Pressure vessels and storage tanks

Pressure vessels and storage tanks — definition: HECHT pressure vessels and storage tanks are custom-designed static process equipment for storing, mixing, heating and pressurising liquids, slurries and gases in pharmaceutical, chemical, food and battery production. Designed per PED 2014/68/EU (Pressure Equipment Directive), ASME VIII Div. 1, EHEDG class II, GMP Annex 1 (2022) and ATEX 2014/34/EU zone 1/21, HECHT vessels are manufactured in 316L stainless steel, Hastelloy C-276 or titanium with electropolished Ra ≤0.8 µm surfaces — suitable from full vacuum to 25 bar working pressure.

Key specifications

• Pressure range: full vacuum (–1 bar) to +25 bar; capacity 50 L to 50,000 L; operating temperature –196°C (cryogenic) to +350°C
• Compliance: PED 2014/68/EU, ASME VIII Div. 1, EHEDG class II, GMP Annex 1 (2022), ATEX 2014/34/EU zone 1/21, EN 13445, ISO 14001, FDA 21 CFR Part 211
• HECHT products: pressure vessels, storage tanks, reactor vessels, buffer tanks — all with CIP/SIP connections, manholes and GAMP 5 IQ/OQ/PQ documentation
• Applications: pharmaceutical API synthesis and buffer storage (ICH Q7, GMP Annex 1), UHT/pasteurisation in the food industry (EHEDG, FSMA), chemical reaction and storage (REACH, Seveso III), battery electrolyte processing
• Key benefit: complete PED documentation package (CE marking, pressure test protocol EN 13458), 3.1 material certificates, Ra ≤0.8 µm electropolished, weld inspection RT/UT per EN ISO 17635

HECHT pressure vessels and storage tanks are validated at our Test & Trial Centre in Pörnbach and can be integrated with complete process and powder handling systems. Custom-designed solutions for pharmaceutical GMP Annex 1 and HPAPI containment environments are available on request.

Pressure vessels and storage tanks are essential for safely storing, conditioning and processing liquids, powders and gases within industrial processes. Depending on the application, these systems can be designed for atmospheric storage as well as under pressure or vacuum.

Hecht Technology supplies custom solutions that meet the highest requirements in terms of safety, hygiene and process integration.

FAQ — Pressure vessels and storage tanks

What regulations apply to pressure vessels in pharmaceutical and chemical production?

Pressure vessels in the EU must comply with PED 2014/68/EU (Pressure Equipment Directive), which mandates CE marking, conformity assessment by a Notified Body for category III/IV vessels, and a technical file including material certificates, weld inspection records (RT/UT per EN ISO 17635), and pressure test protocol. For pharmaceutical use, GMP Annex 1 (2022) adds surface finish (Ra ≤0.8 µm), CIP/SIP validation, and GAMP 5 IQ/OQ/PQ documentation. ATEX 2014/34/EU applies when flammable gases or dusts are present (zone 1/21).

What materials are used for HECHT pressure vessels in corrosive or high-purity environments?

HECHT manufactures pressure vessels in 316L stainless steel (standard pharmaceutical and food), Hastelloy C-276 (chloride-rich, acidic, or oxidising chemical environments), titanium (HCl, seawater, aggressive pharmaceutical intermediates), and duplex stainless steel 2205 (high mechanical strength + corrosion resistance). All materials come with EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates. Electropolishing to Ra ≤0.8 µm and passivation per ASTM A967 are standard for GMP Annex 1 pharmaceutical vessels.

How are HECHT storage tanks validated for GMP pharmaceutical use?

GMP validation of HECHT storage tanks follows the GAMP 5 V-model: DQ (design qualification) confirms PED/GMP compliance; IQ verifies installation (weld inspection records, material certificates, pressure test protocol); OQ confirms CIP cleaning efficacy (ATP <10 RLU/cm², HPLC residue <MACO), SIP sterilisation validation (F0 >15 min per Ph. Eur.), and instrumentation calibration (NMi/DAkkS); PQ demonstrates sustained performance over 3 batches. HECHT Technology B.V. provides on-site IQ/OQ/PQ execution with full 21 CFR Part 11 electronic documentation.

• Safety: designed to international standards (PED/ASME)
• Flexibility: fully tailored to process and product
• Hygiene: suitable for GMP and food applications
• Containment: closed systems for toxic or sensitive substances
• Efficiency: integration into complete process lines
• Durability: robust design with a long service life

Frequently asked questions about pressure vessels and storage tanks