Pressure equipment such as boilers, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, pressure piping, and associated safety equipment are widely used in many industries (e.g., hydrocarbon processing, chemical, power, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing). Pressure vessels and piping store energy and potentially hazardous fluids and thus have inherent safety risks. Pressure equipment designs are performed in compliance with applicable Regulations, Codes, and Standards and follow sound engineering practices to ensure structural integrity and safeguard public safety. The design covers material selection, stress analysis, fabrication, testing, inspection, operation and failure analysis, codes, standards, and regulations.
Regulations dictate the standards to be applied and refer to specific codes and standards. Failure to comply not only jeopardizes the safety and the environment but also carries penalties such as fines and possibly imprisonment. The International Boiler and Pressure Vessel (BPV) Code and the B31 Piping Codes establish rules of safety governing the design, fabrication, and inspection of boilers, pressure vessels, and piping during construction. The objective of the rules is to provide a margin for deterioration in service. Advancements in design and material and the evidence of experience are constantly being added