Pressure Vessel Industry Advances in Safety and Innovation Amid Regulatory Upgrades

Pressure Vessel Industry Advances in Safety and Innovation Amid Regulatory Upgrades

October 15, 2025

The global pressure vessel industry is undergoing transformative changes, driven by stringent safety regulations and technological breakthroughs. As critical components in energy, chemical, and manufacturing sectors, pressure vessels are now at the forefront of industrial modernization.

1. Regulatory Shifts: China Accelerates Equipment Upgrades

China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has issued guidelines to phase out outdated pressure vessels and pipelines, prioritizing safety and energy efficiency. The policy targets non-compliant equipment in petrochemical plants and gas stations, aligning with the GB/T 150-2024 standards. Meanwhile, the NB/T 47013.3-2023 ultrasound testing standard enhances defect detection accuracy, reducing failure risks by 40%.

2. Hydrogen Storage: Composite Materials Lead the Market

Composite pressure vessels, particularly carbon-fiber-reinforced hydrogen tanks, dominate emerging markets. Companies like NPROXX (a Cummins joint venture) produce Type IV tanks capable of storing hydrogen at 350 bar, fueling zero-emission vehicles. The sector is projected to grow at 15% annually, driven by demand for CNG, RNG, and H2 storage solutions.

3. Safety Drills and Smart Monitoring

Preventive measures are intensifying. In Hubei province, large-scale drills simulating ammonia leaks tested emergency response protocols, integrating AI-powered sensors for real-time risk assessment. Guangdong's inspection teams now use ultrasonic thickness gauges and magnetic particle testing to identify corrosion defects, ensuring compliance with GB 5842-2023 for liquefied petroleum gas cylinders.

4. Global Collaboration and Challenges

The 12th International Seminar on Boiler & Pressure Vessel Safety (Hong Kong, 1996) highlighted cross-border expertise sharing. Today, challenges remain in balancing cost pressures with the adoption of smart welding robots and IoT-enabled predictive maintenance systems.

Conclusion

With hydrogen energy expansion and AI-driven inspections, the pressure vessel industry is reshaping industrial safety paradigms. Stakeholders must navigate regulatory updates and technological leaps to sustain growth.