Pressure vessel is a container designed to hold gases or liquids at a pressure substantially different from the ambient pressure. These vessels are essential in industries that require the storage or processing of fluids under high pressure, such as in chemical, petrochemical, oil and gas, power generation, and food processing industries.
Key Characteristics of Pressure Vessels:
- Design Pressure: The maximum pressure at which the vessel is designed to operate safely. This is an important specification in the design process.
- Design Temperature: The range of temperatures at which the pressure vessel is designed to operate. Temperature changes can affect the material strength and performance.
- Thickness and Materials: The vessel’s material and thickness are critical for ensuring it can withstand the internal pressure and external environment. Common materials include carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy steels.
- Shape: Pressure vessels are typically cylindrical, spherical, or a combination of shapes. Spherical pressure vessels are the most efficient in terms of structural strength, while cylindrical vessels are more common due to ease of construction and use.
- Heads: The ends of the pressure vessel. These may be hemispherical, elliptical, or flat, depending on the design and application.
- Shell: The main body of the pressure vessel that holds the fluid under pressure.
- Nozzles: The openings for fluid inlets, outlets, or for instrumentation connections.
Types of Pressure Vessels:
- Vertical Pressure Vessels:
- Horizontal Pressure Vessels:
- Spherical Pressure Vessels:
- Reactor Pressure Vessels:
- Storage Vessels:
