API 510 Preparatory Class

Lesson 3 MAWP

UG-98 Maximum Allowable Working Pressure Page 79 Section VIII

UG-98(a) The maximum allowable working pressure for a vessel is the maximum pressure permissible at the top of the vessel in its normal operating position at the designated coincident temperature specified for that pressure. It is the least of the values found for maximum allowable working pressure for any of the essential parts of the vessel by the principles given in (b) below, and adjusted for any difference in static head that may exist between the part considered and the top of the vessel (See 3-2).

UG-98 Maximum Allowable Working Pressure

UG-98(b) The maximum allowable working pressure for a vessel part is the maximum internal or external pressure, including the static head thereon, as determined by the rules and formulas in this Division, together with the effect of any combination of loadings listed in UG-22 which are likely to occur, for the designated coincident temperature, excluding any metal thickness specified as corrosion allowance. UG-98(c) Maximum allowable working pressure may be determined for more than one designated operating temperature, using for each temperature the applicable allowable stress value.

UG-98 Maximum Allowable Working Pressure

In the Code there are two types of Maximum Allowable Working Pressures (MAWP). One is for the vessel itself, the one most think of and refer to all the time. The other is the one for each part of a vessel referred to in UG-98 as the part MAWP. Think of it in this way: a vessel has a shell, heads, chambers etc., and pressure allowed or thickness required calculations must be performed for each one to determine the MAWP of the vessel. When doing these calculations, you cannot take credit for any extra thickness designed into the vessel as a corrosion allowance. The weakest of the vessels parts, considering other loadings such as the static head of the contents, weight of insulation, wind, etc., will determine the MAWP of the entire vessel. It is the weakest link in the chain

UG-98 Maximum Allowable Working Pressure

The pressure referred to here can be internal or external. The MAWP of a vessel is the pressure allowed in a vessel at its top in its normal operating position and at its maximum operating temperature. The MAWP can be determined for more than one designated operating temperature, using for each temperature the applicable allowable stress value.

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