The \"Regulations on Safety Technical Inspection of Fixed Pressure Vessels\" were issued

Could it be more specific? Does the original capacity regulation become invalid after this is issued? (Newcomers don’t quite understand the relationship between these standards and the versions of the tolerance specifications.)

Overview of the Revisions to the \"Regulations on Safety Inspection of Fixed Pressure Vessels\" Authors: Xie Tiejun, Shou Binan, Wang Xiaolei, Li Jun ( ) In May 2007, the Bureau of Special Equipment Safety Inspection under the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine assigned the task of revising the \"Regulations on Safety Inspection of Fixed Pressure Vessels\" (hereinafter referred to as the \"Regulations\"). In September 2007, relevant experts were assembled to form a drafting team for these revisions; the first meeting of this team was held in Beijing, where the principles, key aspects, main issues, and structural framework (chapters) of the revised regulations were discussed. Specific responsibilities were assigned for the drafting work, and a timeline was established. In November 2007, the drafting team held its second working meeting in Beijing. Following discussions and revisions, a draft of the regulatory provisions was prepared, and it was circulated via Special Circular No. 10 to seek opinions from grassroots departments, relevant organizations, experts, and citizens. Based on the feedback received, the drafting team held its third meeting in Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, in May 2008 to review and address the feedback and formulate a draft for submission. During the revision process, the drafting team held several special meetings with the Special Equipment Bureau of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine to discuss the key issues related to the revision of the Regulations. Additionally, two special seminars were organized in January 2008 and July 2008 to discuss the modifications to the non-destructive testing section of the Regulations. In August 2008, the Special Equipment Bureau submitted the draft for review to the Special Equipment Safety Technology Committee of the **General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine. The drafting team revised it based on the feedback received, resulting in a version ready for approval. In September 2008, this draft was submitted to the **General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, and it is now being notified to WTO/TBT. The basic principle of this revision is to fully draw on the lessons learned from accidents ； Basic safety requirements should be established, and any significant changes must be supported by research and data ； Strengthen usage management and emergency rescue plans ； Reflect the principle of energy conservation ； Promote production and facilitate businesses ； Favorable to technological progress and scientific development ； Taking into account international development while possessing Chinese characteristics ； Specifications and standards are consistent with each other. In the actual revision process, consideration was given to aligning with the various systems, requirements, and terminology stipulated in the Regulations on the Safety Supervision of Special Equipment (hereinafter referred to as the \"Regulations\"); as a result, the entity responsible for safety supervision was changed to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine and the quality and technical supervision departments at the provincial level and below. Transform the \"Regulations on Containers\" into the safety technical specification for special equipment, TSG, to establish its position within the regulatory and standard system, while largely retaining the original structural framework and main content. It fully reflects the idea that regulations represent the basic requirements for safety, by establishing fundamental safety requirements in areas such as design, manufacturing, installation, maintenance and modification, use, and inspection, without delving into technical details. In line with the current national policy of conserving energy, reducing emissions, and cutting consumption, relevant basic requirements are put forward, such as adjustments to safety factors, heat efficiency of heat exchangers, requirements for insulation, and issues related to periodic pressure tests. Efforts should be made to resolve the issue of pressure vessel classification by introducing concepts such as hazard and failure modes, so as to regulate pressure vessels based on a single conceptual framework and emphasize the principle of intrinsic safety. Adjust the scope of application of the Regulatory Provisions to cover all pressure vessels within the scope of the Regulations that have not yet been included under safety supervision ； At the same time, the original Safety Inspection Regulations for Pressure Vessels, version 99, was revised to become the Safety Inspection Regulations for Fixed Pressure Vessels; separate regulations were formulated for Safety Inspection of Mobile Pressure Vessels. Meanwhile, the newly issued safety inspection regulations for pressure vessels such as ultra-high pressure vessels, simple pressure vessels, and non-metallic pressure vessels were temporarily retained. Adjust some overly rigid regulations to provide avenues and channels for the application of new materials, new processes, and new technologies, and simplify procedures. Adjust some unreasonable and outdated regulations, such as the design pressure for liquefied gases, non-ferrous metals, expansion ratio, set pressure for safety valves, re-inspection of materials, welding test plates, and other related issues. In addition to pressure loads, other loads (wind, earthquakes, fatigue, etc.) and the effects of the medium on the safety of pressure vessels must also be fully considered. In coordination with technological work, consideration is being given to adopting advanced technological achievements; it is planned to introduce mature technologies such as the risk assessment RBI testing technique, the non-destructive testing TOFD method, and defect assessment methods. Adjust (delete) overly detailed data tables, add data sheets for pressure vessel products, and put forward requirements for information management in order to lay a foundation for future information-based management. Below, a brief discussion is provided on the approaches and modification plans for some key aspects of the revisions to the Code, aimed at facilitating discussion with relevant pressure vessel engineering professionals. Revised approach for Chapter 1: General Provisions – Scope of application: Adjust the overall scope of application to align it with the Regulations ； Clarify the specific situations where it applies and where it does not apply ； By removing the provisions related to mobile pressure vessels, these regulations apply only to fixed pressure vessels (as defined), with separate \"Regulations on Safety Technical Inspection of Mobile Pressure Vessels\" being formulated. In addition to adjusting the scope of applicability and non-applicability of the original provisions, the following contents are proposed to be added in order to maintain consistency and continuity with the Regulations, the Accommodation Rules, and the 1999 version of the Accommodation Rules. Vehicle air storage tanks and air storage tanks for mobile air compressors, which are not considered simple pressure vessels, only need to meet the relevant requirements regarding materials, design, and manufacturing ； For pressure vessels within the scope of application, if their volume is greater than 1 liter and less than 25 liters, or if their inner diameter (for non-circular cross-sections, this refers to the width, height, or diagonal; for example, the diagonal for rectangles and the major axis for ellipses) is less than 150 mm, it is sufficient for them to meet the relevant regulations regarding design and manufacturing permits, as well as to be designed and manufactured in accordance with the requirements of the relevant product standards ； Pressure vessels with a volume of 1 liter or less only need to comply with the relevant regulations regarding manufacturing permits. Container classification: Taking into account the shortcomings of the container classification method specified in version 99 of the regulations, this revision aims to align with the guiding principles of the European Union’s classification method for pressure equipment. The category of a pressure vessel is determined by three factors: design pressure, volume, and the hazard level of the medium used; factors such as the vessel’s function during production, material strength grade, and structural design are no longer considered. This simplifies the classification process, emphasizes the principle of hazard assessment, and enables unified classification and regulation of pressure vessels based on this concept, thereby highlighting the idea of intrinsic safety. Based on different levels of hazard, they are still classified into three categories (Category I, Category II, and Category III). By using the PV value to locate the corresponding category on the coordinate chart for different media groups, this method is simple, scientific, reasonable, and accurate. New technologies: Adjust some overly rigid regulations to provide avenues and pathways for the application of new materials, new processes, and new technologies, while simplifying procedures. For pressure vessels that utilize new materials, new technologies, new manufacturing processes, or have special usage requirements and do not meet the requirements of these regulations, the relevant entities shall submit technical documents such as the basis for design, research, and testing, relevant data and results, as well as inspection and testing reports, to the **General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine. The General Administration will then entrust the Special Equipment Safety Technology Committee to conduct a technical evaluation. Only after the results of the technical review are approved by the **General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine can trial production and testing be carried out. Referenced standards: GB 150 for steel pressure vessels, JB 4732 for Steel Pressure Vessels – Analysis and Design Standards, GB 151 for shell-and-tube heat exchangers, GB 12337 for steel spherical storage tanks, JB/T 4710 for steel tower-type vessels, JB/T 4731 for steel horizontal vessels, JB/T 4734 for aluminum welded vessels, JB/T 4745 for titanium welded vessels, JB/T 4755 for copper pressure vessels, and JB/T 4756 for pressure vessels made of nickel and nickel alloys are listed as the referenced standards in the \"Vessel Regulations\" and are cited directly. Chapter 2: Revised approach to materials: Material composition and properties. The requirements for sulfur and phosphorus content in steels used for general pressure vessels remain unchanged, while the requirements for these elements in high-strength steels have been increased. In addition to the non-chemical components, basic requirements such as impact energy and elongation rate are added. Composites increase the basic requirements for composite steel