What does design pressure refer to?

Design pressure refers to the maximum gauge pressure that a system is engineered to safely withstand under specified conditions. This is a critical concept in the design and operation of pressure vessels, pipelines, and related systems, ensuring they can handle the maximum expected pressures without compromising safety.

Understanding design pressure is essential for engineers and technicians involved in the design and maintenance of systems that contain flammable gases, as it helps prevent failures that could lead to hazardous situations. When systems operate above their design pressure, they risk not only mechanical failure but also catastrophic incidents, including leaks and explosions.

In contrast, operational pressure (as mentioned in one of the other options) relates to the everyday working conditions of the vessel, which may be below the design pressure. The pressure at which materials must be stored can vary depending on the specific material and its properties, and safety equipment pressure levels are typically established based on operational needs, not a system's maximum design capacity.