Pressure Vessel Inspection
Which Vessels Fall Under PSSR
A pressure vessel stores energy, and if it fails it releases that energy all at once. That is why PSSR 2000 requires vessels holding steam, or gas above 0.5 bar, to be examined to a Written Scheme of Examination. Air receivers, air oil receivers, refrigerant receivers, autoclaves and steam-heated calorifiers all fall into this group.
We examine each vessel inside and out to the scheme, along with the protective devices it relies on, and Nexus can draw up the scheme too.
Pressure Vessel PSSR
Regulation
PSSR 2000
Examined to
Written Scheme
Typical interval
12-48 months
Examined
On site
Report turnaround
Within 3 days
What's included
What's covered in a pressure vessel examination
External Condition
We examine the shell, heads and supports for corrosion, distortion, dents and coating breakdown. External corrosion at the supports and base is a common finding.
Internal Condition
Where the scheme calls for it, we examine the inside for corrosion, pitting, scale and erosion, because many vessels fail from the inside out.
Welds, Branches and Openings
We check the welds, nozzles, branches and access openings, where stress concentrates. Pitting and cracking around branches and welds are defects we regularly report.
Protective Devices
We examine the safety valves, bursting discs and other protective devices, and confirm they are correctly rated for the vessel's safe operating limits. A relief device of the wrong rating is a serious finding.
Fittings, Data Plate and Scheme
We check the pressure gauge, drains and fittings, confirm the data plate and safe operating limits are legible, and check the vessel matches its Written Scheme of Examination.
How it works
Your pressure vessel's PSSR examination, start to finish
Every scheme your equipment is required to meet under UK regulation carried out by accredited engineers and backed by compliant reports.
1
Book
Tell us what vessels you have and where, and we confirm a date and a fixed quote, usually same day.
2
On-site examination
A competent examiner attends and examines each vessel inside and out to your scheme.
3
Compliant report
Your examination report arrives within three days, with internal and external findings and any defects.
4
Reminders
We keep each vessel's due date on file and remind you before it comes round.
OUR STANDARDS
Every vessel examined to its scheme
We take our responsibilities seriously, upholding the highest standards of professionalism, quality and safety across every aspect of our operations.
Quality Assurance
Vessels examined inside and out by competent examiners, not given a quick look from the outside.
Responsibility
An examination to your Written Scheme that keeps every vessel compliant with PSSR 2000.
Care
Stored energy fails fast and hard, so each vessel gets the scrutiny that deserves.
GET IN TOUCH
Request a Pressure Vessel Examination
Tell us about your vessels and timing, and we'll confirm availability and a competitive quote, usually the same day.
Call us
0208 050 3958
Based in
Reading, Berkshire: serving the South of England
● Hampshire
● Oxfordshire
● Northamptonshire
● Cambridgeshire
● Surrey
● Buckinghamshire
● London
FAQ
Pressure Vessel Inspection FAQs
What counts as a pressure vessel under PSSR?
Any vessel in a system holding a relevant fluid, which means steam, or a gas or liquefied gas at more than 0.5 bar above atmospheric pressure. That takes in air receivers, compressor separators, refrigeration receivers, autoclaves and steam-heated vessels.
How often does a pressure vessel need examining?
There is no fixed figure in PSSR. A competent person sets the interval in your Written Scheme of Examination, and for most vessels it falls somewhere between 12 and 48 months depending on the type, duty and condition.
Do small pressure systems need a Written Scheme?
Generally, a compressed gas system where the pressure multiplied by the volume of the largest vessel comes to less than 250 bar litres does not need one. Steam systems are covered whatever their size, and we can confirm whether yours is in scope.
What is a Written Scheme of Examination?
It is the document, drawn up by a competent person, that sets out which parts of your pressure system must be examined, how, and how often. PSSR requires one before the system is used. We can write the scheme for you and then carry out the examinations to it.
What happens if something fails the examination?
Your report sets out every defect and how serious it is, with anything dangerous flagged at once so it can be taken out of service until it is put right.