ASME Section X - Metal Reinforced Vessel?

[092961]

I am looking at using a metal strap reinforced FRP pipe in a pressure vessel application but need to qualify the vessel to ASME Section X code. Although as an FRP vessel I feel it should fall under the "jurisdiction" of Section X, the pipe has ductile metal (steel) straps imbedded in the FRP that add to the hoop strenght. My concern is whether ASME would "recognize" this as an FRP vessel under the jurisdiction of Section X given it is internally reinforced with steel straps. Note that the steel straps are fully encased within the FRP inner and outer wraps. Any Section X experts out there willing to provide input?

 

[eliebl]

I am far from an expert but would there be disbonding problems with the interface between the resin and the steel? In my past experience that was the reason to avoid using steel inserts wherever possible because of the vastly different coefficients of expansion. There is one resin which is made specifically for the bonding of steel to FRP but I believe it quite costly and do not believe it would make economic sense to increase the costs of the resin so that you can concievably use less reinforcing.

You should probably get the client and the jurisdiction of installation involved. I do not know of an applicable code of construction other than ASME X. In theory you would only be substituting the steel properties for the fibre properties for the applicable volume fraction. This may be beyond the underlying assumptions which were made when the code was developed.

Good Luck.
EJL

 

[092961]

This technology is used for pipelines and undergoes rigorous cycle and burst testing per ASTM D1598, D1599 and D2143. I don't have a concern for the ability of the vessel to withstand the pressure, but I do wonder whether ASME will "recognize" the vessel as falling under the jurisdiction of Section X.