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API 510 Preparatory Class

Lesson 3
MAWP
UG-98(a) The maximum allowable working pressure for a
vessel is the maximum pressure permissible at the top of
the vessel in its normal operating position at the designated
coincident temperature specified for that pressure. It is the
least of the values found for maximum allowable working
pressure for any of the essential parts of the vessel by the
principles given in (b) below, and adjusted for any
difference in static head that may exist between the part
considered and the top of the vessel (See 3-2).
UG-98 Maximum Allowable Working
Pressure Page 79 Section VIII

UG-98(b) The maximum allowable working pressure for a
vessel part is the maximum internal or external pressure,
including the static head thereon, as determined by the rules
and formulas in this Division, together with the effect of any
combination of loadings listed in UG-22 which are likely to
occur, for the designated coincident temperature, excluding
any metal thickness specified as corrosion allowance.

UG-98(c) Maximum allowable working pressure may be
determined for more than one designated operating
temperature, using for each temperature the applicable
allowable stress value.
UG-98 Maximum Allowable Working Pressure
In the Code there are two types of Maximum Allowable Working
Pressures (MAWP). One is for the vessel itself, the one most
think of and refer to all the time. The other is the one for each
part of a vessel referred to in UG-98 as the part MAWP. Think of
it in this way: a vessel has a shell, heads, chambers etc., and
pressure allowed or thickness required calculations must be
performed for each one to determine the MAWP of the vessel.
When doing these calculations, you cannot take credit for any
extra thickness designed into the vessel as a corrosion
allowance. The weakest of the vessels parts, considering other
loadings such as the static head of the contents, weight of
insulation, wind, etc., will determine the MAWP of the entire
vessel. It is the weakest link in the chain
UG-98 Maximum Allowable Working Pressure

The pressure referred to here can be internal or external.
The MAWP of a vessel is the pressure allowed in a vessel at
its top in its normal operating position and at its maximum
operating temperature. The MAWP can be determined for
more than one designated operating temperature, using for
each temperature the applicable allowable stress value.
UG-98 Maximum Allowable Working Pressure
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