A.1 Introduction
The information contained in this appendix identifies specific requirements as they pertain to Section X, for Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Pressure Vessels that are fabricated by bag molding, centrifugal casting, contact molding, and winding.
A.2 Scope
The scope of Section X, depending on the method of fabrication, will determine the pressure temperature limitations for the Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Pressure Vessels. The scopes are as follows:
(a) Class I Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Pressure Vessels
(1) Vessels shall not exceed 150 psi (1 MPa), for vessels fabricated by bag-molding, centrifugal casting, and contact molding.
(2) Vessels shall not exceed 1500 psi (10 MPa), for filament-wound vessels.
(3) Vessels shall not exceed 3000 psi (20 MPa), for continuous filament-wound vessels with polar boss openings. (b) Class II Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Pressure Vessels
(1) Vessels designed in accordance with Method A (Design Rules) shall be limited to a maximum internal pressure of 100 psi (689 kPa), and a maximum inside diameter of 144 in. (3.66 m).
(2) Vessels designed in accordance with Method B (Discontinuity Analysis) shall not exceed 250 psi (1724 kPa), a maximum inside diameter of 192 in. (4.88 m), and the algebraic product of the internal pressure (psi) and the inside diameter (in.) shall not exceed 14,400 lb./in. [PD = 2,522 (kPa • m)].
(3) Vessels designed using a combination of Methods A and B shall be limited to a pressure of 100 psi (689 kPa), and a maximum inside diameter of 144 in. (3.66 m).
(4) Class I and Class II vessels shall be limited to an external pressure of 15 psi (100 kPa), with a maximum design temperature of 250°F (120°C), or 35°F (19°C) below the maximum use temperature of the resin. The minimum design temperature shall not be less than -65°F (-54°C).
A.3 Joint Reviews of the Quality Control System for Section X, Fiber-Reinforced
Pressure Vessels
(a) Section X differs from the other ASME Code sections identified in the text of the guide with regard to terminology and practices required to fabricate a fiber-reinforced plastic pressure vessel.
(b) The information in this appendix with the general and administrative requirements specified in Sections 1.0, 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 of the main text of this guide can be used when performing an ASME Joint Review for issuance, and renewal of Section X, Certificates of Authorization.
(c) The general format as indicated in Sections 2.3.1, to 2.3.19, 2.4, 3.0, and 5.0 will be maintained for this appendix. (d) The following items include responsibilities that should be addressed by fabricator and/or the assembler of Class I and
Class II Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Pressure Vessels.
A.3.1 Facing Page
The facing page shall contain the company name, physical address, and ASME Code symbol stamp requested. It may also contain a description of products manufactured, date of manual, mailing address, phone number, or other information desired by the certificate holder or applicant.
A.3.2
Statement of Authority
(a) The Statement of Authority shall contain a statement referencing the applicable Class of Section X, vessel to be fabricated..
(b) The Statement of Authority must define the authority and responsibility of those persons accountable for controlling and implementing the quality control system. Also the section shall establish the individual’s freedom in the organization to identify quality control problems, and to initiate, recommend, and provide solutions. It must contain a statement of the full support of management. The Statement of Authority must be dated, and signed by an officer of the company.
A.3.3 English Language Version
An English language version of the quality control manual is mandatory for use by the review team, the Inspector, and the Inspector supervisor. If the quality control manual in use is in a language other than English, a statement must be provided including the proviso that, in the case of a conflict, the English language version shall prevail.
A.3.4 Glossary of Terms
A glossary of terms is desirable for clarity, if abbreviated titles of personnel and control documents are used throughout the quality control manual. This is not a mandatory inclusion.
A.3.5 Organizational Chart(s)
(a) This should be, as the name implies, an organizational chart, not a functional chart. It should contain job titles of key personnel such as fabrication manager, manager of engineering, etc., as used throughout the quality control manual to designate responsibilities within the organization.
(b) The chart shall contain as a minimum those key job titles controlling engineering, purchasing, fabrication, and quality control functions, and the relationship to management. In large and complex organizations, additional departmental charts are often desired showing lower-tier job titles which are referred to in the quality control manual, and to whom Code responsibilities are specifically assigned.
(c) The chart should be dated and indicate revision numbers, if any. Job titles used in the text of the manual must be consistent with those shown on the organizational chart.
A.3.6 Quality Control Responsibilities
It is not mandatory that this be a section of the quality control manual. These responsibilities may be set forth as part of the Statement of Authority, in a separate policy statement, or in any manner the fabricator may elect. Quality control responsibilities that must be addressed are:
(a) preparation, revision, distribution, and implementation of the quality control manual and controls of same (which include exhibits or sample forms);
(b) referencing of how the quality control manual will be revised, either by page, paragraph, or section, and how these revisions will be identified, i.e., delta sign, vertical line, and revision level;
(c) reference of proposed revisions to the quality control system to the Inspector for acceptance prior to inclusion or implementation;
(d) the provision of a current copy of the quality control manual for the use of the Inspector; (e) custody and control of the Code symbol stamp and its use;
(f) responsibility for performance and documentation of required inspections, examinations and tests, and acceptance of fabrication functions by signing or initialing and dating the traveler, process sheet, or checklist;
(g) liaison with the Inspector, including notification of work progress and approaching inspection points or hold points designated by the Inspector; and
(h) other responsibilities assigned by management under the quality control program, such as calibration of measuring and test equipment, receiving inspections, resolution of nonconformities, and certification of the
Fabricator’s Data Report.