Pressure Vessels - Ensuring Their Safety

All across the world, pressurised vessels containing fluids are used in a variety of applications. As per the international organisation ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), nearly everything, starting from residential hot water tanks to compressed air receivers used in different industries, utilise pressure vessels to fulfill one purpose or another. There are several other applications which can be cited as instances here, such as mining operations, distillation towers, nuclear reactors, petrochemical plants, and submarines.

The history of pressure vessels can be traced back to the times of the Industrial Revolution. In fact, it was their very invention that spurred the movement, and also revolutionised various technologies by providing an excellent means to contain liquids and gases at a high pressure. In general, and as has been mentioned already, pressurised vessels can be found in a vast number of settings. However, it is not possible for us to recognise them unless we have a sound idea about their structure & usage.

Most of the pressurised vessels have a cylindrical shape similar to that of non-pressurised tanks. But the pressure exerted within them is several times more than the ambient pressure existing on their exterior surface. Although this thing is a necessary element for many industrial and commercial processes, it poses a threat to the safety of the settings too.

With passage of time, a typical pressurised vessel becomes more vulnerable to potential leakage accidents. In order to prevent dangerous mishaps from occurring, exercising caution and having AICIP pressure vessel inspection conducted regularly are imperative. There are many reputed businesses that provide inspection and non-destructive testing services in Melbourne.

Besides timely inspection and proper maintenance, pressure vessel accidents can also be averted by ensuring their designing & construction in compliance with the existing regulatory standards. Maintenance needs to be exercised through thorough scrutiny using ultrasonic testing solution in order to ascertain whether or not the density of the vessel’s component has reached the minimum threshold. If some anomaly is found in the thickness of the metal, the entire tank should be serviced or replaced immediately. Using pressure release valves in a proper way and ensuring the right temperature of the vessel can also help in keeping them safe.

Last but not the least, never ever must an issue, even a minor one, be ignored or overlooked. In course of time, the problem can amplify into something serious and then spell disaster all of a sudden.