Ive found ASME BPE is a lot different from B31.3 or other B31 codes, as it has more emphasis on design from a functional perspective rather than a pressure design perspective. Weve used BPE only to such an extent where we have BPE fittings (orbital welded and/or tri-clamp deisgn) under a B31.3 application. As to your questions, here's my POV, but Im sure others might disagree as Im not that experienced in a 'full' BPE plant design.
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[li]As mentioned BPE is less focussed on pressure design, and rather on a funcitonal perpsective to keep everything, sanitary, CIP, SIP, etc. For certain fittings, BPE provides dimensions. See chapter 4, part DT, and it's tables. BPE assumes (I think) use of 316 acc. BPE chemistry. If you buy a BPE fittings, which has the BPE stamp mark, it will fullfill all BPE requirements, which include dimensions, chemistry and ratings. But here's the difficult part. For ratings, Ive found BPE to be unclear at certain points. Table DT-2-1 provides ratings, but when using fittings with orbital welding ends, these ratings are very low. The standard (in para DT-2) mentions the rating shall
meet or exceed ... Ive never found certified BPE fitting manufacturer who could give me a definite answer to the rating of their fittings, wrt to BPE. [/li]
[li]See part MM. Referenced is 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 317L, 904L, AL-6XN, Alloy 926, 254SMo, Inconel 625, Hastelloy C-276 and C-22 and Duplex 2205. BPE seems however not to be limited t only htese alloys, see para MM-2.1 and MM-3.3.
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[li]As per table DT-2-1, max. 121. However, referring to para DT-2, it seems there's an option to go higher. Also, I believe BPE can be used in conjunction with B31.3 chapter X (High Purity - see last link below) for piping design. This would allow fittings to be used at higher temperatures, as per part 7 of chapter X, which refers to chapter III of the base code. As per 323.2.1. there's an escape.[/li]
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Google is full of useful articles on BPE vs (e.g.) B31.3. Ive found the
WM Huitt to be useful as a starters;
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