Asme Pressure Vessel

PDHonline Course M362 (2 PDH)
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ASME Pressure Vessels

Basic Calculations
Jurandir Primo, PE
2012
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ASME Pressure Vessels
Basic Calculations
H e r e i s w h a t y ou w i l l b e a b l e t o d o w h e n y o u c o m p l e t e
e a c h ob j e c t i v e :
1. Calculate the required minimum thickness or the maximum allowable

working pressure of piping, tubes, drums, and headers of steel tubing up to
and including 125 mm O.D.
2. Calculate the required minimum thickness or the maximum allowable

working pressure of ferrous piping, drums, and headers.
3. Calculate the required thickness or maximum allowable working pressure of

a seamless, unstayed dished head.
(Imperial and Metric System)
Jurandir Primo, PE
An Approved Continuing Education Provider

www.PDHcenter.com PDHonline Course M362 www.PDHonline.org
1.0 - INTRODUCTION:
The ASME Code is a forest of mandatory requirements, specific prohibitions, non-mandatory guidance
construction activities, calculations and technical formulae. Every day a student or a professional is looking
for a short and timely handbook with practical information and comprehensive calculations the way he can
conclude a work without wasting too much his precious time. This is the main subject of this sketch.
The ASME Code is divided into twelve sections and each of them, deal with particular areas. However, in
summary, there are five sections of the ASME Code that are involved with day by day to manufacture of
Pressure Vessels, as described below:
1. Section I Power Boilers: Provides requirements for all methods of construction of power, electric,
and miniature boilers; high temperature water boilers used in stationary service; and power boilers used in
locomotive, portable, and traction service
2. Section II Materials: Is divided into four parts:
The Part A: Ferrous Material Specifications - Quality, Chemical Composition, Tensile Requirements, etc.
The Part B: Nonferrous Material Specifications.
The Part C: Specifications for Welding Rods, Electrodes and Filler Metals.
The Part D: Properties for Ferrous Materials.
3. Section V - Nondestructive Examination: Determines the Rules and the procedures for all the Non-
destructive Examination: Radiographic, Ultrasonic, Liquid Penetrant, Magnetic Particles and Leak Testing.
4. Section VIII Pressure Vessels: Is divided into three divisions:
Division 1 - Provides requirements applicable to the design, fabrication, inspection, testing, and certification
of pressure vessels operating at either internal or external pressures exceeding 15 psig.
Division 2 - Alternative Rules, provides requirements applicable to the design, fabrication, inspection,
testing, and certification of pressure vessels operating at internal or external pressures exceeding 15 psig,
however, higher design stress intensity values are allowed.
Division 3 - Alternative Rules for Construction of High Pressure Vessels, provides requirements applicable
to the design, fabrication, inspection, testing, and certification of pressure vessels operating at either internal
or external pressures generally above 10,000 psi.
5. Section IX - Welding and Brazing Qualifications: Provides requirements such as Procedure

Qualifications, the Qualification of Welders, Welding Operators and Brazing Procedures, Welders, Brazers,
and Welding and Brazing Operators.
Once any ASME Stamped Pressure Vessel is manufactured, it is checked, tested and approved by the
ASME Authorized Inspector, who review all the procedures and all the documentation and sign the Data
Report Form before to procedure to Stamp the name plate with the U or UM symbols, which means
that the Pressure Vessel fully complies with the ASME Code rules for construction of Pressure Vessels.
The National Board of Boiler & Pressure Vessel Inspectors uses the NB Symbol. As well, the
ASME accounts with the R Symbol to repair or to alternate the Stamped Pressure Vessel.
2011 Jurandir Primo Page 3 of 25

