Carbon Steel Custom Insulated Pressure Vessels

Roben, Mfg, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of carbon steel custom insulated pressure vessels, delivering cost-effective, high-performance vessels for a wide range of industrial applications. Our carbon steel insulated vessels combine the proven strength and reliability of carbon steel with advanced insulation systems for optimal thermal management and operating efficiency.

What is a Carbon Steel Custom Insulated Pressure Vessels?

A carbon steel custom insulated pressure vessel is a closed container fabricated from carbon steel or low-alloy steel, designed to hold gases or liquids at pressures substantially different from ambient, while incorporating thermal insulation systems tailored to specific application requirements. Carbon steel offers an excellent balance of strength, weldability, and cost-effectiveness for vessels operating in moderate temperature and non-corrosive environments.

Carbon steel grades such as SA-516, SA-285, SA-106, and low-alloy steels like SA-387 provide reliable performance across a wide range of operating conditions. When properly designed and protected with appropriate insulation and coatings, carbon steel vessels deliver decades of reliable service in demanding industrial environments.

Carbon Steel Material Properties

• Cost-Effective Construction: Carbon steel offers the lowest material cost for pressure vessel construction while providing excellent strength and performance.
• Excellent Weldability: Carbon steel is easily welded using standard procedures, enabling efficient fabrication and field repair if needed.
• High Strength: Carbon steel provides excellent strength-to-weight ratios, enabling efficient designs for high-pressure applications.
• Wide Temperature Range: With proper material selection, carbon steel vessels can operate from -50°F to 850°F.
• Ready Availability: Carbon steel materials are readily available in a wide range of thicknesses and forms, supporting shorter lead times.
• Proven Performance: Decades of service history demonstrate the reliability of carbon steel in industrial pressure vessel applications.

Carbon Grades and Options

• SA-516 Grade 70: The most common pressure vessel plate, providing excellent strength and weldability for moderate-temperature service.
• SA-516 Grade 60: Lower strength grade with improved low-temperature impact properties.
• SA-285 Grade C: Economic plate grade for lower-pressure applications.
• SA-387 Grade 11/22: Chrome-moly low-alloy steels for elevated temperature service up to 850°F.
• SA-106 Grade B: Seamless pipe for nozzles, headers, and small-diameter pressure components.
• Normalized and Fine-Grained: Special heat treatments for improved low-temperature toughness.

Applications and Industries Served

• Storage Vessels: Bulk storage of non-corrosive liquids and gases requiring temperature control.
• Process Vessels: Reactors, mixers, and process drums for chemical and petrochemical manufacturing.
• Heat Transfer Equipment: Shell and tube heat exchangers, condensers, and reboilers.
• Separators: Production separators, scrubbers, and knock-out drums for oil and gas applications.
• Columns: Distillation columns, absorption towers, and fractionation equipment.
• Accumulators: Surge drums, reflux drums, and process buffer vessels.

Certifications and Standards

• ASME Section VIII Division 1 & 2: Pressure vessel design and fabrication standards
• ASME Section IX: Welding procedures and qualifications
• NBIC: National Board Inspection Code compliance
• CRN: Canadian Registration Number for Canadian installations
• PED: Pressure Equipment Directive for European Union market
• U Stamp & R Stamp: ASME certification for new construction and repairs

Carbon Steel Custom Insulated Pressure Vessels Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the temperature limitations for carbon steel vessels?

Standard carbon steel vessels typically operate from -20°F to 650°F. With normalized or fine-grain heat treatment, low-temperature limits can extend to -50°F. For temperatures above 650°F, low-alloy steels (chrome-moly) are recommended to maintain strength and resist creep. Insulation systems are designed to be compatible with the vessel operating temperature range.

How do you protect carbon steel vessels from corrosion?

We apply various corrosion protection methods based on service conditions, including internal linings (rubber, epoxy, glass), external coatings, cathodic protection, and corrosion allowances. For insulated vessels, we incorporate vapor barriers and weather-resistant jacketing to prevent under-insulation corrosion.

Can carbon steel vessels be used for cryogenic applications?

Standard carbon steel is not suitable for cryogenic service due to brittle fracture concerns. However, specially processed carbon steels with fine-grain structure can be used down to -50°F. For true cryogenic applications (below -50°F), we recommend stainless steel, nickel alloys, or aluminum construction.

What is the typical design pressure range for carbon steel vessels?

Carbon steel vessels are commonly designed for pressures from full vacuum to 3,000 psig. Higher pressures are achievable but may require very thick walls or alternative materials. Our engineering team will recommend the most cost-effective design for your specific pressure and temperature requirements.

Contact Roben, Mfg, Inc.

For more information about our carbon steel custom insulated pressure vessels solutions or to request a quote, please contact Roben, Mfg, Inc. today. Our experienced engineering team is ready to assist you in developing the perfect solution for your unique application requirements.

Phone: (732) 364-6000  | 
Email: sales@robenmfg.com
760 Vassar Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701