Re Rating used vessel 2

[sksmechanical]

We have a client that has a vessel that is not code stamped and has been in service for some years. They are switching the service on the vessel and now want it to be stamped. Is this allowed considering all documentation and calculations will be provided?

 

[rustbuster]

It should be as long as the calculations are acceptable to the code and jurisdiction.

 

[metengr]

It cannot be ASME code stamped, period. Most likely, you will need to have the Jurisdiction or regulatory body or insurer decide on some type of special disposition for use (in the US most states call them state specials). The reason this vessel cannot be stamped by a construction code in the USA is because it was not originally built to one.

 

[sksmechanical]

So for the state of Texas (Houston area) I should maybe contact HSB (Hartford Steam Boiler) and speak with someone about this issue?

 

[metengr]

I know that Texas does not regulate pressure vessels. So, unless you have deep pockets to absorb a loss from failure of a vessel, yes, I would contact your equipment insurer (if it is HSB) and run this by them. I know several of their code guys (very knowledgeable folks) and most likely they would offer the same advice as I provided. You will need to confirm materials of construction, perform NDT (surface and volumetric) and pressure test, in addition to calculations to show it is acceptably designed to some pressure vessel code of construction.

 

[sksmechanical]

So in other words, perform the actions to re rate it being as thorough as possible but it won't be able to have the code stamp correct?

 

[metengr]

Correct. For re-rating this vessel you need to use either the National Board Inspection Code or API 510. These are in-service inspection, repair and alteration codes exactly for this type of application.

 

[sksmechanical]

Sweet! Thanks for the info gentlemen.

 

[bernoullies123]

Just a note that a code stamp doesn't mean it wasn't designed and built to to code including probably ASME.

Many PV manufacturers around the world will quote vessels to ASME but not code stamped. I will request the code stamp for the additional $2500 per vessel. Other jurisdictions around the world get the warm and fuzzy with the code stamp so well worth the additional cost.

 

[MJCronin]

These people also had a non-code stamped pressure vessel that was moved between states and deployed in a new service:

http://www.csb.gov/investigations/detail.aspx?SID=39&Type=2&pg=1&F_All=y

They had one heck of a time when the old vessel failed and rocketed through thier facility destroying equipment. If a nearby anhydous ammonia tank had been damaged, many could have been killed....

Bottom line; IMHO only properly sized and functioning pressure relief systems and well as a proper HAZOP analysis can ensure pressure vessel safety...

 

[sksmechanical]

One more quick verification: If no repairs or alterations are done to the vessel but only inspections and calculations are made, an 'R' stamp is still required correct?

 

[metengr]

If there is no alteration or repairs to this vessel, there is no R stamp. Please do not get confused with what a construction code stamp means and what an in-service repair/alteration stamp means. Two very different concepts.

 

[GenB]

sks, you do not need any stamps to calculate and inspect the vessel,
approvals or permits to operate may not or probably you will never get by most Jurisdictions in the US.
State Specials depends on each State you apply, In California I now that about 95-99% of the applications are rejected.

 

[stanweld]

sksmechanical,
Your vessel may have a "Texas Special" identification number. If so, notify the State (Chief Boiler Inspector's office)to obtain documents if you do not already have them.