Note: This course considers only the basic calculations only for ASME Section I and Section VIII.
Professionals and students should be well versed in conversion practice. Many US customary unit values
presented in the ASME codes do not convert directly into metric values in the ASME editions.
1.1 - ASME SECTION I - POWER BOILERS:
The scope of Section I only applies to boilers and boilers external piping. Superheaters, economizers,
and other pressure parts connected directly to the boiler, without valves, are considered to be parts of the
proper boiler and their construction shall be conform to Section I rules.
The ASME Section I, paragraphs PG-1, PG-2 covers rules construction of power boilers, electric boilers,
miniature boilers, and high temperature water boilers.
Materials:
Steel plates for boilers subject to pressure, whether or not exposed to fire, must be in accordance with
specifications in ASME Section I, paragraph PG-6.1. Paragraph PG-9 states that pipes, tubes, and
pressure containing parts used in boilers must be according to specifications listed in paragraph PG-9.1.
Design:
The ASME Section I, paragraph PG-16.3 states that the minimum thickness of any boiler plate under
pressure shall be 6 mm (1/4 in.). The minimum thickness of plates where stays may be attached shall be
8 mm (5/16 in.). When pipe over 125 mm (5.0) O.D. is used in lieu of plate for the shell of cylindrical
components under pressure, its minimum wall thickness shall be 6 mm (1/4 in.).
The ASME Section I, Paragraph PG-21 states that the term Maximum Allowable Working Pressure
(MAWP) refers to gauge pressure, except when noted in the calculation formula.
Cylindrical Components under Internal Pressure:
The formulae in ASME Section I - Paragraph PG-27, are used to determine the minimum required
thickness of piping, tubes, drums, and headers, when the maximum allowable working pressure is
known. These formulae can also be transposed to determine the maximum allowable working pressure
when the minimum required thickness is given. The symbols used in the formulae are found in
paragraph PG-27.3 and are defined as follows:
C = Minimum allowance for threading and structural stability (mm, inches) (see PG-27.4)
D = Outside diameter of cylinder (mm, inches)
E = Efficiency of longitudinal welded joints. A fully radiographed major longitudinal butt-welded joint in a
cylindrical shell would have a joint efficiency factor (E) of 1.0. Non radiographed longitudinal butt-welded
joints have a joint efficiency factor ( E) of 0.7.
e = Thickness factor for expanded tube ends (mm, inches) (see PG-27.4)
P = Maximum allowable working pressure (MPa, Kg/cm, psi) refers to gauge pressure)
R = Inside radius of cylinder (mm, psi)
S = Maximum allowable stress value at the operating temperature (Section II, Part D, Table 1A. See PG -
27.4) t = Minimum required thickness (mm, psi) (see PG-27.4)
y = Temperature coefficient (see PG-27.4)

1.2 - ASME SECTION VIII, DIVISION 1 - PRESSURE VESSELS :
This Division of Section VIII provides requirements applicable to design, fabrication, inspection, testing,
and certification of pressure vessels operating at either internal or external pressures exceeding 15 psig. It
contains mandatory and non-mandatory appendices detailing supplementary design criteria, nondestructive
examination and inspection acceptance standards. Rules pertaining to the use of the U, UM and UV Code
symbol stamps are also included.
ASME Paragraph UG-4 - Materials:
Paragraph UG-4 states that materials subject to stress due to pressure shall be according to the
specifications given in Section II, D. Paragraph UG-23 describes various materials.
Design:
The ASME Boiler Code Section I, as well as the Section VIII, Division 2, requires longitudinal and
circumferential butt joints to be examined by full radiograph. The Section VIII-1 lists various levels of
examination for these joints.
Fully radiographed longitudinal butt-welded joint in a cylindrical shell must have a joint efficiency
factor ( E) of 1.0. This factor corresponds to a safety factor (or material quality factor) of 3.5.
Non-radiographed longitudinal butt-welded joints must have a joint efficiency factor (E) of 0.7,
which corresponds to a safety factor of 0.5 resulting in an increase of 43% in the thickness of the plates.
ASME Paragraph UG-20 - Design Temperature:
The minimum temperature used in design shall be the lowest temperature that the vessel will experience
from any factor, including normal operation, upset condition, or environmental conditions.
ASME Paragraph UG-27 - Thickness of Shells under Internal Pressure:
The formulae in this section are used to determine the minimum required thickness of shells when the
maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) is known. The symbols used in the formulae are found
in paragraph UG-27 (b) and are defined as follows:
t = Minimum required thickness (mm, psi)

P = Internal design pressure (MPa, Kg/cm, psi) refers to gauge pressure
R = Inside radius of shell course under consideration (mm, psi)
S = Maximum allowable stress value at the operating temperature (MPa, Kg/cm, psi)
E = Efficiency of longitudinal welded joints. A fully radiographed major longitudinal butt-welded joint in a
cylindrical shell would have a joint efficiency factor (E) of 1.0. Non radiographed longitudinal butt-welded
joints have a joint efficiency factor ( E) of 0.7. In general the factor used is E = 0.85.
Notes:
1. Mandatory and non-mandatory sections can be found in the ASME Website www.asme.org/.
2. The ASME Academic Extract converts 5 in. to 127mm and 1/4 in. is converted to 6.35 mm. The
ASME rounds 5 in. to 125 mm and 1/4 in. to 6 mm. You may convert rounding the values.

