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Apache Stainless Equipment Corporation


What is the Difference Between an ASME U and a UM Stamp?

There are many industry specific certifications in vessel manufacturing that regulate the construction of a vessel. However, for many types of pressure vessels, ASME certification is required and may be in addition to other industry requirements due to the vessel's geometry and pressure designation. Any tank that meets the requirements of ASME Code Section VIII can be certified. This certification is frequently referred to as "stamped" because the code symbol is most commonly applied using a stamp process. Here are the main differences between ASME U and ASME UM symbols and certification.

ASME Certification with U Symbol

  • Any vessel meeting the requirement of ASME Section VIII can be marked with the U Symbol.
  • Most local and state laws require vessel designs 15 PSI and higher to be ASME Code Certified.
  • Qualified manufacturers receive a triennial joint review (audit) by their authorized inspection agency, and the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel inspectors.
  • U vessels require an Authorized Inspector (3rd party ASME inspector) to review with approved calculations.
  • U vessels require an ASME pressure test with the Authorized Inspector residing over the test.
 

ASME UM Symbol

  • UM vessels are smaller in volume (less than 5 cubic feet)
  • UM qualified manufacturers receive an annual ASME review by their authorized inspection agency and are also subject to the same triennial joint review (audit) as mentioned above.
  • UM vessels have size specifications, including:
    •   5 cubic feet of volume or small with pressures not exceeding 250 PSI
    •   3 cubic feet of volume or smaller with pressures not exceeding 350 PSI
    •   1.5 cubic feet of volume or smaller with pressures not exceeding 600 PSI
  • UM Vessels are inspected and tested by a manufacturer's own certified individuals.
 

Note that there may be exceptions to the ASME Certification requirements, depending on your state and local municipality.

Apache manufactures tanks and vessels for compliance and regulated industries, including pharmaceutical, food and beverage, petrochemical, biofuels, chemical and life science. We hold these certifications: ASME U Certificate, ASME UM Certificate, National Board of Boiler & Pressure Inspectors R Certificate, and National Board of Boiler & Pressure Vessel Authorization to Register Certificate.

Questions? Please call and ask for a Sales / ASME Specialist at 920-356-9900.

 


5 Things to Consider Before Ordering a Tank

Apache is a custom manufacturer of tanks and vessels. Due to our customized offering, we want to provide the exact vessel you need; and that might lead to many questions and back and forth responses.  If you don't have a specification list, here are 5 recommendations for you to determine when ordering a tank.

1. Determine pressures and temperatures.  The design criteria, pressures and temperature requirements will impact material grades, thicknesses, compatibility of fittings and components, and elastomer selection.  The following items may help to determine pressures and temperatures.

  • Minimum temperature
  • Maximum allowable temperature
  • Maximum allowable pressure
  • Hydrostatic test pressure
  • Design Vacuum
  • Corrosion Allowance
     

2. Determine type of certification required.  It is advantageous to  identify the types of certification and documentation (turn-over packets) that will be required for planning purposes.  The following are common requested certificates.

 

  • As-built drawings
  • ASME data report
  • Weld traveler (Tracks material identification numbers and welders)
  • Material certificates or material test reports (MTR's, Material Test Reports to certify the chemistry of the materials)
  • Weld procedure (WPS)
  • Weld procedure qualification (PQR)
  • Weld map
  • Electropolish certificate (ASTM B912)
  • Pickle passivation cert (ASTM A380)
  • Surface finish certificates
  • Hydrostatic test certificates
  • Drainability certification
  • Sprayball test certificate
  • Tank checklist
  • Radiography certificates
  • Copy of name plate
     
3. Provide Dimensions:  In addition to the diameter and size requirements of the vessel, we also want to discover portable height and production floor restrictions.
 
4. List Finishes:  Determine the compliance requirement for finishing both inside and outside of the vessel.
 
5. Indicate use of vessel:  Even a general knowledge of the use of the vessel will help to determine design and compliance criteria.
 
Questions? Contact a Small Vessel Sales Tech at 920-356-9900

 


New White Paper: Heat Transfer Surfaces for ASME Tanks and Vessels

Apache white paper

The Apache Large Tank and Small Vessel team has developed a new white paper to serve as a general guide to ASME vessel heat transfer surfaces.

The white paper highlights three basic types of external jacketed heat transfer surfaces: conventional jacket, half pipe and dimple jacket, which are welded to the outside of the vessel. The paper also includes general information on internal coils which can be utilized for heat transfer as a stand alone option or in combination with other types of external jackets.

For blog followers, there is no registration required to download the white paper, discover:

  • Types of heat exchange surfaces
  • General application information and comparisons
  • Optional surface treatments
  • Manufacturing terms and definitions
  • Regulatory code review

Download White Paper


Apache’s Custom Capabilities Delivers All Sizes

custom sized tanks

Apache fabricates tanks from one gallon to more than 165,000 gallon capacity that are custom fabricated for processors and manufacturers all over North America.

In the photo, the large distillation tank has been loaded on the trailer is embarking to Canada. It is 9 ft. in diameter, 137 ft. long and weighs in at 160,000 lbs. with a 71,000 gallon capacity. In the upper right is a small one gallon, pickle passivated, portable research tank for a chemical processor.

Our fabrication experience is also diverse. We manufacture ASME Vessels, API-650 Vessels, Custom Mix Tanks, Storage Tanks, Evaporators, Jacketed Vessels, Columns, Heat Exchangers and Vats and Totes.

Apache’s tanks and vessels are found in the beverage, biotechnology, commercial, health and beauty, pulp and paper, biofuel, chemical, food-processing, petroleum and water treatment industries.


Apache Tank Donation Prepares MATC students for Bio-Engineering Careers

Madison Area Technical College engineering students presented their class project, a bio-diesel blending system, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison May 8th, 2013. Apache Stainless Equipment Corporation donated the tank used in the project and the biodiesel system will also be shown at collegiate fairs and educational outreach events.

The Madison College engineering students were tasked with developing a system that was capable of blending biodiesel with petro-diesel and fuel additives for improved performance in extreme seasonal temperatures. The students also had to design around safety, transportability, power and budget constraints. Apache was one of several equipment manufacturers to donate components to the project.

“Apache is committed to build strong community ties where we live, work and go to school,” says Ed Paradowski, Apache President, “being part of this project not only helps Madison College engineering students, it also helps with the overall promotion of education in the field of fabrication and manufacturing.”

As a group, students engineered the blending system from start to finish. Apache supplied a 60 gallon, pickle passivated stainless tank with a vent fitting according to their design and specifications. The welding, fabrication, plumbing and electrical was all accomplished by the introductory engineering students at Madison College.

Apache serves the biofuel industry with many types of specialized tanks, including: distillation columns, evaporators, ASME vessels, API-650 Vessels, clad vessels, custom mix tanks and storage tanks. The Apache facility in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin is fully equipped with machines and processes for shearing, forming, welding, rolling and in-house head making. The company also provides finishing capabilities, including automated mechanical polishing, electro-polishing and passivation. Another facility in Plover, Wisconsin produces carbon steel tanks and equipment.


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