Large diameter (10+m), High Pressure (10+ bar) Steel Vessels

[graduatequestions]

Is it possible to design high pressure, high diameter steel vessels?

I know nuovo pignone do some really high pressure vessels with diameters up to 8m but they are all very long.

What sort of size are nuclear containments? Can you resist circa 10+bar pressure & temperature with welding?

I'm a structural engineer but this is a matter of interest to me - any recommended reading?

 

[TGS4]

Would you do a little bit better job defining "high pressure".

10 bar is only 145 psig. Peanuts in the pressure vessel industry. If you're talking about 3000 psig and higher (206+ bar), that's starting to get into the "high pressure"

Also, what's "high temperature" to you? So long as you stay away from creep, there are many welded materials that work just fine.

It really becomes an issue of cost (doesn't it always?).

TO make things really interesting, you need to look at the GEN V nuclear reactor work. This stuff is hot (1800°F) AND high pressure (more than 2000 psig). The nuclear guys say that it's very efficient with low spent fuel problems. The current research is on materials that will withstand that...

 

[vpl]

Is this work related, general information, or homework?


Patricia Lougheed

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[graduatequestions]

Self inflicted homework really - I am hoping to have the opportunity to get involved in some pressure vessel design down the line.

I spent some time looking at nuclear containment design, I can follow the old style prestressed concrete design but I dont really know much about steel pressure vessels so just trying to read up and get my head around it all.

 

[JStephen]

My experience is that the fundamental principles are quick and easy, and the devil is in the details. But yes, vessels of those sizes can and have been designed and built.