My advice is to study as many PV design books as possible, then to become familiar with the governing code (ASME Section VIII, API 650...ect), and finally an experienced mentor to work under is invaluable. There are a lot of variables and the design will dictate construction and if miscalculated serious injury or death can occur: the vessel can fall over if the legs are miscalculated, it can rupture and release deadly chemicals or explode if pressure is to high or material to thin or if the manufacturing was poor, there are many ways a failure can occur that is part of the reason why a 3.5-4 safety factor is in place to act as a safe guard. It is imperative that you have a good understanding of material science and engineering (mechanical preferably) before attempting to jump right in to pressure vessels. It will take years to learn a large code like Section VIII, and it will be very difficult to try and do so alone. Some areas have ASME PV classes, once you have studied quite a bit this class or some similar class would be helpful. Once you are knowledgeable and can make calculations by hand a PV design software is a nice tool, but should be just that a tool. Never rely solely on the software, an understanding of the principles at work and expected results are needed to safely run the software. One should always check the software against your hand calcs to ensure the software is working properly, and knowing how to use the software is paramount as well. Once you learn to use software the design time will be cut drastically and it is a great tool.
Good luck.
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Originally Posted by Abdel Halim Galala
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