ARTICLE D-10 ACCESS AND INSPECTION OPENINGS

AD-1000 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS of not less than NPS 112 (DN 40) except as permitted by the following: When vessels less than 16 in. (406 mm) and over 12 in. (305 mm) in inside diameter are to be installed so that inspection cannot be made without removing the vessel from the assembly, openings for inspection only may be omitted provided there are at least two removable pipe connections of not less than NPS 112 (DN 40).

(a) All pressure vessels for use with compressed air, and those subject to internal corrosion or having parts subject to erosion or mechanical abrasion (see AD115), except as permitted otherwise in this paragraph, shall be provided with suitable manhole, handhole, or other inspection openings for examination and cleaning. (b) Compressed air as used in this Article is not intended to include air which has had moisture removed to provide an atmospheric dew point of 50F (46C) or less. (c) Inspection openings may be omitted in the shell side of xed tubesheet heat exchangers. When inspection openings are not provided, the Manufacturers Data Report shall include one of the following notations under Remarks: (1) AD-1000 (c) when inspection openings are omitted in xed tubesheet heat exchangers; (2) AD-1001 or AD-1003 when provision for inspection is made in accordance with one of these paragraphs; (3) the statement for noncorrosive service. AD-1001 Requirements for Vessels 12 in. (305 mm) in Inside Diameter1 and Smaller

AD-1010

EQUIPMENT OF VESSELS REQUIRING ACCESS OR INSPECTION OPENINGS

For vessels 12 in. (305 mm) or less in inside diameter, openings for inspection only may be omitted if there are at least two removable pipe connections not less than NPS 34 (DN 20). AD-1003 Requirements for Vessels Less Than 16 in. (406 mm) and Over 12 in. (305 mm) in Inside Diameter

Vessels less than 16 in. (406 mm) and over 12 in. (305 mm) in inside diameter shall have at least two handholes or two threaded pipe plug inspection openings
1

Diameters of vessels and sizes of openings are nominal.

Vessels that require access or inspection openings shall be equipped as follows.1 (a) All vessels less than 18 in. (457 mm) and over 12 in. (305 mm) in inside diameter shall have at least two handholes or two plugged, threaded inspection openings of not less than NPS 112 (DN 40). (b) All vessels 18 to 36 in. (457 to 914 mm), inclusive, in inside diameter shall have a manhole or at least two handholes or two plugged, threaded inspection openings of not less than NPS 2 (DN 50). (c) All vessels over 36 in. (914 mm) in inside diameter shall have a manhole (see AD-1020.1), except that those whose shape or use makes one impracticable shall have at least two handholes or other openings that may be used for inspection; in either case the openings shall measure at least 4 in. 6 in. (102 mm 152 mm). (d) When handholes or pipe plug openings are permitted for inspection openings in place of a manhole, one handhole or one pipe plug opening shall be in each head or in the shell near each head. (e) Openings with removable heads or cover plates intended for other purposes may be used in place of the required inspection openings. (f) A single opening with removable head or cover plate may be used in place of all the smaller inspection openings provided it is of such size and location as to afford at least an equal view of the interior.
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AD-1010

PART AD DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

AD-1025.2

(g) Flanged connections from which piping, instruments, or similar attachments can be removed may be used in place of the required inspection openings provided that: (1) the connections are at least equal to the size of the required openings; and (2) the connections are sized and located to afford at least an equal view of the interior as the required inspection openings.

AD-1021

Design of Access and Inspection Openings in Shells and Heads

All access and inspection openings in a shell or unstayed head shall be designed in accordance with the rules of this Division for openings. AD-1022 Minimum Gasket Bearing Widths for Manhole Cover Plates

AD-1020

SIZE AND TYPE OF ACCESS AND INSPECTION OPENINGS

Manholes of the type in which the internal pressure forces the cover plate against a at gasket shall have a minimum gasket bearing width of 1116 in. (18 mm).

When inspection or access openings are required, they shall comply at least with the requirements of this paragraph.
01

AD-1025

Threaded Openings

AD-1020.1 Type and Minimum Size of Manhole. An elliptical or obround manhole shall be not less than 12 in. 16 in. (305 mm 406 mm). A circular manhole shall be not less than 16 in. (406 mm) in inside diameter. AD-1020.2 Minimum Size of Handholes. A handhole opening shall be not less than 2 in. 3 in. (51 mm 76 mm) in size, but should be as large as is consistent with the size of the vessel and the location of the opening.

AD-1025.1 Materials for Threaded Plugs or Caps. When a threaded opening is to be used for inspection or cleaning purposes, the closing plug or cap shall be of a material suitable for the pressure, and no material shall be used at a temperature exceeding the maximum temperature allowed in this Division for that material. AD-1025.2 Permissible Types of Threads. The thread shall be a standard taper pipe thread, except that a straight thread of at least equal strength may be used if other sealing means to prevent leakage are provided.

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