ASME B31.1 Non-Boiler External Piping

[Sharik]

What are the NDE and pressure testing requirements for ASME B31.1 NonBoiler External Piping? I was always under the impression for NBE, everything basically went to the requirements of ASME B31.3, Process Piping.

 

[racookpe1978]

Re-read the two ASME spec's. Your interpretation - if I understand your question right - seems to be backwards.

What service and what location is the specific piping? 31.3 is process piping, 31.1 is "steam" and feed piping outside the specific boiler joints shown in the ASME books.

 

[metengr]

No. The requirements for B31.1 nonboiler external piping can also fall under B31.1 or other. You need to review the scope.

 

[Sharik]

I must be missing something then. When I look at the scope for ASME B31.1, Non-Boiler External piping, Fig. 100.1.2(B), for drum type boilers, it states "Nonboiler External Piping and Joint (NBEP) - The ASME Code Committee for Pressure Piping, B31, has total administrative jurisdiction and technical responsibility.

When I look at the scope for ASME B31.3, Fig. 300.1.1, it indicates everything outside of the boiler and boiler external piping is piping within the scope of B31.3.

Other places I've worked, the piping specs indicated B31.1 for BEP and B31.3 for NBEP,

What is the correct interpretation of the Code scope for NBEP?

 

[metengr]

If you review the scope statement for B31.1 see below

SCOPE
100.1.2 Power piping systems as covered by this
Code apply to all piping and their component parts
except as excluded in para. 100.1.3. They include but
are not limited to steam, water, oil, gas, and air services.
(A) This Code covers boiler external piping as defined
below for power boilers and high temperature, high
pressure water boilers in which steam or vapor is generated
at a pressure of more than 15 psig [100 kPa (gage)];
and high temperature water is generated at pressures
exceeding 160 psig [1 103 kPa (gage)] and/or temperatures
exceeding 250°F (120°C).
Boiler external piping shall be considered as piping
that begins where the boiler proper terminates at
(1) the first circumferential joint for welding end
connections; or
(2) the face of the first flange in bolted flanged
connections; or
(3) the first threaded joint in that type of connection;
and that extends up to and including the valve or
valves required by para. 122.1.
The terminal points themselves are considered part of
the boiler external piping. The terminal points and piping
external to power boilers are illustrated by
Figs. 100.1.2(A.1), 100.1.2(A.2), 100.1.2(B), and
100.1.2(C).
Piping between the terminal points and the valve or
valves required by para. 122.1 shall be provided with
Data Reports, inspection, and stamping as required by
Section I of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
All welding and brazing of this piping shall be performed
by manufacturers or contractors authorized to
use the appropriate symbol shown in Figs. PG-105.1
through PG-105.3 of Section I of the ASME Boiler and
Pressure Vessel Code. The installation of boiler external
piping by mechanical means may be performed by an
organization not holding a Code symbol stamp. However,
the holder of a valid S, A, or PP Certificate of
Authorization shall be responsible for the documentation
and hydrostatic test, regardless of the method of
assembly. The quality control system requirements of
Section I of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
shall apply. These requirements are shown in Mandatory
Appendix J of this Code.
Copyright 2012 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
No reproduction
(B) Nonboiler external piping includes all the piping
covered by this Code except for that portion defined
above as boiler external piping.

100.1.3 This Code does not apply to the following:
(A) economizers, heaters, pressure vessels, and
components covered by Sections of the ASME Boiler
and Pressure Vessel Code.
(B) building heating and distribution steam and condensate
piping designed for 15 psig [100 kPa (gage)] or
less, or hot water heating systems designed for 30 psig
[200 kPa (gage)] or less.
(C) piping for hydraulic or pneumatic tools and their
components downstream of the first block or stop valve
off the system distribution header.
(D) piping for marine or other installations under
Federal control.
(E) towers, building frames, tanks, mechanical equipment,
instruments, and foundations.
(F) piping included as part of a shop-assembled packaged
equipment assembly within a B31.1 Code piping
installation when such equipment piping is constructed
to another B31 Code Section (e.g., B31.3 or B31.9) with
the owner’s approval. See para. 100.2 for a definition of
packaged equipment.

I don't know where you had the impression that nonboiler external piping falls under B31.3.