SMPV Rules

Definitions
• Under the SMPV Rules
Any Pressure Vessel, meant for Storage & Transportation of Compressed
Gas / Liquefied Compressed Gas / Refrigerated Compressed Gas having
Volume exceeding 1000 Ltrs, Working Pressure Exceeding 1.0 Bar and the
contents of the Vessels if they last for more than16 hours for the designed
consumption rate. Process Vessels, Compressed Air Vessels are exempted
are not covered under the SMPV Rules. The Design, Fabrication, Stage-
wise Inspection & Installation, of such Vessels shall be done under the
approval of the Chief Controller of Explosives. The periodic Inspections
and Tests shall be done as per the requirements of SMPV Rules.

1
 Requirement of Periodic Inspection
of Pressure Vessels under SMPV Rules

1. SRV Testing once in 12 months (Rule 18).

The SRV set pressure shall be not more than
1.1 times the Design Pressure.
2. Internal Inspection, Thickness Checking &
Hydraulic test once in 2 / 5 years, depending
on the contents in Vessel (Rule 19).
3. Excess Flow Valve Testing shall be Tested
during the Hydraulic test, to check the closing
Flow Rate(Rule 18).
4. The Hydraulic test shall be conducted up to
the First Isolation Valve.

Requirement of Periodic Inspection

of Pressure Vessels under SMPV Rules

However, if Water or any traces of Moisture is not

tolerable, as in the case of Cryogenic Storage Vessels,
Pneumatic Test is permissible. Pneumatic test may be
conducted at 1.1 times the Design Pressure.
Additional NDT for Spherical Vessels,
Thickness Gauging, Ultrasonic Flaw Detection, Wet Fluorescent
MPT, Dye Penetration test, Radiographic Inspection of joints, if
required. Hardness test of Weld joints Foundation settlement.
Additional Inspections for Mounded & Underground
Vessels.
And Cathodic Protection Checking for Mounded & Under ground
Vessels, in addition to the above.

2
 SMPV Rules
1. Rule 1 - Short title and commencement
2. Rule 2 - Definition
3. Rule 3 - General exemptions
1. Rule 4 – Restriction on filling, manufacture and import
2. Rule 5 – Restriction on delivery and dispatch
3. Rule 6 - Repairs for the Pressure Vessels
4. Rule 7 – Purging of Vessels for inflammable gases.
5. Rule 12- Design Code for Pressure Vessels
6. Rule 13- Design Pressure.
7. Rule 14- Design of Pressure Vessels for low temperatures.
8. Rule 15 –Filling Capacity & Filling Pressure
9. Rule 16 –Markings on the Pressure Vessel.

CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY
Rule 1. Short title and commencement-
(1) These rules may be called the Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (Unfired)
Rules, 1981.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official
Gazette.
Rule 2. Definition
Rule 3. General exemptions.
Rule 4. Restriction on filling , manufacture and import.
Rule 5. Restriction on delivery and despatch.

3
 CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY
Rule 6. Repair to pressure vessels.—
(1) No person shall carry out any repairs, additions or alterations to any vessel
unless the proposed repairs, additions or alterations and their method of
execution have been approved by the Chief Controller. Any such repairs,
additions or alterations approved by the chief Controller shall be carried out
in the manner and by practices acceptable under the design code referred to
in Rule 12:Provided that nothing in this rule shall apply to the replacement of
any of the fitments of the vessel which does not involve any heating.
(2) Before any repairs, additions or alterations are carried out to any vessel,
the same shall be completely emptied and purged with an inert gas.
(3) Complete record of repairs, additions or alterations referred to in sub-rule
(1) shall be maintained and made available to the chief Controller and his
permission shall be obtained before recommissioning the vessel.

CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY
Rule 7. Purging of pressure vessels used for flammable gases.
(1) Before using any new vessel or before the refilling of any existing vessel which has
been made gas-free, air contained therein shall be purged by an inert gas or by the gas
for which the vessel is to be used.
(2) If the vessel is purged by means of a flammable gas, the flammable mixture so
formed shall be vented from the vessel only after taking adequate precautions to
prevent its ignition.
Rule 8. Prohibition of employment of children and intoxicated persons.
No person under the age of eighteen years or who is in a state of intoxication shall be
employed for the loading, unloading or transport of any vessel containing compressed
gas, or in any premises licensed under these rules.
Rule 9. Prohibition of smoking, fires, lights, etc.
No person shall smoke and no matches, fires, lights or articles or substance, capable of
causing ignition of any flammable gas shall be allowed, at any time in proximity to a
place where any compressed gas is stored, handled or transported in a vessel.

