ASME Section III ND vs NC piping
ASME Section III ND vs NC piping
(OP)
In one of our projects, piping designed as per ASME Section III ND is used for System A (say) whereas piping designed as per ASME Section III NC is used for System B. Due to some procurement issues, ASME Section III NC piping procured is less than required. Can we use piping qualified as per ASME Section III ND inplace of ASME Section III NC piping (for System B)?
If not, the what additional qualifications / testing we have do for ASME Section III ND piping to use inplace of ASME Section III NC piping?
Thanks in advance
If not, the what additional qualifications / testing we have do for ASME Section III ND piping to use inplace of ASME Section III NC piping?
Thanks in advance





RE: ASME Section III ND vs NC piping
RE: ASME Section III ND vs NC piping
RE: ASME Section III ND vs NC piping
So, in short, the piping is manufactured the same, but the content of the alloys may not be the same between class 2 and class 3 piping for a given alloy type...and the paperwork that accompanies the class 2 and class 3 components may not be the same. If you were going the other way, i.e. trying to use class 2 materials in a class 3 application, that typically is not to difficult (though you would still need to evaluate it), but in a nuclear application, use of class 3 components in a class 2 application is much more difficult. It sounds like maybe you need to get involved with somebody who knows the ASME Code requirements and works with the Code more. There are several companies, but one company we have worked with quite a bit on ASME Code issues is Structural Integrity Associates, Inc. They have many Code experts and could probably help you with an evaluation you're looking for, if you have no remedy available to procure the Class 2 materials you need.
RE: ASME Section III ND vs NC piping
Most 'upgrade' (they don't use that word any longer, but I forget the current term) paths require chemical and destructive testing of each piece.
You need to read the Code sections, in some cases there are even differences in quality system and documentation requirements.
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P.E. Metallurgy, Plymouth Tube