At what pressure does a pressure vessel require a PE?

[SaturnVI]

Greetings:

I'm working on a project that involves a large vacuum box that will be operating at a gauge pressure of 13 psi (so the pressure is on the external structure). Does this require a PE to sign off on the design? Are there any specific ASME or ANSI codes I should be aware of? Thanks

 

[metengr]

SaturnVI;
First, I would check the local building codes where this large vacuum box will be installed.

A licensed PE may be required to satisfy local building codes and/or permits.

Re; Design Code. Look at ASME Section VIII, Div 1 in Appendix 13, Section 13-14 for guidance.

 

[jte]

Just clarifying a bit: While a PE may be required based on local jurisdictional requirements, and VIII-1 is a good design and fabrication code for the component, no PE requirements exist in ASME VIII Div. 1.

jt

 

[jte]

To answer the question posed in the subject line... if a vessel is fabricated to ASME VIII Div. 1, there is no limitation on pressure. However, U-1(d) points out that at pressures above 3000 psi, extra effort is required. By the time a design pressure exceeds a few thousand psi, however, it is often more economical to use Div. 2 or 3. Each of those Divisions would require a PE or equivalent to be involved in the design.

jt

 

[JStephen]

State engineering rules may enter into it as well. Generally, a shop-fabricated vessel would be treated like any other manufactured item, and would be exempt from the licensing requirements. The customer/owner could still require it, though.