2.0 - SECTION I Basic Calculations:
The following formulae are found in ASME Section I, paragraph PG-27.2.1.
a) Formula for minimum required thickness:
b) Formula for gauge maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP):
2.1 - Example: Section I - Boiler Tube:
Calculate the minimum required wall thickness of a water tube boiler 70 mm (2.75 in) O.D. that is
strength welded (e = 0) into place in a boiler. The tube is located in the furnace area of the boiler and has
an average wall temperature of 350C (650F). The maximum allowable working pressure is 4000 kPa (580
psi) gauge. Material is carbon steel SA-192.
Note: See PG-6 for plate materials and PG-9 for boiler tube materials before starting calculations to
check the correct stress table in ASME Section II, Part D if the metal is carbon steel or alloy steel.
Solution:
For tubing up to and including 125 mm [5 in] O.D. use equation 1.1 above.
P = 4000 kPa = 4.0 MPa [580 psi]
D = 70 mm [2.75 in]
e = 0 (strength welded)
S = 87.8 MPa [~12,700 psi] - SA-192 at 350C [~650F]).
(Imperial): (Metric):
t= 2.75 x 580 + 0.005(2.75) + 0

2 (12,700) + 580
t = 0.075 in
t = 1.9 mm
= 0.075 in
Note: Where the manufacturing process produces only standard plate thickness, so should be used 1/8
in (3.2 mm) minimum.

2.2 - Example: Section I Superheater Tube:
Calculate the maximum allowable working pressure for a 75 mm [2.95 in] O.D. and 4.75 mm [0.19 in]
minimum thickness superheater tube connected to a header by strength welding. The average tube
temperature is 400C [~750 F]. The tube material is SA-213-T11.
Note: According to table in ASME Section II, Part D, SA-213-T11 alloy steel is 102 MPa (~15000 psi).
Solution:
For tubing up to and including 125 mm [~5 in] O.D. Use equation 1.2 above.
t = 4.75 mm [0.19 in];

D = 75 mm [2.95 in];
e = 0 (strength welded.);
S = 102 MPa [~15,000 psi] - (SA-213-T11 at 400C ~750 F).
(Metric) (Imperial)
P = 15,000 x [(2 x 0.19) - (0.01 x 2.95) - (2 x 0)]

2.95 [0.19 (0.005 x 0.19)] - 0
P = 15,000 x 0.38 - 0.0295

2.95 - (0.19 - 0.00095)
P = 1904 psi
3.0 - SECTION VIII Basic Calculation Formulae:
The following formulae (ASME Section VIII-1, paragraph UG-27) are used for calculating wall
thickness and design pressure. Paragraph UG-31states, that these calculations are also used for tubes
and pipes under internal pressure.
3.1 Formulae for thin Cylindrical Shells:
3.1.1 Circumferential stress (longitudinal joints):

3.1.2 Longitudinal stress (circumferential joints):
3.2 Formulae for thick Cylindrical Shells:
As internal pressures increase higher than 20.6 MPa (~3000 psi), special considerations must be given to
the construction of the vessel as specified in paragraph U-1 (d). As the ratio of t/R increases beyond 0.5,
a more accurate equation is required to determine the thickness. The formulae for thick walled vessels are
listed in ASME Appendix 1, Supplementary Design Formulas 1.1 to 1.3.
a) Where R0 and R are outside and inside radii, respectively. By substituting R0 = R + t:
And:
b) For longitudinal stress with t > 0.5R or P > 1.25SE:
And:
Note: Formulae 1.3 to 1.10 are for internal pressure only.

