4 Ideal Materials For Pressure Vessel Fabrication

by Ben Johnson | Apr 22, 2022 | Pressure Vessels

Pressure vessels are storage tanks that are designed to maintain a pressurized environment. These vessels are used in many industries and applications to contain things like hazardous waste, petrochemicals, flammable liquids, and much more. 

Due to the volatile nature of pressurized containers and their contents, regulations for pressure vessel fabrication are necessarily stringent. OSHA requires that pressure vessels meet certain standards, as leaking or damaged vessels can cause health, safety, and ecological hazards. The API and ASME also have codes defining proper fabrication and maintenance of pressure vessels for this reason.

The nature of pressure vessels and the requirements for these containment systems make the material used for pressure vessel fabrication of the utmost importance for maintaining compliance and optimal function of the vessel, given its specific application. While pressure vessels are made of many different materials—including chrome, steel, aluminum, nickel, fiberglass, and even plastic—here is the run-down on four of the best materials for pressure vessels: titanium, nickel alloys, stainless steel, and carbon steel.

Titanium Pressure Vessels

Titanium Benefits

Titanium has several unique benefits that suit it to use for pressure vessel construction. Not only is titanium resistant to corrosion and easy to clean and maintain, but it is also non-toxic in its natural form—meaning that titanium is biocompatible (compatible with and not harmful to living tissues), a crucial characteristic for many industries’ applications. Titanium is strong and durable, maintaining its structural integrity, with tensile strength ranging from 30,000 psi to 200,000 psi (210-1380 MPa). It also has a higher melting point than steel and many other materials.

Titanium Pressure Vessel Applications

Titanium-fabricated pressure vessels are frequently used in sectors such as:

• Energy
• Chemical
• Oil and gas
• Pharmaceutical
• Agricultural
• Fertilizer

Nickel Alloy Pressure Vessels

Nickel Alloy Benefits

Pressure vessels fabricated from nickel alloys have long lifespans due to the performance characteristics of such alloys. They resist corrosion and have ideal oxidation and carburization levels, allowing for use in harsh, inhospitable environments. Nickel alloys offer protection from thermal expansion to both the contents of the vessel and the vessel itself.

There are many different nickel alloys to choose from, depending on the specific application and desired performance characteristics. Alloys known for their high performance include Monel, Hastelloy, Inconel, Alloy 20, and Haynes Alloys, among others.

Nickel Alloy Pressure Vessel Applications

Pressure vessels fabricated from nickel alloys have myriad uses across industries such as: 

• Fertilizer
• Chemical
• Fine chemical

Stainless Steel Pressure Vessels

Stainless Steel Benefits

Stainless steel is beneficial as a material for pressure vessel fabrication because of its performance characteristics and versatility. Stainless steel is durable and can withstand both very high and low temperatures, as well as high pressures, direct sunlight, and humidity. It resists rust, stains, and a wide array of chemicals, which enhances its lifespan and allows it to be easily cleaned for use in applications requiring a high level of purity.

Stainless Steel Pressure Vessel Applications

Given its versatility and durability, stainless steel pressure vessels have numerous use cases across many industries. Some notable applications include:

• Food and beverage
• Pharmaceutical
• Energy
• Chemical
• Cosmetics manufacturing
• Brewery
• Dairy

Carbon Steel Pressure Vessels

Carbon Steel Benefits

Carbon steel is frequently used as a material for pressure vessels, and for good reason. It is resistant to melting, cracking, and other forms of damage. Carbon steel resists shock and vibrations and has high tensile strength. Like stainless steel, carbon steel is durable and able to withstand high pressures, generally at a lower price point than stainless. Carbon steel can corrode, but vessels made of carbon steel can be galvanized or coated to protect them from rust. An additional, underrated benefit of carbon steel is that it can be easily recycled, which is an increasingly important consideration in nearly every industry and use case.

Carbon Steel Pressure Vessel Applications

Carbon steel pressure vessels are used in a variety of industries, and are commonly seen in: 

• Fuel storage
• Oil and gas
• Mining
• Paper and pulp

The performance attributes of these materials make them ideal for pressure vessels in diverse contexts and use cases. Titanium, nickel alloys, stainless steel, and carbon steel all boast durability and resistance to leaks and cracks, which is absolutely necessary for maintaining a pressurized environment, especially for containment of sensitive materials. In addition, these materials used for pressure vessels boast many other qualities that suit them to industrial applications.

Whether your application requires stainless steel, titanium, or any other pressure vessel fabrication material, PALA is here to help. Our fabrication facilities in Baton Rouge and Hammond, Louisiana are equipped to handle pressure vessel fabrication and maintenance with ease. Part of our 70,000 square foot facility includes 10,000 square feet of a designated alloy shop so we can provide you with an exceptional product regardless of the complexities involved. Some of our qualifications and capabilities include:

• U, U2, R & S Stamps
• Process Skids
• Section VIII Pressure Parts
• Design and fabrication of ASME Div. 1 and Div. 2 Vessels (Design using PVElite Eng. Software)
• ASME Div.1 – 15 – 3000 PSI
• ASME Div. 2

Need a pressure vessel maintenanced or fabricated? PALA has the experience for the job. Check out more of our capabilities or contact our team for more information.

Common Types of Pressure Vessels

by Ben Johnson | Feb 22, 2022 | Pressure Vessels

A pressure vessel is an extremely important piece of equipment that enables the proper function of a variety of machines in countless industries, including food, chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, and many more. Designed as a storage tank that holds gasses or liquids at a much higher or lower pressure than the surrounding environment, a pressure vessel provides a safe place to contain substances that are crucial to the manufacture of various products.  

Importantly, not all pressure vessels are designed the same way. Many different types exist based on their function and the substances they will contain. And because a leaking pressure vessel poses a serious threat to its surrounding environment, experts take great care in the design, construction, and testing of a pressure vessel before it’s put to use. 

Working with a trained expert who has a keen understanding of the different types of pressure vessels as well as the corresponding inspection codes will help ensure proper function and safety. It’s also helpful to familiarize yourself with the basic types of pressure vessels, how they are categorized, and how they are used.

Types of Pressure Vessels by Shape

Pressure vessels are often categorized according to their shape, which helps determine how they are made and what they are for.

Cylindrical Pressure Vessels

As the name suggests, a cylindrical pressure vessel has a cylinder-shaped shell with an enclosure on each end. These are the most common pressure vessels because they are easy to produce, inexpensive, and versatile. Though they have weak spots on each end where the head connects to the shell, this weakness can be mitigated by using a thicker material and more rounded end enclosures. 

Spherical Pressure Vessels

In contrast to the cylinder, the spherical pressure vessel doesn’t have the same weak spots since the internal and external pressure is evenly dispersed across the entire surface. On the other hand, the spherical design is much more difficult and expensive to produce.

Types of Pressure Vessels by Function

Another helpful way to distinguish the most common types of pressure vessels is according to their primary function.

Storage Vessels

A storage vessel is a holding container for liquids and gasses typically used for industrial purposes. These substances might include natural gas, liquid nitrogen, petroleum products, or even air or water at high or low pressures. It may hold substances until they are needed in the production process, or it may hold the finished product prior to packaging and distribution. These storage vessels provide a protective barrier for both the product itself and the outside environment.

Heat Exchangers

Heat exchangers shift heat from one liquid to another and therefore experience pressure due to the temperature differences. In some instances, it’s necessary to remove the heat because it is a detriment to the production process. At other times, a heat exchanger is used to add heat to a chemical process. These are used in nearly every type of industry, including food, energy, bioprocessing, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical. 

Process Vessels

Process vessels hold liquid and gas substances during important parts of the production process. The substances within are combined in some way to create a new product, and this reaction can create significant internal pressure changes. Process vessels vary in design depending on the process they are being used for, which may include mixing and agitation, decantation, distillation, and chemical reaction.

Whatever the situation may be, it’s crucial to have the right type of pressure vessel constructed by trained experts with a keen understanding of industry regulations and safety standards. From storage vessels to process vessels, we are your industrial construction and fabrication experts. With fabrication shops in Hammond and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, we are equipped to design, fabricate, and repair pressure vessels for your application. Contact the PALA team today to get started!