The Need for Pressure Vessel Inspection & Why They Matter 

Worker installs clamping ring on coated pipe

In any industrial setting, anything that is functioning or performing under high pressure is prone to cause serious damage if not working properly. Anything that is pressurized means that it is operating under very specific circumstances and requires every component to do its part. From industrial boilers to other pressure vessels, to your typical pressure washer or water tanks, the importance of maintaining and keeping these vessels secure is absolutely essential.  As certified inspectors of pressure vessels, we understand the necessity for quality upkeep and maintenance of these vessels. 

What is a Pressure Vessel?

To those that work in the industry, a pressure vessel is an everyday occurrence and necessity.  For others, it might sound very exotic but really it refers to any vessel that is operating under high pressures. Most pressure vessels are for industrial use like hot water storage tanks and dividing cylinders.  They can also be used to hold toxic and other non-toxic liquids. For this reason, these are carefully fabricated enclosed containers. They are primarily designed to hold gasses or liquids at high pressures or varying pressures.

These vessels serve a variety of purposes in industrial settings, factories, or installations. Because of the inherent dangers present in anything that involves contained and pressurized gas or liquids, there are stringent regulations and safety protocols that must be met. 

The most common shapes for pressure vessels include:

  • Spheres
  • Cones
  • Cylinders

How are Pressure Vessels Made? 

Because of the high pressure, they must withstand, these vessels will typically be fabricated out of different types of steel. Many will use carbon steel and stainless steel. When fabricating a cylindrical vessel, for example, different steel parts must be welded together to form the shape and ensure safety.

Subpar welding can lead to the compromise of quality, which means that precautions are necessary to ensure the parts are correct and properly installed. Only certain kinds of steel are appropriate for certain parts, as per regulations. Engineering standards require that only steel with high impact resistance should be used for pressure vessels. 

The bodies that establish these fabrication codes include ASME safety guidelines and the National Board of Boiler & Pressure Vessel Inspectors in the U.S. and the EU Pressure Equipment Directive in Europe. Other regulations around the fabrication of these vessels include the use of a load-bearing liner that helps withstand the pressure load. These will typically be composed of metal, ceramic, or polymer. 

What Happens When a Pressure Vessel Loses Integrity or is Cracked? 

If a vessel becomes cracked or damaged it can lead to rupture or leakage. None of these is good news. The potential health hazards that come with either of the above are serious and include poisonings, suffocations, fires, and even explosions. If the energy in the vessel expands and puts added pressure that the vessel is not able to withstand, it is a recipe for disaster.

What is an Industrial Pressure Vessel Inspection? 

Faulty pressure vessels lead to catastrophic consequences. This is why various governmental bodies have stepped in to ensure that there are frequent inspections that maintain the performance and integrity of these vessels. 

The inspection process will look at:

  • How well the vessels meet established industry standards
  • The vessel while empty and in operation
  • Several kinds of pressure tests will be conducted 

As mentioned above there are several ways that a pressure vessel can be inspected. The inspection must happen by someone that is certified through the Board. They might conduct a:

Internal inspection: This type of careful examination of the vessel happens when it is empty and not in operation. This inspection is used to identify internal damage, corrosion, worn-out components, etc. The welded seams will be looked at carefully, as well as other areas near welds and fittings. 

External inspection: This is a type of inspection that is done while the vessel is operational. External inspections are conducted on the outside of the vessel. These are important to catch malfunctioning external components like the piping, connections, and more. 

How Often are These Pressure Vessels Inspected? 

This might vary depending on the particular use for that vessel.  Pressure vessels that house toxic liquids, for example, will need more frequent inspections. Preventative maintenance is the best way to ensure successful inspections and avoid fines, loss time of operation, damage, and —most importantly— accidents and malfunctions. 

Get a Trusted Technician for Your Industrial Needs 

When it comes to industrial pressure vessels and other components, the consequences of malfunction or bad quality can be major. Here at Wyler Industrial, we have been providing quality services for generations. As a family-owned company, we have passed on our knowledge and understanding of the industry as we have grown and settled in the El Paso area. All of our technicians are certified and carefully trained. 

