NI-0253 - J Pressure Vessel Design

N-253
CONTEC SC-02
Tank & Vessels
REV. J
ENGLISH
JUL / 2007
PRESSURE VESSEL DESIGN
1st Amendment
This is the 1st Amendment to PETROBRAS Standard N-253 REV. J and it is used to alter the
text of the Standard in the parts indicated below:
- Item 3.2.3:
Paragraph d) inclusion.
- TABLE 7:
Note inclusion.
- TABLE 8:
Note inclusion.
Note:
New changed pages are located in the corresponding original pages.
_____________
PROPERTY OF PETROBRAS
1 page
N-253
REV. J
ENGLISH
MAY / 2004
PRESSURE VESSEL DESIGN

Procedure
This Standard replaces and cancels its previous revision.
CONTEC
Comisso de Normas
Tcnicas
The CONTEC - Authoring Subcommittee provides guidance on the interpretation

of this Standard when questions arise regarding its contents. The Department of
PETROBRAS that uses this Standard is responsible for adopting and applying
the clauses thereof.
Technical Requirement: a provision established as the most adequate and
which shall be used strictly in accordance with this Standard. If a decision is
taken not to follow the requirement (non-conformity to this Standard) it shall be
based on well-founded economic and management reasons, and be approved
and registered by the Department of PETROBRAS that uses this Standard. It is
characterized by the verb forms shall, it is necessary..., is required to..., it is
required that..., is to..., has to..., only ... is permitted, and other equivalent
expressions having an imperative nature.
Recommended Practice: a provision that may be adopted under the conditions
of this Standard, but which admits (and draws attention to) the possibility of there
being a more adequate alternative (not written in this Standard) to the particular
application. The alternative adopted shall be approved and registered by the
Department of PETROBRAS that uses this Standard. It is characterized by the
verbal form should and equivalent expressions such as it is recommended
that... and ought to... (verbs of a nonmandatory nature). It is indicated by the
expression: [Recommended Practice].
Copies of the registered non-conformities to this Standard that may contribute
to the improvement thereof shall be submitted to the CONTEC - Authoring
Subcommittee.
SC - 02
Tanks & Vessels
Proposed revisions to this Standard shall be submitted to the CONTEC Authoring Subcommittee, indicating the alphanumeric identification and revision
of the Standard, the clause(s) to be revised, the proposed text, and
technical/economic justification for revision. The proposals are evaluated during
the work for alteration of this Standard.
The present Standard is the exclusive property of PETRLEO
BRASILEIRO S.A. - PETROBRAS, for internal use in the Company,
and any reproduction for external use or disclosure, without
previous and express authorization from the owner, will imply an
unlawful act pursuant to the relevant legislation through which the
applicable responsibilities shall be imputed. External circulation
shall be regulated by a specific clause of Secrecy and
Confidentiality pursuant to the terms of intellectual and industrial
property law.
Foreword
PETROBRAS Technical Standards are prepared by Working Groups GTs
(consisting of specialists from PETROBRAS and its Subsidiaries), are commented by PETROBRAS
Units and PETROBRAS Subsidiaries, are approved by the Authoring Subcommittees - SCs
(consisting of specialists from the same specialty, representing the various PETROBRAS Units and
PETROBRAS Subsidiaries), and ratified by the CONTEC Plenary Assembly (consisting of
representatives of the PETROBRAS Units and PETROBRAS Subsidiaries). A PETROBRAS Technical
Standard is subject to revision at any time by its Authoring Subcommittee and shall be reviewed every
5 years to be revalidated, revised or cancelled. PETROBRAS Technical Standards are prepared in
accordance with standard PETROBRAS N-1. For complete information about PETROBRAS Technical
Standards see PETROBRAS Technical Standards Catalog.
PROPERTY OF PETROBRAS
38 pages and Index of Revisions
N-253
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FOREWORD
This Standard PETROBRAS N-253 REV. J ENGLISH MAY/2004 is the Revalidation of the
Standard PETROBRAS N-253 REV. H ENGLISH SEP/98, inclusive its 1st Amendment
FEB/99, the contents of which were not changed.
1 SCOPE
1.1 This Standard establishes the requirements for the execution of the Mechanical Design
and Fabrication Design of Pressure Vessels used in refineries, petrochemical units,
terminals, pipeline stations, onshore production stations, offshore production platforms and
other similar facilities.
1.2 Pressure Vessel is understood to mean all unfired containers, of any type, dimensions
or purpose, containing any fluid at a gage pressure equal to or greater than 103 kPa
(1.05 kgf/cm) or subject to external pressure.
1.3 Other technical requirements, not written in this Standard, if necessary, must be followed
as the particular application.
1.4 It must be followed only the technical requirements of this Standard adequate to the
particular application.
1.5 This Standard is applied to vessels designed beginning with its date of issuance.
1.6 This Standard only contains Technical Requirements.
2 COMPLEMENTARY DOCUMENTS
The documents listed below contain valid requirements for the present Standard.
Portaria MTE n 3214 de 08/6/1978 - Norma Regulamentadora n 13 (NR-13)
- Caldeiras e Vasos de Presso;
PETROBRAS N-266
- Presentation of Pressure Vessel Design;
PETROBRAS N-268
- Fabrication of Pressure Vessel;
PETROBRAS N-269
- Montagem de Vaso de Presso;
PETROBRAS N-279
- Design of Steel Structures;
PETROBRAS N-381
- Execution of Drawing and Other General Technical
Documents;
PETROBRAS N-1278
- Numerals and Letters for Equipment Identification;
PETROBRAS N-1438
- Soldagem;
PETROBRAS N-1500
- Pressure Vessel Drawing and Data Sheet Form;
PETROBRAS N-1521
- Identification of Industrial Equipment;
PETROBRAS N-1556
- Vasos de Presso - Requisio de Material;
PETROBRAS N-2012
- Bocal de Vaso de Presso;
PETROBRAS N-2013
- Suporte para Vaso de Presso Horizontal;
PETROBRAS N-2014
- Suporte para Vaso de Presso Vertical;
PETROBRAS N-2049
- Acessrio Interno de Vaso de Presso;
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N-253
PETROBRAS N-2054
ABNT NBR 5874
ABNT NBR 6123
ABNT NBR 11889
ANSI B 1.1
ANSI B 16.5
ANSI B 16.11
ANSI B 16.20
ANSI B 18.2
API RP 520
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Acessrio Externo de Vaso de Presso;

Terminologia de Soldagem Eltrica;
Foras devidas ao Vento em Edificaes;
Bobinas Grossas e Chapas Grossas de Ao-Carbono;
Unified Screw Threads;
Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings;
Forged Steel Fittings Socket-Welding and Threaded;
Ring-Joint Gasket and Grooves for Steel Pipe Flanges;
Square and Hex Nuts;
Recommended Practice for the Design and Installation
of Pressure Relieving Systems in Refineries;
API RP 601
- Metallic Gaskets for Raised-Face Pipe Flanges and
Flanged Connections;
API RP 605
- Large Diameter Carbon-Steel Flanges;
API RP 618
- Reciprocating Compressors for General Refinery
Services;
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code - Section I, II (Parts A, B e C), V, VIII
(Division 1 and 2) - and IX;
ASME Code Cases
- Pressure Vessels;
ASTM A 20
- General Requirements for Steel Plates for Pressure
Vessels;
BS-5500
- Specification for Unifired Fusion Welded Pressure
Vessels;
MSS SP-6
- Standard Finishes for Contact Faces of Pipe Flanges
and Connecting-end Flanges of Valves and Fittings;
MSS SP-44
- Steel Pipe Line Flanges;
TEMA
- Standards of Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers
Association;
WRC Bulletin 107 e 297 (Supplement) - Local Stresses in Spherical and
Cylindrical Shells Due to External Loadings.
Note:
For documents for which only the Portuguese version is available, the
PETROBRAS department that uses this Standard should be consulted for any
information required for the specific application.
3 GENERAL CONDITIONS
3.1 Designer
For the purposes of this Standard, detail designer refers to the firm or organization
responsible for the detailed design of the installation where the pressure vessel under
consideration is located and designer refers to the firm or organization responsible for the
mechanical design and fabrication design of the vessel. Should the mechanical design and
fabrication design be done by different organizations, the term designer shall apply to both
entities.
3.2 Mechanical Design
3.2.1 The mechanical design basically consists of the mechanical structural sizing of the
pressure vessel. Except as otherwise specified in the contract or in the Material Requisition
of the vessel, this design shall include all applicable items.
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3.2.2 The mechanical design is based on the analytical design (process and thermal design)
and on material selection.
3.2.3 When necessary, the following checks shall be done by the detail designer:
a)
b)
c)
d)
Note:
stress on vessel nozzles due to piping reactions and other external forces;
vessel nozzle displacements due to thermal expansion;
localized stress due to piping and platform supports;
vases measurement or part of the vases, subject (to) vacuum so much in
normal regime of operation as in abnormal or transitory terms, at least, for
vacuum total situation, whatever differential pressure value, except when
expressly specified of other form by PETROBRAS.
These checks shall be done by the detail designer, except as otherwise specified
in the contract or in the Material Requisition.
3.3 Fabrication Design

