ASME BPVC.X-2023 – 2023 ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section X: Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Pressure Vessels

ASME BPVC-X, 2023 Edition, July 1, 2023 – SECTION X – FIBER REINFORCED PLASTIC PRESSURE VESSELS

This Section provides requirements for construction of an FRP pressure vessel in conformance with a manufacturer’s design report. It includes production, processing, fabrication, inspection and testing methods required for the vessel. Section X includes three Classes of vessel design; Class I and Class III – qualification through the destructive test of a prototype and Class II – mandatory design rules and acceptance testing by nondestructive methods. These vessels are not permitted to store, handle or process lethal fluids. Vessel fabrication is limited to the following processes – bag-molding, centrifugal casting and filament-winding and contact molding. General specifications for the glass and resin materials and minimum physical properties for the composite materials are given.

What are the key changes for 2023 BPVC Section X (ASME BPVC-X)?

• Clarified service life requirements for Class III vessels, in 8-100.6, to indicate that the service life for glass fiber reinforced vessels is limited to 20 years, but the maximum service life is not limited for carbon fiber reinforced vessels.
• In 8-700.5.8, other leak test methods for Class III vessels that may be more reasonable and cost effective, but still yields satisfactory results, based on experience to date, are now permitted.