Pressure Vessel Handbook: Fourteenth Edition
Pressure Vessel Handbook: Fourteenth Edition
HANDBOOK
Fourteenth Edition
Foreword by
Paul Buthod
Professor of Chemical Engineering
University of Tulsa
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Eugene E Megyesy
PV PUBLISHING, INC.
P.O. Box 57380 ® Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112
Phone: 405-842-7772 • Fax: 405-840-0003
Copyright© 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1986,
1989, 1992, 1995, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2008
by PV Publishing, Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form
without written permission of the publisher.
It reflects the latest revisions included, in the 2007 ASME Code, Section
VIII, Div. 1 - Section II, Part D, ASCE Standard 7-02
The latest editions of Specifications, Standards, Codes.
Disclaimer
Engineers who design equipment for the chemical process industry are
sooner or later confronted with the design of pressure vessels and mounting
requirements for them. This is very often a frustrating experience for
anyone who has not kept up with current literature in the field of code
requirements and design equations.
First. he must familiarize himself with the latest version of the applicable
code. Then, he must search the literature for techniques used in design to
meet these codes. Finally, he must select material properties and
dimensional data from various handbooks and company catalogs for use in
the design equations.
Mr. Megyesy has recognized this problem. - For several years, he has been
accumulating data on code requirements and calculation methods. He has
been presenting this information first in the form of his "Calculation Form
Sheets" and now has put it all together in one place in the Pressure Vessel
Handbook.
I believe that this fills a real need in the pressure vessel industry and that
readers will find it extremely useful
Praise for Previous Editions of the Pressure Vessel Handbook
“Design engineers should find it invaluable for quick reference for most of
their pressure vessel problems.”
NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL
“A very useful reference work.”
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
“The design information has proven most useful as reference material for
our newer engineers as well as the older individuals in our organization.”
THE RALPH M. PARSONS COMPANY
“I’d. like to take this time to tell you I think your book is one of the most
useful and practical aids I have ever encountered, in pressure vessel
design.”
TOLAN MACHINERY COMPANY, INC.
PREFACE
This reference book is prepared for the purpose of making formulas,
technical data, design, and construction methods readily available for the
designer, detailer, layout-person and others dealing with pressure vessels.
Individuals in this industry often have difficulty finding the required data
and solutions, these being scattered throughout extensive literature or
advanced studies. The author's aim was to bring together all of the above
material under one cover and present it in a convenient form.
The design procedures and formulas of the ASM'E Code for Pressure
Vessels, Section VIII Division I have been utilized, as well as, those
generally accepted sources which are not covered by this Code. From
among the- alternative - construction methods described by the Code; the
author has selected those which are most frequently used in practice.
In order to provide the greatest serviceability with this Handbook, rarely
occurring loadings, special construction methods have been excluded from
this handbook. For the same reason, this Handbook deals only with vessels
constructed from ferrous material by welding, since the vast majority of the
pressure vessels are in this category.
A large part of this book was taken from the works of others, with some of
the material placed in different arrangement, and some unchanged.
The author wishes to acknowledge his indebtedness to Professor Sandor
Kalinszky, Janos Bodor, Laszlo Felegyhazy and Jozsef Gyorfi for their
material and valuable suggestions, to the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers and to the publishers, who generously permitted the author to
include material from their publications.
The author wishes also to thank all those who helped to improve this new
edition by their suggestions and corrections.
Suggestions and criticism concerning some errors which may remain in
spite of all precautions shall be greatly appreciated. They contribute to the
further improvement of this Handbook.
Eugene F. Megyesy
Differences Between the ASME Code and the Pressure Vessel Handbook
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers The Handbook covers design and construction
set up ' a Committee in 1911 for the purpose of methods of pressure vessels:
formulating standard rules for the construction of
steam boilers and other pressure vessels that will
perform in a safe and reliable manner. 1. made of carbon steel,
2. made by welding,
3. applying construction methods and details
The Code comprises these rules. which are the most economical and practical,
which are in accordance with the Code rules,
Its scope includes vessels: and thus generally followed by the industry.
1. made of nonferrous materials, cast Ron, high The vast majority of the pressure vessels today
alloy and carbon steel, fall into this category.
2. made by welding, forging, bracing, and
3. applying a wide variety of construction,
methods and details. For construction rules and details which are
excluded from the scope of the Hand- book,
references are made to the applicable Code
It includes all vessels where the question of safety paragraphs to avoid neglecting them.
is concerned.
