Pressure vessel testing requirements

[m_c]

A question has come up at work about the pressurised oil dispensers we use.

They're the type that you pressurise with air to about 6 bar and vary in size from 20 to 60 litres.
It's been picked up by an audit that they've never been tested.

Nobody can seem to give a definitive answer, and my Google fu is failing.
I'm aware there is a volume/pressure limit below which testing isn't required, but I can't seem to find what it is.

So, does anybody know if these actually need tested?

 

[jsf55]

A quick google brought this up, long time since i had anything to do with the one's we had but all done on site

Engineering Inspection FAQs | RSA Broker

GENERAL QUESTIONS:What is a competent person?Competency requirements are defined in HSE regulations and associated guidance. These cover areas such as training, operation of machinery and daily inspection of working parts.

www.rsabroker.com

 

[EM1L4]

A question has come up at work about the pressurised oil dispensers we use.

They're the type that you pressurise with air to about 6 bar and vary in size from 20 to 60 litres.
It's been picked up by an audit that they've never been tested.

Nobody can seem to give a definitive answer, and my Google fu is failing.
I'm aware there is a volume/pressure limit below which testing isn't required, but I can't seem to find what it is.

So, does anybody know if these actually need tested?

Have a look at this, should give guidance on if it needs to have a formal WSE. https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg178.pdf

 

[DanZac]

The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR) will give you a definitive answer (available from the HSE website) but basically anything below 250 bar litres (Vessel volume x max operating pressure (safety valve setting)) is not normally included under a Written Scheme of Inspection and is thus exempt competent person inspection.

Your set up will however be covered under PUWER and will therfore require a maintenance schedule and inspection regime as per the manufacturers guidance and any PUWER requirements.

 

[m_c]

Thanks guys.
It was the 250 bar litre figure that was needed.

So it turn out only the larger dispensers need tested, as they hold 50litres, with the pressure relief valve fixed at 8 bar, so that potentially gives 400bar litres, if the dispenser is fully empty.
Smaller dispensers are only 20 litres, so under the threshold.