DOI: 10.3303/CET25117188 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 

 

 
 
 

 

 

 
 

 
 
 

 

 

 
 
 

 
 

Paper Received: 7 January 2025; Revised: 24 February 2025; Accepted: 7 May 2025 
Please cite this article as: Tordecilla L., Sanchez E., Orozco-Agamez J., Jimenez D., Pena-Ballesteros D., 2025, A Bibliometric Analysis of 
ASME BPVC Software Impact on Industrial Safety and Efficiency: 2015-2024 , Chemical Engineering Transactions, 117, 1123-1128 
DOI:10.3303/CET25117188 

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING TRANSACTIONS 

VOL. 117, 2025

A publication of 

The Italian Association 

of Chemical Engineering 

Online at www.cetjournal.it 

Guest Editors: Fabrizio Bezzo, Flavio Manenti, Gabriele Pannocchia, Almerinda di Benedetto 

Copyright © 2025, AIDIC Servizi S.r.l.

ISBN 979-12-81206-17-5; ISSN 2283-9216

A Bibliometric Analysis of ASME BPVC Software Impact on 

Industrial Safety and Efficiency: 2015-2024 

Lucas Tordecilla a,*, Eliecer Sanchez a, Juan Orozco-Agamezb,c, Diana 

Jimenezb, Dario Pena-Ballesterosb,c

aMetalprest SAS, Bosque Trv. 54 No.28-110, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia.
bBiotech Innovation, Centro de Investigación en Soluciones Tecnológicas e Innovación Energética para el Desarrollo 

Sostenible y Social, Colombia 
CUniversidad Industrial de Santander, Grupo de Investigaciones en Corrosión, Santander, Colombia

gerencia@metalprest.com

This study focuses on evaluating the evolution and impact of ASME BPVC software on the optimization of

industrial safety in pressure vessels and heat exchangers. Through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis,

trends and advances in this field from 2015 to 2024 were explored. Employing the Scopus and Web of Science 

databases, a systematic review was performed using PRISMA methodology and knowledge maps were created

with VOSviewer. The results obtained reveal a growing interest in the application of these software to improve 

the design, manufacture and maintenance of pressure equipment. Patterns of co-citation and co-authorship

were identified, evidencing the main areas of research and collaboration in the sector. This study contributes to

a better understanding of the role of ASME BPVC software in promoting industrial safety and lays the foundation

for future research in this field. 

1. Introduction

The evolution of industrial safety standards has been fundamentally shaped by historical incidents and 

technological advancement. In the early 20th century, a series of catastrophic accidents involving steam boilers

and pressure vessels led to the formation of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) in 1911 

(Martinez et al., 2024). The first standardized code, "Rules for the Construction of Fireless Pressure Vessels,"

published in 1925, established the foundation for contemporary safety regulations (Thompson et al., 2024). 

1.1 Historical Context and Current Significance

Pressure vessels are critical infrastructure across industrial sectors (Kumar et al., 2024). They are essential for 

storing gases and liquids in aerospace and paper production systems (Chen et al., 2024). These vessels are 

increasingly used in hydrogen storage (Zhang et al., 2023) and nuclear reactor designs (Kim et al., 2023). 

Industrial sophistication demands precise design and maintenance, with ASME and API codes ensuring safety

(Wang et al., 2024). Manufacturers implement these standards through quality control, while modern designs

use computational methods for inspection (Brown et al., 2024). 

1.2 Technological Evolution and Integration 

The industrial sector has seen advancement in heat exchanger technology due to energy efficiency demands

(Thompson et al., 2023). Heat exchangers complement pressure vessels in many processes (Lee et al., 2024), 

with recent designs focusing on environmental impact reduction (Garcia et al., 2023). This technological 

evolution has brought innovations for safety, monitoring, and efficiency. Table 1 shows key technological 

advances in industrial applications, their benefits, challenges, and applications. 

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Table 1: Technological Innovations for Workplace Safety 

Technological Innovation Benefits 
Risks or 

Challenges 
 

Application 
 

References 

Industrial Internet 

of Things (IIoT) 

Real-time safety risk 

monitoring, predictive 

maintenance, early 

fault detection.  

Scalability issues 

due to device 

expansion and 

network diversity 

 

Distributed fusion 

of security data, 

graph model 

creation, 

anomaly 

detection. 

(Shahin et al., 

2024; M. Wang 

et al., 2023) 

Wearable Technology 

Empowering worker 

decision-making, 

performance 

enhancement, safety 

monitoring, optimized 

safety protocols. 

Data privacy 

concerns, sensor 

reliability in harsh 

conditions, 

deployment 

costs. 

 

Vital sign 

monitoring, 

stress level 

assessment, 

early detection of 

health issues. 

(Moon et al., 

2024) 

Drones 

Safety inspections in 

hazardous 

environments, access 

to remote areas, 

infrastructure 

inspection, compliance 

monitoring.  

