Regarding the service life of pressure swing adsorption towers
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We have a set of pressure swing adsorption units (for hydrogen production), with a pressure range from -0.07 MPA to 2.2 MPA. The design specifications state that their service life is 15 years, and that time is approaching. Should the service life of such equipment under alternating load conditions be strictly adhered to? What kind of tests are required if extended use is intended? Does anyone have any standards or literature on this topic? Please help, everyone! ! ! ! ! !
Contact the Safety and Environment Department for pressure vessel inspection
It is a fatigue device; according to current standards, its service life should be determined by both the service life duration and the number of pressure fluctuation cycles. If the number of pressure fluctuations has not reached the value calculated, but 15 years have passed, an application can be made to extend use until the number of fluctuations calculated is reached. If the number of cycles has reached the limit permitted by calculations, it should theoretically be scrapped, as its fatigue life has been exhausted; it can only continue to be used if the calculations are redone or adjusted according to the original calculations, which is very troublesome, and the quality control department is unlikely to approve this.
If use continues beyond the designed service life, it is necessary to report to the **relevant authorities for registration, as well as submit applications for evaluation to various inspection and assessment agencies; after all, it is a fatigue-prone device, so handle it with caution. Specific requirements can be found in the fixed capacity standard TS21-2016.
Thank you. I checked TSG21-2016; it states that a suitability test should be conducted after expiration, but there are no provisions specific to pressure vessels subjected to alternating loads