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Fiberglass Tank and Vessel Selection, Design, and Fabrication Specification ASME RTP-1 and Section X
Fiberglass Tank and Vessel Selection, Design, and Fabrication Specification ASME RTP-1 and Section X
Fiberglass Tank and Vessel Selection, Design, and Fabrication Specification ASME RTP-1 and Section X
PIP VESFG001
Fiberglass Tank and Vessel
Selection, Design, and Fabrication Specification
ASME RTP-1 and Section X
PURPOSE AND USE OF PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES
In an effort to minimize the cost of process industry facilities, this Practice has
been prepared from the technical requirements in the existing standards of major
industrial users, contractors, or standards organizations. By harmonizing these technical
requirements into a single set of Practices, administrative, application, and engineering
costs to both the purchaser and the manufacturer should be reduced. While this Practice
is expected to incorporate the majority of requirements of most users, individual
applications may involve requirements that will be appended to and take precedence over
this Practice. Determinations concerning fitness for purpose and particular matters or
application of the Practice to particular project or engineering situations should not be
made solely on information contained in these materials. The use of trade names from
time to time should not be viewed as an expression of preference but rather recognized as
normal usage in the trade. Other brands having the same specifications are equally
correct and may be substituted for those named. All practices or guidelines are intended
to be consistent with applicable laws and regulations including OSHA requirements. To
the extent these practices or guidelines should conflict with OSHA or other applicable
laws or regulations, such laws or regulations must be followed. Consult an appropriate
professional before applying or acting on any material contained in or suggested by the
Practice.
PIP VESFG001
Fiberglass Tank and Vessel
Selection, Design, and Fabrication Specification
ASME RTP-1 and Section X
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 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.
1.2 Scope
1.2.1 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.
1.2.2 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.
1.2.3 Deviations from this Practice require written approval of the Purchaser.
1.2.4 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.
2. References
Applicable requirements in the latest edition (or the edition indicated) of the following industry
standards and references shall be considered an integral part of this Practice. Short titles will
be used herein when appropriate.
3. Definitions
With reference to the Foreword and Article RG-3 of Section X and Paragraph 1-200 of
RTP-1, and for the purposes of this Practice, the following definitions apply:
Approved Equal: A substitution to a specified product that has been approved in writing by
the Purchaser
Designer: The party responsible for defining and specifying the mechanical design
requirements (e.g., UBRS) consistent with User criteria for use by the RTP-1 or Section X
Fabricator. The Designer is frequently an engineering contractor, but could be the User, third
party consultant, or RTP-1 or Section X Fabricator.
Fabricator: As defined in RTP-1, this term refers to the producer of RTP equipment. The
Fabricator combines resin and reinforcing fibers to produce the final product. In this Practice,
the Fabricator is the party entering into a contract with the Purchaser or Designer to construct
a vessel in accordance with the purchase order.
National Board (NB): The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors. This is
an organization comprised of chief inspectors from various governmental jurisdictions in the
United States and Canada. Vessels meeting requirements of Section X can be registered with
the NB.
Purchaser: The party actually placing the order for the vessel or vessel components. This may
be the User or the User’s designated agent.
User: The party responsible for establishing construction criteria consistent with RTP-1 or
Section X philosophy and service hazards as described in Section 1. This term refers to the
owner and/or operator of the equipment.
4. General
4.6 Language
The language of all documents shall either be English or include the English
translation.
4.8 Disclaimers
When a vessel or vessel component design is specified on the User’s vessel drawings,
the Fabricator is in no way relieved of the obligation and/or responsibility to comply
with the purchase specifications. Release for shipment by Purchaser’s or User’s
inspector does not relieve the Fabricator of any responsibility for complying with RTP-
1 or Section X, specifications, and/or drawings.
4.9 Conflicts
If the Fabricator finds a conflict between this Practice, design drawings, UBRS,
referenced codes and standards, or any supplementary specification, the Fabricator
shall obtain written clarification from the Purchaser prior to proceeding with any
work.
5. Selection Guidelines
This Section provides guidelines and other tutorial information intended to assist the Designer
in selecting and specifying fiberglass tanks and vessels. These guidelines are not the
responsibility of the Fabricator unless the Fabricator is also the Designer.
5.2 Resins
The most common types of resins used to manufacture RTP-1 and Section X vessels
are polyester, vinyl ester, and epoxy resins. Section X also permits the use of phenolic
and furan resins, but they have very limited application and are outside the scope of
this Practice. RTP-1 does not permit furan, epoxy, or phenolic resins at the present
time.
Because the glass fibers are continuous, the resulting laminate has the highest
tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of any type of laminate construction.
However, the resin content is lower and hence, the corrosion resistance is
lower than in contact-molded construction. The vessel wall is more difficult to
repair because any repair overlay will necessarily be of contact-molded
construction and typically be twice as thick as the original wall. Because
liquids can weep along the fibers, the external location of a leak does not
represent the internal location of a liner failure. The advantages of filament
winding are that it is faster and stronger than contact molding. This results in
cheaper fabrication costs for large vessel shells.
Because of the great strength of continuous filaments, Section X limits the
maximum pressure of Class I vessels with uncut filaments to 3000 psig and
with cut filaments to 1500 psig. For Class II vessels, the product of the
pressure (in psi) and the diameter (in inches) cannot exceed 7200 lb./in.
5.4.3 Centrifugal Casting and Bag Molding
Centrifugal casting and bag molding are two other methods used to fabricate
fiberglass vessels. These methods are used primarily for small diameter (i.e.,
less than 12 inches in diameter) Section X Class I vessels because the tooling
does not lend itself to large fabrications.
In centrifugal casting, a female mold is loaded with the appropriate fiberglass
reinforcement mats and cloth. Resin is injected into the center of the mold,
then thrown to the outside of the spinning mold by centrifugal force. The
advantage to centrifugal casting is quick fabrication with a well-saturated
resin laminate and no joints. The main disadvantage is that applications are
limited because it is almost impossible to do any side-mounted nozzles.
Bag molding also uses a female mold into which fiberglass cloth is inserted.
Resin is then added and a central inflatable bag squeezes the resin into the
cloth. Again, complex shapes are very difficult to manufacture. Because the
reinforcement fibers are not continuous, the maximum permitted pressure in
Section X is 150 psig for bag-molded construction.
5.4.4 Dual Laminates
Dual laminates are thermoplastic-lined fiberglass vessels. These are currently
allowed in Section X and will be allowed in RTP-1 in the near future.
Materials covered in Section 6.4.8 can be used for linings. Linings typically
are formed into the required vessel shape, then glued, welded, or molded into
one piece. The fiberglass laminate is laid on top of the thermoplastic liner.
In most cases, the thermoplastic liner is backed by imbedded glass or polyester
cloth which helps anchor it to the outside fiberglass laminate. In some cases
like PVC or CPVC, a solvent primer is used to bond the liner to the fiberglass
overwrap. In most cases, a conductive cloth is placed directly behind the
plastic liner so that the entire surface can be spark tested to find any voids or
defects.
Only a few Fabricators strive to maintain the tooling and special skills
required for this type of construction. Dual laminate construction offers
greatly improved corrosion resistance over straight fiberglass, but is typically
much more expensive. Dual laminate construction may be advantageous when
compared to high-alloy or shorter life solid fiberglass vessels.
design of nozzle reinforcements, stiffening rings and for flange design. RTP-1
also contains rules for the design of lug and double ring supports and
holddown lugs.
Note: Section X places an upper limit to Class II vessels designed by rules
to 75 psig and 96 inches ID.
5.6.2 Design by Stress Analysis
Part 3B of RTP-1 and Paragraph RD-1180 of Section X cover design of
fiberglass vessels using stress analysis. Design by stress analysis can be any
of several methods, but the most common method is finite element analysis
after having determined the laminate properties by use of lamination analysis.
RTP-1 allows a lower design factor if Part 3B is used. Section X has the same
design factors as in design by rules, but allows a higher design pressure for
Class II vessels--up to 200 psig. Because this method can encompass many
vessel configurations, it should be used for all types of complex vessels and
when transient loading such as thermal and cyclic are encountered. RTP-1 also
requires this method for all tanks larger than 16 feet in diameter.
5.6.3 Design Factors
There are some differences between RTP-1 and Section X regarding magnitude
for the design factors. In RTP-1, the design factor using part 3A analysis is 10
for continuous loads and 5 for intermittent loads (e.g., wind and seismic) and
for external pressure. The maximum ultimate tensile stress established by
laminate testing is divided by the design factor to give the allowable design
stress. In Section X, the design factor is put in terms of a strain limit of 0.001
for both internal and external pressure by Method A or a maximum stress
ratio of 6 for Method B. In RTP-1, if Part 3B analysis is used, the design
factor can be reduced to 9 without acoustic emission examination and 8 if an
acoustic emission examination is performed on the completed vessel. Further,
the design factor is always required to be 10 in the corrosion liner. RTP-1 also
provides that for vessels in User-designated critical corrosion service, the
design factor shall be multiplied by 1.25.
5.6.4 Maximum Allowable Design Stress
The maximum allowable design stress is established by testing in both
RTP-1 and Section X. In RTP-1, the Fabricator must have test data for all
qualified laminates. For Section X Class II vessels, a basic laminate unit is
qualified and the maximum allowable design stress is determined from that
test data. Section X Class I vessels are destructively tested to verify the
design. In RTP-1, testing is not required for filament-wound laminates, but the
laminate properties are determined by lamination analysis. In general, the
minimum allowable design stress for continuous loads should not be below
900 psi for an all-mat construction and could be over 2000 psi for a well-
constructed laminate of mat and woven roving. Filament-wound laminates can
have design stresses that exceed 3000 psi. In addition, RTP-1 and Section X
allow a maximum shear design stress of 200 psi. RTP-1 also gives a
maximum allowable stress of 50 psi in peel. For all field-fabricated tanks and
vessels designed for 2 psi and above, RTP-1 requires a proof test to verify the
design stress values in both the axial and hoop directions.
5.6.5 Maximum Allowable Design Strain
For filament-wound laminates, the maximum allowable design strain for RTP-
1 vessels is 0.001 for continuous loading and 0.002 for intermittent loading
and for external pressure. In Section X, the allowable strain is approximately
0.001 for all types of loading in Method A analysis. In
RTP-1, this elastic modulus is determined via lamination analysis. In
Section X, it is determined by test method. However, due to the difficulty of
applying the test method (which involves winding a flat laminate), only
contact-molded laminates have been used thus far for Class II equipment.
6. Materials
6.1 Resins
6.1.1 Resins specified on the UBRS or drawings shall be used throughout the
laminate. Where resins are not specified, the Fabricator shall submit a request
to the Purchaser to use selected resins that are suitable for the operating
conditions and fluids shown on the UBRS or drawings. All resin shall be
commercial grade, and selection shall be based on supplier test data as
published in corrosion guides or actual field or laboratory tests. Resin
substitution shall not be allowed in any step of vessel fabrication.
6.1.2 The Fabricator shall follow the resin manufacturer’s current fabrication
instructions for proper formulation and cure. If FDA compliance is required,
only resins certified by the resin manufacturer to meet FDA requirements shall
be used, and a post cure using hot air or steam followed by cleaning with
water or steam is required.
be exposed to the process fluid and must always be overlaid with laminate.
Resin putty shall be formulated to cure crack-free.
6.2.3 Styrene
Styrene may be added as a dilutent for viscosity control where required to
improve workability and wet-out characteristics. The amount added shall not
exceed the resin manufacturer’s recommendations and shall not impair fire-
retardant or chemical-resistant properties of the final product.
6.2.4 Ultraviolet (UV) Inhibitors
When the vessel is not to be pigmented, up to 1% (by weight) of the resin
manufacturer’s recommended UV inhibitor shall be added to the resin in the
outer three plies of laminate.
6.2.5 Paraffin
Up to 0.6% (by weight) of paraffin or wax shall be added to the resin-rich
topcoat of non-mold surfaces to aid in curing and assure a tack-free surface.
This is required only for polyester and vinyl ester resins.
6.4 Reinforcements
All resins shall contain reinforcements of one or more of the types described in this
Section. A separately cured, unreinforced interior resin gel coat shall not be used.
Integrally bonded chopped strand mat and woven roving are not permitted in the
laminate.
6.4.1 Glass Surfacing Veil
Glass surfacing veil shall be C glass, 10 mils thick, with a silane-type finish
and a binder compatible with the lay-up resin.
6.4.2 Organic Surfacing Veil
Organic surfacing veil shall be apertured or non-apertured polyester veil, 12 to
16 mils thick, with a finish compatible with the lay-up resin.
6.4.3 Carbon Surfacing Veil
Carbon surfacing veil shall be 0.5 oz/yd2, 6 mils thick, with a finish
compatible with the lay-up resin.
7. Design
• Temporary operations
• Emergency shutdown
• Emergency operations
• Normal shutdown
• Startup following a turnaround or emergency shutdown
• Cleaning, steam out, and decontamination
• Upset conditions
• Environmental restraints on relief venting
The maximum and minimum operating pressures and temperatures shall be specified
on the UBRS. In addition, refer to the UBRS or Overlay Specification for any margins
to be applied to the maximum operating pressure(s) and coincident temperature(s).
excluded from this requirement. Minimum manway size is 20 inches ID, but
24 inches ID shall be provided unless the smaller size is specifically indicated
in the UBRS. Manway dimensions shall be per RTP-1 Table 4-2 and installed
per RTP-1 Figure 4-8. Section X manway dimensions shall conform to Table
RD-620.1 and be installed per Figure RD-620.5. All manways shall be flush
with the inside of the vessel or tank and be provided with studs, bolts, gasket,
and cover. All manway covers shall be provided with two handles for lifting.
The number and size of manways shall be indicated on the drawing or UBRS.
7.5.5 Gaskets
Gasket type, thickness, and material shall be as specified on the UBRS or
Overlay Specification. Unless otherwise specified, all gaskets shall be 1/8 inch
thick, full-faced elastomeric types having a Shore A durometer hardness of 60
(plus or minus 5).
7.5.6 Bolting
Both interior and exterior bolting shall be as specified on the UBRS or
Overlay Specification. Bolts are permissible in sizes up to and including 1
inch in diameter. Studs shall be used in sizes over 1 inch. Bolting and studs
shall be ASME SA-307 Grade B minimum; nuts shall be ASME SA-563
Grade A minimum or other ASME standard. Nuts shall be semi-finished
heavy hex pattern.
7.5.7 Supports
The type of equipment support shall be as indicated in the UBRS or as shown
on the Purchaser’s equipment drawings. The Fabricator is responsible for
proper design of the supports even if design details are shown on the
Purchaser’s equipment drawings. Equipment supports shall be designed for all
maximum coincident loading conditions. If seismic and wind loads are
specified, Designer shall take these into account in the support design. For
design purposes, wind and seismic loads shall not act concurrently. Designer
shall include in design calculations the loading and weight basis of the support
design.
Flat-bottom tanks shall be installed with fully supporting foundations and
shall be anchored. Minimum size of anchor bolts shall be 1 inch. RTP-1 does
not allow anchor bolts to be used to resist internal pressure in flat-bottom
tanks. Design of anchors shall follow RTP-1 Appendix NM-4 with holddown
clips used per RTP-1 Figure NM4-5.
Suspended vessels should use design methods given in RTP-1 Appendix NM-
5.
If horizontal tanks or vessels require saddles for support, a finite element
analysis shall be used to design the supports and check for excessive stresses
in the shell and heads. A Zick analysis shall not be used to design horizontal
vessel support systems because of the different properties of fiberglass
laminates versus metallic plates. Multiple saddles and additional stiffening are
usually required.
Skirt supports shall be attached to the vessel per Appendix C, Figure 1 of this
Practice. All skirts shall be provided with vent and access openings per
Appendix C, Figure 2. Skirt holddown methods are given in Appendix C,
Figure 3.
7.5.8 Body Flanges
Body flanges, when specified or when required by Section 7.5.4, shall be
designed in accordance with RTP-1 Appendix NM-2 or Section X Paragraph
RD-1176 and shall always contain woven roving. They shall be flat and true
to a tolerance per RTP-1 Table 4-3 and Paragraph 4-700 or Section X
Paragraph RD-620.3 and Figure RD-620.3. Under no circumstances shall the
finished machined and resin coated flange thickness be less than that specified.
(See Section 8.1.4.)
7.5.9 Stiffening Rings
Stiffening rings, if provided, shall be a minimum of 3/16 inch thick and be
constructed similar to RTP-1 Figure 4-4. Other shapes such as trapezoidal,
triangular or flat ribs may be used. The required moment of inertia for
stiffening rings used to support the shell against external pressure is given in
RTP-1 Paragraph 3A-330 or Section X Paragraph RD-1172.1. Core materials
used to help form the rib shape shall not be considered to increase the moment
of inertia.
7.5.10 Internals
Unless otherwise specified, all internals shall be manufactured with the same
materials as the equipment wall. Metallic pipe for tubing or coils shall be as
specified on the UBRS and shall be suitable for cold bending. Coils and other
internal piping, trays, or other internals shall be supported to prevent vibration
or breakage during shipping and operation. Baffles for agitated tanks shall be
of the wedge type with sealed ends or the plate type with gussets. Refer to
Appendix C, Figure 4 of this Practice for baffle construction. Support ledges
for packing supports or other heavy internals shall be integrally molded into
the wall or else utilize a plate clamped between body flanges. Secondary
bonded rings may also be used to support lighter loads such as trays but they
shall be well sealed and all cut edges shall be capped with veil. See Appendix
C, Figure 5 for internal support ledge construction. All internals shall be
covered with a full corrosion liner on the outside and all edges shall be capped
with surfacing veil. A coating of resin only is not permitted. Secondary bonded
internals shall not contain woven roving; they shall be all mat construction. On
internal piping with butt joints, the joint edges shall be wrapped with surfacing
veil before the butt joint overlay is attached. Internal glued joints are not
permitted.
7.5.11 Nameplates
The completed equipment shall be provided with a nameplate in accordance
with RTP-1 Paragraphs 1-530, 1-540 and 1-550 or Section X Article RS-1. In
addition, the following information shall be provided either on the RTP-1 or
Section X nameplate or a separate nameplate:
• User’s equipment item number
• Initial test pressures
• Purchase order number
• Resin used
• Liner construction
• Capacity in gallons
• Estimated weight when empty, full of process fluid, and full of test water
Nameplates shall be located in an accessible location. The Fabricator shall
show the nameplate location and information provided on the dimensioned
fabrication drawing. On insulated tanks, the nameplate shall be located on a
bracket that extends 1 inch beyond the insulation thickness.
7.5.12 Ladders, Platforms, and Handrails
Where indicated on Purchaser drawings and specifications, the manufacturer
shall furnish ladders, platforms, and handrails. All material shall be in
accordance with PIP STF05501, PIP STF05520, PIP STF05521, and PIP
STF05535. All materials shall also conform to OSHA regulations or
equivalent national standard and any local building code, as required.
8. Fabrication
8.1 Laminates
8.1.1 Corrosion Liner
The corrosion liner shall be at least 100 mils thick and consist of, at minimum,
1 ply of surfacing veil and 2 or more plies of chopped strand mat totaling 3
oz/ft2. No spray-up or chopped strand mat from a chopper gun shall be used in
the corrosion liner. In addition, no colorants, thixotropic, or fire retardant
additives may be used in the corrosion liner. Only paraffin used for surface
cure and fillers used to increase abrasion resistance may be used. Only C
glass, polyester, or carbon surfacing veils are permitted in the corrosion liner.
The corrosion liner shall not be used in structural calculations to determine
vessel wall thickness.
On vessels having a thermoplastic lining, the fiberglass corrosion liner
described above may be omitted. However, a conductive layer shall be placed
directly behind the thermoplastic liner to enable the entire liner surface to be
spark tested.
8.1.2 Structural Layer
The structural layer shall consist of multiple plies of glass cloth, such as
chopped strand mat and woven roving, in contact-molded construction or
multiple cycles of filament winding roving interspersed with chopped strand
mat and/or oriented glass cloth. All filament-wound shells shall contain
chopped strand interspersed between winding cycles and have a minimum
axial strength of 9000 psi. Pigments shall not be added to the structural layer.
The structural layer shall not be applied until the corrosion liner has been
allowed to gel so that resin will not be squeezed out of the corrosion liner
during the fabrication of the structural layer. A layer of chopped strand mat
shall always be laid directly behind the corrosion liner as the start of the
structural layer. The resin used in the structural layer shall be the same as that
used in the corrosion liner.
