Define and Visualize Pressure Vessel Parts

Question 1

Shell

Answer 1

The cylindrical portion of a vessel or tank

Question 2

Skirt

Answer 2

Cylinder similar to a shell, which is used for supporting vertical vessels

Question 3

Skirt Vents

Answer 3

Small circular holes cut out of a skirt to prevent collection of dangerous gases within the skirt

Question 4

Skirt Access Opening

Answer 4

Circular hole cut out of a skirt to allow workmen to clean, inspect, etc. inside of skirt.

Question 5

Head

Answer 5

The end enclosure of a vessel or tank

Question 6

Base Plate

Answer 6

Flat plate welded to a vessel supports and bearing on concrete foundation

Question 7

Anchor Bolts

Answer 7

Bolts embedded in concrete foundation and bolted to vessel anchor bolt chairs

Question 8

Anchor Bolt Chairs

Answer 8

Gussets and plates welded to base plate and skirt to provide for anchor bolt attachment

Question 9

Nozzle

Answer 9

Generally consists of a short piece of pipe welded in the shell or head with a flange at the end for bolting to the “Piping”

Question 10

Reinforcing Pad

Answer 10

Plate, formed to the contour of shell or head, welded to nozzle and shell or head

Question 11

Flanges

Answer 11

Fittings used to connect pipes by bolting together.

Question 12

Coupling

Answer 12

A fitting welded into the vessel to which the “Piping” is connected either by screwing or welding. This type of fitting is only used pipe sizes 2” and smaller.

Question 13

Stub End

Answer 13

A short piece of pipe welded into the vessel to which the “Piping” is connected by welding.

Question 14

Vessel Manhole

Answer 14

Identical to nozzle, except does not bolt to piping and has a cover plate (or blind flange) which is bolted to the flange. when unbolted it allows access to the inside of the vessel. Normally 24” nominal pipe size

Question 15

Manhole Hinges or Davits

Answer 15

Hinges or Davits attached to manhole flange and cover plate which allow cover plate to be swung aside when in use

Question 16

Column Davit

Answer 16

A hosting device attached by means of a socket to the top of fractionation columns. Used for handling relief valves, bubble trays, bubble caps, etc.

Question 17

Process Trays

Answer 17

Circular flat plates bolted to the shell inside of process columns. Used to obtain vapor liquid contact

Question 18

Support Ring

Answer 18

A flat plate ring welded around the inside of the vessel for the support of internals such as trays, demisters and grating.

Question 19

Downcomers

Answer 19

Rectangular flat plates bolted to shell and trays, inside of process columns. Used for directing process liquid and to prevent bypassing of vapor

Question 20

Seal Pan

Answer 20

Flat plates bolted or welded to inside of a process column shell below downcomer of lowest tray. Used to prevent vapor bypassing up through the downcomer.

Question 21

Demister

Answer 21

A wire mesh pad sandwiched between two light grids. Used to disengage liquids contained in the vapor

Question 22

Insulation Rings

Answer 22

Rings made of flat bar or angle, attached around the circumference of vertical vessels and spaced approximately 12’-0 3/4” apart. Used to support the weight of the vessel insulation.

Question 23

Skirt Fireproofing

Answer 23

Specialized concrete applied inside and outside of skirt to prevent damage to skirt in the event of a fire.

Question 24

Saddles

Answer 24

Steel supports for horizontal vessels.

Question 25

Support Legs

Answer 25

Legs made of pipe or structural shapes, used to support vertical vessels

Question 26

Vacuum Stiffener Rings

Answer 26

Flat plate or structural shape rings welded around the circumference of the vessel. These rings are installed on vessels operating under external pressure in order to prevent collapse of the vessel.

Question 27

Vortex Breaker

Answer 27

A device located inside a vessel at the outlet nozzle. It normally consists of plates welded together to form the shape of a cross. It is used to prevent cavitation in the liquid passing thru the outlet nozzle.

Question 28

Support Grid

Answer 28

Grating or some other type of support thru which vapors can pass and upon which can be supported solid packing such as catlyst or raschig ring.

Question 29

Distributor Tray

Answer 29

A perforated tray which provided equal distribution of liquid over the vessel diameter. Risers on the tray extend above the liquid level to permit passage of vapors rising upward.

Question 30

Chimney Tray

Answer 30

This type of tray is used to collect and remove all liquid product from particular portion of the vessel. Chimneys extending above the liquid level to permit passage of vapors upward.

Question 31

Internal Pipe

Answer 31

Pipe extending inside the vessel in order to provide adequate distribution of liquids and vapors. Bolting flanges are used to make the piping removable from the vessel.