Field Services

Recent Posts

• Requirements for the Repair or Alteration of ASME Stainless Pressure Vessels Posted last month
  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 5 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 2 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 5 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 ...
• Bob Dolan is Retiring from Field Services after 22 1/2 Years at Apache Posted 5 years ago
    After 22 ½ years in Apache’s field services group, Bob Dolan is retiring! Apache Stainless is grateful for Bob’s many years of service and sharing his expertise with engineering, sales and customers.    Bob recounts some memories through the years with one of his first jobs completing assembly of six tanks (partially built at Apache) in 1996.  It was extremely hot with a tight timeline. When the tank arrived, the roof was already off for it and other equipment to be set. The team worked through the night to set and weld the vessel to be out of the way of the day shift millwrights. “I enjoy the work.  It is gratifying to help customers and I enjoy meeting people,” Bob expressed.  “In the first 18 months, I went from a beginner to a STEP 7 certified welder.  After 22 ½ years, I believe I’ve welded and serviced tanks throughout the entire U.S.” “The most challenging job I was on was a tank with a cone bottom.  At first sight, it looked like maybe it couldn’t be done. The bottom had to ...