Field Services

Recent Posts

• How to Troubleshoot an R-Stamp Repair Posted 12 months ago
  There are several reasons why an ASME-certified vessel may need service. However, the need for ASME R-Stamp Repair is very specific.  Any repairs to the pressures zones on tanks require an R-Stamp.  A code repair is when a vessel’s “pressure boundary” needs repair. This could either be a cooling/heating jacket or the tank itself. A ‘non-code’ repair is when the non-pressure area of a tank needs repair. Troubleshooting Accidents In the case of an accident, such as a tool falling into the tank and causing damage; surface scratches and dents can typically be repaired on-site, provided they do not go beyond minimum requirements, with mechanical polishing or hand/wand electropolishing. While a scratch may be a non-code repair, any damage to the cooling/heating jacket will require an R-Stamp repair. Troubleshooting Wear or Failure Reduced agitator performance or failure is often due to worn parts, improper assembly, or a bent shaft.  Agitator repairs may be addressed with the agitator manufacturer or the vessel manufacturer, depending on the situation, down-time, and severity of the failure. If the shaft breaks and causes damage to the “pressure boundary”, ...
• Requirements for the Repair or Alteration of ASME Stainless Pressure Vessels Posted last year
  Whether an accident, environmental damage, or refurbish needs, vessel repair may be necessary at the customer site.  It is important that whoever works on ASME pressure vessels is qualified, certified, and experienced. The National Board, the regulatory commission for ASME, requires an ASME R-Stamp for the repair or alteration of pressure vessels. Repair areas and welds should be carefully assessed before repair.  Qualified technicians may use die penetrant, x-ray, or ultrasonic devices to inspect welds and surface defects. If the vessel requires repurposing or refurbishment, qualified ASME engineering professionals must be involved to make sure the changes are compliant with ASME.  All nozzles and attachments added to the pressure vessel must be ASME compliant.  In addition, there are specific requirements for materials by ASME, including all attachments that are welded to the pressure boundary. The welding procedure for ASME vessel repair is extensive to include rules for joints, torch cutting, arc gouging, grinding, reinforcement and post weld treatments. For all repairs or alterations to stainless vessels, it is essential to know the materials and heat treatment requirements. The owner of ...
• Sometimes Tank Damage Isn't as Bad as You Think Posted 6 years ago
  There are two main causes why a vessel may need service. There is a performance related issue, or there has been an accident. In the case of an accident, such as a tool falling into the tank and causing damage; surface scratches and dents can typically be repaired on-site, provided they do not go beyond minimum requirements, with mechanical polishing or hand/wand electropolishing.  The damage might be a bent agitator, or it might be damage to a side wall or baffles.  We see these kinds of things all the time and we can fix them most of the time. Depending on the size of the vessel and type of repair, Apache’s service techs may be able to make repairs on site or in some cases, tanks are shipped back to the factory. Apache can provide services including: Repair and replace agitator shafts Add agitation to a non-agitation vessel Refurbish outlet valves, seals, or-rings, and gaskets Relocate nozzles and fittings Replace manways Repair jackets (conventional, dimple, half-pipe) Add cooling or heating coils Detect and repair leaks Refinish product contact surfaces Repair sidewalls Change bottom head configurations Modify tanks, platforms, catwalks for repurposing Convert non-pressured vessel to pressurized (if approved by engineering) It is ...
• How to Troubleshoot a Pressure Tank Posted 4 years ago
  There are several reasons why a vessel may need service, however, two main causes why a vessel may need service are either accident or performance related. In the case of an accident, such as a tool falling into the tank and causing damage; surface scratches and dents can typically be repaired on-site, provided they do not go beyond minimum requirements, with mechanical polishing or hand/wand electropolishing.  Reduced agitator performance or failure is often due to worn parts, improper assembly or a bent or broken shaft.  Agitator repairs may be addressed with the agitator manufacturer or the vessel manufacturer, depending on the situation, down-time, and severity of the failure. When troubleshooting a drop in pressure in a tank or vessel, a typical cause is often related to seals. One sign of seal failure is product coming out of the seal.  To help reduce the frequency of an unexpected seal leak occurring, it is recommended to use a good seal maintenance program to solve a lot of pressure / performance issues, such as: •    Seal replacement has been neglected •    Flat spots on seals are a ...
• When do you need an ASME R-stamp for repairs to an ASME tank? Posted 6 years ago
  The ASME R-stamp requirements start with the detail in the code.  Summarized from the NBIC (National Board Inspection Code) standards: When a pressure vessel or boiler needs repair, alteration or rerating, an R-stamp may be required by the jurisdiction, or, by the owner / user.  When the standard governing the original construction is the ASME code, repairs and alterations to pressure retaining items shall confirm, insofar as possible, to the section and edition of the ASME code most applicable to the work planned. The 'R' stamp is issued by The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors for the alterations or repairs of steam boilers. This certification helps ensure that such alterations or repairs are only done by capable fabricators who can meet the requirements of the code. It is the responsibility of the owner or user of the pressure vessel to secure proper compliance, and work with a certified repair organization and an authorized inspector. Any repairs to the pressures zones on tanks require an R-Stamp.  A code repair is when a vessel’s “pressure boundary” needs repair. This could ...