4
 CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY

Rule 9A. Supervision and Operation within the Licenced premises.

Rule 10. Special precautions against accidents.
Rule 11. Procedure for payment of fees.
All fees payable under these rules be paid through Crossed demand draft on
any nationalized bank in favour of the Chief Controller of Explosives , Nagpur
and in cases where the amount payable does not exceed Rs.100, the payment
may be made by cash, money order, postal order or cheque drawn on a local
bank.
Rule 11-A. Procedure for grant and revocation of recognition to competent
person and inspector.

CHAPTER II
CONSTRUCTION AND FITMENTS OF PRESSURE VESSELS

Rule 12. Design code.

(1) Vessels shall be designed, constructed and tested in accordance with the
Indian Standard 2825; as amended from time to time, or such other standard
or code approved by the Chief Controller.
(2) A test and inspection certificate issued by the manufacturer of the vessel
duly countersigned by an Inspector that the vessel meets with the
requirements of the standard or code referred to in sub-rule (1) shall be
furnished to the Chief Controller.

5
 CHAPTER II
CONSTRUCTION AND FITMENTS OF PRESSURE VESSELS
Rule 13. Design pressure.
The design pressure of a vessel shall not be less than –
(a) the vapour pressure of the gas in the vessel at 55 degree celsius, if the vessel is
meant for the storage of liquefiable gases:Provided that if the vessel is insulated,
the vapour pressure of the gas in the vessel shall correspond to the maximum
temperature that is likely to be attained by the gas in the vessel;
(b) the developed pressure of the gas in the vessel at 55 degree celsius, if the vessel
is meant for the storage of a permanent gas.
(c)the maximum allowable service pressure with additional allowances for vacuum
and static head or surge due to acceleration or deceleration, as the case may be , in
respect of the cryogenic liquid proposed to be stored or transported.

6
 CHAPTER II
CONSTRUCTION AND FITMENTS OF PRESSURE VESSELS
Rules - 14. Design of vessels for gases at low temperature –

1. Refrigerated vessels.—
2. Insulated vessels:-
3. Cryogenic pressure vessel:-

CHAPTER II
CONSTRUCTION AND FITMENTS OF PRESSURE VESSELS
15. Filling capacity and filling pressure –
(1) The Maximum quantity of liquefiable gas filled into any vessel shall be limited to
the filling density of the gas and shall be such that the vessel shall not be liquid-full
due to expansion of the contents with rise of the temperature to 55 degree celsius.
If vessel is uninsulated, or to the highest temperature which the contents are likely
to reach in service, if the vessel is refrigerated or insulated, this requirement shall
be applicable irrespective of the ambient temperature of the
product at the time of filling.
(2) No vessel shall be filled with any permanent gas in excess of its design pressure.
(3)The water capacity of the cryogenic pressure vessel shall be rated in terms of
gross water capacity and the usable water capacity in litres at 15 degree celsius.
The usable water capacity shall not exceed 95% of the gross water capacity. An
overflow pipe shall be provided at the maximum usable capacity level as a
safeguard against filling the vessel beyond the maximum usable capacity.

7
 CHAPTER II
CONSTRUCTION AND FITMENTS OF PRESSURE VESSELS
16. Markings on pressure vessels .—
Every vessel shall have a metal plate permanently fixed to it showing the following
particulars which shall be visible from the ground level, namely:-
(i) manufacturer’s name and identification marks;
(ii) the standard or code to which the vessel is constructed;
(iii) official stamp of the Inspector;
(iv) design pressure in Kg/Cm2 ;
(v) date of initial hydrostatic test and the subsequent test;
(vi) hydrostatic test pressure in Kg/Cm2 ;
(vii) water capacity in liters;
(viii) gas capacity, if filled with liquifiable gas; and
(ix) name or chemical symbol of the gas for which the vessel is to be used.

