arranged longitudinally.

7.1.3 Doors for manholes and sightholes are to be formed from steel plate or other approved construction, and all jointing surfaces are to be machined.

7.1.4 Doors of the internal type are to be provided with spigots which have a clearance of not more than 1,5 mm all round, i.e. the axes of the opening are not to exceed those of the door by more than 3 mm. The width of the gasket seat is not to be less than 16 mm.

7.1.5 Doors of the internal type for openings not larger than 230 x 180 mm need be fitted with only one stud, which may be forged integral with the door. Doors for openings larger than 230 mm x 180 mm are to be fitted with two studs or bolts. The strength of the attachment to the door is not to be less than the strength of the stud or bolt.

7.1.6 The crossbars or dogs for doors are to be of steel.

7.1.7 External circular flat cover plates are to be in accordance with a recognized standard.

7.2.1 For typical acceptable types of attachment for dished ends to cylindrical shells, see Figure 9.7.1 Typical attachments of dished ends to cylindrical shells. Types (d) and (e) are to be made a tight fit in the cylindrical shell.

Figure 9.7.1 Typical attachments of dished ends to cylindrical shells

7.2.2 Where the difference in thickness is the same throughout the circumference, the thicker plate is to be reduced in thickness by machining to a taper for a distance not less than four times the offset, so that the two plates are of equal thickness at the position of the circumferential weld. A parallel portion may be provided between the end of the taper and the weld edge preparation; alternatively, if so desired, the width of the weld may be included as part of the smooth taper of the thicker plate.

7.2.3 The thickness of the plates at the position of the circumferential weld is to be not less than that of an unpierced cylindrical shell of seamless or welded construction, whichever is applicable, of the same diameter and material, see Pt 5, Ch 9, 3.1 Minimum thickness.

7.3.1 Unless the actual thickness of the shell or end is at least twice that required by calculation for a seamless shell or end, whichever is applicable, doubling plates with well rounded corners are to be fitted in way of attachments such as lifting lugs, supporting brackets and feet, to minimize load concentrations on pressure shells and ends. Compensating plates, pads, brackets and supporting feet are to be bedded closely to the surface before being welded, and are to be provided with a ‘tell-tale’ hole not greater than 9,5 mm in diameter, open to the atmosphere to provide for the release of entrapped air during heat treatment of the vessel, or as a means of indicating any leakage during hydraulic testing and in service, see Pt 5, Ch 14 Requirements for Fusion Welding of Pressure Vessels and Piping.

7.3.2 For acceptable methods of attaching standpipes, branches, compensating plates and pads, see Figure 9.7.2 Typical acceptable methods of attaching branches and pads. Alternative methods of attachment may be accepted provided details are submitted for consideration.

Figure 9.7.2 Typical acceptable methods of attaching branches and pads

7.3.3 Where fillet welds are used to attach standpipes or set-in pads, there are to be equal sized welds both inside and outside the vessel, see Figure 9.7.2 Typical acceptable methods of attaching branches and pads(a) and (l). The leg length of each of the fillet welds is to be not less than 1,4 times the actual thickness of the thinner of the parts being joined.

7.4.1 Flanges may be cut from plates or may be forged or cast. Hubbed flanges are not to be machined from plate. Flanges are to be attached to branches by welding. Alternative methods of flange attachment will be subject to special consideration.

7.4.2 The types of welded-on flanges are to be suitable for the pressure, temperature and service for which the branches are intended.

7.4.3 Flange attachments and pressure-temperature ratings in accordance with materials and design of recognized standards will be accepted.

7.4.4 Typical examples of welded-on flange connections are shown in Figure 9.7.3 Typical examples of welded flange connections(a) to (f). Types (c) and (e), however, are not to be used for pipes having a bore of less than 75 mm.

Figure 9.7.3 Typical examples of welded flange connections

7.4.5 Welded-on flanges are not to be a tight fit on the branch. The maximum clearance between the bore of the flange and the outside diameter of the branch is to be 3 mm at any point, and the sum of the diametrically opposite clearances is not to exceed 5 mm.

7.4.6 Where butt welds are employed in the attachment of flange type (a), or in the construction of standpipes or branch pieces, the adjacent pieces are to be matched at the bores. This may be effected by drifting, roller expanding or machining, provided the pipe wall is not reduced below the designed thickness. If the parts to be joined differ in wall thickness, the thicker wall is to be gradually tapered to that of the thinner at the butt joint.

7.4.7 Welding may be carried out by means of the shielded metal arc, inert gas metal arc, oxy-acetylene or other approved process, but in general, oxy-acetylene welding is suitable only for flange type (a) and is not to be applied to branches exceeding 100 mm diameter or 9,5 mm thick. The welding is to be carried out in accordance with the appropriate paragraphs of Pt 5, Ch 14 Requirements for Fusion Welding of Pressure Vessels and Piping.