The fabrication design comprises the complete detailed design for vessel fabrication,
including all definitions and data prescribed in standard PETROBRAS N-266.
3.4 Designers Responsibility
3.4.1 Compliance with the requirements or recommendations of this Standard or any other
standards shall in no case diminish or eliminate the responsibility of the designer, who will
bear full responsibility at all times for the mechanical and/or fabrication design of the vessel.
3.4.2 For all designs the physical limits of the vessel, which define the scope of responsibility
of the designer, shall be clearly indicated.
3.5 Material Requisition
3.5.1 The Material Requisition of pressure vessels, which is the document defining the
scope of supply of the equipment, shall be prepared in accordance with the form
standardized by standard PETROBRAS N-1556.
3.5.2 As a general rule, the Material Requisition shall be based on the complete mechanical
design, or partial mechanical design of the vessel, which shall be attached to the Material
Requisition. The Material Requisition may be based on the process design or on basic
process data in special cases requiring the manufacturers performance guarantee.
3.5.3 The Material Requisition shall indicate the revision or date of issuance of the
referenced standards. In case of omission, the editions in effect on the applicable date of
issuance or revision of the Material Requisition shall be applied.
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3.5.4 The nature, composition and properties of all flows entering or leaving the vessel shall
be indicated in the documents attached to the Material Requisition, except when such
information is not provided by the Basic Engineering Design.
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3.6 Drawings and Information

3.6.1 All drawings shall be prepared in accordance with the requirements of standard
PETROBRAS N-381.
3.6.2 All drawings, Data Sheets, Calculation Notes and other documents shall be prepared
as prescribed in standard PETROBRAS N-266 and shall include all information provided and
requested in that standard. Wherever possible, the form standardized by standard
PETROBRAS N-1500 shall be used.
3.7 Design Standards
3.7.1 Except as permitted in items 3.7.1.1 to 3.7.1.4, the design of all pressure vessels shall
strictly comply with the edition mentioned in the design documents of code ASME Section
VIII Division 1.
3.7.1.1 When the wall thickness of the vessel exceeds 50 mm, for pressure vessels
designed in accordance with of code ASME Section VIII Division 1, considering the use of
the materials allowed as specified in Chapter 5 of this Standard, the convenience of
executing the design in accordance with code ASME Section VIII Division 2 should be
evaluated.
3.7.1.2 The pressure vessel may be designed in accordance with code ASME Section VIII
Division 2 when such condition is defined by PETROBRAS.
3.7.1.3 When the vessel is a component part of vapor generating equipment designed
according to code ASME Section I the vessel shall be designed and constructed in
accordance with the requirements of that section.
3.7.1.4 Vessels designed for pressures exceeding 20 690 kPa (211 kgf/cm) or of special
(proprietary) design or construction shall meet the applicable requirements of code ASME
Section VIII Division 2 and/or follow the manufacturers proprietary design and construction
practices. The adoption of criteria other than those specified in ASME, however, shall be
subject to the previous approval of PETROBRAS.
3.7.1.5 Vessels may only be designed in accordance with other internationally recognized
design codes and standards with PETROBRAS approval. Ex: standards AD MERKBLTTER
and BS-5500.
3.7.1.6 When vessels are designed in accordance with a standard or code other than code
ASME Section VIII, this Standard shall not be applied and vessels shall be designed in full
compliance with the standard or code adopted.
3.7.2 The design of any pressure vessel shall also comply with the following standards:
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a)
b)
c)
d)
code ASME Section II (materials);

code ASME Section IX (qualification of welders and welding procedures);
standard ABNT NBR 6123, for wind loading calculations;
standards PETROBRAS N-1438 and ABNT NBR 5874, for welding terminology
and symbols;
e) PETROBRAS technical standards mentioned in this Standard or specified for
each case.
3.7.3 The stress due to concentrated loads may be calculated in accordance with standards
BS-5500 and WRC Bulletins 107 and 297, when applicable.
3.7.4 In case of discrepancies between the standards and other documents the priority order
given below shall prevail:
a) basic vessel drawings, Data Sheets or other specific document for the vessel;
b) this Standard;
c) other standards referred to in this Standard.
Note:
In case of doubts PETROBRAS shall be consulted.
3.7.5 For all designs, the legal measurements units in Brazil shall be adopted and the use of
english units shall be allowed only for the designation of nominal diameters of pipes and
piping accessories, shapes, bolts and the like.
3.7.6 For the mechanical design and fabrication design of the pressure vessel, the
requirements of the Brazilian standard referred to as regulatory standard No. 13 (NR-13)
shall be fully met.
4 DESIGN CRITERIA
4.1 Basic Allowable Stress Values
4.1.1 The basic allowable stress values are those adopted for calculating the minimum
required thicknesses for pressure parts and shall be the tabulated values specified in the
design code.
4.1.2 Welds attaching pressure parts to nonpressure parts, as well as the supports of
primary internals, such as cyclones and gratings, shall be designed considering the allowable
stress for pressure parts.
4.1.3 Carbon-steel anchor bolts shall be calculated with a basic allowable stress of 98 MPa
(1 000 kgf/cm) based on the root area. For the assembly condition, a maximum allowable
stress of 118 MPa (1 200 kgf/cm) may be considered.
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4.2 Design Pressure

The design pressure shall be determined by code ASME Section VIII.
4.3 Design Temperature
The design temperature shall be determined by code ASME Section VIII.
4.4 Combination of Loadings
4.4.1 All pressure vessels designed in accordance with code ASME Section VIII Division 1,
including supporting structures, shall be checked for the following conditions:
a)
b)
c)
d)
I
II
III
IV
- assembly;
- test;
- normal operation;
- shutdown.
4.4.2 The applied loads, allowable stress values and thicknesses which shall be considered
for each of the conditions specified in item 4.4.1 are given in TABLE 1.
TABLE 1 - COMBINATION OF LOADS FOR THE VESSEL DESIGN

Condition
I - ASSEMBLY
II - TEST
Loads
Simultaneous consideration
of the following active loads:
a) vessel dead weight (see
Note 1);
b) loads due to wind or
earthquake
(see
Note 2).
a) internal pressure of
hydrostatic test;
b) vessel
weight
completely full of water
(see Note 1);
c) weight of all permanent
loads supported by the
vessel during the test
(see Note 3).
Allowable Tensile
Membrane Stress
Values (See Note 7)
Thicknesses
Allowable stress values

specified in the standard
for vessel material at room
temperature, increased by
20 %.
Nominal plate
thicknesses.
(See Note 6)
The maximum stress may

not exceed 80 % of the
elastic limit of the material
at room temperature. For
nonpressure
parts,
a
33 1/3 % increase in the
basic allowable stress may
be considered.
Nominal or
corroded
thicknesses.
(See Note 6)
(CONTINUE)
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(CONCLUSION)
TABLE 1 - COMBINATION OF LOADS FOR THE VESSEL DESIGN

Condition
Loads
a) internal
or
external
design
pressure
at
design temperature;
b) weight of fluid at
III - NORMAL
operating level;
OPERATION
c) vessel dead weight;
(See Note 5)
d) weight of all permanent
vessel (see Note 4);
e) loads due to wind or
earthquake
(see
Note 2).
a) vessel dead weight;
b) weight of all permanent
IV - SHUTDOWN
vessel (see Note 4);
c) loads due to wind or
earthquake
(see
Note 2).
Notes:
Allowable Tensile
Membrane Stress
Values (See Note 7)
Thicknesses

specified in the standard for
vessel material at design
temperature, except in the
section
below
that
established for the support
skirt.
Corroded
thicknesses,
i.e. nominal
thicknesses
minus
corrosion
allowance.
(See Note 6)

specified in the tables of
the standard for vessel
material
at
room
temperature, increased by
20 %.
Corroded
thicknesses
(See Note 6)
1) It includes the shell and welded accessories; it does not include external and
internal removable accessories.
2) Loads due to wind need not be considered for the horizontal vessel design, but
shall be considered in the foundation and structure design of such vessels.
3) It includes removable internals; it does not include internal or external insulation
and external accessories.
4) It includes removable internals, internal or external insulation, external
accessories and piping systems.
5) In special cases, at the designers option, it may be necessary to consider
under condition III the simultaneous effect of other active loads, such as thermal
expansion of the vessel itself, thermal expansion of piping systems and other
structures connected to the vessel, pressure fluctuation, dynamic loads caused
by internal fluid movement and vibrations.
6) For parts whose thickness is reduced during the fabrication process, the
minimum thicknesses expected shall be considered.
7) The allowable longitudinal compressive stress, for all loading conditions, for the
vessel and support skirts shall be determined in accordance with code ASME
Section VIII Division 1, paragraph of maximum allowable stress values.
4.4.3 For short time conditions, the following simultaneous loads shall be considered:
a) internal or external pressure and corresponding temperature in short term
condition;
b) maximum weight of operating fluid for short time condition;
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c) weight of all permanent loads supported by the vessel.

