Who Makes NBS Barrels?
NBS (National Board of Supervising Control Engineers) barrels, also known as ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) barrels, are a critical component in industries such as power generation, oil refining, and other high-pressure applications. These specialized barrels are built to meet the strict regulations and guidelines set by authorities to ensure the safe containment of pressure and fluids under extreme conditions.
When it comes to who manufactures NBS barrels, it’s important to note that there are several companies in the market that produce such high-pressure vessels. While some might argue that most NBS barrels are customized and unique to specific requirements, I will provide you with some of the primary manufacturers, their products, and specialties.
Domestic Companies
Here is a list of some primary domestic NBS barrel manufacturers in the United States:
| Manufacturer | Product Ranges |
|---|---|
| ESAB: ESAB Group is one of the industry leaders in the production of NBS barrels. | 25-200psi, API 650A, 10-6, API 620D, NPS 14-96 |
| McNaughton Companies: As a leading national manufacturer, McNaughton specializes in the creation of standard and custom-engineered barrels. | API-650, 620, ASME-BPVC, and Code Case for NPS sizes 16-72 |
Overseas Suppliers
Apart from domestic US manufacturers, there are significant overseas providers of NBS barrels catering to the growing demand. Here are some notable global suppliers:
| Manufacturer | Product Ranges |
|---|---|
| Huaneng Electric Power Research Institute (EPR), China | 10-100 Bar, ASME-BPVC, PED, Chinese National Standard YB / T 4380 |
| Weihai Shenzhou Steel Valve Co., Ltd. (WAV), China | 4-32 Bar, Pressure Vessels, Carbon Steel/Alloy, API, ASME Codes |
Unique Features and Approvals
Some NBS barrel manufacturers offer specialized capabilities, designs, or alloys that are tailored to customer specific requirements:
- Krahn Chemical Company Inc: Offers the "Tank-in-a-Tank" solution, which means a contained tank within the main container, allowing users to carry hazardous materials that require both pressure and immersion protection. ASME CODE, BPVC, IBC, and ICC Certifications
- Shinhung, Inc: Holds AISC, IBC, and NEC certifications, offering welding and inspection services for carbon steel/alloy construction to ASME-BPVC standards
- API 660: A standards-based set of guidelines designed for liquid storage tanks’ design and construction
The following highlights some key regulatory bodies in the industry responsible for inspections and certifications for NBS barrels:
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) (in the context of offshore installations)
- National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
- Local and state jurisdictional regulations
Regulations and Conformity Standards
Standards and specifications for the design, material, manufacture, testing, and marking of NBS barrels and pressure vessels comply with governing bodies such as:
ASME PCC-1: Specification for Pressure Vessels with Low-Probability of Human Error (LLPE)
NBS Guidelines: Published yearly, focusing on safety protocols, leak testing, internal inspection and cleaning, marking, documentation, and repairs
For a comprehensive comprehension of regulations and standards that govern the production and sale of NBS barrels in the international market, industry professionals need to familiarize themselves with the guidelines.
