Project description

This specialist project involves the fabrication of a pressure vessel manufactured from 1.4404 / AISI 316L stainless steel, fitted with a Dimple Jacket heating system, insulation jacket and supporting frame. The vessel is being manufactured in accordance with the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED), with welds subject to RT examination and pressure testing carried out as part of the final TÜV inspection.

This is the first GMM INOX project combining this shell thickness with an in-house manufactured heating jacket. The scope of work includes machining, plate rolling, welding, assembly and surface finishing. At approximately 70% completion, the project has already required more than 1,000 man-hours.

Category

 Pressure vessels / process vessels

Labour input

More than 1,000 man-hours at approximately 70% project completion

Dimensions

Ø 1,550 mm;
vessel height 1,980 mm;
overall height 4,300 mm

Material

1.4404 / AISI 316L stainless steel,
with 10 mm inner shell and 10 mm vessel heads

Project objectives

The main engineering objective was to manufacture a pressure vessel combining a substantial 10 mm stainless steel shell thickness with an integrated Dimple Jacket heating system, while maintaining the dimensional accuracy, weld quality and structural integrity required for pressure equipment. Because this is the first GMM INOX project combining this shell thickness with this particular heating jacket arrangement, the manufacturing process required a dedicated technological approach and careful adaptation of existing production methods.

A particularly demanding stage involved manufacturing the Dimple Jacket in-house. The GMM INOX team developed and adapted the tooling and forming process required to prepare and press the jacket features using a press brake before rolling, welding and final assembly. The vessel must also satisfy the inspection requirements applicable under the PED, including RT examination of specified welds and pressure testing of both the heating jacket and the complete vessel during final acceptance in the presence of TÜV.

Technical specification

  • Equipment type: Pressure vessel with an integrated Dimple Jacket heating system, external insulation jacket and supporting frame.

  • Material: 1.4404 / AISI 316L stainless steel, selected for demanding industrial process applications and good corrosion resistance.

  • Overall dimensions: Vessel diameter 1,550 mm, vessel height 1,980 mm and total assembly height 4,300 mm

  • Material thickness: 10 mm vessel heads and 10 mm inner shell, requiring carefully controlled forming, rolling and welding procedures.

  • Heating jacket: Dimple Jacket fabricated entirely by the GMM INOX team, including hole preparation, forming on a press brake, rolling, welding and final integration with the vessel.

  • Codes and inspection: Manufactured in accordance with the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED), with radiographic testing (RT) of welds and pressure testing of both the heating jacket and the complete vessel during final TÜV inspection.

  • Scope of manufacture: Machined components, plate rolling, welding, assembly, surface finishing, preparation for TÜV inspection and final shipment.

  • Project complexity: Very high. At roughly 70% completion, the vessel has already required more than 1,000 man-hours of specialist fabrication work.

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