Open Discussion
2005National Pressure Equipment ConferenceFebruary 9-11, 2005
K. T. Lau, Ph.D., P.Eng.Chief Inspector and Administrator
ABSA and Province of Alberta
2005/02/09 2005 NPEC - Open Discussion "Pressure Equipment Safety"
2
Welcomeand
BEST WISHESFor a Successful Conference
2005/02/09 2005 NPEC - Open Discussion "Pressure Equipment Safety"
3
Pressure Equipment“The story of the pressure vessel industry is the story
of all industry and how technology has been harnessed by dedicated people working together”*
“The importance of pressure equipment from the time of the industrial revolution through the future cannot be overemphasized”**
* L. Puckrin - Foreword of “Pressure Under Control – Celebrating 100 Years of Boiler & Pressure Vessel Safety in Albert” 1997
** K. Lau - “Pressure Equipment Safety in Canada” - National Board Bulletin Spring 1997
2005/02/09 2005 NPEC - Open Discussion "Pressure Equipment Safety"
4
A Brief Look atThe Importance of
Pressure Equipment toAlberta
2005/02/09 2005 NPEC - Open Discussion "Pressure Equipment Safety"
5
Natural Resourceslinking to Pressure Equipment
Alberta, the oil and gas producing province of Canada in 2002 - 70% (oil) & 80% (gas)
Over 1/3 of Canadian petrochemical plants and refineries
Over 90% of Canadian gas processing facilitiesHighest per capita of pressure equipment usage
in North America
2005/02/09 2005 NPEC - Open Discussion "Pressure Equipment Safety"
6
There is a “Cost”“Unfortunately, there is a long history of pressure
equipment safety problems. The first technical paper published by England’s Institute of Mechanical Engineers addressed this problem in 1848, and was entitled ‘Boiler Explosion at Dudley’
“Improperly operated or maintained, pressure vessels can fail catastrophically, kill and injure workers and others, and cause extensive damage even if the contents are benign”
2005/02/09 2005 NPEC - Open Discussion "Pressure Equipment Safety"
7
Yes, it did happen in Alberta
2005/02/09 2005 NPEC - Open Discussion "Pressure Equipment Safety"
8
How can we all help
The topic areas of the Conference
Regulations and IncidentsWelding
NDE
2005/02/09 2005 NPEC - Open Discussion "Pressure Equipment Safety"
9
The Many ChallengesThe three areas
are only parts of the Overall Equation
of
Pressure Equipment Safety
2005/02/09 2005 NPEC - Open Discussion "Pressure Equipment Safety"
10
The many aspects ofPressure Equipment Safety
There are many many aspects to pressure
equipment safety
You will find various subject matter experts
presenting throughout this conference
A look at three related subjects of interest
2005/02/09 2005 NPEC - Open Discussion "Pressure Equipment Safety"
11
ASME Section VIII Div. 2 Pressure Vessels
More Div. 2 manufacturers in Alberta compared with the rest of Canada
Long history of use of Div. 2 vessels
Largest user-province of Div. 2 vessels in Canada
Significant increase of use of Div. 2 vessels in recent years
2005/02/09 2005 NPEC - Open Discussion "Pressure Equipment Safety"
12
ASME Section VIII Div. 2 Pressure Vessels
All such equipment has fatigue consideration as part of the design
Certified “User’s Design Specification” controls the design and construction
Operation must be reviewed to comply with design parameters
Equipment must be assessed to the same parameters (as highlighted in letter from B. McWhirter of ABSA)
2005/02/09 2005 NPEC - Open Discussion "Pressure Equipment Safety"
13
Welders and Welding Examiners
• Long and proud history and tradition of excellency on welding in Alberta
• A system emulated by others
• Reciprocity of acceptance of welders established with other jurisdictions
2005/02/09 2005 NPEC - Open Discussion "Pressure Equipment Safety"
14
Welders and Welding Examiners
Qualified and registered procedures
Competent and qualified welders
Proven quality programs
Certification of Welding Examiners
2005/02/09 2005 NPEC - Open Discussion "Pressure Equipment Safety"
15
NDE Radiography, CC 2235 and ASME VIII Div. 2
Radiography and advancements
ASME CC 2235 with the use of UT in place of RT
Proposed use of UT in the re-write of ASME VIII Div. 2 to be published in the near future
2005/02/09 2005 NPEC - Open Discussion "Pressure Equipment Safety"
16
Pressure Equipment Safety
Touched on three areas impacting pressure equipment safety
More interesting and enlightening presentations coming next
2005/02/09 2005 NPEC - Open Discussion "Pressure Equipment Safety"
17
Where do we go from here ? Together, we can do even better- You look good -- We look good -Lets do it together
& Look for a successful conference