The Code -as it is stated in paragraph U-2(g), Details of design and construction not covered by
"does not contain rules to cover all details of the Code are offered by the Handbook including:
design ' and construction ..." Design of tall towers, wind load, earthquake,
vibration, eccentric load, elastic stability,
"Where details are not given, it is intended that the deflection, combination of stresses, nozzle loads,
Manufacturer ... shall provide details of design reaction of supports, lugs, saddles, and
and construction." rectangular tanks.
"The Code is not a handbook." "It is not intended The aim of this Handbook is to be easily handled
that this Section be used as a design handbook" as and consulted. Tables, charts eliminate the
it is stated in. the Foreword of the Code. necessity of calculations, Geometry, layout of
vessels, piping codes, API storage tanks, standard
appurtenances, painting of steel surfaces,
weights, measurements, conversion tables,
literature, definitions, specification for vessels,
design of steel structures, center of gravity,
design of welded joints, bolted connections,
boiler and pressure vessel laws, chemical resis-
tance of metals, volumes, and surfaces of vessels,
provide ' good serviceability.
The updated and revised Code is published in The Handbook is updated and revised in three
three years intervals. Addenda, which also in- years intervals, reflecting the changes of Code
clude revisions to the Code, are published annu- rules, new developments in the design and con-
ally. Revisions and additions become mandatory struction method, and includes the revisions of its
six (6) months after the date of issuance, except sources.
for boilers and pressure vessels contracted for
prior to the end of the 6 month period. (Code
Foreword)
THE ASME CODE
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division 1
An internationally recognized Code published by
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
PRESSURE VESSEL - is a containment of solid, liquid or gaseous material
under internal or external pressure, capable of withstanding also various other
loadings.
BOILER - is a part of a steam generator in which water is converted into steam
under pressure.
RULES OF DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION - Boiler explosions around the
turn of the century made apparent the need for rules governing the design and
construction of vessels. The first ASME Code 'was published in 1914.
ISSUE TIME - The updated and revised Code is published in three years
intervals (2001 and so on). Addenda, which also include revisions to the Code,
are published annually. Revisions and additions become mandatory 6 months
after the date of issuance, except for boilers and pressure vessels contracted for
prior to the end of the 6 month period. (Code Foreword)
SCOPE OF THE CODE - The rules of this Division have been formulated on
the basis of design principles and construction practices applicable to vessels
designed for pressures not exceeding 3000 psi. Code U-l(d)
Vessels, which are not included in the scope of this Division but, meet all
applicable requirements of this Division may be stamped with the Code U
Symbol.
Code U 1-(c)(2)
THE DESIGN METHOD - The Code rules concerning design of pressure parts
are based on the maximum stress theory, i.e., elastic failure in a ductile metal
vessel occurs when the maximum tensile stress becomes equal to the yield
strength of the material.
OTHER COUNTRIES' Codes deviate from each other considerably, mainly
because of differences in the basic allowable design stresses. The ASME Code's
regulations may be considered to be at midway between conservative and
unconservative design.
COMPUTER PROGRAMS - Designers and engineers using computer
programs for design or analysis are cautioned that they are responsible for all
technical assumptions inherent in the programs they use and they are solely
responsible for the application, of these programs to their design. (Code,
Foreword)
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION NOT COVERED - This Division of the
Code does not contain rules to cover all details of design and construction.
Where complete details are not given, it is intended that the Manufacturer shall
provide details which will be as safe as those provided by the rules of this
Division.
Code U-2(g)
CONTENTS
2007 EDITION
STRESSES IN PRESSURE VESSELS
Pressure vessels are subject to various loadings, which exert stresses of different
intensities in the vessel components. The category and intensity of stresses are
the function of the nature of loadings, the geometry and construction of the
vessel components.
Uniform internal or external pressure induces in the longitudinal seam two times
larger unit stress than in the circumferential seam because of the geometry of the
cylinder.
A vessel under external pressure, when other forces (wind, earthquake, etc.) are
not factors, must be designed to resist the circumferential buckling only. The
Code provides the method of design to- meet this requirement. When other
loadings are present, these combined loadings may govern and heavier plate will
be required than the plate which was satisfactory to resist the circumferential
buckling only.