Collisions with 

property or 

people, 

distractions. 

 

Automotive 

industry, product 

assembly, 

construction 

projects. 

(Flor-Unda et al., 

2023) 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

Real-time hazard 

monitoring, proactive 

risk identification, 

predictive analytics for 

health trends 

Potential for bias 

amplification if 

trained on 

skewed data. 

 

Analyzing 

incident data, 

workplace 

surveillance, 

energy efficiency. 

(Devagiri et al., 

2021; El-Helaly, 

2024) 

 

These technological innovations demonstrate the ongoing integration of smart systems into industrial processes, 

aligning with advancements in heat exchanger technologies and pressure vessel applications 

1.3 The Role of ASME BPVC Software 

The digital transformation of industry has led to the development and implementation of specialized software 

solutions for ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) compliance (Chen et al., 2024). These software 

tools have revolutionized how engineers design, analyze, and maintain pressure equipment (Kumar et al., 

2024), offering: Automated compliance checking with real-time updates, advanced simulation capabilities using 

finite element analysis, real-time monitoring solutions integrated with IoT systems, Integrated safety assessment 

tools with risk-based approaches and streamlined documentation processes with digital twin technology. 

1.4 Research Gap and Study Objectives 

Despite the widespread adoption of ASME BPVC software in industry, there has been no comprehensive 

analysis of research trends and developments in this field. Previous reviews have focused on specific aspects 

of pressure vessel design (O'Connor et al., 2024) or heat exchanger optimization, but a systematic analysis of 

software applications is lacking (Williams et al., 2024). 

This study aims to address this gap through a systematic bibliometric analysis of publications from 2015 to 2024, 

focusing on: Identifying key research trends and patterns in ASME BPVC software development, analyzing 

international collaboration networks and knowledge transfer, evaluating the impact of technological innovations 

on industrial safety, and assessing future directions in software applications for pressure equipment. 

1.5 Study Significance 

This research contributes to the field by mapping the evolution of ASME BPVC software applications (Van der 

Berg et al., 2024), identifying emerging trends and technological innovations (Zimmerman et al., 2024), 

highlighting collaborative networks and research clusters (Roberts et al., 2024), and providing evidence-based 

insights for future development (Chang et al., 2024). Understanding these patterns is crucial for researchers, 

practitioners, and policymakers as they navigate the increasing complexity of industrial safety requirements and 

technological advancement (Peterson et al., 2024). 

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2. Materials and methods  

2.1 Software and tools used in the analysis 

This research employed two complementary methodologies: the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for 

Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) protocol, which enabled a reproducible systematic literature review, 

and bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer, which facilitated the creation of knowledge maps through co-citation 

pattern and co-authorship network analysis. The integration of these techniques provided a comprehensive 

perspective on trends and relationships within the field of study. 

2.2 Data exploration and planning 

This study examines research evolution on ASME BPVC software applications by asking: ¿How have scientific 

publications related to ASME BPVC software evolved globally between 2015-2024? 

To achieve this, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using a search key (Figure 1) to identify 

scholarly articles published between 2015 and 2024 related to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers 

(ASME). Specifically, it focuses on items related to pressure vessels and heat transfer. By limiting results to 

articles in English and engineering, the search ensures accuracy and relevance. 

 

 

Figure 1. Flow diagram of PRISMA methodology and bibliometric analysis 

Within the framework of this bibliometric study on the ASME BPVC, key trends in scientific production are 

identified that reflect changes in interest and innovation in the sector. 

 

Figure 2. Annual and cumulative publications from 2015 to 2024 (Scopus database). 

0

100

200

2
0
1
5

2
0
1
6

2
0
1
7

2
0
1
8

2
0
1
9

2
0
2
0

2
0
2
1

2
0
2
2

2
0
2
3

2
0
2
4

D
O
C
U
M
EN

TS

YEAR

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Figure 2 shows a trend in the production of ASME-related documents from 2015 to 2024. A significant increase 

is observed until it peaks in 2017, followed by a gradual decline in the following years. However, in 2024, there 

is a slight increase in the number of documents produced. 

The notable surge in 2017 may be linked to the influence of key technical events, such as ASME's International 

Computational Engineering Conference (ICE), held in conjunction with IDETC. This event drives research 

publications due to its broad range of topics, from computational methods to human-computer interactions, 

which may have encouraged the development of software applications and new standards in mechanical 

engineering(Staffiera, 2020). Bibliometric tools like VOSviewer and Scopus could further uncover evolving 

collaboration patterns and trends in mechanical engineering. 

3. Results and discussion 

In this section items have been considered to develop a quality perspective and produce result that suggests 

valuable future recommendations.The bibliometric analysis conducted between 2015 and 2024 reveals an 

evolution in the research and application trends of these codes, as well as a growth in the incorporation of digital 

and computational modeling technologies in the certification and design process.The map of connections in 

design (figure 3), materials and ASME BPVC standards, generated with VOSviewer, shows an interconnected 

network of key concepts in structural safety and reliability research for pressurized components. The analyzed 

terms were extracted using specific keywords such as “Pressure Vessels”, “ASME Section VIII”, “Boiler and 

Pressure Vessel Code”, among others. 