3.3 Formula for Spherical Shells:
PR
t= 2.SE + 0.8P
3.4 Example: Thin Cylindrical Shells when P < 0.385SE, or, 0.385SE > P:
A vertical boiler is constructed of SA-515-60 in accordance with the requirements of Section VIII-1.
Calculate the required thickness of the shell if the allowable stress is 138 MPa [20,000 psi].
Given:
The inside diameter is 2440 mm [96 in];
The internal design pressure is 690 kPa [0.69 Mpa] = [~100 psi] at 230C [446 F];
The corrosion allowance is 3 mm (0.125 in);
The joint welding efficiency is 0.85;
Solution:
Equation 1.3 - for circumferential stress (longitudinal joints), when P < 0.385SE:
Thus, 0.69 MPa < 0.385 x 138 MPa x 0.85 = 45.16 MPa;
Then, 0.69 MPa (P) < 45.16 Mpa (0.385SE), or, ~100 psi (0.69 Mpa) < 6550 psi (45.16 Mpa).
The inside radius in a corroded condition is equal to - R = 1,220 + 3 = 1,223 mm [48.15 in.].
t= PR + corrosion allowance =
(SE - 0.6P)
t= 0.69 x (1220 + 3) +3
(138 x 0.85) - (0.6 x 0.69)
t = 10.22 mm = 0.402 in.
The calculated thickness must be less than 0.5R = 0.5 x 1220 mm = 610 mm.
t = 10.22 mm < 610 mm - therefore, equation 1.3 is acceptable.
3.5 - Example: Thick Cylindrical Shells when P > 0.385SE, or, 0.385SE < P:
Calculate the required shell thickness of an accumulator with P = 69 MPa [~10,000 psi], R = 45.70 cm
[18 in], S = 138 MPa [20,000 psi], and E = 1.0. Assume a corrosion allowance of 6.0 mm [0.25 in].
Solution:
Thick cylindrical shells when P > 0.385SE = 0.385 x 138 x 1.0 = ~53 MPa.
69 MPa (P) > 53 MPa (0.385SE), or , ~10,000 psi (69 MPa) > ~7700 psi (53 Mpa) - Equation 1.7.

t = 13.34 in.
3.5.1 - Example: Thick Cylindrical Shells when P < 0.385SE, or, 0.385SE > P:
Calculate the required shell thickness of an accumulator with P = 52.75 MPa [7,650 psi], R =
45.7 cm [457 mm, 18 in.], S = 138 MPa [20,000 psi], and E = 1.0. Assume corrosion allowance = 0.
Solution:
Thick cylindrical shells when P > 0.385SE = 0.385 x 138 x 1.0 = ~53 MPa > 52.75 MPa.
Then, we can compare equation 1.3 using equation 1.7:

4.0 SECTION I - Piping, Drums, and Headers:
The following formulae are found in ASME Section I, paragraph PG-27.2.2. The information for piping,
drums, or headers may be given with either the inside (R) or outside (D) measurement.
a) Using the Outside Diameter:
b) Using the Inside Radius:
4.1 - Example: Steam Piping:
Calculate the required minimum thickness of a seamless steam piping which carries steam at a pressure
of 6,200 kPa [6.2 Mpa = 899 psi] gauge and a temperature of 375C [707F]. The piping is 273.1 mm
[10.77 in] O.D., (10 inches nominal) plain end; the material is SA-335-P11. Tolerance allowance is 12.5%.
Note: Check PG-6 and PG-9 for materials before starting calculations; the information will direct you to
the correct stress table in ASME Section II, Part D. The material SA-335-P11 is alloy steel.
Note: Plain-end pipe does not have its wall thickness reduced when joining to another pipe. For example,
lengths of pipe welded together, rather than being joined by threading, are classed as plain-end pipes.
Solution: Use equation 2.1.
P = 6,200 KPa = 6.2 MPa [899 psi];

D = 273.1 mm [10.77 in];
C = 0;
S = 104 MPa [15000] - SA-335-P11 alloy steel at 375C [707F]);
E = 1.0;
y = 0.4 (ferritic steel less than 475C).

Including a manufacturer's allowance of 12.5%. Therefore, 7.95 1.125 = 8.94 mm [~0.35 in].
4.1.1 - Example: Steam Piping - Using the Outside Diameter:
Calculate the maximum allowable working pressure for a seamless steel pipe of material SA-209-T1. The
nominal pipe size is 323.9 mm [12.75 in] (~12 in. pipe) with a wall thickness of 11.85 mm [0.46 in].
The operating temperature is 450C [842F]. The pipe is plain ended. Assume that the material is austenitic
steel.
Note: Check PG-6 and PG-9 for materials before starting calculations; the information will direct you to
the correct stress table in ASME Section II, Part D. The material SA-209-T1 is alloy steel.
D = 323.9 mm [12.75 in]

t = 11.85 mm [0.46 in]
C=0
S = 101 MPa [~15000 psi] - SA-209-T1 at 450C [842F])
E = 1.0
y = 0.4 (austenitic steel at 450C [842F])
In cylindrical vessels, the stress set up by the pressure on the longitudinal joints is equal to twice the
stress on the circumferential joints.