4.4.3.1 Two temporary loads need not be considered to be occurring at the same time,
unless this condition is reasonably expected.
4.4.3.2 Wind and earthquake loadings need not be combined with the short time loads.
4.4.3.3 For nonpressure parts, the basic allowable stress plus 33 1/3 % may be considered.
4.4.3.4 The effects of short time conditions shall be analyzed for each case.
4.4.3.5 The allowable stress values of the design code may not be exceeded and the
maximum weight conditions shall be included in the foundation design data.
4.4.4 Unless otherwise specified on the vessel Data Sheet, wind loadings shall be calculated
in accordance with standard ABNT NBR 6123.
4.4.5 For pressure vessels designed in accordance with code ASME Section VIII Division 1,
the concepts of operating pressure and temperature, design pressure and temperature,
hydrostatic test pressure and maximum allowable working pressure shall be understood as
defined in the code ASME Section VIII.
4.4.6 For vessels constructed of austenitic stainless steels, the allowable stress values
specified in 4.4.6.1 and 4.4.6.2 shall be adopted.
4.4.6.1 For the shell, heads and other parts of the vessel not adversely affected by minor
permanent deformation, the higher allowable stress values shall be adopted, in accordance
with code ASME Section II, table of maximum allowable stress values.
4.4.6.2 For flanges, tubesheets and other parts of the vessel which may be subject to leaks
or malfunction due to minor permanent deformation, low allowable stress values shall be
adopted in accordance with the same table indicated in item 4.4.6.1.
4.5 Service Life
Unless otherwise specified, the minimum values given in TABLE 2 for the service life of
pressure vessels shall be considered. Such service lives shall be used as a basis for the
selection of materials, determination of corrosion and erosion thickness allowances,
calculation of fatigue and creeping deformation and any other criterion based on the time
factor. When compliance with these service lives is not technically or economically viable,
PETROBRAS shall decide on each case.
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TABLE 2 - SERVICE LIFE OF PRESSURE VESSELS

Equipment Classes
Refineries, Terminals and other

Non-Petrochemical Facilities
Petrochemical
Units
20 years
15 years
15 years
10 years
8 years
5 years
Equipment of large size, high cost or

essential for the operation of the
industrial unit (reactors, towers, heat
exchangers or important vessels).
Other equipment not included in the
above class.
Dismountable or replacement parts
(tube bundles, tower internals and
others).
4.6 Maximum Allowable Working Pressure - MAWP

The MAWP shall be calculated and the vessel part that limits this pressure, for all vessels
designed in accordance with code ASME Section VIII Division 1, shall be indicated. The
maximum allowable working pressure shall always be calculated in the vessel design.
4.7 Deflection in Vertical Vessels
For vertical vessels the maximum deflection due to wind shall not exceed 1/200 of the vessel
height.
4.8 Radiography of Welded Joints
For any pressure vessel all welded joints of the shell and heads shall, as a minimum, be
examined by spot radiography and welds which have not been radiographed shall be
unacceptable, even in those cases where this type of weld is permitted by code ASME
Section VIII Division 1.
4.9 Reciprocating Compressor Accessories
Equipment for pulsation bottles, intercoolers and aftercoolers belonging to reciprocating
compressor systems shall also satisfy the requirements of standard API RP 618. Heat
exchangers of the lube system, when the compressor is located at refineries, shall comply
with standard TEMA R; for other locations in standard TEMA C is allowed for this heat
exchanger.
4.10 Wind Vibrations
The effects of wind vibration on vertical vessels in the wind direction and in the direction
perpendicular there to shall be checked. The loads shall conform to standard
ABNT NBR 6123.
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5 MATERIALS
5.1 For shells, heads and all other parts of the vessel subject to pressure, qualified materials
shall always be specified in the design. As a general rule, only qualified materials recognized
by code ASME Section II (parts A, B and C) and code ASME Section VIII are accepted.
ASTM materials will be allowed, provided that the deviations are specified and submitted to
PETROBRAS for approval.
5.2 The acceptance of materials equivalent to code ASME or in accordance with other
standards is subject to the approval of PETROBRAS and the materials not listed in code
ASME Section II shall be included in specifications of internationally recognized
standardization societies (Ex.: BS, DIN, JIS). In such cases, the bidder shall present the full
text of the proposed specification either in Portuguese or in English.
5.3 When the proposed material is not included in the specifications of the internationally
recognized standardization societies, the requirements of items 5.3.1 to 5.3.3 shall be met.
5.3.1 The approval system indicated in code ASME Section VIII Divisions 1 and 2 shall be
adopted in accordance with the corresponding appendices.
5.3.2 The bidder shall provide the information in items 5.3.2.1 to 5.3.2.5.
5.3.2.1 The full text for material specifications shall be added, preferably based on the model
described in ASTM specifications, including, as a minimum, the fabrication processes,
chemical composition, physical and chemical properties, necessary heat treatments,
tolerances, chemical and mechanical tests, finish, acceptance and rejection conditions.
5.3.2.2 Provide evidence that the material was submitted to ASTM or of the ASME Code
Case approving the use of the material.
5.3.2.3 Indicate mechanical properties and breaking and yield strength for various service
temperatures.
5.3.2.4 Indicate the need, if any, for stress relief heat treatments or correction of
metallurgical characteristics altered due to fabrication operations, such as forging and
welding and the conditions under which those treatments are carried out. In any case, the
need for heat treatment, if any, shall be fully justified.
5.3.2.5 Provide a list of existing pressure vessels constructed of the proposed material. This
list shall indicate, for each particular case, the following data: geometric shape, dimensions,
design pressure and temperature, service, users and manufacturers name, installation site
and date of start of operations.
5.3.3 The use of the proposed material is subject to PETROBRAS approval.
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5.4 Steels for pressure parts shall present a carbon content not exceeding 0.30 %, and for
shell and head plates the carbon content shall not exceed 0.26 %. Steels having a carbon
content exceeding the above limits may be used only in the following circumstances:
a) unwelded parts, such as blind flanges and manhole covers;
b) plates not more than 50 mm in thickness.
5.5 The use of steels containing other alloy elements besides manganese and silicon and/or
with resistance limits exceeding 485 MPa (70 psi), nominal value given in the material
specification, as well as quenched and tempered steels shall be subject to PETROBRAS
previous approval.
5.6 Regardless of the temperature limits established in code ASME Section VIII Division 1,
the materials indicated in TABLE 3 shall only be used in continuous service for temperatures
up to the limits given in that TABLE 3. Materials may be used at higher temperatures for
occasional or short-time conditions or in those cases where there is no other alternative
technique deemed to be technically or economically viable. In any case, PETROBRAS
approval is required. Limits for pressure parts are mainly based on the mechanical strength
(creep resistance) of the material. The limits for nonpressure parts are based on the scaling
temperature of the material.
TABLE 3 - TEMPERATURES LIMITS

Maximum Operating Temperature (C)
Materials
Pressure Parts
150
Nonpressure Parts
530
Rimmed carbon-steels (qualified materials).
400
530
Killed carbon-steel with Si.
450
530
1/2 Mo alloy steels.
500
530
1 1/4 Cr - 1/2 Mo alloy steels.
530
550
2 1/4 Cr - 1 Mo alloy steels.
530
570
5 Cr - 1/4 Mo alloy steels.
480
700
Stainless steels 405, 410, 410S (see Note 3).
480
800
Stainless steels 304, 316 (see Notes 1 and 2).
600
800
Stainless steels 304L, 316L.
400
800
Stainless steel 310 (see Note 2).
600
1 100
Structural quality carbon-steels.
Notes:
1) For design temperatures over 550 C, type H stainless steels is

recommended.
2) Attention is drawn to the possibility of Sigma Phase formation, for
temperatures above 600 C, resulting in severe embrittlement of the material.
Such change in the metallurgical structure mainly occurs for type 316 and 310
steels.
3) These materials are susceptible to embrittlement when operating at around
475 C for long periods of time.
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5.7 TABLE 4 shows the basic criteria for the specification of materials for the various parts of
pressure vessels. These criteria shall be followed, except as otherwise specified for a
particular vessel. The classes of parts of vessels mentioned on the first column of TABLE 4
are described in items 5.7.1 to 5.7.6.
TABLE 4 - CRITERIA FOR SPECIFICATION OF MATERIALS OF VESSEL

COMPONENTS
Class of the Vessel
Part under
Consideration
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
Note:
Basic Vessel Material

Alloy Steels, Stainless
Carbon-Steel
Steels and
Nonferrous Metals
Same material as for Same material as for Same material as for
shell.
shell.
shell.
Material having the
Same material as for Same material as for
same P-number as
shell.
shell.
shell material.
Material having the
Structural quality
Low-temperature
same P-number as
carbon-steel.
carbon-steel.
shell material.
Materials specified Materials specified for Materials specified for
for each case.
each case.
each case.
Structural quality
Structural quality
Structural
quality
carbon-steel.
carbon-steel.
carbon-steel.
Material having the
Structural quality
Structural quality
same P-number as
carbon-steel.
carbon-steel.
shell material.
Low Temperature
Carbon-Steel
The same material used for the shell shall be adopted whenever it is required for
corrosion-resistance reasons.
5.7.1 Class I
Parts of the pressure wall of the vessel in contact with the process fluid (shells, heads,
nozzle necks, flanges, blind flanges and others) and other pressure parts in contact with the
process fluid (e.g. tubesheets). This class also includes internal parts welded to vessels and
subject to primary stress (rings, plates and other elements for supporting trays, gratings,
internal heads and others). This class also includes reinforcements (any type) of openings on
the vessel pressure wall.
5.7.2 Class II
Parts of the vessel pressure wall not in contact with the process fluid, except for
reinforcements of openings (included in Class I), external reinforcements, vacuum
reinforcements and others.
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5.7.3 Class III