Need a pressure vessel inspection, maintenance, or service? Call Wyler Industrial today. 

The Role of the Machinist: From Aviation and War Efforts to Manufacturing 

CNC router machine

Machining is a broad topic and mostly refers to the process of converting raw materials into finished parts. Many times, it requires removing a piece of material in order to change its shape, size, and function and convert it into a part that will form part of a larger structure like an airplane, vehicle, machine, equipment, etc.  A person who performs this job is typically called a machinist. They are highly-skilled tradesmen that know how to operate machines with a high level of efficiency and they work in machine shops. Wyler Industrial provides machining services for many industries as well, so let’s look more closely at what that entails. 

The Role of the Modern Machinist

The role of the machinist has evolved over time. Today, a machinist operates CNC, or Computer Numerically Controlled, machine tools. These are used to create very specific parts for machines, instruments, aircraft, etc. 

A machinist’s job is very important in manufacturing, as the work that is done in a machine shop will determine the performance of the end-product. The parts that a machinist develops will take their rightful place as an important component of another structure. In order to operate CNC machines, the operator needs to be familiar with the codes, have a solid background in math, and a foundational understanding of the basic concepts of machining. 

In manufacturing and production, a machinist is called upon when a client needs a part to be cut. Machinists will be proficient in working with a variety of metal materials including aluminum, brass, copper, and various alloys. 

Machining can be broken down into three major categories or processes:

Turning

A machinist that specializes in turning is responsible for manufacturing parts in various sizes and working with modern machine tools. Turning requires defining machine data and making necessary corrections or fixes. Turning uses a cutting tool, as a tool bit.

Milling

The process of milling utilizes rotary cutters to remove material. The machinist advances the cutter through the material to cut the material piece. A milling machine looks like a complicated contraption from the early Industrial age, although its workings are far more sophisticated. 

Drilling

When it comes to drilling, a machinist is an expert workman operating heavy-duty drills and making precise drill holes in workpieces. Larger components require drilling to ensure holes are in the right place. 

Typical Machinist Tools:

Machinists use a wide array of tools. They are often used alone or in conjunction with other tools at various steps of the manufacturing process. The major tools include:

Boring tools

Boring is a holemaking operation in the machinist’s tool box, so to speak. Single-edged boring bars will have only one point of contact with the workpiece. 

Cutting tools

This category includes tools such as saws and shears. The cutting tools are used to cut pieces of material that are carefully measured and require a specific shape or size. 

Drilling tools

Any tool with a rotating axis used to penetrate material and create holes or for driving fasteners like screws into the material. 

Turning tools:

These include tools like lathes; they rotate workpieces on their axis. 

A Closer Look at CNC Machining

Computer numerical control machining is a technique used in conjunction with other techniques to precisely cut and produce parts from raw materials. Today’s CNC machines are highly sophisticated and can perform complicated cuts with little to no error margins. The machine is programmed and uses software that is very specific to the task at hand. The history of these machines goes all the way back to the dawn of industrialization. 

As computers and automation become more and more advanced, the technology improves the quality of the work. The earliest Numerical Control machines were built in the 1940s and 50s.  The early versions actually consisted of punching tape and feeding it into a basic machine. The machine was not fully automated and would often have large margins of error. 

Machinists will work for various industries including aviation, automotive, and manufacturing needs. An aircraft machinist is a necessary part of the industry and is not always given the credit they deserve. 

During World War II, machinists and what were called “machinist mates” were indispensable to the war effort. It was these people that ensured the construction of what was then rather experimental aircraft with many moving components and a need to be sturdy as heck. 

Many machinist mates positions were actually open to women during this time and many made their mark on the industry. As military operations became more and more dependent on airpower, the role of the machinist was central to the basic components of the machine. Modern machinists require a variety of skills including deep proficiency working with machine and machine parts, knowledge of CNC, and a deep understanding of hand tools. The job is also physically demanding and requires a lot of problem-solving. 

Make Wyler Industrial Your Go-To Machine Shop!

Wyler Industrial machine shop includes high-grade machining services. If your business operates in an industrial setting, you likely require quality parts made of metal. We are happy to service machines as well. Our trained machinists will help you get your issues sorted out. Connect with a machine shop and find quality industrial services in the southwest. 

