Does this require ASME Section VIII certification?

[nstec1]

We are looking to purchase a new press to mold wheels. From a pressure vessel standpoint, the basic concept is that multiple wheels are stacked up, with tooling plates in between them. The wheel/tooling stack is then compressed in a hydraulic press and the inner cavity is filled with steam. As far as the ASME pressure vessel criteria go, all dimensions of the inner cavity would be much greater than 6" and the steam pressure would be much greater than 15 psig. But since it is not one permanently fastened "vessel" but rather several parts stacked and pressed together, would it require any ASME Section VIII certification?

 

[TGS4]

Where are you located in the world, and what do the laws of your jurisdiction say? That's what matters.

 

[SnTMan]

And perhaps ask of the press vendor...

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

 

[JStephen]

I don't know that you could certify if you wanted to, actually. But I'd say not, falls under equipment, etc., not a vessel. (Note that hydraulic cylinders, engine cylinders, pumps, numerous other areas are pressurized but are not vessels).

 

[nstec1]

TGS4 - We are in America and this is what our state says about pressure vessel certification requirements:

OBJECTS SUBJECT TO RULES FOR CONSTRUCTION AND STAMPING

[li]All boilers/pressure vessels, except the following:[/li]

[li]Boilers and pressure vessels under the control of the US government.[/li]​

[li]Fire engine boilers brought into the state for temporary use in times of emergency.[/li]​

[li]Boilers and pressure vessels located on producing oil and gas leases or storage areas outside the limits of any municipality, used solely for oil and gas production purposes.[/li]​

[li]Hot-water supply boilers which are directly fired with oil, gas, electricity, or solar energy and equipped with safety relief valves approved by the National Board and ASME, if none of the following limitations is exceeded:[/li]​

[li]Heat input of 200,000 BTU per hour;[/li]​

[li]Water temperature of 210°F;[/li]​

[li]Nominal water capacity of 85 gallons or 120 gallons for an electric utility generating plant.[/li]​

[li]Pressure vessels constructed and installed prior to January 1, 1999.[/li]​

SnTMan - The press supplier is located overseas and they are actually the ones who raised the ASME certification concern to us. They have supplied us with very similar presses in the past, but this one would have a relatively large volume of pressurized steam which is why they raised the concern.

JStephen - I was thinking the same thing.

 

[RVAmeche]

I assume the press vendor will call out a maximum steam pressure and your steam system will be below that pressure or feature a regulator & PSV or similar arrangement. I would think this would be classified as equipment but you may want to contact your state for clarification, they're usually pretty helpful in my experience.

 

[JStephen]

My thinking- you don't need the exemption because it's not a vessel in the first place.
Other examples- firearms, bicycle pumps, pneumatic tires.

 

[KevinNZ]

Do the state regulations have definition of a pressure vessel?