B31.3, 4 or 8 inside Pipeline Stations

[BigInch]

Just in case you need it and missed it over on the ASME Forum, I have obtained PHMSA clarification as to using B31.3 inside "pipeline stations"

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=376163

 

[LittleInch]

This is though only valid in the US right?

It would be interesting to know whether 31.3 is actually used more prevantly as in most case it would be thicker pipe and more conservative.

Also inside the plant does everyone revert to grade B so that you can use standard A216 flanges?

My motto: Learn something new every day

Also: There's usually a good reason why everyone does it that way

 

[BigInch]

It is a US regulation, so I suppose you don't have to comply, if you are outside US territory, unless of course you are afraid of drone strikes.

Why would you want to design something to a code that the regulators ("subject matter experts - technical authority - penalty assessors") in the country of origin say it is the wrong code to be using?

You can use ASME B16.5, B16.47 or MMS SP-44 flanges per B31.4 P)404.4.2 & 4
Steel butt weld fittings 404.2.5 & 404.3.2 use ASME B16.9 & B16.28 or MSS SP-75
They are available in High Test WPHY = 60, Y65, Y70 ... to match your API 5L X-Grade of your pipe.
MSS specifies the materials allowed as well.

 

[BigInch]

Tees and crosses are allowed ASME B16.9, B16.28 and MSS SP-75 P)404.3.2
Fabricated tees and crosses,
404.3.6 has something to say about reinforcement of Reinforcement of Multiple Openings and "adjacent branches".

 

[BigInch]

B31.8 can require thicker walls for compressor stations, offshore platform risers and high consequence areas where more conservative design factors apply, 0.4 and 0.5. B31.3 does not use design factors. As for B31.4 where DF is always 0.72, well that code doesn't require use of anything more conservative than what it requires. If you think you need a still more conservative design factor than used in the pipeline codes, justify the use of that more conservative design factor and simply apply it within B31.4 / 8.