Pressure vessel analysis is governed by stringent codes and standards to ensure safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance. Among the numerous codes worldwide, a select few are predominantly used, with their adoption varying based on geography, industry, and specific application requirements. For pressure vessel softwaredevelopers, integrating the appropriate codes is crucial to meet global market demands and ensure the software’s relevance across different regions.
Most Commonly Used Pressure Vessel Codes
Globally, the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section VIII stands as the dominant standard, complemented by several regional standards. Based on available market data and industry insights, the estimated usage percentages of the most commonly employed static equipment codes are:
ASME Section VIII, Division 1 (~55-60%): This division is widely adopted for standard pressure equipment designs due to its straightforward rules and broad acceptance.
EN 13445 (Europe) (~10-15%): This European standard is gaining traction, especially within the European Union, offering a modern approach with detailed numerical analysis.
PD 5500 (UK) (~5%): Historically based on BS 5500, this standard remains in use in the UK and some Commonwealth countries.
AD 2000 (Germany) (~5%): Commonly used in Germany, this code emphasizes stringent material and safety criteria.
ASME Section VIII, Division 2 (~5%): Intended for optimized, high-stress designs, Division 2 offers more detailed analysis, including finite element analysis and fatigue evaluation. However, it has undergone multiple revisions over time, leading to skepticism among engineers and software developers regarding its stability and reliability.
CODAP (France) (~3-5%): A French pressure vessel standard, CODAP is utilized in France and certain Francophone regions.
JIS B 8265/B 8263 (Japan) (~3%): These Japanese Industrial Standards are primarily applied within Japan.
IS 2825 (India) (~2-3%): While this is the Indian standard for pressure vessels, the ASME BPVC is often preferred for international projects.
Data Sources for These Estimates
These estimates are derived from a combination of market research reports, industry publications, and insights from pressure vessel manufacturers. Notable sources include:
Pressure Vessel Market Size, Share | Global Report [2024-2032]: This report provides insights into the global pressure vessel market size and growth projections, highlighting the dominance of the ASME BPVC in various regions (data obtained from Fortune Business Insights)
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Certification – Strategy for Success of European Companies: This publication presents research related to the certification of European companies producing industrial pressure vessels in accordance with the ASME BPVC, analyzing key trends and preferences (data obtained from Research Gate)
Comparison of Pressure Vessel Codes ASME Section VIII and EN13445: This study provides insights into the usage and preferences of various pressure vessel codes, highlighting the dominance of ASME Section VIII (data obtained from ASME organization)
Which Codes Should Be Implemented in Pressure Vessel Software?
When developing software for facilitating calculations on pressure vessels (and heat exchangers), the selection of standards must be based on their global adoption, regional requirements, and industry-specific applications. Here’s a breakdown of which codes are essential (with priority order):
1. ASME BPVC Section VIII, Division 1 – Must-Have
Given its predominant global usage (~55-60%), integrating Division 1 is crucial for any design software.
2. EN 13445 – Important for the European Market
With its growing adoption in Europe (~10-15%), incorporating EN 13445 is essential for software targeting the European market.
3. PD 5500 – Needed for UK Compliance
Despite the UK’s departure from the EU, PD 5500 remains relevant (~5% usage), making it necessary for software targeting the UK and some Commonwealth countries.
4. AD 2000 – Required for German & Central European Projects
Given its common use in Germany (~5%), integrating AD 2000 is important for software targeting German and Central European markets.
5. CODAP – Optional for French-Speaking Markets
With its usage in France and certain Francophone regions (~3-5%), including CODAP can be beneficial for software targeting these markets.
6. JIS B 8265 – Required for Japan-Focused Software
Given its primary application in Japan (~3%), incorporating JIS B 8265 is essential for software targeting the Japanese market.
7. IS 2825 – Useful for India, But ASME is More Popular
While IS 2825 is the Indian standard (~2-3%), ASME BPVC is often preferred for international projects, making IS 2825 beneficial but not critical.
8. ASME BPVC Section VIII, Division 2 – Not a Must-Have
Due to its limited usage (~5%) and multiple revisions leading to stability concerns, Division 2 is not essential for general-purpose software.
Conclusion
For vessel analysis software to be comprehensive and market-relevant, it should include ASME BPVC (Division 1), EN 13445, PD 5500, and AD 2000. Additional codes like CODAP, JIS, and IS 2825 may be implemented based on regional demand. ASME BPVC Section VIII, Division 2 is not essential due to its frequent revisions and limited adoption, leading to stability concerns among engineers and software developers.