The compressive stress due to external pressure and tensile stress due to internal
pressure shall be determined by the formulas:
FORMULAS
CIRCUMFERENTIAL LONGITUDINAL
JOINT JOINT
𝑃∙𝐷 𝑃∙𝐷
𝑆 = 𝑆 =
4𝑡 2𝑡
NOTATION
D = Mean diameter of vessel, inches
P = Internal or external pressure, psi
S1 = Longitudinal stress, psi
S2 = Circumferential (hoop) stress psi
t = Thickness of shell, corrosion allowance excluded,
inches
EXAMPLE
Given
𝑃𝐷 15 ⋅ 96
D = 96 inches 𝑆 = = = 1440𝑝𝑠𝑖
P = 15 psi 4𝑡 4 ⋅ 0.25
t = 0.25 inches
𝑃𝐷 15 ⋅ 96
𝑆 = = = 2880𝑝𝑠𝑖
2𝑡 4 ⋅ 0.25
For towers under internal pressure and wind load, the critical height above which
compressive stress governs can be approximated by the formula:
𝐻= where H = Critical height of tower, ft.
INTERNAL PRESSURE
1. OPERATING PRESSURE
The pressure which is required for the process, served by the vessel, at which the
vessel is normally operated.
2. DESIGN PRESSURE
The pressure used in the design of a vessel. It is recommended to design a vessel
and its parts for a higher pressure than the operating pressure. A design pressure
higher than the operating pressure with 30 psi or 10 percent, whichever is the
greater, will satisfy this requirement. The pressure of the fluid and other contents
of the vessel should also be taken into consideration. See tables on page 17' for
pressure of fluid.
3. M AXIMUM ALLOWABLE WORKING PRESSURE
The internal pressure at which the weakest element of the vessel is loaded to the
ultimate permissible point, when the vessel is assumed to be:
a) in corroded condition
b) under the effect of a designated temperature
c) in normal operating position at the top
d) under the effect of other loadings (wind load, external pressure, hydrostatic
pressure, etc.) which are additive to the internal pressure.
When calculations are not made, the design pressure may be used as the maximum
allowable working pressure (MA WP) code 3-2.
A common practice followed by many users and manufacturers of pressure vessels
is to limit the maximum allowable working pressure by the head or shell, not by
small elements as flanges, openings, etc.
See tables on page29 for maximum allowable pressure for flanges.
See tables on page 142 for maximum allowable pressure for pipes.
The term, maximum allowable pressure, new and cold, is used very often. It means
the pressure at which the weakest element of the vessel is loaded to the ultimate
permissible point, when the vessel:
a) is not corroded (new)
b) the temperature does not affect its strength (room temperature) (cold) and the
other conditions (c and d above) also need not to be taken into consideration.
4. HYDROSTATIC TEST PRESSURE
At least 1.3 times the maximum allowable working pressure or the design pressure
to be marked on the vessel when calculations are not. made to determine the
maximum allowable working pressure.
If the stress value of the vessel material at the design temperature is less than at
the test temperature, the hydrostatic test pressure should be increased
proportionally.
Hydrostatic test shall be conducted after all fabrication has been completed
In. this case, the test pressure shall be:
𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑆 𝑎𝑡 𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒
𝑃 = 1.5 ∙ 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 ∙
𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑆 𝑎𝑡 𝐷𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑔𝑛 𝑇𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒
Vessels where the maximum allowable working pressure limited by the flanges,
shall be tested at a pressure shown in the following table:
Primary Service
150 lb 300 lb 400 lb 600 lb 900 lb 1500 lb 2500 lb
Pressure Rating
Hydrostatic Shell Test
425 1100 1450 2175 3250 5400 9000
Pressure psi
Hydrostatic test of multi-chamber vessels: Code UG-99 (e)
A Pneumatic test may be used in. lieu of a hydrostatic test per Code UG-100
Proof tests to establish maximum allowable working pressure when the strength
of any part of the vessel cannot be computed with satisfactory assurance of safety,
prescribed in Code UG-101.
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE STRESS VALUES
The maximum allowable tensile stress values permitted for different materials are
given in table on page 191. The maximum allowable compressive stress to be used
in the design of cylindrical shells subjected to loading that produce longitudinal
compressive stress in the shell shall be determined according to Code par. UG-23
b, c & d
JOINT EFFICIENCY
The efficiency of different types of welded joints are given in table on page 172.
The efficiency of seamless heads is tabulated on page 178.
The following pages contain formulas used to compute the required wall thickness
and the maximum allowable working pressure for the most frequently used types
of shell and head. The formulas of cylindrical shell are given for the longitudinal
seam, since usually this governs.
The stress in the girth seam will govern only when the circumferential joint
efficiency is less than one-half the longitudinal joint efficiency, or when besides
the internal pressure additional loadings (wind load, reaction of saddles) are
causing longitudinal bending or tension. The reason for it is that the stress arising
in the girth seam pound per square inch is one-half of the stress in the longitudinal
seam.
