PRESSURE VESSELS / COLUMNS

Principle of Pressure Vessels / Columns :

Pressure vessels operate on the fundamental principle of containing a fluid (gas or liquid) at a pressure different from the ambient pressure. The key aspects of their operation include:

Pressure Containment :

• Structural Integrity : The vessel must be designed to withstand internal pressures without failing. This requires careful selection of materials and design parameters to handle the specific pressure and temperature conditions.
• Stress Distribution : The shape and design of the vessel (often cylindrical or spherical) are chosen to evenly distribute stress, minimizing weak points where failures could occur.

Safety Mechanisms :

• Pressure Relief Devices : These include pressure relief valves, rupture disks, and safety valves that release pressure if it exceeds safe levels, preventing catastrophic failure.
• Monitoring Systems : Pressure vessels are often equipped with gauges, sensors, and alarms to monitor pressure, temperature, and other critical parameters in real-time.

Material Selection :

• Compatibility : : The materials used must be compatible with the stored fluid to prevent chemical reactions that could weaken the vessel or contaminate the fluid.