For decades, ASME Section VIII, Division 1 has been the "workhorse" of the industry. However, as global energy and chemical processing demands push pressures higher and materials to their limits, Division 2 has emerged as the sophisticated alternative for engineers looking to optimize performance.

: While Division 2 engineering and inspection costs are higher, the material savings (thinner walls) make it more economical for large carbon steel vessels (typically >200 gallons) or high-pressure designs.

ASME Section 8 Division 2, also known as "Unfired Pressure Vessels," provides requirements for the design, materials, fabrication, inspection, and testing of unfired pressure vessels. Unfired pressure vessels are those that are not fired, meaning they are not subjected to combustion or thermal energy from a flame. Examples of unfired pressure vessels include air receivers, gas storage tanks, and hydraulic vessels.