ASME SECTION VIII DIV.1 SCOPE

[PumpTech81]

A manufacturer has given me ASME Sect. VIII Div.1 calculations for some small atmospheric tanks (between 1 and 3 cubic meters). Is there any sense in accepting these calculations? I know that ASME Section VIII Div 1 applies to vessels having and internal pressure of 15psi and above.

 

[metengr]

You can accept the calcs. Some vessel owner/users on occasion request atmospheric tanks to be designed and fabricated using ASME Section VIII, Div 1 rules. The tanks can be stamped if the owner/user pays for this, otherwise they would be exempt from stamping/AI involvement under the Scope.

 

[Duwe6]

API does not address horizontal tanks, and the UL and Steel Tank Codes leave me with concerns. I would engineer a horizontal tank to 'Sect VIII. Might also engineer a vertical low-pressure API-620-style tank to Sect VIII.

 

[rmw]

I once worked for a mfg'r that made low pressure seawater desalination equipment. Rarely did we encounter any pressure over 15 psig and most of what we did was well into the vacuum range. But we always designed to ASME Sec VIII. We didn't stamp, but we could have had it been required.

The purpose was two fold. One was a pure sales gimmick so the sales staff could state that our stuff was built heck for stout (we had a clientele to which that would matter) and the other was that within the same department we did do stuff that was guaranteed Section 8 (and some was "N" stamp) and it kept the skills well honed.

rmw

 

[qcrobert]

<<<API does not address horizontal tanks, and the UL and Steel Tank Codes leave me with concerns. I would engineer a horizontal tank to 'Sect VIII. Might also engineer a vertical low-pressure API-620-style tank to Sect VIII.>>>


Euwe6,
API 620 covers both vertical and horizontal above ground tanks.

 

[Duwe6]

Beg to differ.

API-620 11th Ed, 1.2.5 "Although the rules in this standard do not cover horizontal tanks . . ."

Thus, yes the horiz tank may be initially engineered in the style of 620, 620 provides no means of addressing bending stress. This is a huge concern on a thin [low-pressure] horiz tank. Therefore, there is a LOT of engineering that is not provided for in 620 to give an adequate design. Sect VIII Div 1 is 'rules driven', thus very little engineering is required for critical elements. Just follow the rules.

 

[qcrobert]

I agree with you Duwe6 in that; "Although the rules in this standard do not cover horizontal tanks, the are not intended to preclude the application of appropriate portions to the design and construction of horizontal tanks designed in accordance with goood engineering practice. The details for horizontal tanks not covered by these rules shall be equally as safe as the design and construction details provided for the tank shapes that are expressly covered in this standard."