Classification of gas buffer tanks
Thread Content
As specified in Appendix 1 of the \"Regulations on Safety Supervision of Pressure Vessels,\" the main function of a separation pressure vessel is to achieve fluid pressure balance and buffering, as well as to purify and separate gases; whereas a storage pressure vessel is used for storing gases, liquids, liquefied gases, and other such substances. The gas buffer tank designed and manufactured by our company has a maximum operating pressure of 2 MPa, an operating temperature of 45°C. The working medium consists of 8% CO2, 39% H2, 28% CO, and 22% N2, with a volume of 20 m3. If such a pressure vessel is classified as a storage vessel, the medium it contains is considered to be of moderate hazard, and it is flammable and explosive; moreover, its PV product is greater than 10. The regulatory authorities insist on classifying it as a third-type pressure vessel ； Here, we classify them by separation vessels; medium-pressure separation vessels fall into category two. Experts, who is right and who is wrong? Please give me some guidance!
1. The supervision department is correct; according to Article 6, Paragraph 1, Item 3 of the Regulations, flammable or toxic substances should be classified as Category 3 containers
It depends on the position of the device within the entire system and its actual function. If you can prove that it indeed serves as a buffer, as you claim, then it belongs to category two; otherwise, it must be classified as category three.
I think the original poster is correct; the buffer tank should be considered a separate container, and therefore falls under category two containers.
According to the Code for Pressure Vessels, it can be classified as Category II, but according to the new Regulations on the Inspection of Fixed Pressure Vessels, it should be classified as Category III. The new Regulations on the Inspection of Fixed Pressure Vessels ensure uniqueness in the classification of vessels.
Medium-pressure separation vessel, moderate hazard, flammable. According to the current regulatory requirements, it should be classified as Category II.
I really don’t know what your supervision department is for. Try writing about gas buffer tanks – how do they classify them? What’s the difference between tanks and vessels?
We have encountered similar situations before, but the user requested it to be divided into three categories. The reason is that it serves a separating function during normal operation, while it is used for storing materials when the machine is stopped.
The teacher in the training course said that a container serves a storage function only when materials are kept in it for an extended period of time; otherwise, it is considered a separation vessel. So personally, I think the original poster’s unit is correct.