Levels and experience are guidelines based on topic-specific experience. All courses support foundational and advanced learning.

This course is a comprehensive introduction to pressure vessel design in accordance with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division 1. General topics in the course include general design requirements and design requirements for welded vessels.

Understand the scope and responsibilities defined by ASME Section VIII, Division 1.

Apply the Code design rules for major pressure vessel components.

Understand welded joint design, examination requirements, and joint efficiencies.

Learn material selection requirements, including post-weld heat treatment and impact testing.

Become familiar with key design considerations for pressure vessels subjected to internal, external, wind, and seismic loading.

ASME Section VIII, Division 1 Pressure Vessel Design is designed for mechanical, fixed equipment, pressure vessel, inspection, and reliability engineers, as well as personnel responsible for the design, fabrication, review, or maintenance of ASME Section VIII pressure vessels.

ASME Section VIII, Division 1 Scope and Responsibilities

Scope of ASME Section VIII, Division 1

User responsibilities

Manufacturer responsibilities

General Design Requirements

Design rules

Cylinders

Dished heads

Conical heads

Flat covers

Opening reinforcement

Internal pressure design

External pressure design

External loading

Wind loading

Seismic loading

Appendix 2 flange design

Part UHX tubesheets (brief discussion)

Design Requirements for Welded Vessels

Welded joint categories

Welded joint types

Radiographic examination (RT)

Ultrasonic examination (UT)

Joint efficiencies

Material Requirements

Postweld heat treatment (PWHT)

Impact testing requirements

John Swezy

John Swezy has over 35 years of experience with electrical generation plants, auxiliary systems, and pressure equipment. An ASME Codes and Standards Committee member since 1996, he has held leadership roles across Sections I, V, VIII, and IX and ASME B31 and B31.3. He received the ASME Dedicated Service Award in 2013 and became an ASME Fellow in 2019.

His career includes President and Independent Consultant at Boiler Code Tech, LLC; mechanical engineering and pressure equipment program leadership with UT-Battelle at Oak Ridge National Laboratory; and code consulting and inspection supervision with Hartford Steam Boiler of Connecticut and Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance. He also served in nuclear mechanical engineering and supervisory roles with the United States Navy.

His practical expertise includes design, fabrication, welding, NDE, repairs, alterations, fitness-for-service, and quality control programs. His prior certifications include National Board Commissioned Inspector and Inspector Supervisor and American Welding Society Certified Welding Inspector.

The training will be held in Houston, TX. The exact location will be announced by mid-November. Please check back for updates. If you purchase the class, you can find the hotel booking link under My Courses → (your course) → Resources once available.