A pressure vessel is a container that holds gases or liquids at pressures higher or lower than atmospheric conditions [1]. The most common type of materials employed for its manufacturing are: stainless steel, titanium, aluminium and nickel alloys [2].

The construction of these pressure containers, without compromising any safety protocols, need to consider the following features: (1) resistant to corrosion and temperature changes, (2) endurable to outdoors, and (3) affordable and under project budget.

It is also important to mention that designing and manufacturing of these vessels depends on the type of applications. In addition to strict engineering and thermodynamic calculations. Pressure vessels are essential complements for compressors, vacuum chambers, equilibrium cells, boilers, reactors, etc.

These pressure units require regular maintenance and repairs. It is of vital importance to check on those because their materials are often exposed to high levels of harsh physical and chemical operation conditions. Furthermore, regular inspections are important to avoid fouling or any damage that may result in a risk and a safety hazards for the operators or anyone working around it.

References

[1] University of Washington-Environmental Health & Safety [26-03-2022]

[2] Stream Tex [26-03-2022]

A Chemical Reactor is one of the most important units in the chemical and oil & gas industry. These units convert all the raw chemicals (e.g., methanol, ammonia, methane, bencene, etc.) into everyday commodities (e.g., plastics, cleaning products, clothing, fertilizers, etc.).

The performance of a chemical reaction depends on the residence time (i.e., how much average time the material is in the reactor), the temperature, and the fluid dynamics. These conditions are also essential for the design.

There are three types of chemical reactor designs:

1. Batch Reactor

2. Continuous Stirring Tank Reactor (CSTR)

3. Plug Flow Reactor (PFR)

The most common materials of reactor construction are usually dictated by the chemicals used, the operation conditions and the generated products [1].

Reference

[1] William D. Baasel, "Preliminary Chemical Engineering Plant Design", Srpinger, 2nd ed. 1990 edition.