plates used in pressure vessels. For foreign materials: When pressure vessel components are made from materials of foreign brands, two scenarios should be considered: ① The materials produced by the foreign manufacturers must comply with relevant material standards and meet China’s basic requirements for such materials ； Random re-inspection is required before use ； For materials with a minimum standard tensile strength of 540 MPa or higher, as well as low-alloy steels used in pressure vessels at design temperatures below minus 40°C, the material manufacturer must also undergo a technical review organized by a safety technology committee before such materials can be approved for use. ②Materials produced by domestic material manufacturers must not only meet relevant standards and fulfill China’s basic requirements for such materials, but they must also pass the review conducted by the Safety Technology Committee. Re-inspection of materials: Due to the implementation of an administrative licensing system for material manufacturers, it is generally no longer necessary to conduct re-inspections of materials. However, for imported materials of foreign grades, the manufacturing unit shall conduct random re-inspections of the materials’ chemical composition and mechanical properties; they can be used only after meeting the relevant requirements. Chapter 3: Revised Approach to Design: Design Qualifications. Currently, administrative licensing for design firm qualifications is in place in China, but such a licensing system does not exist for foreign design firms. For pressure vessels designed and manufactured in accordance with international standards or foreign standards, the Safety Technology Committee shall organize a review of the design documents to determine their compliance with China’s basic safety requirements, as a supplement to the design approval system. Risk assessment report: For Category III pressure vessels, it is required that a risk assessment report be prepared during the design phase, covering aspects such as the main failure modes, the likelihood of failure, and risk control measures. Energy conservation requirements: Basic requirements for energy savings and reduced consumption in the design of pressure vessels are proposed. Design conditions: The entity that commissions the design of a pressure vessel shall submit the design conditions for such vessel to the design firm in written form. (Environmental loads including earthquakes, wind, snow, etc.) Liquefied gas pressure: For fixed pressure vessels containing liquefied gas, the saturated vapor pressure at 50°C was previously specified as the design pressure; it is now proposed to be revised to the operating pressure. Adjusting the safety factor: Through specialized research, it is proposed to adjust the safety factor for steel materials. For the conventional design of steel, the safety factor for tensile strength has been adjusted from 3.0 to 2.7, and the safety factor for yield strength has been adjusted from 1.6 to 1.5 ； In terms of the analytical design, the safety factor for tensile strength has been adjusted from 2.6 to 2.4, while the safety factor for yield strength remains at 1.5. Apart from steel, no research has been conducted on non-ferrous metals, bolts, cast iron, etc.; therefore, their safety factors are not adjusted for now. The weld coefficient: For the welding joint coefficient, only principle requirements regarding the reduction in strength are specified; the specific value is to be selected in accordance with the referenced standards. It is explicitly prohibited to reduce the weld joint factor in order to waive non-destructive testing. Containers with quick-opening doors: It is proposed to define the structure of such containers (i.e., containers that have a sealing and locking mechanism between the access passage and the main body; those connected using bolts and flanges (or quick-install bolts) do not fall under the category of pressure containers with quick-opening doors). Additionally, it is required that the impact of fatigue loads be taken into account during design. Chapter 4: Revised Approach to Manufacturing: Factory Documentation. The original requirements regarding factory documentation are to be retained, but the specific formatting requirements for quality certification documents in the attachments have been removed; only the formatting for nameplates and product certificates (product data sheets) remain. Welding procedure qualification: Supervisors shall oversee the process of welding procedure qualification. After the welding procedure qualification is completed, the welding procedure qualification report and the welding procedure specification must be reviewed by the welding responsible engineer of the manufacturing (assembly) unit, approved by the technical supervisor, and signed off by the inspection personnel before being filed in the technical archives. The technical records for welding procedure qualification shall be retained until such qualification becomes invalid, while the welding procedure qualification specimens shall be kept for 5 years. According to the results of relevant research, it is proposed to **reduce the number of welding test plates. Test plates intended for checking compliance with welding procedures are no longer required; only welding test plates for pressure vessels used in low-temperature applications, those that require heat treatment to improve their mechanical properties, those handling extremely or highly hazardous substances, and those specified by standards or drawings are necessary. Selection of non-destructive testing methods: