Certification of ASME Pressure Vessels Incorporating Cast Acrylic Cylinders

25 February 2019

Acrylic pressure vessels are used in the biopharmaceutical and food processing industries, satisfying stringent requirements for biocompatibility, toxicity, and extractables: USP Class VI and FDA 21 CFR 177.1010.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has now approved the use of acrylic in the construction of pressure vessels and cast acrylic cylinders under its Safety Standard PVHO-1.

The culmination of 10 years work means that Chromatography Column Manufacturers can now pre-certify acrylic pressure vessels that are designed and manufactured according to the requirements of ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code and ASME-PVHO-1 Case 14.

In most US States, pressure vessels not carrying an ASME pre-certification have to undergo on-site pressure testing during commissioning, witnessed by state engineers. This is a costly and time-consuming exercise.

Acrylic vessels carrying the ASME pre-certification will now generally not require on-site pressure testing thus reducing cost and time in commissioning production plant.

This is a major benefit to both suppliers and end user of biopharmaceutical and food production plant and also extends the use of acrylic to ASME specified plant.