CHAPTER II
CONSTRUCTION AND FITMENTS OF PRESSURE VESSELS
17. Painting of vessels . –
Vessels shall be adequately painted externally to prevent corrosion and shall have a
reflecting surface.
18. Fittings –
(1) General.:—
(2) Pressure relief. –
(3) Shut-off and emergency shut-off valves.---
(4) Liquid level gauging device.—
(5) Pressure gauge. –

8
 CHAPTER II
CONSTRUCTION AND FITMENTS OF PRESSURE VESSELS
19. Periodic testing of pressure vessels in service:—
(1) All vessels shall be hydraulically tested by a competent person at a pressure
marked on the vessel at intervals of not more than five years after the date of first
test, provided that in the case of vessels, containing corrosive or toxic gases, the
periodic test shall be done at an interval of two years. In case of vessels which are
so designed, constructed or supported that they cannot be safely filled with water
or liquids for hydraulic testing or which are used in services where traces or water
cannot bo tolerated, the Chief Controller may permit pneumatic testing alongwith
non-destructive tests instead of hydraulic testing, as per procedure laid down in
vessel fabrication code; after satisfying himself about the adequacy of the safety
precautions undertaken;
(1A)Cryogenic pressure vessel and vessel for liquid Carbon Dioxide shall be
periodically tested with pneumatic at 1.1 times of maximum allowable working
pressure.
(2) the competent person carrying out the test as required under sub-rule (1) shall
issue a certificate of test in prescribed proforma.

CHAPTER II
CONSTRUCTION AND FITMENTS OF PRESSURE VESSELS
20. Precautions to be observed in carrying out hydraulic test.—
In carrying out the hydraulic test referred to in Rule 19, the following precautions
shall be observed, namely:-
(i) before the test is carried out, each pressure vessel shall be thoroughly cleaned
and examined externally, and as far as practicable, internally also for surface
defects, corrosion and foreign matter. During the process of cleaning and removal
of sludge, if any, all due precautions shall be taken against fire or explosion, if such
sludge is of pyropheric nature or contains spontaneously combustible chemicals;
(ii) as soon as the test is completed, the vessel shall be thoroughly dried internally
and shall be clearly stamped with the marks and figures indicating the person by
whom the test has been carried out and the date of test and a record shall be kept
of all such tests;
(iii) any vessel which fails to pass the hydraulic test or which for any other reason is
found to be unsafe for use shall be destroyed or rendered unsuitable under
intimation to the Chief Controller.

9
 CHAPTER III
STORAGE
21. General -
(1) All vessels meant for storage of compressed gas shall be installed entirely aboveground,
that is to say, no part of the vessel shall be buried below the ground level.
(2) Vessels and first stage regulating equipment shall be located in the open.
(3) Vessels shall not be installed one above the other.
(4) Vessels within a group shall be so located that their longitudinal axes are parallel to each
other.
(5) No vessel shall be located within the bonded area of petroleum or other flammable liquid
storages.
(6) Sufficient space shall be provided between two vessels to permit fire-fighting operations.
(7) Two or more vessels installed in batteries shall be so installed that the top surface of the
vessels are on the same plane.
(8) Vessels with their dished ends facing each other shall have screen walls in between them.
(9) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rules(1) to (8) above, vessels for storage of
iquified petroleum gas can be placed underground or covered by earth in such manner and
subject to such conditions as may be specified by a notifications by the Central Government.

CHAPTER III
STORAGE
Rule 22. Locations of Pressure Vessels.—
Each vessel shall be located with respect to the nearest building or group of
buildings or line of adjoining property which may be built on and with respect to
other vessels and facilities in accordance with the distances specified in the Tables.
Rule 23. Foundations for pressure vessels.
Rule 24. Fencing.
Rule 25. Cleanliness
Rule 26. Earthing.—(1) All vessels used for storage of flammable liquefiable gases shall be
electrically connected with the earth in an efficient manner.
(2) Pipelines conveying flammable liquids shall be adequately prepared for electrical
continuity and connected with the earth in an efficient manner.
Rule 27. No Smoking.
Rule 28. Fire protection
Rule 29. Loading and unloading facilities.
Rule 30. Transfer operations.

10
 CHAPTER III
STORAGE
Rule 31. Electrical apparatus and installations.—
Rule 32. Lighting of storage and operating areas.—operations shall not be carried out
during the night unless adequate artificial lighting of approved type are available and used.
Rule 33. Certificate of safety.—
A certificate of safety in the proforma prescribed by the Chief Controller and signed by a
competent person shall be furnished to the licensing authority before any vessel is used for
the storage of any compressed gas or whenever any addition or alteration to the installations
or foundations for the vessel is carried out.

CHAPTER IV
TRANSPORT
Rule 34. Application.—The rules in this Chapter shall apply to the transport of compressed
gas by
vehicles.
Rule 35. Vehicles for transport of compressed gas.—
(1) every vehicle for the transport of compressed gas shall be of a type approved, in writing,
by the Chief Controller.
(2) where approval is sought to a vehicle under sub-rule (1) or to any of its special safety
fittings, 12 numbers of detailed drawing drawn to scale and a scrutiny fee of rupees fifty shall
be forwarded to the Chief Controller.
(3) if the Chief Controller, after receipt of the drawing under sub-rule (2) and after making
such further inquiries as he deems necessary, is satisfied that the vehicle or the special safety
fittings, as the case may be, meets with the requirements laid down in these rules, he shall
approve the drawing and return to the applicant one copy thereof duly endorsed.

