In industries where liquids, gases and even chemicals are used in a pressurized state, ASME Tanks are common. Apart from their design and efficiency, ASME Tanks stand out due to their safety reliability. But, what are ASME Tanks, and how is their value different in the chemical processing, energy production, safety, and reliability to the food and beverage and pharmaceutical industries?
Below, we highlight the uses, types and standards of ASME Tanks in relation to their value and certifications compared to non ASME Certified Tanks.
1. What is ASME? What are its Standards?
ASME stands for American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The organisation sets the standards which are used in design, fabrication, inspection, testing and certifying of pressure equipment. Additionally, it oversees engineering codes and standards. One of the influential codes of ASME is the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. The code governs design, fabrication, inspection, testing, and certifying pressure containing equipment.
Hence, an ASME tank is a pressure vessel which is built following the standards of the ASME BPVC, Section VIII which covers pressure vessels above 15 psi and entails the vessel containing pressure above 15 psi.
An ASME-certified tank has been designed and constructed to safely hold pressure and withstand the approved materials used, welding, and testing methods. Each ASME-certified tank has a unique ASME “U” stamp, demonstrating to all that the tank has successfully undergone all inspection and compliance.
2. What Makes an ASME Tank Different?
To the untrained eye, industrial tanks may appear to be the same, but externally comparable tanks will likely not have been constructed to ASME standards. The primary reason for this is the level of engineering and the associated safety factors and inspection requirements. ASME-certified tanks are designed and constructed to endure high pressure. The engineering design will include the calculation of wall thickness, joint efficiency, and material strength to withstand pressure without rupturing or failing. ASME-certified tanks are constructed using ASME CODE approved material. Construction materials include carbon steel, stainless steel, and limited alloys. Fabrication is performed by certified welders according to the procedures. Each ASME tank is subjected to either hydrostatic or pneumatic testing to ensure that design and construction integrity is achieved before certification. Each vessel is fully accountable, traced, and documented. For each, design calculations, materials, and testing are all documented.
ASME tanks are designed to perform, and they are designed to perform to provide complete peace of mind.
3. Common Types of ASME Tanks
ASME tanks differ in design and construction based on application and the pressure demands of the system. Here are the most common ASME tanks used in various industries:
a. ASME Pressure Tanks
Pressure tanks are used to store liquids and/or gases under pressure. Common applications include air compressors, hydraulic systems, and gas storage.
b. ASME Storage Tanks
Storage tanks are used to store pressurized fluids safely for later use. Common applications include oil and gas, chemical processing, and food production.
c. ASME Vacuum Tanks
Vacuum tanks are designed to withstand external pressure and are used to prevent tanks from collapsing during suction or evacuation.
d. ASME Reactor Tanks
Reactor tanks are used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries for controlled pressure and temperature reactions. They are equipped with agitators, jackets, and heating or cooling systems.
e. ASME Mixing Tanks
Mixing tanks are created when ASME pressure vessels are equipped with agitation systems to mix or evenly distribute materials and to preserve uniformity under pressure.
Tank assemblies can be fitted with additional features such as heating jackets, insulation, CIP (clean-in-place) systems, and special fittings for specific industrial requirements.
4. ASME Tank Construction Materials
Material selection in ASME tanks impacts strength, corrosion resistance, and pressure attainment. Certain materials are used for ASME tanks.
For ASME tanks, carbon steel is used when economical strength is needed for general purposes. For ASME tanks in the food, beverage, and pharma industry, stainless steel is used due to3 corrosion and chemical resistance along with stainless steel’s durability. For ASME tanks in environments with severe corrosion and extreme temperatures, duplex stainless steel and specialty alloy tanks are used.
Every ASME tank construction material is traceable to mill certs and meets the ASME construction requirements.
5. Industries with ASME Tanks
When there are ASME tanks, there are issues concerning pressure, safety, and adherence to relevant legislation. The ASME tank uses in various industries include:
For the chemical and petrochemical industry ASME tanks are used to store and handle pressure volatile hazardous substances. For the food and beverage industry ASME tanks are used for liquid sanitary storage, for carbonation, and fermentation. The pharma and bio pharma industries use ASME tanks for the sterile mixing, reaction, and storage. For the oil and gas industry ASME tanks are used in gas separation, and for liquid storage systems along with compressed air. The energy and power generation industries use ASME tanks for boilers, condensate tanks, and heat exchangers. For the water treatment industry ASME tanks are used for filtration, purification, and pressure control.
In many jurisdictions, ASME compliance is more than just a good industry practice. It is a law.
6. Why Opt for an ASME Tank?
Taking an ASME certified tank has its practical and regulatory advantages.
a. Safety and Reliability.
ASME built tanks are safe and reliable. They undergo detailed design assessments and testing to eliminate the chances of rupture or leakage, even under the most extreme situations.
b. Compliance and Certification.
ASME tanks are compliant with all the ASME safety codes and are certified ASME global standards tank. Not having an ASME tank increases your chances of litigation.
c. Quality Assurance.
ASME tanks are made under controlled conditions where all the documentation for the welders and inspectors is maintained so that it may be traced if needed.
d. Longevity and Durability.
Masterful engineering means ASME tanks are made using the best of materials and require little maintenance for decades. This means that you will be able to have your investment returned greatly over time.
e. Versatility.
With the ability to design for just about any application, ASME tanks are adaptable and easy to integrate into automated systems.
7. ASME Certification Process.
There are several steps to the ASME Tank Certification.
1. Design Approval: As per ASME Section VIII, engineers create the equations and drawing.
2. Material Control: All materials have to be compliant and each unit must be traceable.
3. Fabrication and Welding: This is completed by certified welders using qualified methods.
4. Inspection and Testing: This involves visual evaluation, non-destructive testing (NDT), and hydrostatic or pneumatic pressure testing.
5. Completing ASME Authorization: Once all code requirements for the vessel have been completed, it receives the ASME “U” mark, and relevant documentation is provided.
Every ASME tank goes through this process to ensure it meets the necessary safety standards.
8. ASME Tanks vs. Non-ASME Tanks
| Feature | ASME Tank | Non-ASME Tank |
| Design Standard | Built to ASME BPVC | No standardized design |
| Certification | Certified and inspected | Typically uncertified |
| Safety Level | Extremely high | Variable |
| Legal Use | Approved for pressurized systems | Restricted or prohibited in many regions |
| Cost | Higher upfront | Lower initial cost |
| Longevity | 20+ years typical | Often shorter lifespan |
Although ASME tanks can cost more initially, their safety, compliance, and durability make them the more economical and responsible choice over time.
Conclusion
An ASME tank is more than just a vessel—it is a guarantee of safety, quality, and engineering integrity. Designed and tested to the highest standards, ASME tanks protect both people and processes from the dangers of pressurized systems.
Whether used for storing compressed gases, fermenting beverages, or carrying out chemical reactions, ASME-certified tanks deliver unmatched reliability and peace of mind. For industries where safety is paramount, investing in ASME tanks is not just a good choice—it’s the only choice.