8.1.3 Exterior Layer
The exterior layer shall consist of either chopped strand mat, a gel coat, resin
paint, or surfacing veil. UV inhibitor or pigment is always required in the
exterior layer. The exterior layer is the only part of the vessel wall that may be
painted or pigmented. Painting or pigmenting shall be done after all internal
inspections are carried out. On polyester and vinyl ester resin vessels, a
paraffinated topcoat is required unless resin paint is applied.
8.1.4 Cut Edges
On any interior cut edges exposed to the chemical environment, the edges shall
be capped with resin and the same number of surfacing veils as in the
corrosion liner. When machining of flange faces is required, the faces shall be
faced with surfacing mat. All other exterior machined surfaces or cut edges
(e.g., boltholes) shall be coated with resin only.
8.1.5 Joints and Secondary Bonds
All resin for capping cut edges and making joints, secondary bonds, and
coatings (and elsewhere throughout the equipment) shall be the same resin
used to construct the structural wall and corrosion liner. Interior secondary
bonds covering shell and head joints shall be a minimum of 3 inches wide on
each side of the joint and shall consist of a minimum of 1 ply of surfacing veil
and 3 plies of 1-1/2 oz./sq. ft. chopped strand mat. If the corrosion liner
thickness exceeds this construction, the interior lay-up shall match the
corrosion liner. Each successive ply shall overlap the preceding ply by a
minimum of 1/2 inch beyond each side. The first ply shall be a minimum of 3
inches wide.
8.1.6 Lapping of Reinforcements
All edges of reinforcing material shall be lapped a minimum of 1 inch for mat
and oriented cloth and 2 inches for woven roving. Lapped edges of adjacent
layers shall be staggered. In addition, the laps in nozzle reinforcing pads shall
be located at least 45 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the vessel.
8.1.7 Tapering of Secondary Bonds
All interior and exterior secondary bonds shall be tapered at the edges a
minimum of 6:1 to minimize stress concentrations. The material in the taper
shall not count towards the required structural strength of the bond.
8.1.8 Thermoplastic Liners
Thermoplastic liners shall meet the requirements of RTP-1 Appendix M-14,
except that Part M14-7 for shop qualification is not mandatory for Section X
stamped vessels. All provisions of Appendix M-14 are mandatory for RTP-1
stamped equipment.
8.1.9 Mold Release Agents
Molds shall be prepared using a layer of polyester film, carnauba-based paste
wax, or polyvinyl alcohol. All mold release agents shall be removed prior to
inspection and shipment.
8.4 Repairs
Minor defects in workmanship may be repaired prior to stamping, provided approval
for method and extent of repair is first obtained from the Purchaser and the Authorized
Inspector (Section X vessels) or the Certified Individual (RTP-1 vessels). All repairs
to RTP-1 vessels shall be in accordance with RTP-1 Appendix M-9. For Section X
vessels, corrosion liner and structural layer repairs for Class II vessels shall be in
accordance with RTP-1 Appendix M-9. Structural repairs to Class I vessels are not
allowed.
interior surface or inside any nozzle. For this purpose, a steam sparge pipe projecting
at least 12 inches beyond the interior surface of the nozzle and at least 12 inches from
any wall is required. Only low-pressure (less than 5 psig) steam shall be used. During
the steam post curing process, the vessel is to be maintained at atmospheric pressure.
If hot air for the post cure is generated by fired heaters, a clean burning fuel such as
propane or natural gas shall be used. Kerosene shall not be used.
8.8 Tolerances
In addition to the mandatory fabrication tolerances given by RTP-1 Figure 4-1 or
Section X, the recommended User’s fabrication tolerances given by RTP-1 Figure
NM7-1 are required for all vessels fabricated per this Practice.
9.1 Inspector
There are several types of inspection individuals defined by RTP-1 and Section X.
They include the “Inspector,” the “inspector,” the “Certified Individual,” and the
“Authorized Inspector.” The Inspector used to inspect equipment built to RTP-1 shall
be an individual who is mutually agreeable to the Purchaser and Fabricator. The
Inspector may be employed directly by the Fabricator or Purchaser or be an
independent person hired by the Purchaser or Fabricator. The Inspector is to be
designated on the UBRS, with duties defined in RTP-1 Paragraph 1-400. In
Section X, the Inspector's duties are defined in Paragraph RG-330.
