Guide to Repairing & Altering ASME Tanks (Part 2)

Nothing lasts forever – at least, without proper maintenance and occasional repair.

It’s no secret that well-maintained tanks keep your business running smoothly and prevent lulls in production that can cost you dearly.

When it comes to ASME Code tanks, there are specific requirements that must be followed when repairing or altering an ASME tank.

The discussion of the requirements and procedures that are necessary to repair or alter your existing ASME Code tank started in What You Need to Know When Repairing and/or Altering Your ASME Code Tank: Part 1.

Let’s take a look at two of the most common myths surrounding repairing and altering ASME Code tanks.

Myth #1

“I need to make a repair to my code tank that doesn’t involve any welding on the tank’s shell and/or head. Therefore, I don’t need a certified company for the repair.”

That may not be the case.

The National Board Code states that “When the standard governing the original construction is the ASME Code or ASME RTP-1, repairs and alterations to pressure-retaining items shall conform, insofar as possible, to the section and edition of the ASME Code most applicable to the work planned.”

The keywords here are “pressure retaining item.”

If the part of the tank that is being repaired or altered contains pressure within the tank, then it’s considered a pressure retaining item.

Here are some examples of repairs or alterations that would fall under these requirements.

• Repairing welds to tank’s support(s). If the welds in question are connecting the support to the tank itself, the National Board Code considers this a repair to a pressure retaining item. Why? Because you’re mixing two materials together: the material the support is made of and the tank item the support is attached to.
• Repairs of tracks and/or hold-downs inside of autoclaves. This includes any welding of the existing track or hold-down parts to the autoclave itself.

• Repair and/or replacement of autoclave door wedges. Those little triangle shapes you find knocked off every once in a while? Those are the door’s wedges, some call them teeth, and yes they are part of a pressure retaining item aka the door.

• Repair of areas on the tank that have corroded and/or wasted away. This includes any part of the tank’s shell, head, door, nozzles, or any welds attaching any of these parts to the tank.

• Repair of nozzle blinds and/or man-way covers.

• Repairs of baffle walls inside the tank or autoclave.

• Adding an additional support or vacuum ring to the tank.

Myth #2

“The state, county, or city  the tank is installed in doesn’t require repairs or alterations to be made by a certified company.”

Yes, there are a few states within the United States in which this is the case (here’s a link to state requirements), but how about your local jurisdiction or the insurance company that covers the tank in question?

Is there a possibility you may move the tank to a new location in a different state?

Most likely, that state will require any repairs or alterations be made by a certified company.

This includes any prior repairs or alterations. If you can’t prove this, the state will most likely reject the use of the tank within their jurisdiction.

Avoid mistakes when repairing or altering your ASME Code tank

Don’t risk the issues that could result from not using a properly certified repair company.

Stalled production can cost you a significant amount of time and profits.

If you’re unsure if your repair or alteration is required to be performed by a certified company, you may need some help.

Contact us! We are certified by the National Board to repair and/or alter ASME Code tanks made of steel.

We can do the work at your location or at our facility.

Are you regularly having your ASME Code tanks serviced by a certified repair company?

Editor’s note: This post was originally published on 7/17/16 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehension.