On the selection of design methods for pressure vessels
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Currently, there are conventional design methods (ASME III DIV I) and analytical design methods (ASME III DIV II) for pressure vessel design. How should one choose between them in daily design work? Can some conventionally designed containers be redesigned analytically to reduce costs?
Whenever possible, use conventional design methods instead of analytical design methods
So, from a cost perspective, for small devices, analytical design is only used when a conventional design proves to be ineffective; for heavier devices, analytical design can be employed to reduce their thickness, thereby significantly cutting costs.
For ordinary conventional equipment, it is not meaningful to use analytical design; it increases the requirements for equipment manufacturing and inspection. Although the material costs might decrease, the design costs rise, resulting in an overall increase in cost.
For a standard 300-ton device, analysis can help save more than 20 tons; are there any options that have a lower cost? Does anyone know?
Analytical design must be carried out with a thorough understanding of conventional designs and design principles; one must be familiar with analytical design in order to use it, otherwise it could lead to significant losses – not only will no material savings be achieved, but the lost money cannot be recovered either.