scope:

In addition to any limitations stated in this Practice, the provisions of this Practice do not address the following:

Mechanically fastened shell or head courses with or without seal welding

 Non-metallic material requirements, including design issues

Design and fabrication of fluidized beds

Design and fabrication of non-cylindrical shells

Requirements associated with vessels mechanically agitated by motor-driven blade impellers

Portable transport containers

This Practice designates requirements for the design and construction of welded, cylindrical shell, single-wall vessels having internal design pressures not exceeding 15 psig and/or full vacuum external pressure at the top of the vessel in its normal operating position. Data sheet PIP VEDBI003 is required to define options covered herein and other specific requirements applicable to the particular vessel under consideration for service (startup, normal operation, upset, shutdown), location, maintenance, etc.

For bulk solids vessels having internal and/or external pressures exceeding the 15-psig limit, use this Practice for solids-handling issues, and use PIP VECV1001, PIP VESV1002, and PIP VEDV1003 for pressure vessel issues.

Unless approved by Purchaser, this Practice is not intended for vessels containing "lethal substances" defined as poisonous gases, liquids, or solids of such nature that a very small amount of the gas, liquid, or solid mixed or unmixed with air is dangerous to life when inhaled or when contacting skin. PIP VECV1001, PIP VESV1002, and PIP VEDV1003 apply for vessels that are classified for lethal service, as defined by Code paragraph UW-2, or for other highly hazardous chemical services. These Practices shall be used in conjunction with this Practice.

Many recognized and generally accepted good engineering construction practices are included herein. However, in light of the many diverse service applications of low-pressure vessels, these practices must be employed with sound engineering judgment and supplemented as appropriate with requirements related to specific materials of construction, service fluids, operating environments, and vessel geometry. Accordingly, it shall be understood that provisions of this document may be overridden or supplemented by an overlay specification. (See Section 3 for definition.)

The intent of this Practice is to provide enough information to design and construct a complete vessel. Any part necessary to make the vessel complete shall be provided by the Supplier. The equipment manufacturer is responsible for any licensing and licensing fees associated with the design, fabrication, and/or use of the equipment. Any auxiliary components required are to be identified in the bid and included in the quotation.

Purpose

This Practice describes the materials, design, fabrication, inspection, testing, and documentation requirements for the construction of atmospheric and low-pressure, welded, shop- and field-fabricated dry bulk solids bins, hoppers, silos, and gravity blenders for various chemical facilities. These bulk solids bins, hoppers, silos, and blenders generally meet the philosophy and requirements of Section VIII, Division 1, of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, henceforth referred to as the Code; however, Code inspection and stamping are not required.