Regarding the self-welded handles on the air storage tank of air compressors
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Recent inspections have revealed that some units have privately welded handles to the air storage tanks of mobile air compressors, which is definitely a problem; however, no specific standard provisions could be found. I would appreciate it if someone with expertise could provide guidance.
Unauthorized modification of pressure vessels. No design data, no testing.
Is there any evidence, especially for simple pressure vessels?
First of all, there is definitely a problem with this. As specified in Chapter 4 of TSG21-2016, welding between pressure-bearing components of pressure vessels, as well as between pressure-bearing components and non-pressure-bearing components, must be carried out using a welding process that has been evaluated and approved; furthermore, such welds must be performed by certified welders. From a design perspective, after the handle is welded on, the area where it is welded must withstand local tensile stress, and this stress needs to be calculated. It can be required to provide design and calculation data, weld qualification reports for welding procedures, certificates of qualified welders, welding records, and so on. If it cannot be provided, the handle shall be ground off, and surface flaw detection shall be performed on the weld area. Questions of this kind are not clearly addressed in the Solid Content Regulations, as these regulations cannot cover all possible situations that may arise in practice.