<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".26" citation="COMAR 09.12.01.26" title_num="09" subtitle_num="12" chapter_num="01" heading="Pressure Vessel — Existing Installation.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>The maximum allowable working pressure for a standard pressure vessel:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Shall be determined in accordance with the ASME Code under which it was constructed and stamped; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>May not exceed the pressure shown on the manufacturer's name plate stamp and data report.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Nonstandard Pressure Vessel—Maximum Allowable Working Pressure.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The maximum allowable working pressure on the shell of a nonstandard pressure vessel shall be determined by the strength of the weakest course computed by multiplying TS by t and E and dividing the product by R multiplied by FS:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>TS = ultimate tensile strength of the shell plate, PSI, which, if unknown, shall be 55,000 PSI for steel, for temperatures not exceeding 700°F;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>t = minimum thickness of the shell plate of the weakest course, in inches;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>E = efficiency of the longitudinal joint, which is, for:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Riveted joints, the calculated riveted efficiency, and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Fusion-welded and brazed joints:</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>R = radius of the weakest course of the shell, in inches, using the:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Inside radius, if the thickness is 10 percent or less of the radius, and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Outside radius, if the thickness is greater than 10 percent of the radius;</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>FS = factor of safety required by this regulation.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The maximum allowable working pressure for a cylindrical nonstandard pressure vessel subjected to external or collapsing pressure shall be determined by the ASME Code, Section VIII, paragraphs UG-28 and UG-29.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Factor of Safety.</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>For an existing installation, the minimum factor of safety shall be at least four.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>When necessary to ensure safe operation, the inspector may increase the factor of safety based on the:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Condition of the vessel; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Specific service to which it is subject.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The maximum allowable working pressure for formed heads under pressure shall be determined by the:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Appropriate formulas from the ASME Code, Section VIII, Division 1, Paragraphs UG-32, UG-33, and UG-35; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Tensile strength and factors of safety set out in this regulation.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>If the inspector determines, because of conditions disclosed during an inspection, that the interior or exterior lining, covering, or brickwork should be removed to expose parts of the vessel not normally visible, the owner shall remove the material to permit:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Proper inspection; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Drilling any part of the vessel where necessary to ascertain thickness.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Safety Appliances.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>To ensure safe operation, a pressure vessel shall have:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Safety and relief valves; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Indicating and controlling devices.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Safety appliances shall be constructed, located, and installed so that they cannot readily be rendered inoperative.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>The relief capacity of a safety valve shall be sufficient to prevent pressure in the vessel from rising more than 10 percent above the maximum allowable working pressure, with static head pressure factored into the calculation.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Safety valve discharge shall be carried to a safe place.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Repairs and replacements of fittings and appliances shall comply with the requirements for new installations.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>