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- Pressure Vessel Design Essentials: Design, Materials, and Safety Insights
Pressure Vessel Design Essentials: Design, Materials, and Safety Insights
Plus: Space X rocket reusability, Robotic arsenal, and Car adaptive suspension system
Shubhangi Dua
December 28, 2023
We trust that the Mechanical newsletter has been an insightful journey for designers and engineers until now. In the last editions, we talked about quantum clocks, 3D-printed fire-proof constructions, and the real mechanics of battery performance. We also took a deeper look at the material of the cosmos with news of the largest cosmic neutral hydrogen catalog. Up ahead, we learn more about what it takes to make the most dependable pressure vessels and what you must consider to ensure their reliability.
Today’s Industry Updates include Space X breaking its record in rocket reusability, ABB unleashing a robotic arsenal to help Volvo achieve sustainability goals, and an adaptive suspension system in cars.
We’ve come to believe that you’re gaining a wider knowledge of our newsletters. We recommend subscribing to Interesting Engineering’s latest Aerospace newsletter here for the latest information on propulsion, satellites, aeronautics, and more, every Tuesday.
🪩 As we approach a new year, IE wishes all Mechanical minds a prosperous year, and a New Year filled with engineering triumphs.
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INDUSTRY UPDATES
🌊 Boeing's first 'Orca' extra-large underwater drone has been delivered
Boeing delivers the first out of five "Orca" Extra Large Uncrewed Undersea Vehicles (XLUUV) to the United States Navy.
☀️ US company claims a 99 percent recovery rate with old solar panels
Arizona-based startup gives a new lease of life to solar panels by processing 7,500 panels every day.
🚀 SpaceX makes history with a 19th reuse of a Falcon 9 rocket
The company broke its own record by launching 23 Starlink satellites on a Falcon 9 rocket that had flown 18 times before.
SPOTLIGHT
Critical Aspects of Pressure Vessel Design and Safety
Pressure vessels are essential for manufacturing and processing facilities that require safe storage of pressurized liquids and gases. These containers operate in several potentially hazardous environments. However, they can be extremely dangerous if not properly designed, constructed, and maintained. Pressure vessel design, manufacturing, and operation standards are set by engineering authorities like ASME that highlight crucial design parameters for safe usage.
Features of Pressure Vessel Construction
Pressure vessels are commonly made of steel. In some instances, however, composite materials, like ceramics and carbon fiber, and polymers like PET (polyethylene terephthalate) are used.
Out of all possible shapes of pressure vessel construction, cylindrical and spherical shapes are the most preferred due to their optimal design characteristics. A more common pressure vessel design consists of a cylinder closed with end caps, known as heads, that are usually hemispherical. Compared to the cylindrical shape pressure vessel design, spherical designs are usually stronger even with the same wall thickness. The only problem is that the spherical vessels are more complex and costly to fabricate. This makes cylindrical semi-elliptical heads or end caps much more preferred.
Pressure vessels also include relief valves as a safety feature to relieve pressure from the container when needed. A leak-before-burst feature adds to safety by enabling the container to leak fluids to relieve pressure and avoid a potentially explosive event.
ASME Guidelines for the Construction of Pressure Vessels
Most pressure vessels employed in the industry today are created in compliance with ASME BPVC Section VIII, which comprises standard codes and guidelines that manufacturers must adhere to. The BPVC has been widely embraced and utilized for pressure vessel design in more than 60 nations worldwide.
In the next edition, we will explore ASME BPVC Section VIII and the key considerations of pressure vessel design while comparing "Design by Analysis" and "Design by Rule" methodologies.
TOOLS OF THE WEEK
 | Engineer of the WeeK1754 - 1839William Murdoch  Engineer | Inventor |
British inventor and engineer William Murdoch is known for his invaluable additions and improvements to steam technology and the invention of gas lighting. At 23, he decided to meet renowned engineer James Watt to ask for a job and walked 300 miles to do so. Upon his arrival, Watt’s partner instantly hired him, looking at the wooden hat that Murdoch designed himself. Murdoch also devised the pneumatic tube messenger system and made several other chemistry discoveries. He made a steam locomotive and helped Robert Fulton build one of the first paddle steamboats in England. | |
MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MECHANICAL ENGINEERS
⏱️ Hugo (2011)
Originally based on Brian Selznick's novel "The Invention of Hugo Cabret," this film is directed by Martin Scorsese. The movie features concepts like clockwork precision and automation, along with numerous visual spectacles.
How exactly does Santa deliver all the presents in a single night? The movie takes on this very question and explores Santa’s super-secret toy-making facility and high-tech gift-delivery operations.
This documentary takes viewers behind the stage to explore the engineering that makes amusement rides possible. The movie explores the physics, structural, and design aspects of amusement park rides to give a unique perspective.
TUTORIAL
How does the adaptive suspension system in cars work?
In today's dynamic automotive landscape, innovation drives a personalized and advanced driving encounter. An integral part of this evolution is the adaptive suspension system, transforming the way drivers engage with their vehicles. These systems, triggered by enigmatic 'Sport' and 'Comfort' buttons, embody cutting-edge technology, elevating the driving experience to new heights. This guide delves into the origin, functionality, significance, and maintenance of adaptive suspension systems.
Adaptive suspension systems epitomize the pinnacle of automotive engineering, revolutionizing driving experiences from the pioneering days of Citroën to the modern era. Continuously evolving, these systems offer unprecedented control and customization, promising an exciting road ahead. As technology advances, adaptive suspension systems will continue transforming driving, providing drivers with unparalleled comfort, stability, and personalization.
Solar truck from Switzerland sets EV altitude record at 6,500 meters The impressive feat was achieved on the way to the western ridge of Ojos del Salado in Chile, the highest active volcano on Earth.
Firefly's Alpha rocket sends Lockheed Martin satellite to wrong orbit There was a problem with the upper stage of the rocket.
LG to unveil transparent auto antenna loaded with 80 patented features LG's transparent auto antenna aims to revolutionize vehicle connectivity, by offering seamless design integration and advanced telecommunications for the evolving automotive industry.
 | Written by KASHYAP VYAS Science & Technology Writer
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