HPHT Pressure Vessel

Science
#1

Anybody know of an idea / source for a 5-50 gallon high pressure / high temperature pressure vessel? I’m looking for something capable of accumulating “a little” industrial process steam in. Ok, a bunch of steam.

Generally, it needs to be capable of withstanding pressure between 1000-1500 psi and temps around the 500-1000 deg F. range.

I’ve seen a few scientific reactor vessels in the .1-1L range, but can’t find anything readily made / spec’d in what I will refer to as “pilot” size (think big-ass water heater or shop compressor size). I’m thinking it’s something sourced from a boilermaker, as they’re in the same ASME code.

I’m all out of google search terms so I figured I’d throw this one out here for all the engineering-minded insomniacs like me. Cost is not a consideration right now. Please and thank you!

Jeff

#2

Jeff,

You might try an auction or two like:

https://www.lsoauctions.com/

There is always ordering a new vessel, but if you have a budget, an auction may be the way to go.
Something the size you are looking for will most likely be found from a Gov’t or educational facility. Odd items like that surface from time to time so your search through auction sites will take time and patience.

If /when you do find your vessel - please share where you found it.

#3

If going with new - I’d recommend visiting this shop - he is just south of the Makerspace and is one of the oldest / best metal shops in Dallas.
Ed Ragsdale Sheet Metal Co Inc
Address: 1746 Rhome St, Dallas, TX 75229
Phone: (972) 869-1611

Don’t let the “sheet metal” in the name mislead you - Ragsdale is a master fabricator

3 Likes
#4

The only “vessel” place I know of in town is Cleaver Brooks (used to be Holman Boiler works).
Do you have a High Pressure Boiler now?

1 Like
#5

I’d be careful of something used unless you can get it tested / re-certified.

#6

Nope. I didnt realize cleaver brooks was local. They’re probably the ones to contact.

#7

Don’t worry, I’ve got a little piece of sheet metal I intend to hide behind… :wink:

#8

Hope so!

1 Like
#9

If you have trouble making headway on this, let me know. One of my good friends has been down in Houston designing pressure vessels for a few years now, I imagine he could point you in the right direction.

(Start technical jargon)
For reference, I did some quick hoop stress calcs to give you an idea of what would be involved for a pressure vessel to hold up to those pressure and temperature parameters:

Material of construction: 316 stainless steel (nominal yield strength of 42.1ksi, good high temp characteristics)
Minimum safety factor required by ASME pressure vessel code: 3.5 to 1 (used to be 4.0 to 1)
Cylinder dimensions to safely achieve ~50gal capacity: 16" OD x 72" length with 1" wall thickness (hemispherical ends)
Hoop stress would be 11250 psi (3.75 to 1 SF).

Now a real pressure vessel guy would be able to give you a more optimized shape, but I would expect it to be a long, skinny cylinder to help minimize the hoop stress and not make the wall thickness unreasonable. I picked a stainless steel for reference simply because of its performance at higher temps and corrosion resistance, but it might not be the most cost effective solution.
(End technical jargon)

#10

OMG, :+1: water heater video! - thought it would be a fail! Surprising there is no rupture disk or safety built into it, but then, that’s what the high pressure relief valve is for, eh?

#11

Steve, thanks for the quick math. I’d definitely like to get in contact with your Houston guy!

Jeff