PD 5500:2015
Specification for unfired fusion welded pressure vessels
Overview
PD 5500:2015 is the latest specification for unfired fusion welded pressure vessels. It applies to vessels manufactured from carbon, aluminium, copper, nickel, titanium and ferritic alloy and austenitic steels. PD 5500 applies to equipment designed to BS 5500 or PD 5500, in use outside of the EU or manufactured under the Pressure Equipment Directive. The specification is updated every three years.
Who is the code for?
PD 5500 is essential reading for organizations that commission, design, build and maintain pressure vessels, and for mechanical engineers, pressure vessel designers and manufacturers and inspectors in the oil and gas, petrochemicals and process plant and energy generation (including nuclear) industries.
What does it cover?
The specification covers pressure vessels connected to piping by bolts, screws or welding, as well as supports, brackets and other direct attachments. It applies to vessels that are subject to electrical heating or heated process streams, but not vessels exposed to direct heat or flame. The specification can be used with equipment and systems designed or manufactured to BS 5500 or PD 5500. The 2012 specification is also relevant to pressure vessels in use outside of the EU as well as those designed and manufactured under the Pressure Equipment Directive.
How does PD 5500:2015 differ from the 2012 version?
PD 5500 is regularly reviewed, maintained and updated by a BSI committee of experts from engineering organizations and companies working on the design, specification and testing of pressure vessels.
Key features of the 2015 code:
- the start of a new three-year cycle
- specifies requirements for design, manufacture, inspection, testing and verification
- can provide a basis for vessel design and manufacture for PED compliance
- contains all amendments, annexes and enquiry cases made during last three years
- supersedes PD 5500:2012 which is now withdrawn.
