5 Gallon Paint Pot - Looks like a pressure vessel?

[handleman]

Possibly a dumb question but: I just purchased a 5 gallon paint spray pot (

http://www.tcpglobal.com/TCP-PT8361.html?sc=120&category=2665695#.W8TEn2hKhhE).

It's definitely over 6", and definitely more than 15psi operating pressure. Therefore, as far as I understand, it's a pressure vessel, right? I guess I was just a bit naive, but I thought you couldn't sell a pressure vessel that's not stamped. Is there some sort of exemption that I'm missing, or is OSHA going to fine us up the wazoo if I actually put this thing into use? How the heck can they sell something that's not legal for its purpose?

 

[JStephen]

Perhaps it falls under the piping components exemption? "serve such purposes as mixing, separating, snubbing, distributing, and metering"

 

[MintJulep]

Compare to

http://www.graco.com/us/en/products/finishing/aluminum-non-asme-pressur-tanks.html

which explicitly states "Non ASME".

So there seems an exemption, but for what?

 

[EdStainless]

These are common in painting applications. I have seen them used when painting large outdoor structures. In some cases the painting is happening 70-100' up in the air, so yes the pressure is higher.
I believe that these are considered part of a distribution system so ASME doesn't apply.
That said, the person that I would ask is my insurance loss prevention specialist.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
P.E. Metallurgy, Plymouth Tube

 

[SnTMan]

Then there is this:

The problem with sloppy work is that the supply FAR EXCEEDS the demand

 

[berkshire]

You need to check local laws, some states will allow non ASME air compressor tanks and pressure pots for non commercial use.
Other states require all, pressure vessels be built to code. Some companies build small compressors in two versions one with a non code tank, and for more money, the same compressor on an ASME tank. The same goes for pressure pots.
B.E.

You are judged not by what you know, but by what you can do.

 

[chicopee]

Past ASME codes on unfired pressure vessels exempted pressurized containers 5 cu ft or less in size as long as the pressure was under 250 psig. Double check if still current.

 

[berkshire]

That link on handlemans post, had TCP global following me for two days until I cleaned my cookie cache out.
B.E.

You are judged not by what you know, but by what you can do.

 

[JStephen]

I sent an inquiry in to OSHA via their website, and got an email with a disclaimer that it doesn't count as an official interpretation. But the response was "OSHA regulates the safety and health of employees in the workplace. OSHA does not have a specific rule regarding this issue. Perhaps you can contact the ASME pressure vessel code board with your question."

 

[chicopee]

so if the 5gallon paint pot blows up and maims some workers, OSHA will cite the employer under the general duty clause eventho. ASME does not appear to provide code guideline for the object under discussion.