PIP VECBI001

Description / Abstract: This Practice provides selection guidelines and configuration requirements for use by a Purchaser specifying cylindrical, atmospheric and low-pressure, welded, shop- and field-fabricated dry bulk solids bins, hoppers, silos, and gravity blenders.

This Practice describes selection guidelines and configuration requirements for cylindrical shell, single-wall containers for dry bulk solids (i.e., bins, hoppers, silos, and gravity blenders) having internal design pressures not exceeding 103 kPa (15 psig) and/or full vacuum external pressure at the top of the container in its normal operating position, and are welded, shop- and fieldfabricated, and generally in accordance with the philosophy and requirements of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division 1, henceforth referred to as the Code.

Comment: For dry bulk solids containers having internal and/or external pressures exceeding the 103 kPa (15-psig) limit, this Practice may be used for solids-handling issues, and PIP VECV1001, PIP VESV1002, and PIP VEDV1003 for pressure container issues.

This Practice provides guidelines for selecting the type of dry bulk solids container configuration based on solids flow properties and type of flow regime. Guidelines are provided for selecting the bottom hopper configuration and discharge aids (e.g., fluidization, agitation, vibration, etc.). Guidance is also provided for the application of bin inserts, blending methods, internals, supports, and materials.

This Practice provides configuration requirements for dry bulk solids containers based on geometry, product properties, pressure and temperature, venting and relief protection, loadings, support system, connections, internals, and materials of construction. Instructions are also provided for completing a PIP VEDBI003-D Data Sheet to specify options covered in this Practice and other specific requirements applicable to a particular container. Another data form may be used if the required information indicated on the PIP VEDBI003-D Data Sheet is shown.

The following are not covered by this Practice:

a. Containers with nominal diameters 0.6 m (2 ft) or less

b. Containers with volumes less than 2.8 cu. m (100 cu. ft)

c. Bolted containers and other containers operating at atmospheric conditions

d. Mechanically fastened shell or head courses with or without seal welding

e. Non-metallic material

f. Fluidized beds

g. Non-cylindrical shells

h. Container requirements associated with mechanical agitation by motor-driven blade impellers

i. Portable transport containers

j. Lethal service issues

Comment: For containers classified for lethal service, as defined by Code paragraph UW-2, or for other highly hazardous chemical services, see PIP VECV1001, PIP VESV1002, and PIP VEDV1003. PIP VESBI002 may also be applied to lethal service applications, adding company addenda (i.e., supplemental specification) as required.

k. Agricultural containers for non-commercial applications