November 2014

Process Industry Practices

Vessels

PIP VESSP002
Supplemental Design and Fabrication Specification
for Shell and Plate Heat Exchangers
ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
 PURPOSE AND USE OF PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES

In an effort to minimize the cost of process industry facilities, this Practice has
been prepared from the technical requirements in the existing standards of major
industrial users, contractors, or standards organizations. By harmonizing these technical
requirements into a single set of Practices, administrative, application, and engineering
costs to both the purchaser and the manufacturer should be reduced. While this Practice
is expected to incorporate the majority of requirements of most users, individual
applications may involve requirements that will be appended to and take precedence over
this Practice. Determinations concerning fitness for purpose and particular matters or
application of the Practice to particular project or engineering situations should not be
made solely on information contained in these materials. The use of trade names from
time to time should not be viewed as an expression of preference but rather recognized
as normal usage in the trade. Other brands having the same specifications are equally
correct and may be substituted for those named. All Practices or guidelines are intended
to be consistent with applicable laws and regulations including OSHA requirements. To
the extent these Practices or guidelines should conflict with OSHA or other applicable
laws or regulations, such laws or regulations must be followed. Consult an appropriate
professional before applying or acting on any material contained in or suggested by the
Practice.

This Practice is subject to revision at any time.

© Process Industry Practices (PIP), Construction Industry Institute, The University of

Texas at Austin, 3925 West Braker Lane (R4500), Austin, Texas 78759. PIP Member
Companies and Subscribers may copy this Practice for their internal use. Changes or
modifications of any kind are not permitted within any PIP Practice without the express
written authorization of PIP. Authorized Users may attach addenda or overlays to clearly
indicate modifications or exceptions to specific sections of PIP Practices. Authorized Users
may provide their clients, suppliers and contractors with copies of the Practice solely for
Authorized Users’ purposes. These purposes include but are not limited to the procurement
process (e.g., as attachments to requests for quotation/ purchase orders or requests for
proposals/contracts) and preparation and issue of design engineering deliverables for use
on a specific project by Authorized User’s client. PIP’s copyright notices must be clearly
indicated and unequivocally incorporated in documents where an Authorized User desires
to provide any third party with copies of the Practice.

PUBLISHING HISTORY
November 2014 Issued

Not printed with State funds

 November 2014

Process Industry Practices

Vessels

PIP VESSP002
Supplemental Design and Fabrication Specification
for Shell and Plate Heat Exchangers
ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
Table of Contents
1. Introduction......................................................................... 2
1.1 Purpose ............................................................................................. 2
1.2 Scope ................................................................................................ 2

2. References .......................................................................... 2
2.1 Process Industry Practices ............................................................... 2
2.2 Industry Codes and Standards ......................................................... 3
2.3 Government Regulations .................................................................. 3

3. Definitions ........................................................................... 3
4. Requirements...................................................................... 4
4.1 General ............................................................................................. 4
4.2 Mechanical Design ............................................................................ 5
4.3 Thermal Design ................................................................................. 6
4.4 Hydraulic Performance ..................................................................... 6

Appendix A – Shell and Plate Nomenclature Sketch ........ A-1

Process Industry Practices Page 1 of 6

PIP VESSP002 November 2014
Supplemental Design and Fabrication Specification for
Shell and Plate Heat Exchangers ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2

1. Introduction
1.1 Purpose
This Practice provides mechanical design and fabrication requirements for shell and plate
heat exchangers constructed in accordance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code,
Section VIII, Division 1 or Division 2, henceforth referred to as the Code. Requirements
that are specific to Code, Section VIII, Division 2 are shown in braces { }.
1.2 Scope
This Practice describes the mechanical design, fabrication, examination, inspection,
testing, and documentation requirements for shell and plate heat exchangers constructed
in accordance with Code, Section VIII, Division 1 {or 2}.
This Practice is supplemental to the requirements of PIP VESV1002, Design and
Fabrication Specification for Pressure Vessels, ASME Code Section VIII Divisions 1
and 2.

2. References
Applicable parts of the following Practices, industry codes and standards, and references shall be
considered an integral part of this Practice. The edition in effect on the date of contract award
shall be used, except as otherwise noted. Short titles are used herein where appropriate.

2.1 Process Industry Practices (PIP)

– PIP VESV1002 - Design and Fabrication Specification for Pressure Vessels, ASME
Code Section VIII Divisions 1 and 2
– PIP VEDSP003 - Documentation Requirements for Shell and Plate Heat Exchangers
– PIP VEFV1100 - Vessel/S&T Heat Exchanger Standard Details
The following details apply:
PIP VEFV1101 - Vessel; Nameplate Bracket
PIP VEFV1102 - Vessel; Tolerances (Orientation)
PIP VEFV1103 - Vessel; Grounding Lug
PIP VEFV1105 - Vessel; Horizontal, Saddles Supported on Concrete
PIP VEFV1106 - Vessel; Horizontal, Saddles Supported on Steel
PIP VEFV1128 - Vessel Skirt Attachment
– PIP VESPMI01 - Positive Material Identification Specification

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PIP VESSP002 November 2014
Supplemental Design and Fabrication Specification for
Shell and Plate Heat Exchangers ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2

2.2 Industry Codes and Standards

For each of the following reference documents, if Code Table U-3 {1.1} lists an edition
or addenda different than the edition listed in the reference, the edition listed in Code,
Table U-3 {1.1} shall be used.
 American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
– ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (Code)
Section II, Part D - Properties
Section V - Nondestructive Examination
Section VIII - Pressure Vessels, Divisions 1 and 2
Section IX - Welding and Brazing Qualifications
2.3 Government Regulations
The following reference is applicable to U.S. installations or as specified by Purchaser.
 U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA)
– OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146(k)(3)(ii) - Permit-Required Confined Spaces for General
Industry

3. Definitions
Code: The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division 1 {or 2} and its
referenced Sections (e.g., Section II, Section V, and Section IX) and any Code Cases permitted by
the User. References to Division 2 are shown in braces { }.

construction: An all-inclusive term comprising materials, design, fabrication, examination,

inspection, testing, certification (i.e., Code stamp and Manufacturer’s Data Report),
{Manufacturer’s Design Report}, and pressure relief.

Manufacturer: The party entering into a contract with the Purchaser to design and construct a
heat exchanger in accordance with the requirements in this Practice and the contract documents.
In accordance with the Code definition, the Manufacturer is the party that possesses a valid
Certificate of Authorization to manufacture pressure vessels with the ASME Mark.

Comment: Purchaser may duplicate portions or all of the heat exchanger design.

National Board: The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors, an organization
comprised of chief inspectors of various governmental jurisdictions in the United States and
Canada.

Owner: The party who owns the facility wherein the heat exchanger will be used. The Owner is
typically also the User.

Purchaser: The party who awards the contract to Manufacturer. Purchaser may also be the
Owner, User, or Owner’s or User’s Designated Agent (e.g., engineering contractor).

User: The party who establishes construction criteria in accordance with the Code philosophy and
service hazards. User is the operator of the facility wherein the heat exchanger will be installed.

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PIP VESSP002 November 2014
Supplemental Design and Fabrication Specification for
Shell and Plate Heat Exchangers ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2

Purchaser’s Inspector: The person or company authorized by Purchaser, Owner, and/or User to
inspect pressure vessels to the requirements of this Practice and other Purchaser contract
requirements.

vessel: The pressure boundary components of the heat exchanger, including the shell, heads,
plates, and nozzles. See Appendix A for sketch showing typical shell and plate heat exchanger
components.

