Francis Brown Ltd has established a dedicated pressure vessel division to reflect the growing demand for its specialist fabrication capabilities. The independent Stockton-on-Tees engineering company, which this year marks its 120th anniversary, has seen an increase in orders for its bespoke pressure vessels across multiple sectors, ranging from chemicals, oil and gas to hydrogen storage applications.
It recently delivered a vertical column pressure vessel for a major client in the global oil and gas industry, which measured 20 metres in length and weighing over 15 tonnes when fitted out with internal trays and external ladders and platforms. Designed to contain a volatile liquid solution, which is both flammable and corrosive, it took more than 2,370hr to complete.
Engineered from 304L stainless steel, the pressure vessel was fitted with a carbon steel skirt and insulated and clad in stainless steel. It was manufactured to PD5500:2018, the UK’s standard unfired pressure vessels code, which specifies requirements for the design, construction, inspection, and testing, and can operate at a temperature range between 260°C and minus 15°C.
A high-integrity professional provider of fabrication and engineering services, family-owned Francis Brown has a strong heritage of delivering projects in the chemical, process, and construction sectors and in the last four decades has built up an enviable reputation as a specialist in the fabrication of pressure vessels.
CEO Jamie Brown said: “At Francis Brown we have built upon our extensive fabrication and welding capabilities to develop a strong track record for delivery of storage pressure vessels to the newly emerging hydrogen industries across the UK and Europe. As a result, we have established a dedicated pressure vessels division to reflect their growing importance to the business as it further strengthens its position these new and existing sectors.”
He concluded: “We are proud to have delivered the latest stainless steel project on time and within budget for an oil and gas major customer. The vessel was designed and manufactured to the very highest of standards where all the inspection, testing, material certification and welding documentation are as important as the fabrication itself!”