Online Companion Guide to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes: Criteria and Commentary on Select Aspects of the Boiler & Pressure Vessel Codes
24. Safety of Personnel Using Quick-Actuating Closures on Pressure Vessels and Associated Litigation Issues
Roger F. Reedy is a civil engineer whose experience includes time in US Navy Civil Engineer Corps for seven years and working for a construction company for more than 20 years. Although he is a structural engineer, he has been a member of the ASME Boiler Code Committee for more than 50 years, and spent 15 years as Chair of the Section III Committee. He was also one of the founding members of the ASME Pressure Vessel & Piping Division. He is a recipient of the ASME Bernard F. Langer Award and is a Life Fellow of ASME. Further, he has participated in about 50 lawsuits as an expert witness. Mr. Reedy is now retired, but is a Contributing Member of ASME Nuclear Code Committee.
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Published:2020
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Abstract
Quick-actuating closures have been used on ASME pressure vessels for more than 50 years. This chapter was written because of the number of lawsuits filed against manufacturers of quick-actuating closures even though these were operated by the owners of pressure vessels for 20, even 30 and more, years without any serious accidents. This is because, in order to bring forth litigation, lawyers would skillfully take words in the ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code completely out of context. Or, some attorneys for the injured party may misinterpret the Code rules to accuse the manufacturer of not having complied with...