Pressure vessels?

[cuppajoe]

I want to know if membrane stacks are considered pressure vessel per ASME? These stacks are made of alternating layers of polymer membranes, plastic gaskets, and metal plates held together with long bolts, and are typically used in electrolysis and electrodialysis. Assume the volume and pressure (<15 psig) exemptions don't apply here. In case of excess pressure, the gaskets would fail first and the stack would leak instead of explode. Any thoughts?

 

[MJCronin]

This question has been asked many. many times on eng-tips .. I suggest a vigorous search of posts

Generally speaking, the limit of scope of that venerable grandfather, ASME Code Sec VIII Div 1 are

- Maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP)greater than 15 psi
- Inside diameter greater than 152 mm
- Excludes piping or piping component
- Excludes rotating or reciprocating Equipment
- Excludes Water PressureVessel up to 300psi or 210°F
- Excludes the scope of other ASME Sections
- Includesr gas fired double shell heat exchangers < 50 psi
- Excludes Steam Boilers with direct firing
- Excludes Vessels intended for Human Occupancy (PVHO)

Now, there also exist a seperate code document for fiber reinforced vessels: BPVC Section X-Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Pressure Vessels (latest is BPVC-X - 2021)... But I am not sure if this applies to you

This might help a bit ...

https://www.nationalboard.org/index.aspx?pageID=164&ID=246

MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer

 

[SnTMan]

cuppajoe, your construction sounds similar to a plate and frame HX, addresssed in Appendix 45. Having said that, I doubt your construction fits neatly within the same.

Your question might be better addessed at a jurisdictional level, or perhaps with the owner's insurance company...

Regards,

Mike

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