Internal parts welded to the vessel but not subject to primary stress (baffles, vortex breakers,
weir plates and others). External parts welded to the vessel subject to stress during
operation, such as any type of support (skirts, columns, saddles and the like), supporting
elements for ladders, platforms, external piping and others. For supports, this class only
includes the parts of supports welded directly to the vessel or very close to it.
5.7.4 Class IV
Internal dismountable parts (not welded to the vessel), such as trays, bubble caps, gratings,
supporting beams, distributors, tube bundles and others.
5.7.5 Class V
Parts of supports of any type not included in Classes III and IV. For all parts of this class the
design temperature is always the ambient temperature.
5.7.6 Class VI
External parts welded directly to the vessel but subject to loads only in assembly,
maintenance, disassembly and others, such as lifting eyes, davits and others. For all parts of
this class the design temperature is always the ambient temperature.
5.8 The specification of materials, the definition of the need, if any, for impact tests and heat
treatment and of impact test temperature and energy shall be made by the designer.
5.9 All vessels intended for low-temperature services shall have suitable materials not only
in the shell and heads but also in all other parts subject to pressure, such as flanges, necks,
couplings, bolts, nuts and others.
5.10 When the sensitization of austenitic stainless steels is deleterious to their corrosion
resistance, materials that are not susceptible to sensitization shall be used (low C steels,
types L and ELC or stabilized steels). Attention is drawn to the fact that sensitization may
occur as a result of welding, heat treatments or operating temperature of the vessel.
5.11 The use of cast parts shall be kept to a minimum and be subject at all times to
PETROBRAS previous approval.
6 THICKNESSES
6.1 The thicknesses indicated on drawings are the minimum plate thicknesses which are to
be adopted for vessel fabrication. The manufacturing tolerances of plates (undertolerances)
need not be considered, provided the plates comply with standards ASTM A 20 and
ABNT NBR 11889.
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6.2 For dished heads and other pressed or formed parts, provision shall be made for a
minimum increase in the plate thickness to compensate for the thickness loss in pressing or
forming, so that the final thickness of the finished part be at least equal to the calculated
value or the value shown on the drawings.
6.3 For vessels in which different plate thicknesses are expected to be used for the various
rings, the designer may increase these thicknesses, in order to match the ring heights with
the commercial plate dimensions.
6.4 An adequate corrosion allowance shall always be added except when corrosion proves
to be absent or negligible for the service and material in question or when an adequate
corrosion resistant lining is available.
6.5 Corrosion allowances shall be based on the service life, as specified in this Standard. As
a general rule, when the expected corrosion rate exceeds 0.3 mm/year, or when the
corrosion allowance exceeds 6 mm, other materials with a higher corrosion resistance should
be used.
6.6 For carbon-steel or low alloy steel parts, a minimum corrosion allowance of 1.5 mm shall
be adopted, whenever a value is required for corrosion reasons.
6.7 Unless otherwise specified, the following minimum values shall be adopted for corrosion
allowance, for parts made of carbon-steel or low alloy steels:
a) towers, vessels and heat
services;
b) boots for the above vessels;
c) general vapor and air vessels;
d) LPG storage vessels:
exchangers
in
general
for
hydrocarbon
3 mm;
6 mm;
1.5 mm;
1.5 mm.
6.8 The criteria given in TABLE 5 shall be adopted for corrosion allowance application.
TABLE 5 - CORROSION ALLOWANCE APPLICATION CRITERIA

Parts of Vessel
Parts of the pressure wall in contact with the
process fluid: shells, heads, nozzle necks,
tubesheets, flanges, blind flanges and
others.
Non-removable internal parts subject to
primary loads.
Non-removable internal parts subject to
loads.
Removable internal parts subject to loads
(excluding trays and their accessories).
Removable internal parts not subject to
loads
(excluding
trays
and
their
accessories).
Criteria
Add the total corrosion allowance value to
each surface of the part in contact with the
fluid.
Add one-half of the corrosion allowance value

to each surface in contact with the fluid.
Add 1/4 of the corrosion allowance value to
each surface of the part in contact with the
fluid (minimum of 1.0 mm, total).
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6.9 Regardless of the value calculated for the thickness, in carbon-steel and low alloy steel
vessels, shells and heads shall have a minimum thickness equal to the higher of the 2 values
given below:
a) tmin = 4.8 mm;
b) tmin = 2.5 + 0.001 Di + C.
Where:
tmin = minimum thickness, mm;
Di = inside diameter, mm;
C = corrosion allowance, mm.
6.10 In vessels made of stainless steels and nonferrous metals the minimum corroded
thickness shall not be less than 2 mm.
6.11 The minimum corroded thickness of removable parts, parts welded directly to the shell
and throat of fillet welds shall be 3 mm.
6.12 Unless otherwise specified, the alignment of plates having different thicknesses, in the
vessel shell or head, shall be done from the inner surface.
7 HEADS AND TRANSITION SECTIONS

7.1 The head shape shall be one of those permitted by code ASME Section VIII and for
welded flat heads the types shown in Figures UW-13.2, (a), (b), (c), (e) and (f) are allowed.
When stamped, stamping shall be such that the minimum thickness conforms to the design.
Ellipsoidal or torispherical heads shall have a semi-axis ratio of 2:1. Torispherical heads,
known as false ellipse, shall be calculated as ellipsoidal.
Note:
Torispherical head know as false ellipse: it is the torispherical head which has a
inside knuckle radius of 0.17 D and a internal spherical radius of 0.09 D, as beeing
D the internal vessel diameter.
7.2 Ellipsoidal or torispherical carbon-steel and low-alloy steel heads having an inside
diameter up to 1 800 mm shall be constructed as a single unit without welds. For
torispherical heads with an inside diameter larger than 1 800 mm and for clad heads or in
other materials not made of carbon-steel and low alloy steel of any diameter, FIGURE A-1
shows acceptable and unacceptable weld details. Welds are not allowed in the toroidal area
of the head except for welds in the radial position. For construction in radial sections, the
central crown shall not have a radius less than 20 % of the head radius.
7.3 The thickness required for the cylindrical part (head skirt) of the ellipsoidal and
torispherical head shall not be less than the thickness required for the shell to which it is
connected.
7.4 When the support skirt or columns of a vertical vessel are welded to a conical portion of
the vessel, there shall be a transition toroidal section between this conical portion and the
cylindrical shell.
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8 NOZZLES AND OTHER OPENINGS

8.1 General Requirements
8.1.1 For all vessels (or each vessel compartment) which are not completely drainable
through piping, a drain nozzle is necessary for complete internal drainage.
8.1.2 The vessels shall have, as a minimum, manholes or inspection holes in each pressure
compartment, as shown in TABLE 6.
TABLE 6 - VESSEL MANHOLES AND INSPECTION HOLES

Vessel Diameter (mm)
Vessels with Internals
Vessels without Internals
Tube equal to or smaller

than 10.
Upper flanged cover.
2 2 inspection holes.
Tube greater than 10 and

ID 815 mm.
Upper flanged cover

(see Note 1).
ID > 815 mm.
Manhole(s).
Manhole(s).
Notes:
1) For high pressures the convenience of using reduction shall be assessed, so as

to reduce the diameter of the flanged cover.
2) Towers with packing shall have nozzles for packing removal.
8.1.3 The minimum nominal diameter of manholes shall be as indicated in TABLE 7.
TABLE 7 - MINIMUM NOMINAL DIAMETER OF MANHOLES

Inside Diameter of Vessel
(ID) [mm]
Vessel without Internals
Vessel with Internals
815 ID 1 015
18
18
1 015 > ID 1 220
18
20
1 220 < ID
18
24
Note:
By safety matter the manholes diameters value can be increased.
8.1.4 For vessels with trays, gratings or other similar parts, which are dismountable or which
have a hatch, the minimum number of manholes for clean services shall be as specified in
TABLE 8. Additional manholes shall be considered at the load inlet where internal piping and
baffles may need frequent cleaning.
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TABLE 8 - MINIMUM NUMBER OF MANHOLES
Note:
Number of Trays or Gratings
Minimum Number of Manholes
Up to 25
26 - 41
42 - 60
Over 60
One for every 20 trays
By safety matter the manholes quantity can be increased.
8.1.5 For services requiring frequent cleaning, the number of manholes indicated in
TABLE 8 may be increased according to the severity of the service up to a maximum of one
manhole for every 3 trays.
8.1.6 For vertical vessels with a single manhole, the latter shall be located in the cylindrical
shell of the vessel at the lowest possible position. When the vertical vessel has 2 manholes,
the second manhole shall be located above the upper tray or at the highest possible position.
For vertical vessels with 3 or more manholes, additional manholes shall be equally spaced
wherever possible along the length of the vessel and preferably located next to inlet nozzles
and internal piping systems.
8.1.7 For horizontal vessels, the manhole shall be preferably located on one of the heads;
the second manhole, if any, shall be located on the top part of the shell, near the opposite
end. Horizontal vessels more than 10 m long shall have 2 manholes.
8.1.8 Manholes shall be sufficiently far away from the level gauge instrument to avoid level
disturbances that may affect the instrument reading.
8.1.9 Inlet and outlet nozzles shall be located away from each other to avoid short circuits in
the vessel. For horizontal vessels, it is recommended that these nozzles be located near
each of the vessel ends.
8.1.10 For towers and vertical vessels, when the nozzle orientation is not determined due to
process reasons, it shall, first of all, meet the needs of the piping route. The orientation of the
manholes satisfy meet the arrangement requirements of platforms and ladders. It is
recommended that the requirements of items 8.1.10.1 and 8.1.10.2 be met whenever
possible.
8.1.10.1 Manholes shall be located on the same vertical line or on 2 vertical lines
diametrically opposite.
8.1.10.2 Nozzles shall be oriented in such a manner that the vertical piping be concentrated
in one or 2 restricted sectors of the vessel circumference.
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8.1.11 Valves, flanges, threaded connections or beveled ends for weld shall not be placed in
the skirt of towers or other vessels supported by cylindrical skirts and which are not
accessible from the bottom. If the bottom nozzles require valves connected directly to the
vessel, the arrangement shall conform to FIGURE A-2 to avoid valves in the skirt.
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8.1.12 Nozzles shall be in accordance with standard PETROBRAS N-2012.

8.2 Nozzle Construction
8.2.1 All nozzles having a nominal diameter of 2 or over, shall be flanged, except when
specified for butt weld in the piping. Butt-weld nozzles shall be avoided wherever possible;
they may be adopted for large diameter nozzles or for high pressures and PETROBRAS
approval is required.
8.2.2 The minimum nominal diameter of nozzles intended for any purpose shall be 3/4. In
exceptional circumstances, 1/2 threaded nozzles are allowed only for thermowells or other
instruments. Nozzles having a nominal diameter of 1 1/4, 2 1/2, 3 1/2 and 5 shall not be
used.
8.2.3 The external projection of nozzles shall be the smallest possible, but sufficient to:
a) provide an adequate distance between the flange weld and the shell weld (see
item 12.2.13 of this Standard);
b) allow the disassembly of flange bolts;
c) prevent the bolts or nuts from becoming embedded in the thermal insulation of
the vessel;
d) allow access for welding of the nozzle neck to the shell.
8.2.4 The minimum values for external projection from the inner surface of the shell shall be
in accordance with standard PETROBRAS N-2012.
8.2.5 Nozzles shall be projected inward only when necessary. Drain nozzles shall not have
internal projection. The inner edge of any nozzle without internal projection shall be rounded,
with a 10 mm radius, for a wall thickness equal to or greater than 10 mm.
8.2.6 Except in exceptional cases to be subjected to PETROBRAS approval, pad type
nozzles, as shown in the examples in Figure UG-40 (a) and UW-16.1 (p) of code ASME
Section VIII Division 1 or other similar construction details, shall not be permitted.
8.2.7 For flanged nozzles having a diameter equal to or smaller than 1 1/2, the requirement
in item 8.4.4 shall be met.
8.2.8 The necks of carbon-steel nozzles having diameters up to and including 10 shall be
made of seamless pipe, unless they are made of long neck type flanges or forged material.
For nominal diameters of 12 or over, the neck may be a seamless or welded pipe either of
forged material or made from rolled plate, in which case it shall have a single longitudinal
weld. In cases in which rolling is impracticable due to thickness, pressing with 2 longitudinal
welds is allowed.
8.2.9 When nozzle necks are constructed of carbon-steel or low alloy steel pipes, the
minimum thicknesses shall be as follows:
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a) up to 2 in diameter: series 80;

b) 3 to 10 diameter: series 40.
8.2.10 The nozzle neck-to-shell attachment shall have full penetration weld. The types
shown in Figures UW-16.1 (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) of code ASME Section VIII Division 1, for
example, are acceptable. The types shown in Figures UW-16.1 (i), (j), (k), (l), (m), (n), (o),
(p), (q), (r) and (s) of the same code, however, are unacceptable. The types shown in
Figures UW-16.1 (a) and (b), in spite of having full penetration welds, are not recommended
and shall be avoided.
8.2.11 For nozzles less than 2 in nominal diameter, forged steel couplings may be used.
Couplings shall be at least class 6 000, for socket weld, except for instruments, in which case
threaded couplings are allowed. The coupling-to-vessel wall connection shall be a full
penetration weld, as shown in Figures UW-16.1 (Y-1) and (Z-1) of code ASME
Section VIII Division 1. The types shown in Figure UW-16.2 of this code are not allowed. The
coupling length shall be greater than the vessel thickness and the other dimensions shall
conform to standard ANSI B 16.11, so as to avoid interference between the socket weld and
the shell weld. Internal couplings not subject to pressure may be threaded and class 3 000.
8.2.12 Nozzle reinforcements shall in no case limit the hydrostatic test or the maximum
allowable working pressure in new and cold and corroded and hot conditions, except for
vessels of small dimensions whose thickness shall be defined by the minimum structural
value.
8.2.13 Nozzle and manhole reinforcements, as required by paragraph UG-37 of code ASME
Section VIII Division 1, may be obtained by one of the systems shown in FIGURE A-3 or by
combinations of these systems, with the recommendations and limitations specified in
items 8.2.13.1 to 8.2.13.4.
8.2.13.1 Reinforcing pad welded to the
tubular neck and to the vessel wall
[FIGURE A-3 (a)]. This system is allowed for any diameter but shall not be used when the
wall thickness of the vessel is equal to or greater than 50 mm. It is not recommended for low
temperature or cyclic services.
8.2.13.2 Insert disk of greater thickness, butt welded to the vessel [FIGURE A-3 (b)]. This
system is allowed for any diameter and may be used when the reinforcing pad of
FIGURE A-3 (a) is unacceptable or non-recommended.
8.2.13.3 Integral forged part [FIGURE A-3 (c)]. This system is allowed for any diameter
without limitations, but always involves high costs.
8.2.13.4 Integral reinforcement of greater thickness [FIGURE A-3 (d)]. This system is
allowed without limitations for nominal diameters up to and including 10 and the integral
reinforcement shall be made of seamless or forged pipe (forged pipe is preferred in these
cases).
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8.2.14 All shell reinforcements, integral or otherwise, shall always have the same shell
P-number. Reinforcing pads shall have a 6 mm diameter hole, with NPT thread, for vent and
for weld test. For nozzles 10 or over in diameter there shall be 2 6 mm holes diametrically
opposite. These holes shall not be plugged and shall be left open and filled with grease.
8.2.15 For vessels constructed of high strength steel (Section UHT of code ASME
Section VIII Division 1), all nozzles and manholes shall have integral reinforcement, as
shown in Figure UHT 18.1 of the code and none of the types shown in Figure UHT 18.2 shall
be allowed.
8.2.16 The designer is responsible for checking the stress on nozzles, whenever so
requested, as well as for providing adequate reinforcements on nozzles or on the vessel wall
to withstand the external piping loads.
8.2.17 Nozzles closed with blind flange weighing over 350 N (36 kgf) shall be provided with
a davit or hinges for removal of the blind flange, as specified in item 8.3.
8.2.18 When the face of nozzle flanges are of the tongue and groove type, the groove shall
be located on the nozzle flange, except when the face of the nozzle flange is facing down, in
which case the tongue shall be located in the nozzle flange.
8.3 Manhole Construction
8.3.1 The construction of manholes, as to the type of neck, shell reinforcement, linings and
others shall be as detailed in item 8.2 for large diameter nozzles.
8.3.2 All manholes with the cover on the horizontal plane opening upward shall have a davit
for cover removal. Manholes with the cover on the horizontal plane opening downward shall
be avoided whenever possible; in those cases in which they are inevitable, a safe device
shall be provided to remove and handle the cover.
8.3.3 Manholes with a cover on the vertical plane, having a pressure class up to 150, with a
diameter up to and including 24 may have a davit or hinges for cover opening; for higher
pressure classes or larger diameters, a davit is mandatory and hinged covers shall not be
allowed.
8.3.4 For manholes with a cover on the vertical plane, steps and security grip shall be
placed at all times inside the vessel, except when there are internal parts in the vessel which
render these steps impracticable or unnecessary.
8.4 Flanges
8.4.1 Flanges shall be suitable for the design and test conditions of the vessel.
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8.4.2 Nozzle flanges and their respective facing, when connected to piping and instruments,
shall be in accordance with the applicable piping and instrumentation specifications.
8.4.3 Nonpressure internal flanges may have a flat face and be made of cut plate.
8.4.4 Flanges having a nominal diameter up to and including 1 1/2 may be of the following
types:
a) long welding neck flange;
b) welding neck flange with a neck sch. 160 or XXS;
c) slip on flange for pressure class 150 and nontoxic and nonflammable fluid
service;
d) flange in accordance with FIGURE A-4.
Note:
In any of the above cases, the flange shall be of the forged steel type.
8.4.5 Flanges having a diameter from 2 to 12, inclusive, shall be of the forged steel welding
neck type. Slip-on flange may be used for nominal diameters from 2 to 12 and pressure
class 150.
8.4.6 For flanges having a nominal diameter equal to or larger than 14, for vessels
manufactured in Brazil, the construction alternatives specified in items 8.4.6.1 and 8.4.6.2
are allowed.
8.4.6.1 ANSI flanges of pressure class 150 and 300 shall be slip-on flanges made of forged
steel. Other flanges with a design pressure up to and including 2 000 kPa (290 psi) shall be
ring type flanges made of forged steel, hot rolled, seamless or made from bar or plate.
Notes:
1) Slip-on flanges may not be used when the corrosion allowance is greater than
3 mm.
2) Ring type flanges, of any type of fabrication, shall comply with one of the
Figures 2-4 (7), (8), [8 (a)], (9), [9 (a)], (10), [10 (a)] or (11) of code ASME,
Section VIII Division 1.
8.4.6.2 ANSI flanges of pressure class above 300 shall be neck flanges. Other flanges with
a design pressure over 2 000 kPa (290 psi) shall be of the ring type, made of forged steel,
hot rolled, seamless or made from bar or plate.
Note:
Regardless of the fabrication, these flanges shall comply with one of the
Figures 2-4 (7) or (11) of code ASME Section VIII Division 1.
8.4.7 Flanges made from a bar or plate, of any pressure class, shall be obtained by
machining of rolled or pressed rings, having not more than 2 fully radiographed butt welds.
These flanges shall be heat treated as specified in code ASME Section VIII Division 1 and
the surfaces of the original plate shall be parallel to the axis of the finished flange. Flanges
cut from plate shall only be allowed for internal vessel parts not subject to pressure.
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8.4.8 Flanges for manholes and other large diameter flanges not connected to external
piping systems may be of the slip-on or ring type in any case.
8.4.9 When flanges are not standardized, they shall be calculated by the maximum
allowable design pressure of the vessel for the corroded and hot condition, except for small
vessels, whose thickness is defined by the minimum structural value.
8.4.10 The facing and holes of all nozzle and manhole flanges shall be in accordance with
standard ANSI B 16.5 up to the nominal diameter limits specified in that standard. For larger
diameters, the facing and holes shall comply with standards MSS-SP-44 or API RP 605.
8.4.11 Forged steel flanges having all their dimensions exactly as specified in any of
standards ANSI B 16.5, MSS-SP-44 or API RP 605 (including hole circle, number and
diameters of bolts and others) are accepted for working pressures and temperatures up to
the limits established in these standards, without the need for special calculations. Flanges of
other dimensions or other construction systems shall be calculated at all times in accordance
with code ASME Section VIII Division 1.
8.4.12 Unless otherwise specified, nozzle and manhole flanges shall be of the following face
types:
a) flanges of pressure class 150 and 300: raised face 1.6 mm (1/16) high;
b) flanges of pressure class 400, for steam service, and flanges of pressure
classes 400 and 600, for hydrocarbon service: raised face 6 mm (1/4) high;
c) flanges of pressure classes 600 or higher, for steam services and flanges of
pressure class 900 or higher, for hydrocarbon services: ring joint face.
8.4.13 The flange face finishing shall be as specified below:
a) for hydraulic cardboard joints: finish with spiral wound or concentric grooves, in
accordance with standard MSS-SP-6 (pitch 0.5 mm to 1 mm and 0.03 mm to
0.15 mm in depth);
b) for spiral wound joints: smooth finish with maximum mean roughness of
0.006 mm (0.000,250);
c) for corrugated joint: finish preferably with concentric grooves, as described in
paragraph a);
d) for ring type joint: smooth finish with maximum mean roughness of 0.0015 mm
(0.000,063) in the flanks of the slot for the joint.
8.4.14 The faces of flanges working with ring type seal joint shall have a 30 Brinell hardness
higher than that of the joint material. For the materials indicated below, the following
minimum hardness values are required:
a)
b)
c)
d)
carbon-steel: 120 Brinell;

