Safety Standard for Pressure Vessels for Human Occupancy

Abstract

Application

This Standard applies to all pressure vessels that enclose a human within their pressure boundary while under internal or external pressure exceeding a differential pressure of 2 psi (15 kPa).

PVHOs include, but are not limited to, submersibles, diving bells, and personnel transfer capsules, as well as decompression, recompression, hypobaric, and hyperbaric PVHOs.

Geometry

The scope of this Standard in relation to the geometry is the pressure boundary as defined in the User’s Design Specification and shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(a) shells of revolution

(b) openings and their reinforcements

(c) nozzles and other connections

(d) flat heads

(e) quick-actuating closures

(f) vessel penetrations

(g) attachments and supports

(h) access openings

(i) viewports

(j) pressure relief devices

(k) pressure-retaining covers for vessel openings

Limitations

The pressure boundary of the PVHO shall be as follows:

(a) welding end connection for the first circumferential joint for welded connections

(b) the first threaded joint for screwed connections

(c) the face of the first flange for bolted, flanged connections

(d) the first sealing surface for proprietary connections or fittings