In RTP-1, the Certified Individual employed by the Fabricator is responsible for
ASME certification. In Section X, an Authorized Inspector who is registered with the
NB is responsible for the certification. An additional Purchaser’s inspector shall be
responsible for inspecting the vessel in accordance with the Quality Overview Plan in
Appendix D of this Practice.
Thermoplastic liners shall meet RTP-1 Appendix M-13, Table M13-5-1 Lining Visual
Inspection Acceptance Criteria.
pressure shall be 1.1 times the design pressure at the top of vessel in the installed
position. All testing shall be in accordance with RTP-1 Paragraph 6-950 or Section X
Article RT-6.
9.7.1 Test Water
Testing of vessels should be conducted with water that is clean and free of
debris. Potable water is acceptable for fiberglass equipment. Brackish or
untreated water shall not be used. The Fabricator shall provide all facilities
and materials (e.g., blinds, bolting, and gaskets).
9.7.2 Test Temperature
Before application of the test pressure, the test water and vessel material shall
be allowed to equalize to approximately the same temperature.
9.7.3 Hold Time
The final hydrostatic test pressure shall be held for a minimum of one hour, or
as specified on the drawings and/or specification.
9.7.4 Post Test Requirements
After completion of the hydrostatic test, the vessel shall be drained, dried, and
closed as quickly as practicable. This includes drying internals. Test water in
contact with austenitic stainless steel internals shall have a maximum chloride
content of 50 ppm, and if in contact with the stainless steel for more than 72
hours, shall be treated with an appropriate biocide to prevent biologically
induced corrosion of stainless steel.
9.7.5 Field Test
If field assembly/erection is required, the hydrostatic test shall take place on
the User’s site. Fabricator shall provide a detailed test procedure to the
Purchaser for review prior to testing.
9.7.6 Horizontal Vessels
Horizontal vessels shall be designed to support a full weight load of water.
Horizontal vessels shall be tested while resting on its support saddles without
additional supports or cribbing.
9.7.7 Tall Vertical Vessels
Tall vertical vessels must be tested in the installed position per RTP-1 and
Section X. These vessels must be adequately supported during the test to
prevent damage. A field hydrostatic test is usually required in cases where the
vessel is supported by lugs or ring supports in steelwork.
9.7.8 Flanged Joints
Any flanged joint for which the service gasket is to be furnished by the
Fabricator and which will not be disassembled after testing shall be tested with
the specified service gasket. If the joint is to be disassembled after testing and
employs flanges per ASME B16.5, the test gasket may be selected by the
retained for the Purchaser’s inspection. Cutouts are the property of the User and shall
be retained by the Fabricator for at least six months after shipment, unless instructed
otherwise. The extent to which cutouts shall be used by the Fabricator for mechanical
property testing shall be detailed in the Overlay Specifications or UBRS.
10. Shipping
This Section provides guidance to the User, as given in RTP-1, on proper receipt and
installation fiberglass equipment. This guidance is not the responsibility of the
Fabricator unless the Fabricator also installs the equipment.
11.2 Installation
During installation of fiberglass vessels and tanks, the following considerations should
be given to ensure adequate service:
k. Storage tanks shall have overflows as large as any inlet nozzle. Roof nozzles
shall not be used as overflows on flat-bottom storage tanks as required by RTP-
1 Paragraphs 5-400(b) and 5-400(c).
APPENDIX A
The Fabricator’s Design Report, per Paragraph 1-300 of RTP-1 or Paragraph RG-321 of Section X,
shall contain at least the following data:
1. Design Calculations
2. Fabrication Drawings
3. Certification by a registered professional engineer of the above two items for RTP-1 vessels
and Section X Class II vessels
4. Final copy of the UBRS updated with all fabrication changes
The following are required only in a Section X Fabricator's Design Report:
1. Material manufacturer’s specification sheets for resin, fiber reinforcement, promoters,
catalyst, and other components used in laminate construction
2. Procedure Specification for all laminates
3. Properly certified Form RP-2 for parts of the vessel fabricated by other fabricators
4. Qualification Test Report for Class I vessels
5. Records of Quality Control Test Reports
6. Production Test Report
Documentation Schedule
PIP VESFG001
Fiberglass Tank and Vessel Selection, Design, and Fabrication Specification March 1999
ASME RTP-1 and Section X
APPENDIX B
Documentation Schedule
Current UBRS
Vessel Details
Design Calculations
NOTES:
1. Drawings and data are to be mailed to _____________________________________ unless submitted with quotation.
2. Final certified drawings are to be submitted within 2 weeks of receipt of “Approved” or “Approved As Noted” prints.
3. All data must be supplied prior to submission of invoice.
4. All questions of a technical nature shall be directed to ___________________________________________________.
5. Reproducibles and original film drawings shall not be folded for mailing.
6. Each copy of all data (e.g., Drawing Sheets, manuals) must be certified by Fabricator with equipment or instrument Tag
Number and Purchase Order Number written or typed on the face of each copy.
The Fabricator shall provide certified assembly and working drawings for all vessels and tanks.
Fabricator's drawings shall have the same designation for nozzles, manways, skirt openings, and
column trays as shown on Purchaser's drawings. Drawings shall be complete and shall include, but not
necessarily be limited to, the following information:
1. Maximum Allowable Working Pressure and coincident maximum design temperature (internal and
external, if applicable) (see Section 7.2)
2. Minimum Design Temperature and coincident Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (see
Section 7.3)
3. Reference to ASME RTP-1 or Section X, Edition, and Addenda. Include any Code Cases used
and special service restrictions.
4. Special service notes (e.g., “for Critical Corrosive Service” followed by a description of the
service)
5. National Board registration number (“RP”-stamped vessels)
6. Design specific gravity
7. Liner thickness and type
8. Secondary bonded joint details. All secondary bond overlays shall be detailed and identified by
use of standard symbols described in a drawing legend.
9. Nondestructive examination requirements
10. Post curing requirements
11. Hydrostatic, pneumatic, or vacuum test pressures, as applicable
a. Shop test in horizontal position (referenced to top of vessel)
b. Shop test in vertical position (referenced to top of vessel) (except for horizontal vessels)
c. Any Field in operating position (referenced to top of vessel)
12. Material specifications for all components and all attachments to components
13. Thickness and laminate sequences of all components.
14. All pertinent dimensions, including location of weld seams, knuckles, manways, nozzles and
projections, vessel supports, insulation supports, and any other information necessary for a
complete description of the vessel
15. Complete description of all vessel flanges (including both standard and custom-designed),
pressure bolting, and gaskets
16. Legend describing laminate sequence symbology
17. Sensitive leak tests, if any
18. Vessel support details
19. Surface preparation, painting, or other protective coating specifications
20. Estimated weight of vessel when empty, operating, and full of water
21. Design capacity of vessel (or each compartment) (in gallons)
22. Full size reproductions of Fabricator & ASME nameplates as stamped by Fabricator
Special Notes
Fabricator's drawings shall also include the following notes as applicable:
1. Declaration of critical or lethal service (lethal services are prohibited in Section X)
2. Laminate defect level and maximum density of entrapped air
Fabrication Figures
APPENDIX D
APPENDIX D
Quality Overview Plan
RTP-1 and Section X Vessels
Activities checked apply to the above item. In most cases, the Purchaser representative will require five (5) days notification to make
arrangements for hold point inspections.
1. Resin identification
7. Post curing
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
1. The User or the User’s Designated Agent will provide the Fabricator with a completed Quality
Overview Plan.
2. The Fabricator is to provide the User with the documents for review, witness/hold point activity
notification, and inspection opportunity as indicated by the User on the Plan, as follows:
2.1 Review: Fabricator is to provide documentation, the review of which will allow the
User to verify that the referenced construction activity has been performed as
specified. Other construction requirements may be verified/audited.
2.2 Witness: Fabricator is to notify User not later than five days before performing the
referenced construction activity so that the User may exercise the option to observe.
Other construction requirements may be verified/audited.
2.4 Hold Point: Fabricator must notify User not later than five days before performing the
referenced construction activity and must receive authorization from the User before
performing the activity. Other construction requirements may be verified/audited.
3. Some of the items in this Quality Overview Plan are covered elsewhere in this Practice.