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Chemical Engineering vocabulary · Plant Equipment and Operations

Pressure vessel

Meaning in chemical engineering, with examples

nounCore term

In chemical engineering, pressure vessel means: A closed container designed to hold gases or liquids at a pressure well above or below atmospheric, such as a reactor, separator, drum or column.

In Turkish: basınçlı kap

How it is used

Pressure vessels are designed, built and inspected to codes such as ASME Section VIII or the EU Pressure Equipment Directive. Engineers specify design pressure, design temperature and material, and vessels are hydrotested before use.

Example sentences

  1. The pressure vessel is rated for 16 barg at 250 °C.

  2. Every pressure vessel on site must have a valid inspection certificate.

Common collocations

  • design pressure
  • pressure vessel code
  • hydrotest
  • pressure vessel inspection
  • relief valveA spring-loaded valve that opens by itself when the pressure in a vessel or pipe goes above a set limit, releasing fluid to protect the equipment from bursting.
  • storage tankA large container, usually at or near atmospheric pressure, used to hold raw materials, intermediates or products before they are used or shipped.
  • material of constructionThe material that a piece of equipment, pipe or part is made from, chosen for strength, temperature, corrosion resistance and cost.
  • corrosion allowanceExtra wall thickness added to a vessel or pipe on top of what strength calculations require, so that it can lose metal to corrosion over its life and still be safe.

More terms: Plant Equipment and Operations

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