Professional Certification in Mechanical Design of Process Equipment

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Introduction

This course in Mechanical Design of Process Equipment is designed to provide engineers with the technical expertise required to design pressure vessels, heat exchangers, storage tanks, and other critical process equipment used in industries such as oil & gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and power. Covering design theory, material selection, stress calculations, fabrication methods, and code compliance, the course aligns with global standards such as ASME Sec VIII Div 1, TEMA, and API. Practical exposure to industry design tools ensures that participants can take design calculations through to fabrication and inspection stages confidently.

Modules and Content

Module 1: Introduction to Process Equipment Design
  • Overview of process equipment and applications
  • Basic mechanical design philosophy
  • Classification and function of equipment
  • Introduction to ASME Sec VIII Div 1
  • API 650, IS codes, and other international standards
  • Design conditions, pressure ratings, and service categories
  • Material behavior under pressure and temperature
  • Selection criteria for different applications
  • Corrosion allowance and material compatibilit
  • Internal and external pressure calculations
  • Design of cylindrical shells, heads, and nozzles
  • Wind and seismic load considerations
  • Types of heat exchangers and TEMA classifications
  • Design of shell, tube bundle, and baffles
  • Thermal expansion and support arrangements
  • Atmospheric tank types and applications
  • Shell thickness and roof design
  • Tank foundations and accessories
  • Reinforcement requirements for nozzles
  • Flange types and selection
  • Gasket, bolt, and joint design considerations
  • Support types (skirt, leg, lug, saddle)
  • Load analysis and stress distribution
  • Support design for horizontal and vertical vessels
  • Introduction to PV Elite, Compress, and other tools
  • Modeling equipment and interpreting output
  • Generating design reports and drawings
  • Welding symbols, procedures, and testing
  • Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods
  • Fabrication tolerances and quality control
  • Static and dynamic stress analysis basics
  • Allowable stress limits and failure modes
  • Fatigue and creep considerations
  • Complete design of a pressure vessel or heat exchanger
  • Code-based calculations and software modeling
  • Design drawing, documentation, and presentation

Scope & Advantages

Mechanical design of process equipment is a highly specialized and in-demand skill set within industries such as oil & gas, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, power generation, and food manufacturing. As safety, reliability, and compliance become increasingly critical, engineers trained in pressure vessel and process equipment design are valued for their ability to ensure structural integrity under varying operational and environmental conditions. This course bridges academic knowledge and practical application, enabling participants to contribute effectively to design, EPC, and plant engineering teams, and qualify for roles requiring deep understanding of mechanical equipment design codes, software, and project deliverables.

Reference

  • “Piping Handbook” by Mohinder L. Nayyar ,
  • “Process Piping: The Complete Guide to ASME B31.3” by Charles Becht IV,
  • “Pipe Stress Engineering” by Liang-Chuan Peng and Tsen-Loong Peng
  • “Piping Design Handbook” by John J. McKetta Jr.
  • “The Planning Guide to Piping Design” by Richard Beale and David R. Sherwood