4.1.2 - Example: Drum - Using the Inside Radius:
A welded water tube boiler drum of SA-515-60 material is fabricated to an inside radius of 475 mm [18.7
in] on the tube sheet and 500 mm [19.68 in] on the drum. The plate thickness of the tube sheet and
drum are 59.5 mm [2.34 in] and 38 mm [1.49 in] respectively.
The longitudinal joint efficiency is 100%, and the ligament efficiencies are 56% horizontal and 30%
circumferential. The operating temperature is not to exceed 300C [572F]. Determine the Maximum
Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP) based on:
FIGURE 1: Welded Water Tube Boiler Drum:
DRUM
TUBESHEET
Note:
This is a common example of a water tube drum fabricated from two plates of different thickness. The
material SA-515-60 is carbon steel plate.
Solution:
This example has two parts:
a) The drum: Consider the drum to be plain with no penetrations.
a) Use equation 2.4 (inside radius R).
SE (t - C)
Drum P = R + (1 - y) (t - C)
Where:
S = 115 MPa [16,600 psi] - SA-515-60 at 300C [572F]);
E = 1.0;
t = 38 mm [1.49 in];
C = 0;
R = 500 mm [19.68 in] (Drum);
y = 0.4 (ferritic steel less than 480 C [896F]).
Drum P = 115 (38 0) =

500 + 22.8
Drum P = 8.36 MPa - [~1,212 psi] (Ans.)

Note: In cylindrical vessels, the stress set up by the pressure on the longitudinal joints is equal to twice the
stress on the circumferential joints.

b) The tubesheet: Consider the drum to have penetrations for boiler tubes.
b) Use equation 2.4 (inside radius R).
Where:
S = 115 MPa [16600 psi] - SA-515-60 at 300C [572F]);

E = 0.56 (circumferential stress = 30% and longitudinal stress = 56%; therefore, 0.56 < 2 x 0.30);
t = 59.5 mm [2.34 in];
C = 0;
R = 475 mm [18.7 in] (for the tubesheet);
y = 0.4 (ferritic steel less than 480C [896F]).
Note: The maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) is based on the lowest number.
5.0 - SECTION I: DISHED HEAD CALCULATIONS:
5.1 - Blank, Unstayed Dished Heads:
Paragraph PG-29.1 states that the thickness of a blank, unstayed dished head with the pressure on the
concave side, when it is a segment of a sphere, shall be calculated by the following formula:
Where:
t = minimum thickness of head (mm, in);

P = maximum allowable working pressure (MPa, psi);
L = radius (mm) to which the head is dished on the concave side;
S = maximum allowable working stress (MPa, psi).
Paragraph PG-29.2 states: "The radius to which the head is dished shall be not greater than the outside
diameter of the flanged portion of the head. Where two radii are used, the longer shall be taken as the
value of L in the formula.
5.2 Example: Segment of a Spherical Dished Head:

Calculate the thickness of a seamless, blank unstayed dished head having pressure on the concave side.
The head has a diameter of 1085 mm [42.7 in] and is a segment of a sphere with a dish radius of 918 mm
[36.1 in]. The maximum allowable working pressure is 2500 kPa [2.5 Mpa = 362 psi] and the
material is SA-285 A. The temperature does not exceed 250C [482F]. State if this thickness meets Code.
P = 2.5 MPa [362 psi];

L = 918 mm [36.1 in];
S = 88.9 MPa [12893 psi] - SA-285 A at 250C [482F).
Therefore, to determine if this head thickness meets the Code, the minimum thickness of the piping
must be calculated.
Use equation 2.1.
D = 1085 mm [42.7 in];

y = 0.4 (ferritic steel less than 480C [896F]);
E = 1.0 (welded).
Therefore, a head thickness of 26.89 mm [1.06 in] meets Code requirements.
5.3 - Example: Segment of a Spherical Dished Head with a Flanged-in Manhole:
Calculate the thickness of a seamless, unstayed dished head with pressure on the concave side, having a
flanged-in manhole 154 mm [6.06 in] x 406 mm [15.98 in]. Diameter head is 1206.5 mm [47.5 in] as a

segment of a sphere, with a dish radius of 1143 mm [45 in]. The MAWP is 1.55 MPa [225 psi], the
material is SA-285-C, and temperature does not exceed 220C [428F].
Solution: First thing to check: is the radius of the dish at least 80% of the diameter of the shell?
Therefore, the radius of the dish meets the criteria.
Using equation 3.1:
P = 1.55 MPa [225 psi];

