Pressure vessels are containers designed to hold gases or liquids at a pressure significantly different from the ambient pressure. They are widely used in various industries, including oil and gas, chemical processing, power generation, and manufacturing. Here's an overview of key details related to pressure vessels:

Types of Pressure Vessels:

• Storage Tanks: Used for storing gases or liquids at high pressures, often seen in industries like petrochemicals and fuel storage.
• Heat Exchangers: Transfer heat between two or more fluids, crucial in power plants and chemical processes.
• Boilers: Used in power plants to generate steam for electricity production.
• Reactors: Used in chemical industries for carrying out chemical reactions under high pressure.

Design and Construction:

• Materials: Commonly used materials include carbon steel, stainless steel, and other alloy steels. The material choice depends on factors like the type of fluid, operating temperature, and pressure.
• Shapes: Pressure vessels are typically cylindrical, spherical, or conical. Cylindrical vessels are most common due to ease of construction and strength.
• Thickness: The thickness of the vessel walls is determined by the internal pressure, material strength, and safety considerations.

Fabrication Process:

• Cutting: The material is cut into required shapes and sizes using plasma cutting, laser cutting, or other methods.
• Forming: The cut pieces are formed into the required shapes using processes like rolling or forging.
• Welding: The formed sections are welded together using methods such as TIG, MIG, or submerged arc welding.
• Post-Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT): Applied to relieve residual stresses in the welds.

Inspection and Testing:

• Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Includes ultrasonic testing, radiography, and dye penetrant inspection to check for defects.
• Hydrostatic Testing: The vessel is filled with water and pressurized to check for leaks and structural integrity.
• Pneumatic Testing: Involves filling the vessel with air or gas to test for leaks under pressure.

Applications:

• Oil and Gas Industry: Used for storage and processing of oil, gas, and other hydrocarbons.
• Chemical Industry: Used in reactors, separators, and storage tanks for handling chemicals at high pressures.
• Power Generation: Boilers and heat exchangers in power plants.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: Used in autoclaves and reactors for sterilization and chemical reactions.

Safety Considerations:

• Overpressure Protection: Pressure relief valves, rupture discs, and safety interlocks are used to prevent overpressure conditions.
• Corrosion Resistance: Proper material selection and protective coatings are essential to prevent corrosion, which can lead to failure.
• Regular Inspections: Routine inspections are mandated to ensure the vessel's integrity and safe operation over time.