Patent Number: 055442102
Section: abstract

A pressure vessel apparatus for containing fluid under high pressure and temperature including pressure surges caused by in-vessel explosions includes a vessel main body, a vessel top body and a vessel head. Elongated tendons interconnect the vessel main body to the vessel top body and elongated tendons with removable anchors also connect the vessel head to the vessel top body. The tendons with insulated protecting sleeves connecting the vessel main body to the vessel top body are chosen to allow the vessel top body to temporarily separate from the vessel main body before the vessel head separates from the vessel top body. These tendons may be mounted directly, on springs, or on dampers in order to provide optimum (minimum) response to the postulated load cases. Reinforced and internally supported bellows are provided about a joint between the vessel main body and the vessel top body to prevent leakage from the interior of the pressure vessel apparatus upon liftoff of the vessel top body from the vessel main body. Continuously wound prestressed wire strands or bands are provided around the periphery of the vessel walls.