Design Requirements for MC-331 Vehicles

Abstract

Hauling compressed gases on the highways has been a phenomenon of the post-World War II era. The original requirements of the late 1940’s for interstate shipments were embodied in ICC specification MC-330. The then-current ASME Unfired Pressure Vessel Codes provided a design basis, and rather generalized additional considerations for service stresses were called for. Several years ago a number of serious cargo-tank failures resulted in a questioning of integrity of the MC-330 vehicles then in service. The resulting activity by both industry and government groups culminated in the promulgation of the new ICC Specification MC-331, which took effect on September 1, 1965. This paper discusses certain of the design stress considerations and interprets the valving requirements. Sample calculations are given to guide the designer in attaining compliance.