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SCGFAMP — Regulatory Cheat‑Sheet (Pressure Domains)

Plain‑English, section format — Updated: June 2025

Domain A — Near‑Atmospheric (ΔP ≤ 0.5 bar g)

EU (Europe)
  • Outside the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED 2014/68/EU) because gauge pressure is below 0.5 bar.
  • If moving parts are present, apply the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.

USA / Canada
  • ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC VIII) is not mandatory.
  • OSHA “General Duty” clause may still apply.

Key Design Notes
  • Vessel is considered non‑hazardous.
  • Verify resistance to fatigue and possible implosion of flat panels.

Domain B — Partial Vacuum (0.5 – 1 bar abs)

EU
  • Still outside PED, but vacuum design rules apply.
  • Use EN 13445‑3, Annex G (Calculation of unfired pressure vessels subject to external pressure).

USA / Canada
  • Follow API STD 620, Appendix R for tanks in vacuum service.

Key Design Notes
  • Main risk is buckling of walls; install vacuum stiffening rings ≥ 0.7 m diameter.
  • Provide a calibrated vacuum breaker or relief valve.

Domain C — Deep Vacuum (0.2 – 0.5 bar abs)

EU
  • Same standards as Domain B plus the EU “Pressure Equipment Safety Guidance – Vacuum Vessels”.

USA / Canada
  • Same approach as Domain B; see CFR‑29 §1910 for occupational safety.

Key Design Notes
  • Water may boil or degas at room temperature; cavitation risk.
  • Mandatory: isolate vacuum pump and fit a quick‑acting relief device.

Domain D — Positive Pressure (> 0.5 bar g up to 2 bar abs)

EU
  • Inside PED 2014/68/EU.
  • Category depends on the product PV (pressure × volume) with Fluid Group 2 (air/water).
    — PV < 200 bar·L → Category I — self‑certification allowed.
    — 200 ≤ PV ≤ 1 000 bar·L → Category II — Notified Body approval (Module A2).

USA / Canada
  • ASME BPVC Section VIII, Division 1 is required in most jurisdictions.
  • Canadian installations need CRN registration.

Key Design Notes
  • Perform a hydrostatic (or pneumatic) test at ≥ 1.3 × design pressure.
  • Apply CE marking or the ASME “UM” stamp as appropriate.

Common References (All Domains)

How to use this cheat‑sheet

  1. Identify your expected internal absolute pressure.
  2. Locate the matching domain above.
  3. Follow the listed standards and design notes to determine whether you need self‑certification or third‑party inspection.

Prepared for SCGFAMP licensees — you may embed or quote freely in project documentation.

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