I have asked this question ". Would a vessel need an ASME stamp if it ran @ -7 psi? "on the ASME forum and recieved this ........
Talking about a pressure vessel, not generating steam, not classified as Nuclear Item, and operating in the atmosphere, your -7psi partial vacuum means that there is 7psi external pressure from the atmosphere on the vessel shell.
It is not in the scope of Section VIII Div.1, because the pressure is less than 15 psi. However, the user may order it with Code Stamp, then ist shall be built in accordance with the Code.
Try this website.....
http://www.onetb.com/forum.htmif the Address dosent work let me know
mike