11
 CHAPTER IV
TRANSPORT
Rule 36. Design
Rule 37. Protection of valves and accessories.
Rule 38. Equipment.
Rule 39. Vehicle design considerations
Rule 40. Marking of vehicle.— All vehicles shall be conspicuously marked on the vessel to
show the product which is being carried.
Rule 41. Fire protection.—
(1) Two serviceable fire extinguishers of suitable size and type shall be provided on each
vehicle, one on each side and should be accessible from outside the cab.
(2) A person, while in, or attending, any vehicle conveying flammable gas, shall not smoke or
use matches or lighters.
(3) No fire, artificial light or article capable of causing fire or explosion shall be taken or
carried on any vehicle carrying flammable gas.

CHAPTER IV
TRANSPORT
42. Operations.—
(1) Drivers shall be carefully selected and given appropriate training in driving and safe
handling of the equipment and the compressed gas carried in the vehicle.
(2) When loading or discharging of a vehicle takes place within the operator’s own premises,
a competent person shall be present throughout the operations.
(3) When discharge is in progress, at a customers premises, the driver shall remain with his
vehicle in such a position so as to be able to stop the discharge immediately in an
emergency.
(4) Every vehicle shall be constantly attended to by at least one person who is familiar with
the rules in this Chapter : Provided that nothing in sub-rule shall apply to vehicles which are
left in places previously approved for the purpose by the Chief Controller.
(5) In the event of an over-night stop away from home base, prior arrangements shall be
made for the safe parking of the vehicle overnight. In an emergency, a driver may seek the
co-operation of the local police in finding suitable parking facilities for his vehicle.

12
 CHAPTER IV
TRANSPORT
Rule 43. Certificate of Safety.—
A certificate of safety in prescribed proforma signed by a competent person
shall be furnished to the licensing authority before any vehicle is used for the
transportation of any compressed gas to the effect that the vehicle meets
with the provisions of the rules in this Chapter.
Rule 44. Inspection and maintenance of vehicles.—
(1) The licensee for any vehicle shall ensure that it is at all times road-worthy,
and that it is in a fit condition to fill, transport and discharge its load safely.
(2) An examination of the vehicle to check that the vehicle is maintained as
per subrule(1) shall be carried out every six months by a competent person
and a certificate in the prescribed proforma shall be issued by him.

CHAPTER V
LICENCES
Rule 45. Licence for storage of compressed gas.— No person shall store any
compressed gas in any vessel except under and in accordance with the
conditions of a licence granted under these rules.
Rule 46. Prior approval of specification and plans of vessels and premises
proposed to be licensed.—
Rule (46A) No Objection Certificate –
47. Licence for transport of compressed gas.—
48. Grant of licence.—A licence prescribed under these rules shall be granted
by the Chief Controller on payment of the fees specified in the Schedule I
attached to these rules.
49. Application for licence.—A person wishing to obtain a licence under these
rules shall submit to the Chief Controller—

13
 CHAPTER V
LICENCES
50. Period for which licences may be granted or renewed.—
51. Particulars of licence.—
52. Power of licensing authority to alter conditions,--
53. Prior approval necessary for alteration in the licensed premises..—
54. Amendment of licence –
55. Renewal of licence.—
56. Refusal of licence.—
57. Suspension and cancellation of licence.—
58. Procedure on expiration, suspension or cancellation of licence.—
59. Appeals.—
60. Procedure on death or disability of licensee.—
61. Loss of licence

CHAPTER V
LICENCES
62. Production of licence on demand.—
62A. Compliance of instruction of licensing authority –
63. Procedure on reports of infringement—
64. Executive control over authorities.—

14
 CHAPTER VI
EXEMPTION
65. Powers to exempt.
The Central Government may, on the recommendation of the
Chief Controller, in exceptional cases, by order and for reasons to
be recorded in writing, exempt storage and transportation of any
compressed gas in any vessel from all or any of the provisions of
these rules on such conditions, if any, as may be specified in the
order

COLLAPSE OF SPHERE
2000 cubic meters LPG sphere - The accident happened
during hydrotest. It can be noticed by the picture severe
corrosion on the legs under the concrete fire protection.

15
Fracture of Temporary Weld Cap
during Hydro-test

Thank You

16