L = 1143 mm [45 in];
S = 108 MPa [~15600 psi] (use 250C [482F] since 220C [428F] - (use the next higher temperature).
This thickness is for a blank head. PG-29.3 requires this thickness to be increased by 15% or 3.0 mm,
whichever is greater. As 17.088 0.15 = 2.56 mm [0.1 in] is less than 3.0 mm [0.12 in], so the thickness
must be increased by 3.0 mm [0.12 in].
Required head thickness = 17.088 + 3.0 = 20.088 mm [0.79 in] (Ans.)
5.4 Seamless or Full-Hemispherical Head:
The following equation applies to drums or headers with a full-hemispherical end. The thickness of a
blank, unstayed, full-hemispherical head with the pressure on the concave side shall be calculated by the
following formula:
Where:
t = minimum thickness of head (mm) [in];

P = maximum allowable working pressure (MPa) [psi];

L = radius to which the head was formed (mm) [in] (measured on the concave side of the head);
S = maximum allowable working stress (MPa) [psi].
Note: The above formula shall not be used when the required thickness of the head given by the
formula exceeds 35.6% of the inside radius. Instead, use the following formula:
5.4.1 - Example: Seamless or Full-Hemispherical Head:
Calculate the minimum required thickness for a blank, unstayed, full-hemispherical head with the
pressure on the concave side. The radius to which the head is dished is 190.5 mm [7.5 in]. The maximum
allowable working pressure is 6.205 MPa [900 psi], and the head material is SA-285-C. The average
temperature of the header is 300C [572F].
P = 6.205 MPa [900 psi]

L = 190.5 mm [7.5 in]
S = 107 MPa [~15500 psi] - SA-285-C at 300C).
Check if this thickness exceeds 35.6% of the inside radius: 190.5 0.356 = 67.8 mm [7.5 x 0.356 = 2.67
in]. It does not exceed 35.6%, therefore the thickness of the head meets Code requirements.
6.0 - SECTION VIII-1: DISHED HEAD CALCULATIONS:
The Section VIII-1 determines the rules for head configurations including spherical, hemispherical,
elliptical or ellipsoidal and torispherical shapes. To know exactly how the shapes are, make some
confusion for beginners and even professionals users of ASME VIII. See the resume below:

Semi-Elliptical Heads (2:1) Torispherical Heads

Hemispherical Heads
Elliptical or Ellipsoidal Heads (1.9:1) Flanged and Dished Heads
Dished Discs
Flat Dished Heads
Non Standard 80-10 Dished Heads Toriconical Heads
6.1 - Spherical or Hemispherical Heads:
a) Where t < 0.356R or P < 0.665SE, and, 0.356R > t or 0.665SE > P:
And:
b) Where t > 0.356R or P > 0.665SE, and, 0.356R < t or 0.665SE < P:
And:
6.1.1 - Example: Spherical or Hemispherical Head:
A pressure vessel is built of SA-516-70 material and has an inside diameter of 2440 mm [96 in]. The
internal design pressure is 0.690 MPa [100 psi] at 232C [450F]. Corrosion allowance is 3 mm [0.118 in],
and joint efficiency is 0.85. Calculate the required thickness of the hemispherical heads considering that
S is 138 MPa [20,000 psi]?

Solution: Since 0.665SE > P = 78 MPa [11,313 psi] > 0.690 MPa [100 psi], use equation 3.4. The inside
radius in a corroded condition is equal to - R = 1220 + 3 = 1223 mm [48.15 in].
The calculated thickness is less than 0.356R; therefore, equation 3.4 is acceptable.
6.1.2 - Example: Spherical Shell:
A spherical pressure vessel with an internal diameter of 3048 mm [120 in] has a head thickness of 25.4
mm [1]. Determine the design pressure if the allowable stress is 113 MPa [~16,400 psi]. Assume joint
efficiency E = 0.85. No corrosion allowance is stated to the design pressure.
Solution: Use equation 3.5 since t < 0.356R.
The calculated pressure is less than 0.665SE; therefore, equation 3.5 is acceptable.
6.1.3 - Example: Thick Hemispherical Head:
Calculate the required hemispherical head thickness of an accumulator with P = 69 MPa [10,007 psi],
R = 460 mm [18.1 in], S = 103 MPa [~15,000 psi], and E = 1.0. Corrosion allowance is 6 mm (0.25 in].
Solution: As 0.665SE < P = 68,495 MPa [9,934 psi] < 69 MPa [10,007 psi], use equation 3.6.

