ASME VIII Division 1 Conformance 1

[kassiek1]

Could use some advise,

We import pressure vessels from the UK and supply to the Australian market. The vessels that we supply are designed/constructed to ASME VIII Division 1 in accordance with (PED) 97/23/EC in the UK and they are rated according to the Australian Std AS4343 as a hazard category level E.

We received an enquiry from a plant engineer stating the following;
'Any pressure vessel supplied to a mine in Australia has to be compliant or equivalent to AS1210. So you need you to get your European Std’d equated to AS1210'

The Europe (PED) 97/23/EC legislation requires the vessels to be designed/constructed to ASME VIII Division 1 (in this case), what is the Australian legislative equivalent (if any) and how can we go about equating the European standard EN 13445 to the Australian standard AS1210

Many Thanks

 

[EngAddict]

This is an interesting situation. The Mines Safety and Inspection regulations, REG 6.33, does say it must be designed, constructed and tested in accordance with AS1210. However Hazard Level E does not require registration of classified plant per REG 6.34, therefore verification to AS1210 would be a waste of money. You could prove that you have demonstrated they meet AS1210 requirements yourself with a comparison of the ASME/PED requirements to AS1210 requirements to show that all are equal to or more conservative in design, construction and testing. However I know of many vessels that do require registration that have been design to ASME and are installed on mine sites. For that matter if an ASME vessel is registered with another State or Territory authority, it may be transferred to a mine without any further requirement for registration with the mines department (per general exemptions from REG 6.34).

I would think if the plant doesn't require registration then compliance with AS1210 is not required. However it is still classed as classified plant, regardless of registration requirements, so technically the requirements of 6.33 still apply. I think your best bet is to submit a TQ to the Inspector of Mines or the State Mining engineer and get clarification before you go any further. These comments are only based on WA requirements, might vary slightly between states. When you find out, please let me know the verdict.

 

[kassiek1]

Thanks for the response, it is greatly apreceated. I will seek out further advice on this matter with a State Mining Engineer and take it from there. Will update the post once a definitive conclusion is made and verified.

 

[austsa]

If client requires AS1210 or equivalent, IMO you can justifiably argue that ASME (or PD5500) vessel is equivalent by virtue of AS1200.
If client requires AS1210 (only; not equivalent), then your vessel will/may not satisfy the requirement.