Pressure vessels are crucial equipment in various industries, including chemical, food processing, oil and gas, petrochemical, and power generation. You must select the right material for a pressure vessel to ensure its reliability and safety. With so many materials available, choosing the most suitable material for your pressure vessel can be challenging.
You need to consider the operating conditions of the pressure vessel, the corrosion resistance, and the mechanical properties of the material in question. Whether you are a design engineer or plant manager, understanding the material selection process is critical to ensuring long-term performance and safety.
What is a pressure vessel?
A pressure vessel is a leak-proof closed container designed to hold gases or liquids at a pressure significantly higher or lower than ambient pressure. This may include autoclaves, compressed gas cylinders, heat exchangers, pressure storage tanks, and process vessels.
The material selected for the pressure vessel should be strong enough to withstand operating conditions and prevent the vessel from exploding. There are strict codes like ASME VIII regulating the design and fabrication standards to ensure the integrity of the vessel under different operating conditions.
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Understanding the requirements.
Selecting the appropriate material for a pressure vessel hinges on a thorough comprehension of its operational environment. This initial phase establishes the fundamental requirements that the chosen material must satisfy. Key factors to consider include:
Pressure and temperature
The vessel must possess strength and ductility to withstand design pressure and have adequate factors of safety factored in for transient pressure spikes. Maximum operating pressure is generally specified in MPA (megapascals) or PSI (pounds per square inch).
Temperature also plays an important role in material selection. You need to account for thermal expansion at elevated temperatures. Materials can become brittle at high temperatures, causing them to weaken, deform, and fail. Conversely, low temperatures can lead to embrittlement.
Fluid and gases:
The material of construction (MOC) is crucial and should be able to store the intended fluid or gas without degrading over time. The corrosion resistance property is critical and will depend largely on the contained fluid or gas. E.g. if the pressure vessel stores something corrosive like Chlorine may require reinforced Stainless Steel SS. Conversely, Carbon Steel CS is suitable for storing inert gases like Nitrogen.
Desired features
There are applications where certain material qualities become important. e.g. applications where weight is important consider Aluminium. However, nickel alloys or high-alloy steels may be suitable where corrosion resistance material is paramount.
Safety standards
Pressure vessels must comply with established safety standards and codes. These regulations govern the design, fabrication, certification, inspection, and testing of fired and unfired pressure vessels. Common pressure vessel codes include ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) in the United States and AD Merkblätter (Pressure Equipment Directives) in Europe.
For India, BIS IS 2825: 1969(R2017): Code for unfired pressure vessels and Indian Boiler Regulations provide guidelines for fired pressure vessels.
Moreover, thorough analysis and testing, including mechanical testing, corrosion testing, and non-destructive examination (NDE), are essential to validate material performance and compliance with design specifications.
Top 5 Materials used in pressure vessels
| Material | Benefits | Disadvantages | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel CS ASTM A53, CS ASTM A 516 is available in four grades 55, 60, 65, and 70, ASTM A537 and ASTM A285 | Cost-effective and readily available High strength Resists melting, cracking, and deformation Handles high pressures Recyclable | Susceptible to corrosion Requiring coatings or specific environments Limited temperature range for high-pressure applications | Fuel storage Oil & gas Mining Paper & pulp industries |
| Stainless Steel SS grades for SS304, Grade 316, 317L, and 303 | Excellent resistance to corrosion, high and low temperatures, and high pressures Easy to clean and maintains high purity. | Higher cost when compared to CS. Heavier than some of the other material options. Welding SS is complex and requires expertise to ensure weld quality is maintained May be unsuitable for high-temperature applications. | Food & beverage Pharmaceutical Energy Chemical Cosmetics Brewery Dairy industries |
| Nickle Alloys Monel (excellent corrosion resistance to various acids and alkalis), Hastelloy C (resistant to chlorine and chloride-containing environments), Inconel (high-temperature applications) | Superior resistance to corrosion, oxidation, and carburization Handles high temperatures Protects vessel and contents from thermal expansion Various options for specific needs (Monel, Hastelloy, Inconel, etc.) | High cost Fabricating some alloys may be challenging | Fertilizer Chemical Fine chemical industries |
| Titanium Commercially Pure (Grade 2), Grade 7 (higher strength) | High strength-to-weight ratio Exceptional corrosion resistance Biocompatible (suitable for applications involving living tissues) Maintains structural integrity at high temperatures Tensile strength ranging from 30,000 psi to 200,000 psi (210–1380 MPa) | High cost Limited availability in certain shapes and sizes. | Energy Chemical Oil & gas Pharmaceutical (specific Biocompatible applications) |
| AluminiumEN AW 5083 H-111, | High tensile strength between 70 and 700 MPa Cost effective Easier to machine than SS. Has a larger coefficient of expansion compared to other metals | Lower melting point than steel. Unsuitable for high-temperature applications. Corrosive in some environments, | High tensile strength between 70 and 700 MPa Cost-effective Easier to machine than SS. Has a larger coefficient of expansion compared to other metals |
Top Pressure vessel vendors on the Venwiz platform
Exolloys Engineering Pvt. Ltd.
Exolloys Engineering Pvt. Ltd. is a leading provider of pressure vessels and other fabrication services. They offer pressure vessels, heat exchangers, storage tanks, process skids, and custom-engineered solutions focusing on quality and customer satisfaction. They cater to diverse sectors such as energy, chemical processing, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.
Shreeji Engineers & Consultants
Shreeji Engineers & Consultants is a trusted provider of pressure vessels and related solutions, serving diverse industries. With over two decades of experience, they specialize in designing, manufacturing, and supplying agitators, reactors, heat exchangers, and pressure vessels. From distillation columns to storage tanks, their comprehensive product range caters to the needs of industries like power, energy, pharmaceuticals, and more.
Karadani Engineering
Karadani Engineering Pvt. Ltd., headquartered in Ahmedabad, is an ISO 9001:2015 certified entity. Specializing in the design, manufacture, installation, and supply of industrial equipment, they excel in delivering chemical reactors, jacketed reaction vessels, storage tanks, pressure vessels, mixing tanks, air receiver tanks, condensers, and resin plants.
Key customers include Reliance, L&T, and Cadila Pharma, attesting to their expertise and commitment to excellence.
Venwiz Optimizing Your Capex Project: Sourcing Pressure Vessels with Ease
Pressure vessels are critical components in many industrial operations, and their procurement can be complicated. Fortunately, there’s a way to simplify this task and ensure you get the best value. Here’s how Venwiz can streamline your pressure vessel procurement for your capex project:
- Verified Network: Our platform connects you with over 400 pre-vetted pressure vessel suppliers across India, ensuring qualified options. Use our filters to shortlist perfect vendors.
- Streamlined Sourcing: Specify your requirements and receive multiple competitive quotes within 2 weeks for efficient decision-making. We help you make PQR for each quote to ensure you receive relevant quotations.
- Transparent Pricing: Venwiz fosters transparency, allowing you to compare quotes and secure the best value for your capex budget.
Visit our website for more information or Contact us: contact@venwiz.com
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