(a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To enforce any edition other than that specified in this section, the Coast Guard must publish notice of change in the Federal Register and the material must be available to the public. All approved material is available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030 or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. The material is also available for inspection at the Coast Guard Headquarters. Contact Commandant (CG-ENG), Attn: Office of Design and Engineering Systems, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20593-7509. The material is also available from the sources listed below.

(b) American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) International, Three Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5990:

(1) ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division 1, Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels (1998 with 1999 and 2000 addenda) (“Section VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code”), 54.01-2; 54.01-5; 54.01-15; 54.01-18; 54.01-25; 54.01-30; 54.01-35; 54.03-1; 54.05-1; 54.10-1; 54.10-3; 54.10-5; 54.10-10; 54.10-15; 54.15-1; 54.15-5; 54.15-10; 54.15-13; 54.20-1; 54.20-3; 54.25-1; 54.25-3; 54.25-8; 54.25-10; 54.25-15; 54.25-20; 54.30-3; 54.30-5; 54.30-10; and

(2) [Reserved]

(c) ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, 877-909-2786, http://www.astm.org:

(1) ASTM A 20/A 20M-97a, Standard Specification for General Requirements for Steel Plates for Pressure Vessels (“ASTM A 20”), 54.05-10; 54.25-10;

(2) ASTM A 203/A 203M-97 (Reapproved 2007)ε1, Standard Specification for Pressure Vessel Plates, Alloy Steel, Nickel (“ASTM A 203”), (approved November 1, 2007), incorporation by reference approved for § 54.05-20;

(3) ASTM A 370-97a, Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products (“ASTM A 370”), 54.25-20;

(4) ASTM E 23-96, Standard Test Methods for Notched Bar Impact Testing of Metallic Materials (“ASTM Specification E 23”), 54.05-5; and

(5) ASTM E 208-95a, Standard Test Method for Conducting Drop-Weight Test to Determine Nil-Ductility Transition Temperature of Ferritic Steels (“ASTM Specification E 208”), 54.05-5.

(d) Compressed Gas Association (CGA), 500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10036:

(1) S-1.2, Pressure Relief Device Standards—Part 2—Cargo and Portable Tanks for Compressed Gases, 1979 (“CGA S-1.2”), 54.15-10; and

(2) [Reserved]

(e) Manufacturers Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry, Inc. (MSS), 127 Park Street NE, Vienna, VA 22180:

(1) SP-25-1998 Standard Marking System for Valves, Fittings, Flanges and Unions (1998) (“MSS SP-25”), 54.01-25; and

(2) [Reserved]

[USCG-2003-16630, 73 FR 65164, Oct. 31, 2008, as amended by USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49228, Sept. 25, 2009; USCG-2012-0832, 77 FR 59777, Oct. 1, 2012; USCG-2012-0866, 78 FR 13249, Feb. 27, 2013; USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60148, Sept. 30, 2013]

(a) Pressure vessels shall be designed, constructed, and inspected in accordance with section VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (incorporated by reference, see 46 CFR 54.01-1), as limited, modified, or replaced by specific requirements in this part. The provisions in the appendices to section VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code are adopted and shall be followed when the requirements in section VIII make them mandatory. For general information, table 54.01-2(a) lists the various paragraphs in section VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code that are limited, modified, or replaced by regulations in this part.

(b) References to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, such as paragraph UG-125, indicate:

U = Division 1 of section VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.

G = Part containing general requirements.

125 = Paragraph within part.

(c) When a paragraph or a section of the regulations in this part relates to material in section VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, the relationship with the code will be shown immediately following the heading of the section or at the beginning of the paragraph, as follows:

(1) (Modifies U______.) This indicates that the material in U______ is generally applicable but is being altered, amplified or augmented.

(2) (Replaces U______.) This indicates that U______ does not apply.

(3) (Reproduces U______.) This indicates that U______ is being identically reproduced for convenience, not for emphasis.

[CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18828, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by CGFR 69-127, 35 FR 9976, June 17, 1970; CGFR 72-59R, 37 FR 6188, Mar. 25, 1972; CGD 72-206R, 38 FR 17226, June 29, 1973; CGD 73-254, 40 FR 40163, Sept. 2, 1975; CGD 77-147, 47 FR 21809, May 20, 1982; CGD 85-061, 54 FR 50963, Dec. 11, 1989. Redesignated by CGD 88-032, 56 FR 35822, July 29, 1991; USCG-2003-16630, 73 FR 65164, Oct. 31, 2008]

(a) This part contains requirements for pressure vessels. table 54.01-5(a) gives a breakdown by parts in this subchapter of the regulations governing various types of pressure vessels, boilers, and thermal units.

(b) Pressure vessels are divided into Classes I, I-L (low temperature), II, II-L (low temperature), and III. table 54.01-5(b) describes these classes and sets out additional requirements for welded pressure vessels.

(c) The requirements for pressure vessels by class are as follows:

(1) Class I-L and II-L pressure vessels must meet the applicable requirements in this part.

(2) Pressure vessels containing hazardous materials as defined in § 150.115 of this chapter must meet the requirements of this part or, as applicable, the requirements in 49 CFR parts 171-177 or part 64 of this chapter.

