Hi GRoberts,
I cannot comment on the use of current code versions for ASME III applications as I am mainly involved with ASME VIII vessels. Notwithstanding this, in ASME Section VIII, Div 1, Foreword, it says "After Code revisions are approved by ASME, they may be used beginning with the date of issuance shown on the addenda. Revisions, except for revisions to material specifications in Sections II, Parts A & B, become mandatory 6 months after such date of issuance, except for boilers or pressure vessels contracted for prior to to the end of the 6 month period." I would check with the Section III code to see if there is a similar sentence. Based on my knowledge, I would doubt if Section III is any different. There should also be some guidance listed in the laws of your local authority. The AI would also have some views on this also, I'm sure. I must admit, I have never come across a situation where a customer wants his new vessel built to an older code edition. With improvements in technology it would seem a bit silly to do this, as the customer would then lose out on advancements that have been made in the Codes. What I have found, though, is that some customers, being just "users" of the equipment and not really involved in the design and manufacture, are sometimes not fully versed in the requirements of the Codes. In these instances, I believe that it should be up to the designer/manufacturer to enlighten his customers - after all, if there is a failure and someone gets hurt/injured (heaven forbid) the designer/manufaturer is not absolved of the responsitbilty for the failure, if it can be proven that he has been negligent because he hasn't done something that he should have (but this is another discussion completely and we could debate this for hours on end). Also, from my knowledge, manufacturers of pressure equipment would be expected to be versed in the code, and to have copies available for the inspector. Just my two cents worth.
John.