Chapter No 3: ASME CODE SECTION VIII
Pressure vessels are typically designed in accordance with the ASME Code Section VIII. Section
VIII is divided into three divisions: Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3. Division 1 is used
most often since it contains sufficient requirements for the majority of pressure vessel
applications.
The main objective of ASME Code rules is to establish the minimum requirements that are
necessary for safe construction and operation. The ASME Code protects the public by defining
the material, design, fabrication, inspection, and testing requirements that are needed to achieve a
safe design. Experience has shown that the probability of a catastrophic pressure vessel failure is
reduced to an acceptable level by use of the ASME Code.
The ASME Code is written to apply to many industries. Accordingly, it cannot anticipate and
address every possible design requirement or service application. Therefore, users must
supplement the ASME Code by specifying additional requirements that are appropriate for their
particular industry and applications.
3.1 Section VIII Divisions
3.1.1 Division 1
The ASME Code Section VIII, Division 1 applies for pressures that exceed 15 psig and through
3,000 psig. At pressures below 15 psig, the ASME Code is not applicable. At pressures above
3,000 psig, additional design rules are required to cover the design and construction requirements
that are needed at such high pressures. The ASME Code is not applicable for piping system
components that are attached to pressure vessels. Therefore, at pressure vessel
nozzles, ASME Code rules apply only through the first junction that connects to the pipe. This
junction may be at the following locations:
Welded end connection through the first circumferential joint.
First threaded joint for screwed connections.
Face of the first flange for bolted, flanged connections.
First sealing surface for proprietary connections or fittings.
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The Code also does not apply to non pressure-containing parts that are welded, or not welded, to
pressure-containing parts. However, the weld that makes the attachment to the pressure part
must meet Code rules. Therefore, items such as pressure vessel internal components or external
supports do not need to follow Code rules, except for any attachment weld to the vessel.
The ASME Code identifies several other specific items where it does not apply. These include:
Fired process tubular heaters (e.g., furnaces).
Pressure containers that are integral parts mechanical devices (e.g., pump, turbine, or
compressor casings).
Piping systems and their components.
3.1.2 Division 2, Alternative Rules
The scope of Division 2 is identical to that of Division 1; however, Division 2 contains
requirements that differ from those that are contained in Division 1. Several areas where the
requirements between the two divisions differ are highlighted below.
1. Stress
The maximum allowable primary membrane stress for a Division 2 pressure vessel is higher than
that of a Division 1 pressure vessel. The Division 2 vessel is thinner and uses less material. A
Division 2 vessel compensates for the higher allowable primary membrane stress by being a
more stringent than Division 1 in other respects.
2. Stress Calculations
Division 2 uses a complex method of formulas, charts, and design by analysis that results in
more precise stress calculations than are required in Division 1.
3. Design
Some design details are not permitted in Division 2 that are allowed in Division 1.
4. Quality Control
Material quality control is more stringent in Division 2 than in Division 1.
5. Fabrication and Inspection
Division 2 has more stringent requirements than Division 1.
The choice between using Division 1 and Division 2 is based on economics. The areas where
Division 2 is more conservative than Division 1 add to the cost of a vessel. The lower costs that
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are associated with the use of less material (because of the higher allowable membrane stress)
must exceed the increased costs that are associated with the more conservative Division 2
requirements in order for the Division 2 design to be economically attractive.
A Division 2 design is more likely to be attractive for vessels that require greater wall thickness,
typically over approximately 2 in. thick. The thickness break point is lower for more expensive
alloy material than for plain carbon steel, and will also be influenced by current market
conditions. A Division 2 design will also be attractive for very large pressure vessels where a
slight reduction in required thickness will greatly reduce shipping weights and foundation load
design requirements.
3.1.3 Division 3, Alternative Rules For Construction of High Pressure Vessels
Division 3 applies to the design, fabrication, inspection, testing, and certification of unfired or
fired pressure vessels operating at internal or external pressures generally above 10,000 psi. This
pressure may be obtained from an external source, a process reaction, by the application of heat,
or any combination thereof. Division 3 does not establish maximum pressure limits for either
Divisions 1 or 2, nor minimum pressure limits for Division 3.
3.2 Structure of Section VIII, Division 1
The ASME Code, Section VIII, Division 1, is divided into three subsections as follows:
3.2.1 Subsection A
Subsection A consists of Part UG, the general requirements that apply to all pressure vessels,
regardless of fabrication method or material.
3.2.2 Subsection B
Subsection B covers requirements that apply to various fabrication methods. Subsection B
consists of Parts UW, UF, and UB that deal with welded, forged, and brazed fabrication
methods, respectively.
3.2.3 Subsection C
Subsection C covers requirements that apply to several classes of materials. Subsection C
consists of Parts UCS (carbon and low-alloy steel), UNF (nonferrous metals), UHA (high-alloy
steel), UCI (cast iron), UCL (clad and lined material), UCD (cast ductile iron) and UHT (ferritic
steel with properties enhanced by heat treatment), ULW (layered construction), and ULT (low-
temperature materials).
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Division 1 also contains the following appendices:
3.3 Codes Used for Designing
Subsection A
General Requirements
UG-27 For internal pressure:
UG-28 For external pressure
UG-31 Pipe may be used as shell with required wall thickness
UG-32 (d) For ellipsoidal head:
UG-32 (f) For Hemispherical head:
UG-36 (c) (2) Reinforcement may be waived for welded connection
UG-46 For openings: (Manway, hand hold openings)
3.3.1 Material Requirement
UG-4 (b) Material for non pressure parts
UG-84 Impact test procedures and apparatus
Subsection C
Material Requirements
Steps for Impact test exemptions:
UG-20 (f) Completed vessel shall be hydrostatically tested, design temperature is -200F to
6500F.
UCS-66 (b) Impact testing may not be required if the minimum design metal temperature /
thickness combination is above the applicable figure curve.
UCS-66 (c) If post weld heat treatment is performed when not required by code, a 300F
exemption temperature may be given to the minimum permissible temperature in figure UCS-66
for P1 material.
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3.3.2 Fabrication
Sequence of Fabrication
Starts with UG-75 General requirements including;
Shell and head forming
Out of roundness
Inspection of m/t
UCS-79
Requires material heat treatment when
Resulting fiber elongation is more then 5% from the as-rolled condition
UG-80: Out of roundness.
Maximum ID-Minimum ID/Nominal ID X 100% less then or equal to 1%
3.3.3 Alignment Requirements
UW-33: For alignment tolerance
UW-9: For shell and Head joints
UW-32: cleaning of metal before weld
UW-16(c): Nozzles attached by full penetration.
UW-16(d): Nozzles attached by partial penetration.
UW-16(e): Nozzles and tubes up to NPS 6
UW-16(f): Attachment of fittings may be made by fillet weld on one side only provided.
Fitting size does not exceed NPS 3.
Maximum vessel wall thickness is 3/8’’.
UW-16.1: Fillet size
UCS -56: Post Weld Heat Treatment.
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