Final answer:
The minimum design service pressure requirements for ASME LP-gas mobile fuel containers are detailed in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and involve considerations of material strength, design temperature, and safety factors. Containers must be designed to withstand pressures based on normal operating conditions as well as extreme scenarios like fire exposure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The minimum design service pressure requirements for ASME LP-gas mobile fuel containers are based on several factors that include the material strength, the design temperature, and the safety factors dictated by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) for the construction and testing of pressure vessels. It is crucial to note that for specific numbers, one would need to refer to the most current ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, which provides comprehensive rules for the design, fabrication, testing, and certification of pressure vessels, including those used for the transportation of liquefied petroleum gases (LPGs).
As per a general understanding, containers must be designed to withstand the pressure exerted by the stored gas without failing, considering both the normal operating pressure and potential emergency conditions such as exposure to fire. For example, if a container is designed to hold gas at a pressure of 200 atmospheres, a safety factor of 2 means it is likely to withstand a pressure of up to 400 atmospheres before the risk of failure. Engineers need to ensure that the containers adhere to stricter guidelines in case of an incident where the temperature and subsequently the pressure increases.
The accurate calculation of pressures, whether on the bottom of a gasoline tank or within high-pressure gas cylinders after temperature changes, is essential for designing such containers to meet the required safety standards. These calculations often involve applying principles of physics and engineering, such as using the ideal gas law to relate pressure, volume, and temperature when assessing the performance of a container under varying conditions.