Discuss the issues related to pressure vessels that have not been put into use after obtaining the completion certification
Thread Content
Let’s discuss the issues related to pressure vessels that have been completed and certified but not put into use. The situation is as follows: Our factory manufactured a batch of pressure vessels in 2013; the manufacturing standards were GB150-2011, the material standards were GB713-2008, and the inspection standards were JB/T4730-2005. The completion inspection was carried out in 2013, and the Special Equipment Inspection and Testing Institute issued a supervision inspection certificate in accordance with TSG R0004-2009. Delivery has been delayed due to the customer’s funding issues; now, it is planned to put these containers into use and ship them at the beginning of 2019. I would like to consult experts: 1. The current regulations regarding tolerances, flaw detection, and material standards have been updated. Can the supervision and inspection certificates from 2013, along with all the complete documentation related to the completion of production, still be used in compliance for installation in 2019? 2. The design life is 15 years; does this refer to the service life, with the 5 years of installation not being included in this period? 3. Is re-inspection required before shipment, such as thickness measurement, pressure testing, etc.? What standards should be followed for these inspections? 4. Is there any problem if the customer uses the completion documents from 2013 to apply for installation notification and usage registration?
I believe: 1. It was built in accordance with the standard specifications at the time the equipment manufacturing contract was signed, so it works fine for current use. 2. The design life is not the actual service life; if the actual time of put into use can be proven, the design service life shall be calculated based on that time of put into use. Otherwise, it shall be calculated based on the date of manufacture. 3. Before shipment, conduct additional surface inspections based on the properties of the materials; for high-strength steel, visual inspection is applied, while other materials are inspected in the same manner. 4. Issues related to issuing installation notices and conducting usage registration.
Thank you! It’s just that the first one is a bit hard to say.
As long as a product has been inspected, there is no problem using it (for example, if standards change, does that mean all containers in use become unsafe and need to be inspected?) ), the design service life (since it is for use, it should be calculated starting from the time of commissioning). As long as the surface of the equipment shipped is in good condition with no obvious corrosion, there is no need to conduct thickness testing, pressure testing, etc., unless requested by the customer.
1. It can be used in full compliance, and is perfectly suitable for installation in 2019. 2. The design service life is largely determined by calculating the corrosion rate of the container’s inner wall caused by the medium in use; since it has not been put into operation, it has naturally not been exposed to any such medium. It should be possible to start calculating based on the new container. 3. There are no standard specifications requiring inspection of containers in your case before shipment, unless requested by the customer. 4. From a regulatory perspective, there are no issues with carrying out the registration procedures; however, it is possible that the supervisory authorities in the location where the equipment is used may have specific requirements, so it is advisable to consult them in advance.
Used containers can also be relocated; moreover, this one has not been used yet. The design life is a recommended period of time, and it doesn’t mean it cannot be used after that time. Be responsible for the users; it’s best to conduct a visual inspection before shipping.
I think it can be shipped directly from the factory. As for the service life, it starts to be counted from the time the container is registered in the place where it will be used.
It probably depends on the specific inspection requirements in different places; in some areas, if it has been more than 3 years since the last certification was issued, a new safety assessment and a comprehensive re-inspection are required. After passing a comprehensive inspection, you can proceed with obtaining the certification; the design life is generally calculated based on the date of manufacture of your container.
This post was last edited by wanlirn on 2018-12-13 at 15:12. The special inspection agency will, in accordance with clauses 8.1.6 and 8.1.7 of the regulations, advance the initial inspection to the time when the equipment is installed but not yet in use (the regulations specify that the initial inspection should take place after three years, taking into account situations such as delayed delivery and subsequent use of the equipment).