Cast Steel Pressure Standards in the United States
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is responsible for developing and setting standards for cast steel pressure vessels in the United States. According to the ASME, cast steel pressure vessels should be designed and fabricated to meet the Code of Section VIII Division 1-Part UCS-66 (UCS-66) which sets forth classification, pressure limits, and other requirements for vessels constructed of ferritic, austenitic, and martensitic steels.
The UCS-66 is applicable to vessels that are completely constructed in the United States and are used exclusively onshore and offshore. This code is also applicable to vessels used as part of a production system that operates completely offshore or that can be operated partially onshore and partially offshore. It also covers modular vessels (which are constructed at two or more locations) as long as they are used exclusively in the United States.
The UCS-66 sets forth the minimum requirements for the design and fabrication of vessels made of cast steel. The Code contains provisions for the design, materials, fabrication, inspection, and quality control necessary to meet the requirements of the Code. The UCS-66 also provides requirements on the design, thickness, reinforcement, and other necessary elements of cast steel vessels.
The code also sets forth rules on alloy steel and stainless steel piping, allowing for various combinations of pipe grades and sizes. The Code provides requirements for the welding of all weld beads and for the quality assurance of all welds. The Code also contains provisions for the testing of vessels once they have been constructed. Testing includes a hydrostatic leak test and a radiographic test to detect any internal defects.
The UCS-66 also contains provisions for surveys and inspections of cast steel pressure vessels that must be performed throughout the entire life cycle of the vessel. Surveys and inspections are performed to ensure that the vessel is in compliance with the code and that it is still safe and fit for service. The Code also provides requirements for the repair and alteration of cast steel pressure vessels and the retiring of vessels that are no longer fit for service.
Cast steel pressure vessels are an integral part of a variety of industries including oil and gas, chemical and petrochemical, power and utilities, food and beverage, and many others. The UCS-66 sets the American standard for cast steel pressure vessels, ensuring the safety and quality of the vessels produced in the United States. It provides the necessary requirements for the design, materials, fabrication, inspection, and testing of vessels, as well as for surveys, inspections, repairs, and alterations, to ensure that only safe and reliable cast steel pressure vessels are used.
