Every once in a while we come across process vessels that are operating well above 15 psi and yet the vessel has no recognized design criteria and is far from being an ASME “coded vessel”. Most of the time the client is happy we discovered this, but there are those who will always challenge the RAGAGEP mentality. So it often comes down to the “show me” syndrome and like usual I go to my favorite place… State Fire Codes. Depending on which state you are in, the state fire code has some baseline pressure vessel requirements.
First, use this State Adoption Cheat Sheet to see if your state has adopted the International Mechanical Code (IMC) as well as what year of the IMC your state has adopted. If your in one of the 46 states that have adopted the IMC, most have done so statewide and some have done so in local jurisdictions, then your state requires the following in regards to pressure vessels, which are defined as:
PRESSURE VESSELS. Closed containers, tanks or vessels that are designed to contain liquids or gasses, or both, under pressure.
Before I get into the baseline requirements, it is only right to mention the vessels that are exempted from these requirements. These vessels that are more likely to be impacted by SAFTENG readers are:
- Unfired pressure vessels having a volume of 5 cubic feet (0.14 m3) or less operating at pressures not exceeding 250 pounds per square inch (psi) (1724 kPa) and located within occupancies of Groups B, F, H, M, R, S, and U.
- Pressure vessels used in refrigeration systems that are regulated by Chapter 11 of the 2012 IMC.
- Any boiler or pressure vessel subject to inspection by federal or state inspectors (e.g. state pressure vessel inspection programs)
SECTION 1003 PRESSURE VESSELS
1003.1 General.
All pressure vessels shall be in accordance with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, shall bear the label of an approved agency and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
1003.2 Piping.
All piping materials, fittings, joints, connections and devices associated with systems utilized in conjunction with pressure vessels shall be designed for the specific application and shall be approved.
1003.3 Welding.
Welding on pressure vessels shall be performed by approved welders in compliance with nationally recognized standards.
SECTION 1006 SAFETY AND PRESSURE RELIEF VALVES AND CONTROLS
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1006.3 Pressure relief for pressure vessels.
All pressure vessels shall be protected with a pressure relief valve or pressure- limiting device as required by the manufacturer’s installation instructions for the pressure vessel.
1006.4 Approval of safety and safety relief valves.
Safety and safety relief valves shall be listed and labeled, and shall have a minimum rated capacity of the equipment or appliances served. Safety and safety relief valves shall be set at a maximum of the nameplate pressure rating of the boiler or pressure vessel.
1006.5 Installation.
Safety or relief valves shall be installed directly into the safety or relief valve opening on the boiler or pressure vessel. Valves shall not be located on either side of a safety or relief valve connection. The relief valve shall discharge by gravity.
1006.6 Safety and relief valve discharge.
Safety and relief valve discharge pipes shall be of rigid pipe that is approved for the temperature of the system. The discharge pipe shall be the same diameter as the safety or relief valve outlet. Safety and relief valves shall not discharge so as to be a hazard, a potential cause of damage or otherwise a nuisance. High-pressure steam safety valves shall be vented to the outside of the structure. Where a low-pressure safety valve or a relief valve discharges to the drainage system, the installation shall conform to the International Plumbing Code.
SECTION 1011 TESTS
1011.1 Tests.
Upon completion of the assembly and installation of boilers and pressure vessels, acceptance tests shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Where field assembly of pressure vessels or boilers is required, a copy of the completed U-1 Manufacturer’s Data Report required by the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code shall be submitted to the code official.
1011.2 Test gauges.
An indicating test gauge shall be connected directly to the boiler or pressure vessel where it is visible to the operator throughout the duration of the test. The pressure gauge scale shall be graduated over a range of not less than one and one-half times and not greater than four times the maximum test pressure. All gauges utilized for testing shall be calibrated and certified by the test operator.