Pressure Vessel Classification and Safety Accessories Basics

Pressure vessels play a critical role across a wide spectrum of industries, including industrial, civilian, military applications, and scientific research. Their usage is most prevalent in the chemical and petrochemical sectors, where they constitute approximately 50% of all pressure vessels. Let Zhongtian provide an overview of pressure vessel fundamentals.

Classification by Design Pressure

① Low Pressure (L): 0.1 MPa ≤ P < 1.6 MPa

② Medium Pressure (M): 1.6 MPa ≤ P < 10 MPa

③ High Pressure (H): 10 MPa ≤ P < 100 MPa

④ Ultra-High Pressure (U): P ≥ 100 MPa

Classification by Process Function

1. Reaction Pressure Vessels (R)

Primarily used for physical or chemical reactions of media. Examples include reactors, reaction kettles, digesters, vulcanizing tanks, polymerization towers, autoclaves, synthesis towers, convertors, steam-jacketed kettles, and gas generators.

2. Heat Exchange Pressure Vessels (E)

Primarily used for heat exchange between media. Examples include shell-and-tube waste heat boilers, heat exchangers, coolers, condensers, evaporators, sterilizers, dyeing machines, drying cylinders, and electric steam generators.

3. Separation Pressure Vessels (S)

Primarily used for fluid pressure balancing, buffering, and gas purification/separation. Examples include separators, filters, oil collectors, scrubbers, absorption towers, dryers, steam distributors, and deaerators.

4. Storage Pressure Vessels (C; Spherical Tanks: B)

Primarily used for storing gases, liquids, or liquefied gases. Examples include various types of storage tanks.

Integrated Classification

1. Stationary Pressure Vessels

Fixed installations handling diverse media, often hazardous, flammable, explosive, or corrosive chemicals. Examples include spherical tanks, heat exchangers, synthesis towers, and medical oxygen chambers.

2. Mobile Pressure Vessels

Transportable containers for hazardous media, typically mounted on vehicles. Examples include tank bodies for road and rail tankers.

3. Cylinder-Type Pressure Vessels

Widely used portable vessels for compressed gases, including high-pressure cylinders (e.g., hydrogen, oxygen) and low-pressure cylinders (e.g., LPG). Examples include LPG cylinders, oxygen cylinders, hydrogen cylinders, and dissolved acetylene cylinders.

About Shandong Zhongtian Technology Engineering Co., Ltd.

A high-tech enterprise integrating engineering design, technical consulting, project management, and EPC services, Zhongtian holds pressure vessel design qualifications. With robust technical expertise, extensive design experience, and a nationwide branch network, the company provides localized design and services across China.