One Machine Shop for all Your Repair Needs

machine in machine shopThe worst thing that can happen in your factory is several malfunctions at once. When this emergency happens you have to call several repair providers to fix each part. This can take time away from production. In the end, that can amount to lost profits. However, when you call Wyler Industrial Works in El Paso for industrial repair you can expect to receive service from several specialists in one machine shop.

Common Problems With the Heat Exchanger

Problems with the heat exchanger is an issue we address on a regular basis. Our technicians are skilled and know how to troubleshoot and fix these issues. Flow distribution problems, exchanger leakage, thermal leakage, and increased exchanger energy consumption are a few examples of common problems. Fouling is another problem that is encountered often. It can include instances of crystallization, corrosion, decomposition, and oxidation just to name a few. A technician can conduct an onsite inspection to find the problem.

Common Boiler Issues

Another common repair we see in our machine shop is problems with boilers. Industrial boilers can cause big problems if they are not dealt with right away. If the burner is not functioning as it should it will not be able to generate enough heat. The problem can lie in any of the parts that are in the burner assembly. Because of the high pressure that boiler use leaks are another common problem. D patches are also often used to fix cracks and other problems. While it is obvious that a boiler can’t be brought to our machine shop we still conduct part repairs and construct patches at our shop.

Machining New Parts

Another common job we conduct at our machine shop is machining new parts. This can include machining parts for industrial machinery, heavy equipment, agricultural equipment and more. We have various machining services that include threading, grinding, finishing, and more. Our parts are manufactured to the best precision tolerances. We can work with various materials as well.  

Contact Our Machine Shop Today

When you need multiple repairs conducted or machined parts our technicians can help. When you contact Wyler Industrial Works you don’t need to call several locations to provide service for your industrial machinery. Our technicians offer a variety of repair services. We have been providing service to the El Paso community for several decades. We are a family owned business providing prompt, reliable service. Contact us today for more info.

 

A Machine Shop for Your Industrial Repair

Maintenance engineer working with gas boiler of heating system equipment in a boiler roomAny kind of breakdown at an industrial shop can cause huge delays in production. This of course translate to losing profits. Whether it is a breakdown with a boiler, heat exchanger, or any other piece of vital equipment it can cause huge disruptions. Finding a reputable and reliable repair for industrial repair services can be a real pain. However, Wyler Industrial has been servicing El Paso since 1891. You can be sure that our technicians have the expertise to get the job done right. Our machine shop is fully equipped to create the solutions you are looking for.

A Machine Shop Ready for Repairs

With a company that has been around since 1891 you can be sure our experts know a thing or two about industrial repair services. Our machine shop is fully equipped to make the repairs needed to your industrial equipment. We offer help for any kind of breakdown or emergency. Our technicians will be there for your team every step of the way. Some common repairs we conduct include boilers, heating coils, heat exchangers, rolling tubes, and more. We have different departments that include metal fabrication, boiler, welding, machine, mechanical, and pressure piping.

The Experts Do the Job Right

Our industrial machine mechanics have plenty of experience to conduct any repair. With advanced knowledge, the help of technical manuals when needed, and the proper equipment our mechanics can fix just about anything. They will disassemble machinery and equipment, conduct troubleshooting, find the problem, and conduct necessary repairs. Finding and replacing the malfunctioning components is rarely an issue for our mechanical experts. Adjusting and calibrating equipment and machinery is sometimes necessary as well.

The Right Service at the Right Time

When it comes to industrial repair services our experts know that timing is key. There is no time to be wasted when production is stopped or slowed down because of faulty or broken equipment. We provide prompt service to arrive at your location and find the problem. Our mechanics will dismember the proper equipment and conduct repairs at our machine shop.

At Wyler Industrial we know that emergencies never happen at opportune moments. If you know that you want quality service conducted by qualified experts be sure to keep our information on hand. If you some industrial fabrication services to replace old parts we can help with that as well. Whatever your needs may be, be sure to contact us today. Our experts will be happy to answer your questions or set you up with a consultation.