alloy steel 1 % to 5 % Cr: 160 Brinell;
stainless steel 304, 316, 347 and 321: 160 Brinell;
stainless steel 304L and 316L: 140 Brinell.
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8.4.15 All flanges shall be installed in such a position that the vertical line or N-S and E-W
design lines pass through the middle of the space between 2 bolt holes.
8.4.16 For vessels made of stainless steel or nonferrous metals, having a design pressure
less than 400 kPa (4.1 kgf/cm) and a design temperature below 250 C, lap joint type
flanges may be used on vessel nozzles.
8.4.17 Internal flanges of vessels shall have bolts (or studs), nuts and gaskets.
8.4.18 Companion flanges of nozzles are only part of the vessel in exceptional cases, as
expressly required in the Material Requisition.
8.5 Bolts and Joints for Flanges
8.5.1 For all external flanges of vessels, bolts shall be of the stud type, fully threaded, with
UNC thread series for diameters up to 1 and series 8N for larger diameters with 2 hexagon
nuts, heavy series, in accordance with standards ANSI B 1.1 and B 18.2, with adjustment
class 2A for the stud and 2B for nuts. Except where otherwise specified, the selection of
materials for studs and nuts shall comply with the following criterion according to the design
temperature of the vessel:
a) temperatures
between
15 C
and
480 C:
alloy
steel
studs
ASTM A 193 - Gr. B7, alloy steel nuts and ASTM A 194 class 2H;
b) temperature between 480 C and 600 C: alloy steel studs ASTM A 193 Gr. B5, alloy steel nuts ASTM A 194 Class 3.
8.5.2 Except where otherwise specified, joints for all external flanges of the vessel shall be
selected in accordance with 8.5.2.1 to 8.5.2.3.
8.5.2.1 Flanges of pressure classes 150 and 300, with a design temperature between 0 C
and 25 C, use hydraulic cardboard joint, 1.5 mm (1/16) thick, in accordance with standard
ANSI B 16.5, Appendix E Figure 3.
8.5.2.2 Flanges of pressure classes 150 and 300, with a temperature below 0 C, or flanges
of pressure classes 400 and 600, for any design temperature, and of pressure classes 150
and 300, for design temperatures above 250 C (all with raised face), use spiral wound joint
made of austenitic stainless steel with asbestos filling, in accordance with standard
ANSI B 16.20.
8.5.2.3 For flanges with face for ring type joints (oval ring joint in accordance with standard
ANSI B 16.20), the ring material shall not form galvanic pair with the flange and the hardness
shall be 30 Brinell smaller than that of the flange face. For the materials specified below, the
maximum hardness shall be:
a) carbon-steel: 90 Brinell;
b) alloy steel 1 % to 5 % Cr: 130 Brinell;
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c) stainless steel 304, 316, 347 and 321: 130 Brinell;

d) stainless steel 304L and 316L: 110 Brinell.
8.5.3 Bolts and ring joints to be supplied with the vessel may be used in the hydrostatic test.
Other types of joints shall be replaced by new ones, after the test. Bolts made of austenitic
materials shall not be used in the test.
9 SUPPORTS
9.1 Each vessel shall have its own support and may not be supported by piping even in the
case of small vessels.
9.2 Vertical vessels may be supported by means of cylindrical or conical skirts, columns or
lugs. Whenever possible, vertical vessels shall be supported by columns.
9.3 The type of support for vertical vessels shall be selected in accordance with
FIGURE A-5, unless other requirements are applicable.
9.4 Towers shall be supported by skirts.
9.5 Access to the bottom part of the vessel shall be possible at all times, and the minimum
height, of the skirt or column of the vertical vessel, directly supported on a concrete base,
shall be defined in accordance with the following criteria:
a) the lowest point of the bottom head shall be at least 1 200 mm from the top of
the concrete base, for vessels more over 800 mm in diameter;
b) the lowest point of the horizontal section of the piping connected to the bottom
head shall be at least 300 mm from the top of the concrete base.
9.6 The support skirt shall have a section 1 000 mm long from the attachment to the vessel,
with the same shell material in the following cases:
a)
b)
c)
d)
design temperature lower than or equal to 15 C;

design temperature over 340 C;
hydrogen services;
vessels made of alloy steel, stainless steels and nonferrous materials.
9.7 Whenever vibration is likely to occur, for vertical vessels, a skirt type support, as in the
case of vertical vessels connected to the suction of compressors, shall be used.
9.8 Support skirts shall have an access opening as shown in TABLE 9.
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TABLE 9 - ACCESS TO SKIRT

Inside Diameter of Opening (mm)
Up to 800
One-half of vessel diameter
Over 800
460
9.9 Support skirts shall have vents as close as possible to the junction with the head, in the
amounts and diameters specified in TABLE 10.
TABLE 10 - SKIRT VENTS

Number of Nozzles
Nozzle Diameter
Up to 914
915 - 1 830
1 831 - 2 740
2 741 - 3 660
3 661 - 4 570
4 571 - 5 490
2
4
6
8
10
12
3
3
4
4
4
4
9.10 Holes for passing piping through the skirt shall be duly reinforced.
9.11 The minimum thickness of support skirts is 6.3 mm.
9.12 Horizontal vessels shall be supported by 2 metallic saddles covering at least 120 of
the vessel circumference. One of the saddles shall always have holes for elongated jag bolts
to accommodate vessel expansion. When the weight of the operating vessel is greater than
200 kN (20 tons) 1)TEFLON sliding plates should be used in the mobile saddle. Saddles
shall be joined to the vessel shell by a continuous weld. Saddles shall be symmetrically
located, whenever possible, in relation to the midlength of the vessel. Nozzle location shall
be according to the L.P. Zick abacus, in accordance with standard BS-5500.
9.13 Horizontal vessels shall always be analyzed for the effect of reactions of the support
saddles and the L.P. Zick method, in accordance with standard BS-5500, is recommended
for this analysis.
9.14 Vessel supports shall be in accordance with standards PETROBRAS N-2013
and N-2014.
10 INTERNAL PARTS
10.1 The criterion given in items 10.1.1 to 10.1.3 for inclusion and exclusion of internal parts
in the responsibility of the vessel designer shall be adopted.
1)
TEFLON registered mark of property of E. I. du Pont de Nemours. This information is given to facilitate the
users in this Standard use and it doesnt mean a recommendation of the product mentioned on the part of
PETROBRAS. It is possible to use an equivalent product, since it gives an equal result.
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10.1.1 Parts that shall always be part of the mechanical design of the vessel and under the
designers responsibility (unless otherwise specified in the vessel Material Requisition) are:
all internal parts welded or permanently attached to the vessel, such as baffles, weir plates,
vortex breakers, coils and tube bundles as well as plates, beams, lugs, rings and other
supporting parts of trays, gratings, mesh, distributors, weir plates and linings.
10.1.2 Parts that are normally part of the vessel design and under the responsibility of the
designer (unless otherwise specified) are: gratings, demisters, distributors, dismountable
baffles, boots, tray and grating supporting beams.
10.1.3 Parts and materials that are normally not part of the vessel design and not under the
designers responsibility (unless otherwise specified) are: catalyzers, various packings, trays
(with valves or bubble caps).
10.2 All internal dismountable parts, excluding major beams for supporting trays, gratings
and the like shall be designed in such a manner that the maximum weight, whenever
possible, does not exceed 250 N (25 kgf). Dimensions shall also be such as to allow the
easy passage through the manhole. Hatches in trays or grades may be opened from the top
or from the bottom, but shall be located on the same vertical line.
10.3 Internal parts shall be assembled whenever possible from the top.
10.4 Bolts and nuts shall be made of a material not susceptible to attack by the internal
operating fluid of the vessel and types 304 or 405 stainless steels shall always be required
as a minimum.
10.5 Vortex breakers shall be placed in all nozzles connected to the suction line of pumps.
Internal baffles shall also be placed in the upper nozzles of level instruments in vertical
vessels, as well as impingement baffles in nozzles for inlet of liquid where impact of the liquid
stream in internal parts or on the vessel wall is likely to occur.
10.6 Internal nonpressure pipes and accessories made of carbon-steel and low alloy steels
(up to 6 % Cr) shall have the following minimum thicknesses and pressure classes:
a) pipes up to 10 in ND: series 40;
b) pipes over 10 in ND: 6 mm wall;
c) threaded accessories: pressure class 2 000.
10.7 Internal nonpressure high alloy steel pipes and accessories (11 - 13 % Cr or over) shall
have the following minimum nominal thicknesses and pressure classes:
a) pipes up to 1 1/2 in ND: series 40S;
b) pipes over 1 1/2 in ND: series 10S or made of 12 USS size plate (0.3708 mm);
c) threaded accessories: pressure class 150.
10.8 Internal accessories shall be in accordance with standard PETROBRAS N-2049.
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11 EXTERNAL ACCESSORIES
11.1 The following external parts are part of the vessel, as applicable:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
reinforcement plates of nozzles and manholes;

reinforcement rings for vessels having thin walls or subject to external pressure;
support skirt for towers and vertical vessels;
supporting columns or lugs for vertical vessels;
supporting saddles for horizontal vessels;
bars, studs, nuts or other tools for support and attachment of external thermal
insulation;
g) attachment plates, lugs or beams for supporting piping, platforms, ladders or
other structures;
h) studs, nuts or other elements for attachment of fire-proof lining;
i) supports for load lifting davits;
j) lifting eyes, lugs, plates or other parts required for moving the vessel or its parts
during assembly or maintenance;
k) davits for covers of manholes and other blind flanges;
l) blind flanges with gaskets and bolts, for manholes, handholes and closed
flanged nozzles;
m) spare parts for flanged nozzles in the amounts indicated in the Material
Requisition.
11.2 Except where otherwise specified, the following external parts are usually not part of
pressure vessels:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
valves and instruments of any type;

companion flanges;
anchor bolts;
thermal insulation material;
fire protection material;
platforms, ladders or other structures.
11.3 For vertical vessels, supporting rings suitable for thermal insulation and devices for fire
proofing, if any, shall be used.
11.4 Vertical vessels having dismountable internal parts shall have a davit placed on top for
moving these internal parts whenever the top of the vessel is more than 3 000 mm from the
ground.
11.5 For all vessels, permanent access shall be provided to the following points:
a)
b)
c)
d)
manholes whose centerline is more than 3 000 mm from the ground;

safety or relief valve;
level gauge instrument;
instrument or equipment requiring local reading or operation or frequent
inspection.
11.6 Except where otherwise specified or allowed by PETROBRAS, for each case, all
vessels shall have its own independent access by means of vertical or inclined ladder.
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11.7 Whenever necessary, lifting eyes shall be provided.

11.8 External accessories shall comply with standard PETROBRAS N-2054.
12 FABRICATION
The requirements specified in standard PETROBRAS N-268 shall be met.
12.2 Welds
12.2.1 All welds subjected to pressure loads, in the shell and heads, shall be double-butt
welded, full penetration and allow radiography. When the internal weld is impracticable, only
the external weld may be done, adopting a method that guarantees the quality of the weld
root, meeting the requirements in item 4.8.
12.2.2 Welds of nozzles necks and manholes in the shell shall also be of the full penetration
type. When this provision is impracticable due to the high thickness of the wall, the welded
connection design shall be submitted to PETROBRAS for previous approval.
12.2.3 Welds between materials having different P-numbers shall be kept to a minimum.
Whenever possible, these welds shall not be placed in contact with the fluid contained in the
vessel and with the pressure wall of the vessel.
12.2.4 The fabrication design of the vessel shall clearly indicate the location of all welds in
the shell and heads of the vessel.
12.2.5 Whenever possible, welds of the shell and heads shall be arranged in such a manner
as not to interfere with vessel supports and nozzles, manholes and their respective
reinforcements. Shell welds hidden by reinforcement plates shall be ground, examined by
magnetic particles or liquid penetrant and be fully radiographed.
12.2.6 Welds of the shell and heads shall not interfere with internal parts welded to the
vessel. For horizontal vessels, longitudinal welds of the shell on the bottom generatrix of the
vessel, where they interfere with the saddle, shall not be allowed.
12.2.7 All welds shall be in such a position as to allow inspection without the need for
dismounting the internal parts of the vessel.
12.2.8 For vertical vessels the weld of the skirt to the vessel shell shall be located so as not
to interfere with the weld of the shell to the upper head and to allow inspection of the weld.
For horizontal vessels, saddles shall also be located in such a manner as not to interfere with
the circumferential welds of the vessel and allow the inspection of these welds.
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12.2.9 For vessels less than 2 000 mm in diameter, only a single longitudinal weld per joint
is allowed. In these vessels, the longitudinal welds of adjacent rings shall be at least 45
apart from each other. For diameters equal to or greater than 2 000 mm, commercial length
plates shall be used and smaller plates shall only be allowed for adjustment purposes. For
diameters equal to or larger than 2 000 mm the 45 spacing between adjacent rings shall be
maintained.
12.2.10 Whenever possible, welds of lugs shall be kept at a distance at least equal to that
given in item 12.2.13 from major welds. If the interference is inevitable, the shell weld shall
be ground and examined by magnetic particles or liquid penetrant before the welding of the
lug.
12.2.11 All welds of parts externally attached to the vessel shall have a continuous weld
bead. Overlapping parts in vessels operating at a temperature equal to or greater than the
ambient temperature shall have a 6 mm diameter vent.
12.2.12 All welds of parts internally attached to the vessel shall have a weld bead with a
10 mm gap on the bottom part.
12.2.13 The distance between the edges of 2 full penetration and parallel welds, in any
case, shall not be less than 3 times the thickness of the thinnest plate and at least 50 mm.
12.2.14 The same corrosion allowance specified for the vessel shall be added to the
minimum dimension of the throat of the fillet welds. Full fillet welds to which this addition is
already a result of the weld geometry are an exception to this rule.
12.2.15 For all vessels to be stress relief heat treated, no partial penetration welds are
allowed and all welds shall be of the full penetration type, without leaving internal empty
spaces. For all vessels to be stress relief heat treated, gas escape and pressure relief holes
shall be provided for partial penetration welds of slip-on flange, for example, with the neck.
12.3 Heat Treatments
In the mechanical design of pressure vessels the heat treatments indicated in code ASME
Section VIII Division 1, shall be specified and required, or as required by the vessel service.
The additional requirements of items 12.3.1 to 12.3.4 shall apply.
12.3.1 For materials with P-number 3 and P-number 1, when impact testing is required the
stress relief heat treatment shall be performed at least at 595 C. Note 1 of Table UCS-56 of
code ASME Section VIII Division 1 is not applicable.
12.3.2 The stress relief heat treatment of welds between dissimilar materials shall meet the
requirements of the material requiring more restrictive conditions and shall be verified by
procedure qualification tests. The stress relief procedure of welds between ferritic and
austenitic materials shall be approved by PETROBRAS.
12.3.3 Localized heat treatment may only be carried out with PETROBRAS approval.
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12.3.4 The maximum temperature for stress relief or heat treatment after welding shall not
exceed the lower of the following values:
a) the maximum temperature specified in the applicable code;
b) the tempering temperature, in case the component has been subjected to such
treatment at the plant, except when the mechanical properties are guaranteed
by tests performed in the test specimens after the simulated heat treatment;
c) the following values for the materials indicated (see Note):
- carbon-steel and steel with 2 1/2 % to 3 1/2 % Ni: 650 C;
- C steels - 1/2 % Mo and Mn - Mo: 690 C;
- alloy steels 1/2 % r - 1/2 % Mo: 690 C, except for design temperatures from
482 C, in which case the stress relief heat treatment shall be performed
within the 677 C to 732 C range.
Note:
Temperature values only refer to welding between the indicated materials.
13 INSPECTION
13.1 Radiography
13.1.1 For pressure vessel designs the radiographic inspection provided in code ASME
Section III Division 1, shall be specified or as required by the vessel service.
13.1.2 For all welds of shells and heads in pressure vessels, at least spot radiography of the
welds shall be performed, as specified in paragraphs UW-11 and UW-12 of code ASME
Section III Division 1.
13.1.3 Regardless of the requirements of design standards, a 100 % radiography of
longitudinal and circumferential welds of the shell and welds of the head is required in the
following cases:
a) carbon-steel vessels more than 19 mm thick when the breaking strength is
equal to or greater than 483 MPa (4 930 gf/cm);
b) Cr-Mo alloy steel vessels for any thickness, for contents over 1/2 % Cr;
c) austenitic stainless steel vessels, more than 19 mm thick, or any thickness,
when the design temperature is over 400 C;
d) cyclic service vessels.
13.2 Other Examinations
Other nondestructive examinations shall be performed as specified in the design and/or
required by standards PETROBRAS N-268 and/or PETROBRAS N-269.
13.3 Visual Inspection
It shall be performed in accordance with standards PETROBRAS N-268 and N-269.
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13.4 Dimensional Inspection