(3) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(4) of this section, Classes I, II, and III pressure vessels not containing hazardous materials must be designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements in Section VIII, division 1, of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (incorporated by reference; see 46 CFR 54.01-1) and must be stamped with the ASME “U” symbol. These pressure vessels must also comply with the requirements that are listed or prescribed in paragraphs (d) through (g) of this section. Compliance with other provisions in this part is not required.

(4) Classes II and III pressure vessels that have a net internal volume of less than 0.14 cubic meters (5 cubic feet) and do not contain hazardous materials must be stamped with either the ASME “U” or “UM” symbol. Compliance with other provisions in this part is not required.

(d) Pressure vessels described in paragraph (c)(3) of this section must—

(1) Have detailed plans that include the information required by § 54.01-18 (approved by the Office of Management and Budget under OMB control number 2130-0181);

(2) Meet § 54.01-35, § 54.20-3(c), and § 54.25-3 of this part;

(3) Have pressure relief devices required by subpart 54.15;

(4) Meet the applicable requirements in §§ 54.10-3, 54.10-20, and 54.10-25 for inspection, reports, and stamping;

(5) If welded, meet the post weld heat treatment and minimum joint and radiography requirement in table 54.01-5(b); and

(6) If a steam generating pressure vessel, meet § 54.01-10.

(e) The plans required by paragraph (d)(1) of this section must be certified by a registered professional engineer to meet the design requirements in paragraph (d) of this section and in section VIII, division 1, of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. The certification must appear on all drawings and analyses. The plans must be made available to the Coast Guard prior to the inspection required by § 54.10-3(c).

(f) If a pressure vessel has more than one independent chamber and the chambers have different classifications, each chamber must, as a minimum, meet the requirements for its classification. If a single classification for the entire pressure vessel is preferred, the classification selected must be one that is required to meet all of the regulations applicable to the classification that is not selected. For example, if one chamber is Class I and one chamber is Class II-L, the only single classification that can be selected is Class I-L.

(g) The design pressure for each interface between two chambers in a multichambered pressure vessel must be—

(1) The maximum allowable working pressure (gauge) in the chamber with the higher pressure; or

(2) If one chamber is a vacuum chamber, the maximum allowable working pressure (absolute) in the other chamber minus the least operating pressure (absolute) in the vacuum chamber.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under OMB control number 2130-0181) [CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18828, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by CGFR 69-127, 35 FR 9976, June 17, 1970; CGD 77-147, 47 FR 21809, May 20, 1982; 55 FR 696, Jan. 8, 1990; CGD 88-057, 55 FR 24236, June 15, 1990; CGD 85-061, 55 FR 41917, Oct. 16, 1990; CGD 95-027, 61 FR 26000, May 23, 1996; USCG-2000-7790, 65 FR 58460, Sept. 29, 2000; USCG-2003-16630, 73 FR 65165, Oct. 31, 2008]

(a) Pressure vessels in which steam is generated are classed as “Unfired Steam Boilers” except as required otherwise by paragraph (b) of this section. Unfired steam boilers must be fitted with an efficient water level indicator, a pressure gage, a blowdown valve, and an approved safety valve as required by § 54.15-15. Unfired steam boilers must be constructed in accordance with this part other than when the pressures are more than 206 kPa (30 psig) or the temperatures of the working fluid are more than 454 °C (850 °F) when such boilers must be constructed in accordance with part 52 of this subchapter.

(b) Vessels known as “Evaporators” or “Heat Exchangers” are not classified as unfired steam boilers. They shall be fitted with an approved safety device as required under § 54.15-15 and constructed in accordance with this part.

(c) An evaporator in which steam is generated shall be fitted with an efficient water level indicator, a pressure gage, and a blowdown valve.

[CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18828, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by CGD 81-79, 50 FR 9436, Mar. 8, 1985; CGD 95-012, 60 FR 48044, Sept. 18, 1995; USCG-2003-16630, 73 FR 65166, Oct. 31, 2008]

(a) The following classifications are exempt from shop inspection and plan approval requirements of this part:

(1) Vessels containing water at a pressure not greater than 689 kPa (100 pounds per square inch gauge or “psig”), and at a temperature not above 93 °C (200 °F) including those containing air, the compression of which serves only as a cushion. Air-charging lines may be permanently attached if the air pressure does not exceed 103 kPa (15 psig).

(2) Hot water supply storage tanks heated by steam or any other indirect means when none of the following limitations is exceeded:

(i) A heat input of 58 kW (200,000 B.t.u. per hour);

(ii) A water temperature of 93 °C (200 °F);

(iii) A nominal water-containing capacity of 454 liters (120 gallons); or

(iv) A pressure of 689 kPa (100 psig).

The exemption of any tank under this subparagraph requires that it shall be fitted with a safety relief valve of at least 1-inch diameter, set to relieve below the maximum allowable working pressure of the tank.

(3)(i) Vessels having an internal operating pressure not exceeding 103 kPa (15 psig) with no limitation on size. (See UG-28(f) of section VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (incorporated by reference; see 46 CFR 54.01-1.)