4. Requirements
4.1 General
4.1.1 Overall Responsibilities
4.1.1.1 Heat exchangers shall be provided in accordance with this Practice and
the following:
a. PIP VECV1002 for the mechanical design and fabrication of all
pressure boundary components and attachments.
b. PIP VEDSP003 including the following Purchaser’s forms:
(1) PIP VEDSP003-D Data Sheet
(2) PIP VEDSP003-T Inspection and Testing Requirements Sheet or
equivalent
(3) PIP VEDSP003-R Documentation Requirements Sheet
(4) PIP VEDSP003-F Welded Pressure Joint Requirements
c. The Code
d. Design criteria that may supersede the requirements of this Practice
but not take exception to the requirements of the Code
e. PIP VEFV1100 details: VEFV1101, VEFV1102, VEFV1103,
VEFV1105, VEFV1106, VEFV1116, VEFV1117, VEFV1118,
VEFV1125, VEFV1127, and VEFV1128
f. Other codes and standards referenced in this Practice
g. Local requirements
h. Other contract requirements furnished by Purchaser
4.1.1.2 Heat exchangers shall be stamped in accordance with Code.
4.1.1.3 Heat exchangers stamped with “U-” {U2-} shall be National Board (NB)
registered.
4.1.1.4 Deviations from this Practice shall be submitted in writing for approval
by Purchaser.
4.1.1.5 If a conflict is identified between this Practice, the design drawings, data
sheets, referenced codes and standards, or any supplementary
specification, written clarification shall be obtained from Purchaser
before proceeding with any work.

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PIP VESSP002 November 2014
Supplemental Design and Fabrication Specification for
Shell and Plate Heat Exchangers ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2

4.1.1.6 All aspects of the work shall be in accordance with applicable local,
county, state, and federal rules, regulations and standards at installation
site including but not limited to the rules and standards established by the
EPA and OSHA, or equivalent national standards, if applicable, as
designated by Purchaser. See Purchaser’s PIP VEDSP003-D Data Sheet.
4.1.1.7 If Purchaser furnishes a heat exchanger or heat exchanger component
design, Manufacturer shall not be relieved of his responsibility to comply
with the requirements of this Practice and the contract documents.
Comment: Certain non-Code-design functions may be performed solely
by Purchaser (e.g., design of heat exchanger internals).
4.1.1.8 Release for shipment by Purchaser’s inspector shall not relieve
Manufacturer of his responsibility to comply with the requirements of
this Practice and the contract documents.
4.1.1.9 If certain requirements of this Practice and PIP VECV1001 are to be
performed by Manufacturer, the assigned requirements shall be specified
on Purchaser’s PIP VEDSP003-D Data Sheet.
4.1.1.10 Positive material identification shall be performed in accordance with
PIP VESPMI01.
4.1.2 Documentation Responsibilities
4.1.2.1 Heat exchanger documentation shall be provided in accordance with
Purchaser’s PIP VEDSP003-R Documentation Requirements Sheet.
4.1.2.2 The data required by Part B of Purchaser’s PIP VEDSP003-D Data Sheet
shall be provided with the approval drawings.
4.1.2.3 Nameplates shall be located on the heat exchanger shell in an accessible
location. The nameplate location shall be shown on the dimensioned
outline drawing.
4.2 Mechanical Design
4.2.1 If Purchaser’s PIP VEDSP003-D Data Sheet specifies that heat exchanger is to
be designed for differential pressure, the nameplate shall show this requirement.
4.2.2 Placing vents and drains in a plate-side nozzle neck to facilitate specific process
requirements shall be considered.
4.2.3 If applicable, impingement protection type shall be specified on Purchaser’s PIP
VEDSP003-D Data Sheet.
4.2.4 For orders of multiple heat exchangers of the same type, size, and material, either
stacked or parallel, the heat exchangers shall have interchangeable components to
the maximum extent possible.

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PIP VESSP002 November 2014
Supplemental Design and Fabrication Specification for
Shell and Plate Heat Exchangers ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2

4.3 Thermal Design

4.3.1 General
4.3.1.1 Thermal design of shell and plate heat exchangers shall consider safety,
operation, maintenance, and initial cost aspects of the intended service.
4.3.1.2 Each heat exchanger unit shall be independently designed.
4.3.1.3 The thermal design method used shall be approved by User.
4.3.2 Fouling Factors
4.3.2.1 Purchaser shall specify percentage of excess surface area to compensate
for fouling deposits.
4.3.2.2 The percentage of excess surface area shall be approved by User.
4.3.2.3 The clean heat exchanger performance shall be reviewed by User.
4.4 Hydraulic Performance
Pressure drop design factors shall be approved by User.

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PIP VESSP002 November 2014
Supplemental Design and Fabrication Specification for
Shell and Plate Heat Exchangers ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2

Appendix A – Shell and Plate Nomenclature Sketch

Process Industry Practices Page A-1