During a pressure vessel inspection, what should vessel sight glasses and auxiliary equipment be checked for?

The focus of inspecting vessel sight glasses and auxiliary equipment primarily revolves around vibration. These components are integral to the functionality and safety of a pressure vessel system, and excessive vibration can indicate issues such as mechanical wear, misalignment, or operational imbalances. Monitoring for vibration helps ensure that the equipment operates smoothly and reduces the risk of failures that could lead to larger safety or operational concerns.

While checking for corrosion, pitting, and pressure leaks is indeed essential in a comprehensive inspection of pressure vessels, these factors are typically more relevant to the vessel's structural integrity or the fluid contained within. Vibration is key to maintaining the operational reliability of sight glasses and auxiliary equipment, which could otherwise lead to miscommunication of pressure and fluid levels or even equipment failure.

Therefore, highlighting vibration as a critical aspect during inspections ensures any potential mechanical issues are identified and addressed promptly, contributing to the overall safety and efficiency of the pressure vessel operation.