scope:

This Practice designates general requirements for the design and construction of aboveground fiberglass reinforced polyester, vinyl ester, and epoxy tanks and vessels having internal or external pressure from full vacuum up to the limits of Section X. Shop- and field-fabricated equipment, thermoplastic-lined equipment, and dual laminate equipment are covered in the scope of this Practice. Not covered are fiberglass hoods, ducts, stacks, pumps, fans, blowers, piping, and fully buried tanks that are beyond the scope of the referenced standards. Furan and phenolic resins, non-glass structural reinforcement, and metallic-lined fiberglass vessels are also outside the scope of this Practice.

Total compliance (including stamping) with RTP-1 or Section X shall be a basic requirement of all vessels and tanks ordered to this Practice. Refer to the User's Basic Requirements Specification (UBRS) or purchase order to determine which code or standard is required. References in this Practice to RTP-1 and Section X apply based on the specified standard and are not interchangeable except as specifically indicated. All "RP"-stamped vessels built in the United States or Canada shall be National Board (NB)-registered.

Deviations from this Practice require written approval of the Purchaser.

Many recognized and generally accepted good engineering construction practices are included herein. However, in light of the many diverse service applications of fiberglass tanks and vessels, these practices must be employed with engineering judgment and supplemented, as appropriate, with requirements related to specific materials of construction, service fluids, operating environments, and tank geometries. Accordingly, provisions of this Practice may be overridden or supplemented by an Overlay Specification.

Purpose

This Practice describes the general materials selection, design, fabrication, testing, inspection, and documentation requirements for fiberglass vessels and tanks to be constructed in accordance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section X or ASME/ANSI RTP-1. Fabrication shall be by ASME-accredited manufacturers. When the type of fiberglass fabrication is not covered by Section X or RTP-1, the Purchaser should use this Practice for guidance. In addition, Sections 5 and 11 provide guidance for the User or Designer in developing procurement specifications and installation practices for this equipment. Sections 5 and 11 are not the responsibility of the Fabricator.