Requirements for a heat exchanger to be a pressure vessel?

[Tech236]

Hello all,

Where can I look to find the requirements for a steam and water heat exchanger, in order for it to be classified as a pressure vessel? In other words, at what temperature, size, and pressure does the vessel have to operate for it to require an ASME information plate?

 

[fegenbush]

Generally speaking, once you reach 15 psig on either the tube or shell side, it would be considered a pressure vessel per ASME Section VIII Division 1.

 

[ASMEQC]

Tech236
Have a look at ASME Section VIII Div 1. The introduction (U-1, U-2) in the front of the book will answer all of your questions.

 

[SnTMan]

Also the jurisdiction where installed may have a say.

http://www.nationalboard.org/ViewAllSynopses.aspx

Regards,

Mike

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

 

[HPsteam]

As far as I remember, local ordinances govern whether a vessel needs to be ASME stamped. Section VIII starts covering vessels from 15 psig. This does not mean that every vessel above 15 psig has to be certified. If city/county/state/country does not mandate for every new pressure vessel to be certified, it does not have to be no matter the design conditions. This also goes in the opposite direction. Just because your vessel's design is below 15 psig , it could be designed according to the Code. Not sure about stamping it, but i think that it can be stamped as well.

Of course, the decision on whether to certify vessel when it is not required i$ brought down by management which u$ually re$pond$ in rather predictable way...