ASME pressure vessel

 So, there’s been a lot of talk in certain circles in recent years about ASME compliance, and an urgency from authorities for businesses to be sure that they have ASME compliant manufacturers. When designing a reactor, or really anything where intense pressures are involved, the use of an ASME pressure vessel is of tantamount importance. But, why? Well, today, were going to talk a little bit about the dangers of pressure vessels, reactors, and what the ASME organization does to prevent unneeded loss of lives.

Remember, you can only justifiably worry about your bottom line so far, and when lives aren’t being valued as much is your money, that means your ethics have gone out the window.

What is the ASME?

The ASME is an American institution established by and run by authorities in engineering. The ASME sets standards for materials, construction and substances being contained by pressure vessels. They ensure that the right materials are used to contain the right substances, and that construction is done to very specific standards to ensure the safety of people and property alike.

It is not illegal to manufacture pressure vessels without ASME standard compliance, nor is it illegal to sell or purchase them, though most OSHA inspectors will be rather vehement in shutting you down if you aren’t compliant. It’s only a matter of time before is flat-out illegal to manufacture, sell or purchase non-ASME compliant vessels in the United States, and similar organizations are prerequisite in other countries.

What are the dangers?

So, what are the dangers if you don’t go with an ASME pressure vessel? What sort of disasters will an ASME code manufacturer prevent? It should really be sufficient to state that they build to very strict safety codes, quality codes and chemical codes, but let’s make this a little more real and solid for you. Obviously, pressure vessels are containing something under, you guessed it, high pressure!

When poor materials are used, the structural integrity of the pressure vessel can fluctuate, resulting in surprised he compressions that can kill people. Remember, the shell will be shrapnel, and the rapidly-expanding contents will be like an explosion without the incendiary element.

The use of the wrong materials to contain the wrong substances can result in corrosion, leading to, yet again, decompression.

For construction to account for thermal expansion, as varying temperatures cause the shelter expand or contract can also result in weakening that leads to, what’s our favorite word now? Decompression. It can also result in gradual leaks which, and a contain environment, can result in people becoming very ill.

How do I know if my manufacturer is ASME compliant?

For companies that comply, this is actually a source of pride, and their website them brochures will be very quick to point it out. If you are unsure, you can simply ask them, and if they try to avoid the question, in any way, they aren’t compliant. Don’t try to save money by skipping out on ASME compliance, money can be replaced, and lives cannot.