ASME VIII Div 2 and 3

[engrom]

Is ASME VIII Div 2 and 3 designed vessels acceptable in Australia? One of our clients in Australia has raised a request for high stress vessels to be designed to AS 1210. We don't design / fabricate to AS 1210 and hence provided suggestion to design the vessel to ASME VIII codes. We've previously supplied vessels designed to ASME VIII Div 1, but not Div 2 or 3. We're not sure about the local regulations whether it is allowed or not. Appreciate your comments.

 

[gr2vessels]

Yes, vessels designed to ASME VIII-1, 2 and 3 are acceptable in Australia. Lately, some of the states in Australia do not require full compliance with AS 1219, as in addition to ASME code. Some of the Eastern states still require compliance with AS 1210, like hydrotest pressure, external nozzle loads per AS 1210/PD5500, not WRC, etc. Also, significant changes in the vessel registration and third party certification. There is a strong push for uniform legislation across Australia.
However, some of the Client's specification require U-stamping of ASME vessels, despite the fact the stamp is irrelevant per se in Australia.
This is a very broad advice, for details you should contact the state relevant authority, like WorkCover in Victoria and similar in other states.
Cheers,
gr2vessels

 

[EngAddict]

AS1200 permits the use of ASME in Australia but as mentioned by gr2vessels you need to check with the specific state for any legislative or regulatory requirements that may restrict its use.

AS1210 also permits the use of WRC for nozzles.

All ASME vessels used in Australia require the relevant code stamp. This is also enforced by AS1210:2010 under section 6, conformity assessment (formerly quality assurance).

I would support uniform legislation but I don't believe anything has been proposed. I would also like to see AS3920.1 revised and reinstated by all states since it covers much more than just the old hazard level. It was allegedly in the process of being rewritten but nothing ever eventuated. This standard covered responsibilities for imported vessels that was much clearer than state legislation.