scope:

GENERAL

The use of reinforced thermoset plastic (RTP) vessels, operating at pressures not exceeding 15 psig external and/or 15 psig internal above any hydrostatic head, that contain corrosive and otherwise hazardous materials, dictates the need for rules and/or stress analysis concerning materials of construction, design, fabrication, quality control, and inspection of such equipment. In developing rules for RTP, the Committee has adapted the principles of rules included in Section VIII, Division 1 of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, wherever they are applicable.

Adaption of standard rules to RTP requires recognition of differences that exist between metallic materials and RTP. These differences are addressed in the remainder of this Introduction.