Extent of B31.3 or B31.1 ?
Extent of B31.3 or B31.1 ?
(OP)
I'm on a petrochemical project which happens to produce steam as part of the process as well. This steam will be even sold to battery limit but is still not the main application of the plant. There is a steam drum and superheaters in the plant and is point of argument whether should be designed as ASME I or ASME VIII; consequently the piping would get split partially in B31.1 and B31.3 if ASME I was selected.
Does this have to be considered as ASME I while is part of the typical B31.3 plant and therefore we should split them for before and after first shut-off valve for B31.1 and B31.3 spec break, stress analysis, etc.?
(By the way client has no obligation for either way)
I myself think that the criteria of B31.3 dominates this case and we should go for ASME VIII.
Any thoughts?
Does this have to be considered as ASME I while is part of the typical B31.3 plant and therefore we should split them for before and after first shut-off valve for B31.1 and B31.3 spec break, stress analysis, etc.?
(By the way client has no obligation for either way)
I myself think that the criteria of B31.3 dominates this case and we should go for ASME VIII.
Any thoughts?





RE: Extent of B31.3 or B31.1 ?
It has been a while since I had this situation but I think this statement is incorrect.
The Client in this case may not have an "opinion" but he (she) does have the "obligation" to define how he want this handled.
RE: Extent of B31.3 or B31.1 ?
Regarding the boiler itself, doesnt' ASME Section VIII Div 1 say (Clause U-1(c)(2) ... the following classes of vessels are not included in the scope of this Division ... (a) those within the scope of other Sections ...
Since Boilers are covered by Section 1, I read this to mean they are outside the scope of Section VIII Div 1. If so, they would need to be designed and manufactured to ASME Section I?
RE: Extent of B31.3 or B31.1 ?
You are probably right about incorrect word of obligation and correct word of opinion. However we sell our package as ASME-satisfied but my client will change it to the local regulations that I can not even read!
Since we have had this before like;
-but according to ASME ...
-our local regulations doesn't need this ...
I thought if they find it local to purchase, they bring such excuse as above ... and my position is to be faithful to our own contract.
thanks rneil,
Let me put my question this way;
Is it right to consider one equipment as power boiler scope because it produces steam(we don't have boiler)? Or if there was a boiler and a machinary driven loop we can typically call it steam production and therefore the choice is ASME I, otherwise the choice of whole plant (B31.3 application) will dominate the equipment standard selection.
RE: Extent of B31.3 or B31.1 ?
RE: Extent of B31.3 or B31.1 ?
Can you clarify whether these are fired (e.g., natural gas, oil) or unfired?
RE: Extent of B31.3 or B31.1 ?
It is an unfired boiler.
Thanks