Which section of the ASME code would you refer to for pressure vessel design standards?

The correct reference for pressure vessel design standards in the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) code is Section III. This section specifically addresses the construction and design of nuclear facility components, which includes requirements for pressure vessels that are intended for all types of service. It provides detailed guidelines on materials, design, fabrication, and quality assurance necessary to ensure the safe operation of pressure vessels, especially when they are used in high-stakes applications like nuclear power generation.

This standard helps engineers ensure structural integrity and safety against pressure-related failures, which are critical factors in the design of pressure vessels. In contrast, other sections of the ASME code focus on different areas: Section I pertains to steam boilers, Section II deals with materials standards, and Section IV covers heating boilers. Thus, for pressure vessels specifically, Section III is the appropriate reference.