The formulas for the girth seam accordingly:
𝑡= 𝑃=
. .
PRESSURE OF FLUID STATIC ' HEAD
The fluid in the vessel exerts pressure on the vessel wall. The intensity of the
pressure when the fluid is at rest is equal in all directions on the sides or at bottom
of the vessel and is due to the height of the fluid above the point at which the
pressure is considered.
The static head when applicable shall be added to the design pressure of the vessel.
The tables below when applicable shall be added to- the design pressure of the
water.
To find the pressure for any other fluids than water, the given in the tables shall
be multiplied with the specific gravity of the fluid in consideration.
Pressure in Pounds per Square Inch for Different Heads of Water
Head
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
feet
0 0.43 0.87 1.30 1.73 2.17 2.60 3.03 3.46 3.90
10 4.33 4.76 5.20 5.63 6.06 6.50 6.93 7.36 7.79 8.23
20 8.66 9.09 9.53 9.96 10.39 10.83 11.26 11.69 12.12 12.56
30 12.99 13.42 13.86 14.29 14.72 15.16 15.59 16.02 16.45 16.89
40 17.32 17.75 18.19 18.62 19.05 19.49 19.92 20.35 20.78 21.22
50 21.65 22.08 22.52 22.95 23.38 23.82 24.25 24.68 25.11 25.55
60 25.98 26.41 26.85 27.28 27.71 28.15 28.58 29.01 29.44 29.88
70 30.31 30.74 31.18 31.61 32.04 32.48 32.91 33.34 33.77 34.21
80 34.64 35.07 35.51 35.94 36.37 36.81 37.24 37.67 38.10 38.54
90 38.97 39.40 39.84 40.27 40.70 41.14 41.57 42.00 42.43 42.87
Note: One foot of water at 62° Fahrenheit equals 0.433 pounds pressure per square inch, to find the
pressure per square inch for any feet head not given in the table above, multiply the feet times 0.433.
Pressure 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Pounds
0 2.3 4.6 6.9 9.2 11.5 13.9 16.2 18.5 20.8
10 23.1 25.4 27.7 30.0 32.3 34.6 36.9 39.3 41.6 43.9
20 46.2 48.5 50.8 53.1 55.4 57.7 60.0 62.4 64.7 67.0
30 69.3 71.6 73.9 76.2 78.5 80.8 83.1 85.4 87.8 90.1
40 92.4 94.7 97.0 99.3 101.6 103.9 106.2 108.5 110.8 113.2
50 115.5 117.8 120.1 122.4 124.7 127.0 129.3; 131.6 133.9 136.3
60 138.6 140.9 143.2 145.5 147.8 150.1 152.4 154.7 157.0 159.3
70 161.7 164.0 166.3 168.6 170.9 173.2 175.5 177.8 180.1 182.4
80 184.8 187.1 189.4 191.7 194.0 196.3 198.6 200.9 203.2 205.5
90 207.9 210.2 212.5 214.8 217.1 219.4 221.7 224.0 226.3 228.6
Note: One pound of pressure per square inch of water equals 2.309 feet of water at 62° Fahrenheit.
Therefore, to find the feet head of water for any pressure not given in the table above, multiply the
pressure pounds per square inch by 2.309.
INTERNAL PRESSURE
FORMULAS IN TERMS OF INSIDE DIMENSIONS
NOTATION:
P = Design pressure or maximum E = Joint efficiency, page 172
allowable working pressure psi R = Inside radius, inches
S = Stress value of material psi. D = Inside diameter, inches
page 119 t = Wall thickness, inches
C.A.= Corrosion allowance inches
PR 2 SEt
t P
2 SE 0.2 P R 0.2t
D t Where the ratio of the major and minor axis is other than
h = D/4 2:1, see Code 1-4 (d).
When t/D < 0.002, the rules of 1-4 (f) shall be met.
EXAMPLES
DESIGN DATA: E = 1.00, joint efficiency of seamless
P = 100 psi design pressure heads
S = 20,000 psi stress value of SA 515-70 R = 48 inches inside radius*
plate @ 500°f D = 96 inches inside diameter*
E = 0.85, efficiency of spot-examined t = required wall thickness, inches
joints of shell and hemispherical head C.A. = 0.125 in. corrosion allowance
to shell * in corroded condition greater with
the corrosion allowance.
SEE DESIGN DATA ABOVE SEE DESIGN DATA ABOVE
(standard)
SHORT