Ensures the vessel can withstand its operational loads without experiencing gross plastic deformation. This can be calculated using elastic stress analysis, limit-load analysis, or elastic-plastic stress analysis.
Having a digital PDF version of the code is the industry standard for modern engineering workflows. The primary benefits include:
The BPVC is issued every two years. As of 2026, the 2025 Edition is the latest published version, containing the most current rules and the significant updates described above. When designing a vessel for a specific jurisdiction, verify which edition is required by local regulations.
| Aspect | Division 1 | Division 2 (Pre‑2025 Class 2) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Design‑by‑Rule (industry experience) | Design‑by‑Analysis (stress analysis) | | Safety Factor (UTS) | 3.5 | 2.4 (now unified at 2.4 in 2025) | | Safety Factor (Yield) | 1.5 | 1.5 | | Pressure Range | Up to ~3,000 psig (often lower) | 15 psig to 10,000 psig | | Required Analysis | Standard formulas (UG-27, UG-32, etc.) | Detailed finite element analysis (FEA) and stress categorization | | NDE Rigor | Standard | More rigorous | | Certification Stamp | U Stamp | U2 Stamp |
Ensures the vessel can withstand its operational loads without experiencing gross plastic deformation. This can be calculated using elastic stress analysis, limit-load analysis, or elastic-plastic stress analysis.
Having a digital PDF version of the code is the industry standard for modern engineering workflows. The primary benefits include:
The BPVC is issued every two years. As of 2026, the 2025 Edition is the latest published version, containing the most current rules and the significant updates described above. When designing a vessel for a specific jurisdiction, verify which edition is required by local regulations.
| Aspect | Division 1 | Division 2 (Pre‑2025 Class 2) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Design‑by‑Rule (industry experience) | Design‑by‑Analysis (stress analysis) | | Safety Factor (UTS) | 3.5 | 2.4 (now unified at 2.4 in 2025) | | Safety Factor (Yield) | 1.5 | 1.5 | | Pressure Range | Up to ~3,000 psig (often lower) | 15 psig to 10,000 psig | | Required Analysis | Standard formulas (UG-27, UG-32, etc.) | Detailed finite element analysis (FEA) and stress categorization | | NDE Rigor | Standard | More rigorous | | Certification Stamp | U Stamp | U2 Stamp |
