External pressure vessel stiffening ring issue?

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The autoclave operates under positive pressure under normal conditions, and only under negative pressure when air is being pumped out. Due to its large diameter, its reinforcement rings are made up of 6 segments joined together; grooves need to be created at the joints between these segments, and a full penetration weld is required. This process proves complicated in the workshop. As an alternative, it was proposed not to create grooves, but instead to leave a gap of about 5 millimeters between the segments, using MIG welding to achieve full penetration as well. I’m not sure if this will work. Some technicians also say that there is no need for bevels or to create a distance between the parts; in other words, full penetration welding is not required. The first few pages of the training manual for pressure vessel engineers state clearly that the reinforcement rings of externally pressurized vessels are components under compression; therefore, I believe full penetration welding is necessary. As mentioned earlier, a certain distance should be left between the valves, and no beveling is required – full penetration welding is sufficient. I’m not sure if this is correct