This is the minimum thickness for fully corroded state. Total head thickness is 167.3 + 6 mm
(corrosion allowance) [6.58 + 0.125 in] = 173.3 mm [6.80 in] (Ans.).
6.2 Elliptical or Ellipsoidal Heads:
The actual shape can be approximated by a spherical radius of 0.9D and a knuckle radius of 0.17D
(shown in Fig. 2a.) The commonly used ellipsoidal head has a ratio of base radius to depth of 2:1 (Fig. 2b).
The required thickness of 2:1 heads with pressure on the concave side is given in paragraph UG-32 (d).
Obs.: Semi-Elliptical or Semi-Ellipsoidal Heads 2:1:

6.2.1 - Example: Elliptical or Ellipsoidal Head (imperial units):
Dimensions:
Inside Diameter of Head (Di) 18.0 [in]
Inside Crown Radius (L) (18.0 x 0.9Di) [in]
Inside Knuckle Radius (ri) (18.0 x 0.17Di) [in]
Corrosion Allowance - 0.010 corr [in]
Straight Skirt Length (h) - 1.500 skirt [in]
Material and Conditions:

Material - SA-202 Gr. B Room Temperature.
Internal Pressure - 200 P [psi]
Allowable Stress - 20,000 S [psi]
Head Longitudinal Joint Efficiency - 0.85 E
Radius L - (18.0 x 0.9Di) = 16.20 [in]
Radius ri - (18.0 x 0.17Di) = 3.06 [in]
Variable:
L/r = L/ri = 16.2/3.06 = 5.29 [in]
a) Required Thickness:
PD + corrosion allowance
t=
2SE 0.2P
t = 200 x 18
2 x 20,000 x 0.85 0.2 x 200
t = 0.106 + 0.010 = 0.116 in
b) Maximum Pressure:
P = 2 x 20,000 x 0.85 x 0.116
18 + 0.2 (0.116)
P = 216 psi

Note: Ellipsoidal heads and torispherical heads made of materials having a minimum tensile strength
> 80,000 psi should use a value of S = 20,000 psi at room temperature and reduced in proportion to the
reduction according to maximum allowable stress values at temperature for the material (see UG-23).
6.3 - Torispherical Heads:
Shallow heads, commonly referred to as flanged and dished heads (F&D heads), can be built according
to paragraph UG-32 (e). A spherical radius L of 1.0.D and a knuckle radius r of 0.06.D, as shown below,
approximates the most common F&D heads.
6.3.1 Torispherical Heads & Flanged and Dished Heads:
a) Flanged & Dished Head (F&D heads):
The dish radius of an F & D head is 100% of the vessel diameter. And, the knuckle is 6% of the head
or vessel inside diameter.
b) Non-Standard 80-10 Flanged & Dished Head:
The outside radius of an 80-10 F & D head is 80% of the head or vessel diameter and the corner radius
is 10% of the vessel inside diameter.

Why Use An 80-10 F & D?
Material cost can be achieved by designing 80-10 Torispherical Heads rather than the Standard ASME
Torispherical or Ellipsoidal. The 80-10 is typically 66% the thickness of the ASME Torispherical.
The formula for the required thickness of an F&D head with r/L = 0.06 and L = Di, which is:
and
E = joint efficiency factor;

L = inside spherical radius;
P = pressure on the concave side of the head;
S = allowable stress;
t = thickness of the head.
Shallow heads with internal pressure are subjected to a stress reversal at the knuckle. This stress reversal
could cause buckling of the shallow head as the ratio D/t increases.
6.3.2 - Example: Torispherical Heads (imperial units):
A drum is to operate at 500F and 350 psig and to hold 5000 gal. Dished torispherical heads inside
radius is equals 78 in. The material is SA285 Grade A. Assume S = 11,200 psi and E = 0.85.
Solution: Dished heads with L = Di and r/L = 0.06. Use equation 3.10:
t= 0.885PL
SE - 0.1P
t= 0.885(350).(78) = 2.54 in.

(11,200).(0.85) (0.1).(350)
7.0 CONICAL OR TORICONICAL HEADS:
7.1 The basic thickness formula for Toriconical Heads is:
The required thickness of the conical portion (knuckle radius > 6% OD) shall be determined by formula
using internal diameter of shell, Di and 30.

L = Di/(2 cos )
L = Outside spherical or crown radius
Di = Internal diameter of conical portion = D -2 r (1- cos )
r = Inside knuckle radius
7.2 Practical Resume of Pressure Vessels Formulae ASME Section II, Table 1A:
Definitions of letters in above table:
D = Shell/Head Inside Diameter, E = Weld Joint Efficiency (0.7 -1.0), L = Crown Radius, P = Internal
Pressure, h = Inside Depth of Head, r = Knuckle Radius, R = Shell/Head Inside Radius, S = Allowable
Stress, t = Shell/Head Thickness.
ASME B31.1 Power Piping & ASME B31.3 Process Piping:
Obs.: Many professionals are confused about the difference between ASME B31.1 and ASME B31.3:
a) The ASME B31.1 defines procedures for power piping, intended to cover the fuel gas and oil systems,
electric power generating stations, geothermal heating systems, central heating systems and cooling plants.

b) The ASME B31.3 defines procedures for process piping, intended to cover petroleum refineries,
chemical, pharmaceutical, textile, semiconductor and cryogenic plants, processing plants and ter minals.
7.3 Basic Resume of Maximum Allowable Stress (for the most common materials):
a) Carbon and Low Alloy Steels:
b) High Alloy Steels:
References:
ASME B31.1 - Power Piping

ASME-B31.3 - Process Piping
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) = https://www.asme.org/
Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings at: http://mss-hq.org;
American Petroleum Institute at: www.api.org;
Engineering Tool Box at: www.engineeringtoolbox.com;
Pipe Flow Calculations at: www.pipeflowcalculations.com;

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PDHonline Course M362 (2 PDH)

ASME Pressure Vessels

PDH Online | PDH Center

An Approved Continuing Education Provider

1. Calculate the required minimum thickness or the maximum allowable

2. Calculate the required minimum thickness or the maximum allowable

3. Calculate the required thickness or maximum allowable working pressure of

(Imperial and Metric System)

An Approved Continuing Education Provider

2. Section II Materials: Is divided into four parts:

4. Section VIII Pressure Vessels: Is divided into three divisions:

5. Section IX - Welding and Brazing Qualifications: Provides requirements such as Procedure

2011 Jurandir Primo Page 3 of 25

1.1 - ASME SECTION I - POWER BOILERS:

Cylindrical Components under Internal Pressure:

2011 Jurandir Primo Page 4 of 25

1.2 - ASME SECTION VIII, DIVISION 1 - PRESSURE VESSELS :

ASME Paragraph UG-4 - Materials:

ASME Paragraph UG-20 - Design Temperature:

ASME Paragraph UG-27 - Thickness of Shells under Internal Pressure:

t = Minimum required thickness (mm, psi)

2011 Jurandir Primo Page 5 of 25

2.0 - SECTION I Basic Calculations:

The following formulae are found in ASME Section I, paragraph PG-27.2.1.

a) Formula for minimum required thickness:

b) Formula for gauge maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP):

2.1 - Example: Section I - Boiler Tube:

t= 2.75 x 580 + 0.005(2.75) + 0

2011 Jurandir Primo Page 6 of 25

2.2 - Example: Section I Superheater Tube:

t = 4.75 mm [0.19 in];

P = 15,000 x [(2 x 0.19) - (0.01 x 2.95) - (2 x 0)]

P = 15,000 x 0.38 - 0.0295

3.0 - SECTION VIII Basic Calculation Formulae:

3.1 Formulae for thin Cylindrical Shells:

3.1.1 Circumferential stress (longitudinal joints):

2011 Jurandir Primo Page 7 of 25

3.1.2 Longitudinal stress (circumferential joints):

3.2 Formulae for thick Cylindrical Shells:

a) Where R0 and R are outside and inside radii, respectively. By substituting R0 = R + t:

b) For longitudinal stress with t > 0.5R or P > 1.25SE:

Note: Formulae 1.3 to 1.10 are for internal pressure only.

3.3 Formula for Spherical Shells:

t = 10.22 mm = 0.402 in.

t = 10.22 mm < 610 mm - therefore, equation 1.3 is acceptable.

2011 Jurandir Primo Page 9 of 25

Then, we can compare equation 1.3 using equation 1.7:

2011 Jurandir Primo Page 10 of 25

4.0 SECTION I - Piping, Drums, and Headers:

a) Using the Outside Diameter:

b) Using the Inside Radius:

4.1 - Example: Steam Piping:

Solution: Use equation 2.1.

P = 6,200 KPa = 6.2 MPa [899 psi];

2011 Jurandir Primo Page 11 of 25

4.1.1 - Example: Steam Piping - Using the Outside Diameter:

D = 323.9 mm [12.75 in]

2011 Jurandir Primo Page 12 of 25

4.1.2 - Example: Drum - Using the Inside Radius:

FIGURE 1: Welded Water Tube Boiler Drum:

This example has two parts:

a) The drum: Consider the drum to be plain with no penetrations.

a) Use equation 2.4 (inside radius R).