Modernization of pressure vessel design codes ASME section VIII, division 2, 2007 edition

The technology for pressure equipment design continues to advance each and every day. The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code has been keeping pace with these advances over the last 92 years. As far back as the 1960s, it was recognized that the special requirements for design of pressure vessels operating at pressures over 2000 psi (13.7 MPa) called for special rules, and ASME issued Sec. VIII, Division 2 of Alternative Rules for Pressure Vessels. Since that time, the understanding of failure mechanisms and advances in material science, nondestructive testing, and computer-aided design has progressed to the stage where a new approach was needed not only in the content of design codes but in the way they are presented and organized. This paper introduces the newly issued ASME Sec. VIII, Division 2 of 2007 edition and explores the technical concepts included and the new format designed for ease of use. Included are results of test exercises sponsored by ASME giving actual applications of the new Code for design of vessels. This paper demonstrates ASME's commitment to provide manufacturers and users of pressure equipment with the most up-to-date technology in easy to use standards that service the international market.