UK pressure regulations

[engineermum]

I have a reactor on a chemical plant which does not come under the UK pressure systems regulations as it is not pressurised. However, as it is a multipurpose vessel, it is possible to apply cooling water, glycol or hot water to the jacket. Does anyone know whether the hot water configuration falls within the scope of PSSR? The hot water is pumped at more than 0.5barg, but would not boil on release, so does it qualify as a "relevant fluid"?

 

[DSB123]

If it's over 0.5 Barg then the PED applies!!!

 

[mbt22]

"Vessels designed to contain liquids with a gas pressure above the liquid of not more than 0,5 bar" are exempt from PED (article 1, para 3.21), but pessure systems safety regulations does cover hot water being pumped at above its atmospheric boiling point (UK HSE PSSR approved code of practice) It also talks about accidental pressurisation.

I'd want to be very confident that there's no way of pressurising a gas filled vessel (for example closing an outlet valve on an empty jacket and starting your water pump). There is not enough information in your description to offer advice either way.

In either case you need to be able to robustly document how you've decided that it is in/out of scope, so I'd suggest retaining a suitably qualified/experienced engineer as your 'competent person'.

Matt

 

[engineermum]

Thank you. I had come to the conclusion that it was not included but was not confident in the decision. Reminding me to consider accidental pressurisation is most helpful.