The document provides an introduction to pressure vessels and their design. It discusses the basic components of pressure vessels including shells, heads, nozzles, and supports. It also covers the different types of pressure vessels such as horizontal, vertical, spherical, and tall vertical towers. The document discusses analyzing pressure vessels based on internal pressure and classifying vessels as thin-walled or thick-walled. It provides examples of common industrial applications of pressure vessels in areas like storage, chemical processes, medical, aerospace, and automotive.