Comparison of PD 5500, EN 13445,

ASME VIII Div 1 & ASME VIII Div 2

How does ASME Div 1 Impact Pressure Vessel
Weight?
Something you’ve probably noticed when following ASME Section VIII Div 1 pressure
vessel code is how the code tends to require manufacturers to develop heavier vessels
and exchangers for land-based structures. But what if you’re designing a ship or tall
structure? How can the code be adapted when it’s not optimized for these types of
structures?

Because of this need, PD 5500 and EN 13445 were developed in order to give designers
the ability to manufacture lighter and more efficient vessels. These additional codes
provide vital design options that the ASME pressure vessel code lacks.

Why Were PD 5500 and EN 13445 Created?

In the 1950s, ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code was dominant across most of the
world. Due to WWII, Europe went bankrupt and its heavy industries were destroyed.
European countries, therefore, needed new methods to produce lighter and more
economical vessels, something ASME couldn’t accommodate at that time.
Concurrently, oil industry companies in the North Sea, such as BP Exploration and
Shell Oil, began to actively seek lighter vessels for oil rigs and ship-mounted
equipment. The further they went offshore the greater the need became.

In order to meet this demand, PD 5500 was created. It evolved partly from the well-
known BS 1500 and BS 1515, which permitted higher level allowable stresses and more
advanced rules.

Years later in May 2002, the first issue of the European Standard EN 13445 Unfired
Pressure Vessels was published. This standard was developed to accommodate vessels
subject to the European pressure equipment directive.

Over time, PD 5500 and EN 13445 became more competitive in designing lighter and
more efficient vessels.

A clear validation of these advantages is recognized in the recent 2019 publication of

ASME Section VIII, Division 1 with the new language in U-2(g), specifically U-
2(g)(1).

At a high level this change identified as U-2(g) indicates that when Sec. VIII, Div 1
doesn't tell you what to do, the guidance is to look at Div 2. If Div 2 doesn't tell you,
then look at other recognized and generally accepted standards like EN 13445 or PD
5500.

For more information, see what the details of the U-2(g) ASME BPVC code
changes are.

What Are PD 5500 and EN 13445?

As already stated, PD 5500 and EN 13445 are instrumental in designing lighter and
more efficient vessels.

PD 5500 hailed from BS 5500, which had a number of distinctive features compared to
other pressure codes. Weld joint factors were removed and the present three categories
of construction were introduced. It included a new, novel external pressure section, as
well as a loose-leaf format, and annual updating was introduced.

When the first edition of EN 13445 was introduced, it wasn’t as comprehensive at BS

5500. Because of this, the British pressure vessel standard continued to be available and
became a published document (PD) under the new reference PD 5500.

It has equal content, validity and application to the previous BS 5500, with its principal
difference being that it doesn’t have the status of “national standard.”
Key Differences Between PD 5500, EN 13445, ASME
VIII Div 1 & ASME VIII Div 2
When pressure vessels and heat exchangers are designed, they must meet codes through
various methods. This process is complicated when certain variables must be adjusted.

The basic formula for stress based on internal pressure and thickness is an immutable
fact of physics.

The main way to adjust the methods used in pressure vessel design is by varying:

 Material selection/restrictions
 Allowable stresses
 Joint efficiencies
 Safety factors

Material Selection Restrictions

 ASME VIII materials are usually designated by P number

 Both PD 5500 and EN 13445 materials are identified by group number and
derived from PD CR ISO/TR 15608

PD 5500, Section 2.1.2.1

All materials used in the manufacture of pressure parts shall:

 Conform to BS EN steels given in Table 2.1-2; or

 Conform to BS steels given in Table K.1-2 to Table K.1-12; or
 Be agreed between purchaser, Inspecting Authority and manufacturer, be
documented [see 1.5.2.2b)] and shall conform to 2.1.2.2; or
 Be the subject of a ‘‘European approval for material’’ in accordance with the EU
directive 2014/68/EU; or
 Be detailed in supplements, annexes or enquiry cases to this specification.
Enquiry case 5500/91 lists those ASTM materials permitted along with the
allowable stresses to be used. Note that ASTM materials not listed in Enquiry
case 91 can only be used if they comply with 2.1.2.1 c) detailed above.

EN 13445
Section 4.3.1: The European Standards for plates, strips, bars, tubes, forgings and
castings for pressure purposes shall be used.
EN 13445-2 Annex E: contains an informative summary on European Standards for
steels and steel components for pressure purposes.