It shall be performed in accordance with standards PETROBRAS N-268 and N-269.
14 ASSEMBLY
The assembly of pressure vessels shall comply with standard PETROBRAS N-269.
15 TESTING
15.1 The designer shall always calculate and indicate on drawings the MAWP and
hydrostatic test pressure of the vessel. The test pressure shall be determined as by code
ASME Section VIII.
15.2 Except for vessels fully constructed of materials suitable for low temperatures, vessel
drawings shall include a cautionary note forbidding hydrostatic testing with water at a
temperature below 15 C.
15.3 The maximum chlorides content permitted in water shall be defined by the designer.
For equipment made of austenitic stainless steel the maximum chlorides content is 50 ppm.
If the chlorides content, in this case, is greater than 50 ppm, before the hydrostatic test it
shall be applied, inside, fast drying varnish polyester basis, in enough quantity to form a
continuous film under touch.
15.4 For any of the cases mentioned in the items 15.2 and 15.3, the nameplate of the vessel
shall include a cautionary note on the hydrostatic test water.
15.5 Due to the high risks involved, the pneumatic test shall only be allowed in exceptional
cases, which shall be previously approved by PETROBRAS.
15.6 The pressure test requirements of standards PETROBRAS N-268 and N-269 shall be
met.
15.7 When a vessel manufactured in the field is pneumatically tested, all welds shall be fully
radiographed and the welds of the skirt, nozzles and lugs shall be examined by magnetic
particles or liquid penetrant before the test.
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16 NAMEPLATE AND VESSEL CATEGORY

16.1 The nameplate shall be in accordance with standard PETROBRAS N-2054.
16.2 The vessel category shall be painted next to the nameplate with size I letters, as
specified in standard PETROBRAS N-1278.
_____________
/ANNEX A
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INDEX OF REVISIONS
REV. A, B, D, E, F, G and H
There is no index of revisions.
REV. J
Affected Parts
Description of Alteration
Revalidation
_____________
IR 1/1
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3.2.2 The mechanical design is based on the analytical design (process and thermal design)
and on material selection.
3.2.3 When necessary, the following checks shall be done by the detail designer:
a) stress on vessel nozzles due to piping reactions and other external forces;
b) vessel nozzle displacements due to thermal expansion;
c) localized stress due to piping and platform supports.
Note:
These checks shall be done by the detail designer, except as otherwise specified
in the contract or in the Material Requisition.
3.3 Fabrication Design

The fabrication design comprises the complete detailed design for vessel fabrication,
including all definitions and data prescribed in standard PETROBRAS N-266.
3.4 Designers Responsibility
3.4.1 Compliance with the requirements or recommendations of this Standard or any other
standards shall in no case diminish or eliminate the responsibility of the designer, who will
bear full responsibility at all times for the mechanical and/or fabrication design of the vessel.
3.4.2 For all designs the physical limits of the vessel, which define the scope of responsibility
of the designer, shall be clearly indicated.
3.5 Material Requisition
3.5.1 The Material Requisition of pressure vessels, which is the document defining the
scope of supply of the equipment, shall be prepared in accordance with the form
standardized by standard PETROBRAS N-1556.
3.5.2 As a general rule, the Material Requisition shall be based on the complete mechanical
design, or partial mechanical design of the vessel, which shall be attached to the Material
Requisition. The Material Requisition may be based on the process design or on basic
process data in special cases requiring the manufacturers performance guarantee.
3.5.3 The Material Requisition shall indicate the revision or date of issuance of the
referenced standards. In case of omission, the editions in effect on the applicable date of
issuance or revision of the Material Requisition shall be applied.
3.5.4 The nature, composition and properties of all flows entering or leaving the vessel shall
be indicated in the documents attached to the Material Requisition, except when such
information is not provided by the Basic Engineering Design.
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8 NOZZLES AND OTHER OPENINGS

8.1.1 For all vessels (or each vessel compartment) which are not completely drainable
through piping, a drain nozzle is necessary for complete internal drainage.
8.1.2 The vessels shall have, as a minimum, manholes or inspection holes in each pressure
compartment, as shown in TABLE 6.
TABLE 6 - VESSEL MANHOLES AND INSPECTION HOLES

Vessels with Internals
Vessels without Internals
Tube equal to or smaller

than 10.
Upper flanged cover.
Tube greater than 10 and

ID 815 mm.
Upper flanged cover

(see Note 1).
ID > 815 mm.
Manhole(s).
Manhole(s).
Notes:
1) For high pressures the convenience of using reduction shall be assessed, so as

to reduce the diameter of the flanged cover.
2) Towers with packing shall have nozzles for packing removal.
8.1.3 The minimum nominal diameter of manholes shall be as indicated in TABLE 7.
TABLE 7 - MINIMUM NOMINAL DIAMETER OF MANHOLES

Inside Diameter of Vessel
(ID) [mm]
Vessel without Internals
Vessel with Internals
815 ID 1 015
18
18
1 015 > ID 1 220
18
20
1 220 < ID
18
24
8.1.4 For vessels with trays, gratings or other similar parts, which are dismountable or which
have a hatch, the minimum number of manholes for clean services shall be as specified in
TABLE 8. Additional manholes shall be considered at the load inlet where internal piping and
baffles may need frequent cleaning.
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TABLE 8 - MINIMUM NUMBER OF MANHOLES

Number of Trays or Gratings
Minimum Number of Manholes
Up to 25
26 - 41
42 - 60
Over 60
One for every 20 trays
8.1.5 For services requiring frequent cleaning, the number of manholes indicated in
TABLE 8 may be increased according to the severity of the service up to a maximum of one
manhole for every 3 trays.
8.1.6 For vertical vessels with a single manhole, the latter shall be located in the cylindrical
shell of the vessel at the lowest possible position. When the vertical vessel has 2 manholes,
the second manhole shall be located above the upper tray or at the highest possible position.
For vertical vessels with 3 or more manholes, additional manholes shall be equally spaced
wherever possible along the length of the vessel and preferably located next to inlet nozzles
and internal piping systems.
8.1.7 For horizontal vessels, the manhole shall be preferably located on one of the heads;
the second manhole, if any, shall be located on the top part of the shell, near the opposite
end. Horizontal vessels more than 10 m long shall have 2 manholes.
8.1.8 Manholes shall be sufficiently far away from the level gauge instrument to avoid level
disturbances that may affect the instrument reading.
8.1.9 Inlet and outlet nozzles shall be located away from each other to avoid short circuits in
the vessel. For horizontal vessels, it is recommended that these nozzles be located near
each of the vessel ends.
8.1.10 For towers and vertical vessels, when the nozzle orientation is not determined due to
process reasons, it shall, first of all, meet the needs of the piping route. The orientation of the
manholes satisfy meet the arrangement requirements of platforms and ladders. It is
recommended that the requirements of items 8.1.10.1 and 8.1.10.2 be met whenever
possible.
8.1.10.1 Manholes shall be located on the same vertical line or on 2 vertical lines
diametrically opposite.
8.1.10.2 Nozzles shall be oriented in such a manner that the vertical piping be concentrated
in one or 2 restricted sectors of the vessel circumference.
8.1.11 Valves, flanges, threaded connections or beveled ends for weld shall not be placed in
the skirt of towers or other vessels supported by cylindrical skirts and which are not
accessible from the bottom. If the bottom nozzles require valves connected directly to the
vessel, the arrangement shall conform to FIGURE A-2 to avoid valves in the skirt.
18

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N-253

PRESSURE VESSEL DESIGN

New changed pages are located in the corresponding original pages.

PRESSURE VESSEL DESIGN

The CONTEC - Authoring Subcommittee provides guidance on the interpretation

38 pages and Index of Revisions

Acessrio Externo de Vaso de Presso;

3.3 Fabrication Design

3.4 Designers Responsibility

3.5 Material Requisition

3.6 Drawings and Information

code ASME Section II (materials);

In case of doubts PETROBRAS shall be consulted.

4.2 Design Pressure

TABLE 1 - COMBINATION OF LOADS FOR THE VESSEL DESIGN

Allowable stress values

The maximum stress may

TABLE 1 - COMBINATION OF LOADS FOR THE VESSEL DESIGN

Allowable stress values

Allowable stress values

c) weight of all permanent loads supported by the vessel.

TABLE 2 - SERVICE LIFE OF PRESSURE VESSELS

Refineries, Terminals and other

Equipment of large size, high cost or

4.6 Maximum Allowable Working Pressure - MAWP

TABLE 3 - TEMPERATURES LIMITS

Rimmed carbon-steels (qualified materials).

Killed carbon-steel with Si.

1/2 Mo alloy steels.

1 1/4 Cr - 1/2 Mo alloy steels.

2 1/4 Cr - 1 Mo alloy steels.

5 Cr - 1/4 Mo alloy steels.

Stainless steels 405, 410, 410S (see Note 3).

Stainless steels 304, 316 (see Notes 1 and 2).

Stainless steels 304L, 316L.

Stainless steel 310 (see Note 2).

Structural quality carbon-steels.

1) For design temperatures over 550 C, type H stainless steels is

TABLE 4 - CRITERIA FOR SPECIFICATION OF MATERIALS OF VESSEL

Basic Vessel Material

5.7.3 Class III

TABLE 5 - CORROSION ALLOWANCE APPLICATION CRITERIA

Add one-half of the corrosion allowance value

7 HEADS AND TRANSITION SECTIONS

8 NOZZLES AND OTHER OPENINGS

TABLE 6 - VESSEL MANHOLES AND INSPECTION HOLES

Vessels with Internals

Vessels without Internals

Tube equal to or smaller

Upper flanged cover.

Tube greater than 10 and

Upper flanged cover

ID > 815 mm.

1) For high pressures the convenience of using reduction shall be assessed, so as

8.1.3 The minimum nominal diameter of manholes shall be as indicated in TABLE 7.

TABLE 7 - MINIMUM NOMINAL DIAMETER OF MANHOLES

Vessel without Internals

Vessel with Internals

1 015 > ID 1 220

By safety matter the manholes diameters value can be increased.

TABLE 8 - MINIMUM NUMBER OF MANHOLES

Number of Trays or Gratings

Minimum Number of Manholes