Chapter 23, authored by J. Robert Sims, Jr., discusses Section VIII, Division 3 (Alternative Rules for the Construction of High-Pressure Vessels). It is intended to be used as a companion to the Code by Manufacturers and Users of high-pressure vessels and also provides guidance to Inspectors, materials suppliers, and others. The chapter's text is generally presented in the same order in which it appears in the Code. Comments are not given about each Paragraph, but Paragraph numbers are referenced as appro priate. The comments apply to the 2004 Edition. The ASME Special Working Group (SWG) on High-Pressure Vessels of Subcommittee VIII developed the Code. The comments herein are Robert's opinions; they should not be considered Code Interpretations or the opinions of the SWG on High-Pressure Vessels or any other ASME Committee.

This chapter provides commentary that is intended to aid individuals involved in the construction of high-pressure vessels, but it cannot substitute for experience and judgment. Robert covers general, material, and design requirements; supplementary requirements for bolting; special design requirements for layered vessels; design requirements for attachments, supports, and heating and cooling jackets; fracture mechanics evaluation; design using autofrettage; special design requirements for wirewound vessels and frames; design requirements for openings, closures, heads, bolting, and seals; scope, jurisdiction and organization of Division 3; fatigue evaluation; pressure-relief devices; examination, fabrication, and testing requirements; marking, stamping, reports, and records; and Mandatory and Nonmandatory appendices.