Pressure Vessel is a container designed to hold gases or liquids at a pressure substantially different from the ambient pressure. Pressure Vessels are containers which are designed to hold liquids or gases at high pressures, usually above 15 psig.
Pressure Vessel Design involves parameters such as maximum safe operating pressure and temperature, safety factor, corrosion allowance and minimum design temperature (for brittle fracture). Construction is tested using nondestructive testing, such as ultrasonic testing, radiography, and pressure tests. Hydrostatic tests use water, but pneumatic tests use air or another gas. Hydrostatic testing is preferred, because it is a safer method, as much less energy is released if a fracture occurs during the test.
Types of Pressure Vessel according to use
Storage Vessels
Heat Exchangers
Process Vessels
Types of Pressure Vessel according to orientation
Horizontal pressure vessel
Vertical pressure vessel
Main components of pressure vessel
Shell
Head
Nozzle
Support