Pressure Vessel for Chemical Industry

Location: Melbourne, Australia
Schedule: March 2023

In 2023, Fowlerex Technology adapted one of its standard air purification product lines to meet the specific pressure vessel process needs of a Melbourne based client in the chemical industry. Fowlerex Technology was instrumental in both the design and project management, a key aspect of the design phase was identifying and partnering with specialist resources, this being NQE based in Queensland.

Build for demanding applications

The pressure vessel was built to the main specification of AS1210 Class 3 Pressure Vessel, with additional examination and pressure testing required to be done to Spec (4037-1999_R2016). All welding was done to ASME IX specs.

As part of the Vortex Engineering group, Fowlerex collaborated with Taurus Engineering on the project. Taurus constructed the pressure vessel using grade 304 stainless steel with thicknesses between 5mm and 20mm. The vessel was made of plate, pipe, fasteners, rod, and machined flanges. These materials were chosen for their strength, malleability, and resistance to corrosive environments and applications.

Designed for corrosion challenges

The vessel was designed for a specific application in the chemical industry. However, due to its use, there were potential corrosive challenges that needed to be considered during the construction process.

Welding the pressure vessel presented multiple challenges, including Die Pen testing and 100% visual examination, as the vessel needed to meet the hazardous Class 3 specifications. Quality assurance checks needed to be thorough, and all material certificates were checked upon arrival. Multiple parties were involved in the welding process to ensure that no preparation was missed and that all quality assurance documents showed compliance with the AS1210 Class 3 specs.

The vessel, with a capacity of 3.6 m³ and a maximum operating pressure of 0.58 bar, stands as a testament to Fowlerex Technology's technical innovation and attention to detail.

The delivery of this pressure vessel reinforced Fowlerex's standing in the chemical industry, being able to adapt and deliver to specific needs, highlighting its consistent focus on quality and client satisfaction.