Pressurized systems at MTU include everything from small unheated low pressure
laboratory setups to large, extremely high pressure heated metal vessels weighing
several tons. The stored energy associated with these systems has the potential
to cause injuries ranging from eye injuries to multiple fatalities. A pressure
vessel as small as a few liters volume at 200 psi contains enough stored energy
to cause fatal injuries as a result of a catastrophic failure.
The primary causes of failure in pressurized metal vessels and components are
fatigue cracking due to cyclic loading, overheating, and stress-enhanced corrosion
cracking. Pressurized glass components typically fail as a result of corrosion,
manufacturing and assembly stresses, and scratches on the glass surface due to
improper handling. In both types of materials, failure can occur after a period
of use at the originally designed pressure and temperature and without warning.
It is critical, therefore, that pressurized systems be designed by a person
knowledgeable in the properties of materials under room and elevated temperature
stress and fatigue conditions and who are experienced in pressurized system design.
Except for small low pressure laboratory setups and compressed gas distribution
systems, this means it is best to purchase the system rather than design it in-house.
In all cases, it is best to work closely with the manufacturer of the components
and materials to ensure that they are suited to the intended conditions of use.
The following guidelines should be followed in the design, construction, and
use of pressurized systems.
