Non-code vessel and B31.3 piping on a skid 6

[AxxO97]

Is it possible to combine a non-code vessel with B31.3 piping on a skid. If piping has hydro test pressure requirements i.e. 428 psig and 2220 psig, is hydro test even required for non code vessel.

Thank you all for your comments!

 

[BrianPetersen]

"Possible" has many different meanings. Will they physically fit, will they function to serve some sort of purpose that you haven't specified, will they legally "meet code" and if so, whose code and WHICH code and for what purpose, etc. Likewise, "non-code vessel" is meaningless without telling the rest of us what you mean by saying that.

For example, if the skid (whatever that is) has that non-code vessel (whatever it might be) strapped to it along with some B31.3 piping (again, whatever it might be) amongst a pile of other loose scrap metal to a recycling plant to be shredded and recycled, I'm quite sure it's "possible" and the shredding machine won't even care about the pressure test that might have been done!

Clarify your question so that others can provide meaningful answers, because as you have just seen, I answered the question that you asked, but I'm quite sure the answer wasn't meaningful to you!

 

[XL83NL]

The location of this skid will play an important role, as well as design conditions for the vessel.

We built (large) skids that combine (amongst others) piping and vessels, with occasionally all sorts of codes 'mixed up'. We have skids with VIII-1, EN 13445 and AD2000 vessels all in 1, connected using B31.3 piping. The vessels individually meet PED and are CE-marked; the assembly is also CE-marked and meets PED. Such skids are typically for the EU market.

If we were to built these skids for the US marker, that approach would not work and all the vessels would need to meet ASME code (provided they fall within the scope of VIII-1, and that state requirements mandate ASME design).

 

[JStephen]

"is hydro test even required for non code vessel"- No way to answer this without knowing what standards or contractual reqirements the item IS designed to.

 

[moltenmetal]

Non-code by definition means "not complying with any code".

To actually fall outside a code or standard, it basically can't contain a substantial quantity of anything hazardous, or any significant quantity of stored energy. ASME VIII defines that as a MAWP, and hence a relief pressure, of less than 15 psig.

Something smaller than the volumetric limits set out in ASME VIII but with a relief pressure higher than 15 psig is not a "non code" really, even if it falls below the scope of ASME VIII. Most jurisdictions will treat it as piping or something akin to piping. Generally we design and build such components to ASME VIII but do not stamp or register them, but is also common to construct them as B31.3 piping or in Canada, to treat them as Category H fittings under CSA B51.

You can connect piping to a non-code "vessel" (NCV), irrespective of the piping's code of design and construction. That piping may be inherently protected against exposure to pressures above the MAWP of the NCV, or it may NOT be- there may be a manual block valve which would allow the upstream system to pressurize that piping. Either way, the piping's code of design and construction determines its testing requirements including hydro/pneumatic testing. If it's B31.3 piping, you must test it- the testing requirements are mandatory. What design pressure you assign it is a matter for the designer- and of course depends on how it is relieved.

There is also such a thing as non-code piping- pipe connected to atmosphere at one end being an example. But be careful- ASME B31.3 regulates piping even below an MAWP/relief pressure of 15 psig, unlike ASME VIII- if the temperature is above a certain limit. Others can quote you chapter and verse on that.