 

Figure 3. Map of Connections in Design, Materials and ASME Standards 

This map identifies major thematic clusters covering fracture mechanics, fatigue analysis, failure modeling, 

material strength, crack propagation, life cycle assessment, structural integrity and reliability-based design 

criteria. These areas represent the fundamental pillars in structural failure mitigation and performance 

optimization of pressure vessels and boilers. One of the highlights in recent literature is the use of advanced 

software for simulation and risk assessment, which has enabled better prediction of structural behavior and 

design optimization. Technologies such as the finite element method (FEM), uncertainty analysis and artificial 

intelligence have gained relevance, which is reflected in the growing number of studies focused on the reliability 

and failure probability of these components. The interconnection between these clusters is evident. The initial 

design, based on ASME standards, lays the foundation for assessing structural integrity through stress and 

strain analysis. Material selection and welding processes directly influence fracture toughness and component 

life. Evaluation of geometry and crack growth allows estimation of residual life and informed maintenance and 

repair decisions. Finally, reliability analysis provides a tool to quantify risks and ensure long-term safety. 

The ASME BPVC code has been a key reference in the regulation and design of pressure vessels worldwide, 

with significant adoption in various nations. A comparative analysis of its application in different countries reveals 

differences in regulation, implementation, and research levels, reflecting the industrial priorities and strategies 

of each region. In this context, Figure 4, generated by VOSviewer, provides a geographical representation of 

the countries that have contributed to research on ASME, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and related 

standards. The following analysis delves into these contributions, highlighting the role of different nations in 

advancing research and implementation of ASME standards. 

 

1126



 
 

Figure 4. Geographical Distribution of ASME Software Publications 

The United States has been the epicenter of ASME standards development, with a strong regulatory framework 

that fosters research and technological innovation. Scientific and technical publications in this country have 

played a fundamental role in the evolution of the ASME BPVC code, ensuring its constant updating and 

applicability across different industrial sectors. Additionally, alignment with World Trade Organization (WTO) 

criteria has allowed ASME standards to be widely accepted in international trade. More than 100 countries 

recognize the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code as a means of meeting local safety requirements. The 

quality systems of over 6,000 pressure equipment manufacturers in more than 70 countries are certified by 

ASME. ASME standards were recently recognized in national regulations in Colombia, India, Kazakhstan, 

Nigeria, and South Africa. China has emerged as a key player in the research and application of ASME BPVC, 

driven by its rapid industrialization and the need to comply with international standards to enhance the 

competitiveness of its manufacturing sector. The recent approval of the China Association of Special Equipment 

Inspection (CASEI) as a Designated Testing Organization (DTO) by ASME PC strengthens China's integration 

into certification processes and fosters greater scientific literature production on ASME BPVC. This collaboration 

will also facilitate the incorporation of ASME standards into key sectors such as nuclear energy, which is 

experiencing rapid growth in the country(Z. Wang et al., 2016). India, on the other hand, has shown increasing 

interest in adopting ASME standards, particularly in the energy sector. During the conference in Mumbai, the 

Secretary of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Industry emphasized the importance of ASME standards in 

ensuring energy security and their role in poverty eradication. India has integrated standards such as ASME 

B31.8 in the expansion of its pipeline infrastructure, reflecting its commitment to implementing international 

standards in its industrial development. Interaction with international regulatory bodies has made ASME a 

fundamental pillar in safety regulation within the country(Jaiswal et al., 2023; Rao, 2009). The comparison 

among these countries suggests that while the ASME BPVC is widely recognized, its application varies 

depending on regulatory factors, research levels, and the degree of industrial development.  

Conclusions 

The bibliometric analysis reveals an evolution of research on ASME BPVC standards, characterized by a 

significant peak in 2017 and a gradual decline until 2022, with a recent resurgence. The study demonstrates a 

multidisciplinary approach integrating structural design, finite element analysis, material assessment, and 

fracture mechanics, revealing the critical interconnectivity between diverse engineering domains of pressure 

vessel technologies. Geographical research distribution highlights the research leadership of the United States 

and China, with substantial contributions from European and developing nations, reflecting the globalization of 

technical standards. Results underscore the escalating significance of advanced technologies including 

numerical simulation, predictive analysis, and computational methodologies in structural integrity evaluation. 

Future perspectives target artificial intelligence integration, big data analytics, and digital methodologies to 

optimize industrial safety and predictive maintenance. 

Acknowledgments 

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided through Project No. 94105, funded under the 

Call 913-2022 "Convocatoria de Proyectos para Obtener Beneficios Tributarios por Inversión en CTeI 2022" 

Minciencias and Universidad Industrial de Santander for funding internal project 4225.  

 

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