ASME Tanks
Tanks themselves are high pressure vessels in which gases, vapors or fluids are held in order to be transported, mixed or stored.
Quick links to ASME Tanks Information
History of ASME Tanks
ASME, founded in 1880, strives to put science, learning and the arts first by, among other things, creating streamlined and consensus-based standards. Adherence to ASME standards is usually voluntary. The only scenario in which it is required is if such adherence is written into a contract or incorporated into the enforceable standards of a local, state or federal government agency. However, though it is generally voluntary to create products that meet ASME requirements, it is highly advantageous to do so, as it makes products more universally applicable and useful to a wider market.
These strict standards also make products safer. In addition, ASME standards are continually reviewed and updated, so that manufacturers and engineers are always getting the best, most up to date information and recommendations. All of these benefits apply to ASME tanks. For more information on the ASME tanks and/or to discuss your requirements with a qualified supplier, reach out to one or more of the many wonderful manufacturers listed near the top of this page. We partner with the leaders of and the experts in the pressure vessel and tank industry. For the best, most durable tanks, you can count on them.
Processes of ASME Tanks
ASME tanks may be made using a few different processes, the three most common being brazing, welding and forging. All three processes involve heating metal pieces and joining their molten ends together into the form of a pressure tank. Though the list of standards to which they are beholden is strict, manufacturers still have a lot of different design and material options when designing their ASME pressure vessels, and tanks can be constructed using both standard options and custom options. For example, they may have removable or attached lids; they may be horizontally or vertically placed and they may be located above ground or below ground, depending on the application and depending on whether or not easy access to the tank is required.
Furthermore, if a manufacturer so desires or requires, tanks may be constructed with stands and supports (used to support and prevent the collapse of tanks that are placed on their sides or that are very heavy), with sight glass window (used to monitor fluid inside a tank), with process plumbing or with stairways and/or ladders (for working with large tanks). In addition, manufacturers can render smaller ASME tanks portable by mounting them to the back of a large vehicle like a truck. Finally, available in capacities ranging from 50 gallons to several thousand gallons, ASME tanks may be constructed from materials including aluminum, carbon steel and low alloy steels, stainless steel, nickel, monel and other nickel alloys, titanium, inconel, hastelloy and thermoplastics with high strength properties.
Things to Consider When Choosing ASME Tanks
Before an ASME pressure vessel is sold, manufacturers perform a number of tests and inspections to make sure that it indeed lives up to its endorsement. Some of these tests include: radiography, helium leak testing, positive material identification, impact testing, ferrite testing and hydro testing. Once an ASME tank has been constructed and sent on to its end user, in order to keep the vessel ASME compliant, said end user must conduct regular inspections and maintenance on the tank. This is because ASME pressure vessel standards not only detail design, fabrication and construction, but also installation, use and care.
Tank inspection includes checking for and fixing any cracks, ruptured seams or leaks. This is very important because, due to the nature of pressure tanks, even the smallest cracks or irregularities in a vessel could result in a fire, an explosion or flying shrapnel. To themselves, others and their property safe and prevent larger problems down the line, tank owners must look for and fix even the slightest bit of tank damage.
Standards and Specifications of ASME Tanks
ASME tanks are tanks that have been designed and constructed to meet the standards of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Specifically, they meet the standards of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC). The ASME code of vessel manufacturing details standards for many different design components, including shape, size, construction, intended pressure level and temperature range. These standards are followed by engineers in many industries, including agriculture, plastic and polymer resin production, coatings and adhesives, rubber production, food and beverage, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, environmental, water and chemical filtration and energy, oil and gas. ASME tanks are safer and more durable than those tanks not made to a standard.