(ii) Cargo tanks of pressure vessel configuration are not included in the exemption in paragraph (a)(3)(i) of this section.

(4) Class I, II, and III pressure vessels that meet the requirements of § 54.01-5(c)(3) and (c)(4).

(5) Condensers and heat exchangers, regardless of size, when the design is such that the liquid phase is not greater than 689 kPa (100 psig) and 200 °F (93 °C) and the vapor phase is not greater than 103 kPa (15 psig) provided that the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection is satisfied that system overpressure conditions are addressed by the owner or operator.

(b) For fluid conditioner fittings see § 56.15-1 of this subchapter.

[CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18828, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by CGFR 69-127, 35 FR 9977, June 17, 1970; CGFR 70-143, 35 FR 19906, Dec. 30, 1970; CGD 77-147, 47 FR 21810, May 20, 1982; USCG-2003-16630, 73 FR 65166, Oct. 31, 2008; USCG-2010-0759, 75 FR 60002, Sept. 29, 2010]

Pressure vessels for human occupancy (PVHO's) must meet the requirements of subpart B (Commercial Diving Operations) of part 197 of this chapter.

[CGD 76-009, 43 FR 53683, Nov. 16, 1978]

(a) Manufacturers intending to fabricate pressure vessels, heat exchangers, evaporators, and similar appurtenances, covered by the regulations in this part shall submit detailed plans in accordance with subpart 50.20 of this subchapter.

(b) The following information shall be submitted:

(1) Calculations for all pressure containment components including the maximum allowable working pressure, the hydrostatic or pneumatic test pressure, and the intended safety device setting.

(2) Joint design and methods of attachment of all pressure containment components.

(3) Foundations and supports (design and attachment).

(4) Pertinent calculations for pressure vessel foundations and/or supports.

(5) A bill of material meeting the requirements of section VIII of section VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (incorporated by reference; see 46 CFR 54.01-1), as modified by this part.

(6) A diagrammatic arrangement drawing of the assembled unit indicating location of internal and external components.

[CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18828, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by USCG-2003-16630, 73 FR 65166, Oct. 31, 2008]

(a) Pressure components for pressure vessels shall be as required by UG-11 of section VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (incorporated by reference; see 46 CFR 54.01-1) except as noted otherwise in this section.

(b) All pressure components conforming to an accepted ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Standard referred to in an adopted code, specification or standard or in this subchapter shall also be marked in accordance with MSS SP-25 (incorporated by reference; see 46 CFR 54.01-1).

[CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18828, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by CGFR 69-127, 35 FR 9977, June 17, 1970; USCG-2003-16630, 73 FR 65167, Oct. 31, 2008]

(a) The loadings for pressure vessels shall be as required by UG-22 of section VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (incorporated by reference; see 46 CFR 54.01-1) except as noted otherwise in this section.

(b) In evaluating loadings for certain pressure vessel applications, the Commandant may require consideration of the following loads in addition to those listed in UG-22 of section VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code:

(1) Loading imposed by vessel's attitude in roll, list, pitch and trim.

(2) Dynamic forces due to ship motions.

[CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18828, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by USCG-2003-16630, 73 FR 65167, Oct. 31, 2008]

(a) Vessels or portions of vessels subject to corrosion shall be as required by UG-25 of section VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (incorporated by reference; see 46 CFR 54.01-1) except as noted otherwise in this section.

(b) The pressure portions of pressure vessels shall:

(1) Normally have a corrosion allowance of one-sixth of the calculated thickness, or one-sixteenth inch, whichever is smaller, added to the calculated thickness as determined by the applicable design formula.

(2) Be specifically evaluated in cases where unusually corrosive cargoes will be involved, for the possible increase of this corrosion allowance.

(3) Have no additional thickness required when acceptable corrosion resistant materials are used.

(4) Not normally need additional thickness allowance when the effective stress (either S or SE depending on the design formula used) is 80 percent or less of the allowable stress listed in section VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code for calculating thickness.

(c) Telltale holes shall not be permitted in pressure vessels containing dangerous fluids, such as acid, poison, corrosives, etc.

(d) Exemption from these corrosion allowance requirements will be granted by the Commandant in those cases where:

(1) The contents of the pressure vessel is judged to be sufficiently noncorrosive; and,

(2) Where the external surface is also protected from corrosion. A suitable vapor barrier is adequate protection, while paint or other thin coatings exposed to weather or mechanical damage are not acceptable.

Note:

No applied linings except as provided in part UCL of section VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code shall be acceptable.

[CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18828, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by CGFR 72-59R, 37 FR 6189, Mar. 25, 1972; USCG-2003-16630, 73 FR 65167, Oct. 31, 2008]

(a) The exemption from external pressure consideration provided by the note under UG-28(f) does not apply.

(b) Vessels which may at times be subjected to partial vacuum due to nature of the contents, temperature, unloading operations, or other facet of employment shall either have vacuum breaker protection or be designed for not less than one-half atmosphere of external pressure.

[CGFR 70-143, 35 FR 19906, Dec. 30, 1970]