High-Pressure Vessels in the Chemical Industry

The development of high-pressure processes (200–1,500 atm.) in the chemical industry in recent years, often carried out at high temperatures, has helped considerably to cheapen the production of basic materials, such as ammonia and methanol, and has opened up entirely new fields, particularly in the manufacture of important plastic materials, in coal hydrogenation, and in oil-cracking operations, calling for special equipment and novel techniques.

This paper deals with the mechanical requirements for high-pressure vessels, and traces progressive changes in their construction during the last thirty years, from cast autoclaves to forged vessels and to modern composite designs, having due regard to the volume-to-weight ratio, construction, inspection, cost, and maintenance.

Stress distributions in the cylinder wall, suitable closure mechanisms, the effects of temperature, chemical and physical attacks, and the provisions for stirring, heating, and cooling are discussed.

A brief account of the control mechanisms involved and of the necessary vital safety precautions is given.