Based on the current development of non-destructive testing technologies, it is proposed that for the butt joints of pressure vessels, radiographic testing, diffraction time-of-flight ultrasonic testing, or pulse-reflective ultrasonic testing should be employed. It is proposed to remove the choice constraint between 38mm X-ray and ultrasound testing; either method can be used, without the need to prioritize X-rays over ultrasound. Include Time-of-Flight Diffraction ultrasonic testing (TOFD) among the permitted methods. Withstand voltage test: In addition to hydraulic and pneumatic tests, provisions related to gas-liquid combined pressure tests are added. Leakage testing: In addition to the airtightness test, relevant provisions such as ammonia leak detection tests, halogen leak detection tests, and helium leak detection tests are proposed to be added. Expansion joining retains only some basic requirements for expansion joining, removing detailed specifications such as the expansion ratio that are difficult to implement. Non-ferrous metal containers: Since standards for pressure vessels made of non-ferrous metals have been largely established, only some basic requirements are outlined here. Revisions to Chapter 5 Installation, Modification, and Maintenance and Chapter 6 Use Management: For installation, modification, and maintenance, clarify the administrative permits required for the relevant entities and stipulate requirements for notifying before commencing work. The supervision and inspection requirements for renovation and major repairs are clearly defined; the requirements for supervision during installation remain to be determined (to be specified in a separate document issued by the General Administration). Principled requirements such as the prohibition on purchasing scrapped pressure vessels by entities intending to increase their use, and the necessity to handle procedures for the transfer or relocation of pressure vessels in strict accordance with relevant regulations. Annual inspections: Strengthen the requirement for annual inspections of user units to ensure that enterprises assume their primary responsibility for safety. Ultra-long-life containers: Proposals to add certain regulatory principles for the continued use of pressure vessels that have reached their design life (or over 20 years), requiring inspections (and, if necessary, evaluations to determine their suitability for use). Emergency response plan: Adds requirements for users to formulate emergency rescue plans and conduct drills, etc. Chapter 7: Revised approach to periodic inspections: Pressure testing during periodic inspections. The periodic inspection of pressure vessels includes a comprehensive inspection as well as a pressure test. After the revision, it is no longer required to conduct a pressure test once every two full inspection cycles; instead, such tests are only necessary in certain special cases. For the evaluation of suitability for use, it is proposed that pressure vessels whose safety status can be rated at level 4 and for which the monitoring period has expired, or those in which serious defects are detected during regular inspections that could lead to a suspension of use, should undergo an evaluation of suitability for use in accordance with the standard GB/T 19624—2004 \"Safety Assessment of Defective Pressure Vessels in Service\". The procedures have been simplified; no provincial approval is anymore required, and the inspection agencies approved by the **Bureau are responsible for carrying out the tasks. The assessment results shall be filed with the registration authority. Risk-based inspection techniques propose that risk assessment (RBI) techniques can be applied to pressure vessels in use within large-scale plant systems, and that inspection strategies can be developed based on the results of these risk assessments to determine the inspection intervals. It is carried out by the inspection agency approved by the **authority. The RBI result report shall be filed with the registration authority. The main ideas behind the revisions to the aforementioned regulations are based on extensive research and thorough analysis. The rationale for container classification and adjustments to safety factors, as well as information regarding retesting of materials, welding test pieces, non-destructive testing, usage management, and regular inspections, will be presented in subsequent articles. Due to space constraints, this article only provides a brief overview of some of the main ideas behind the revisions. It can be said that the revision of these regulations takes full account of the current situation in the pressure vessel industry and the requirements for alignment with international standards. It considers technological advancements and development trends, builds upon the effective safety supervision and management models of the previous regulations, and makes reasonable adjustments to aspects such as material retesting, welding test pieces, and non-destructive testing. At the same time, it defines the scope of supervision, classifies items scientifically, and incorporates concepts of energy conservation and emission reduction by establishing basic safety requirements, adjusting safety factors, and integrating risk assessment techniques. All these changes will further strengthen the safety supervision and management of pressure vessels, emphasize the primary responsibility of enterprises for safety, reduce their costs, enhance their international competitiveness, and create a favorable environment for the sound and rapid development of China’s pressure vessel industry.

It seems to be a big deal; I’ve seen this message at least 10 times already. Forums and tech websites are all talking about this

Our department has received the notice regarding the training session on the new safety regulations; the time and location for the training have been determined.

Notice on Holding a Seminar and Training Course on “TSG R0004-2009 Regulations for Safety Supervision of Fixed Pressure Vessels” To all relevant units: In order to ensure the safe operation of fixed pressure vessels, protect people’s lives and property, and promote national economic development, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Regulations on Safety Supervision of Special Equipment, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine has formulated (revised) the Regulations for Safety Supervision of Fixed Pressure Vessels. These regulations were approved and issued on August 31, 2009, and came into effect on December 1, 2009. The \"Regulations on Safety Technical Supervision of Pressure Vessels\" issued by the former **Quality and Technical Supervision Bureau on June 25, 1999 (Quality and Technical Supervision Bureau Document No. [1999]154) was simultaneously repealed. The basic principle of this revision is to be guided by the scientific outlook on development ； Fully learn from the lessons of the accident ； Basic safety requirements should be established, backed by research and data ； Strengthen usage management and emergency rescue plans ； Reflect the principle of energy conservation ； Promote production and facilitate businesses ； Favorable to technological progress and scientific development ； Taking international practices into account while reflecting Chinese characteristics ； Specifications and standards are consistent with each other. To enable relevant personnel from manufacturing enterprises, construction companies, inspection and research institutions to understand and implement the new standards and regulations in a timely manner ； Our institute is specially organizing the following seminars and training courses, in collaboration with Beijing Zhongsheng Enterprise Management Training Center ； Relevant enterprises are welcome to participate actively. The details are as follows: 1. Content of the seminar and training: Interpretation of the provisions of TSG R0004-2009 \"Safety Technical Inspection Regulations for Fixed Pressure Vessels\", legislative background, requirements for implementation, discussions, and Q&A sessions. II. Training dates and locations: October 16–18, 2009 (Wuxi); October 19–21, 2009 (Chengdu); October 30–November 1, 2009 (Jinan); November 9–11, 2009 (Hangzhou). III. Fee structure: Training fee of 1,000 yuan per person ； Accommodation and meals are arranged separately, at the participant’s own expense. IV. Lecturing Experts: The training course will invite relevant industry leaders and authoritative experts to give lectures. V. Target participants of the seminar and training: 1. Personnel in charge of quality management systems, as well as those responsible for applying for administrative permits, from units involved in the manufacturing, design, installation (including on-site fabrication), use, inspection, maintenance, and renovation of special equipment (pressure vessels) ； 2. Technical supervisors from various enterprises and institutions, product quality inspection agencies, relevant companies, as well as personnel involved in design, manufacturing processes, inspection, and standardization. VI. Certificate: Those who pass the training exam will be issued a certificate of completion. VII. Registration: Applicants are requested to fill out the form and fax it to our center. The center will make arrangements based on the feedback received and send you a formal notice regarding the start of classes. Consultation phone numbers: 010—82751620, 82751633; Fax: 010--82751630. September 2009 – Application Form (omitted). Contact person: Zheng Yan. Note: This form can be copied and stamped with the official seal.

Where was TSG R0004-2009 \"Regulations on Safety Technical Inspection of Fixed Pressure Vessels\" published? It’s not on the Quality Supervision Bureau’s website.

Sure! It’s been updated again. Has the book not been released yet? Some comrades have posted it online; let’s take a look first

Right! Who has the electronic version? Please share it first to take a look