BigInch,
Here is ASME B31.3-2002 relevant para. I do not think that the versio 2004 is any different. It should be noted that the Owner's approval is required.
302.2.4 Allowances for Pressure and Temperature
Variations. Occasional variations of pressure and/or
temperature may occur in a piping system. Such variations
shall be considered in selecting design pressure
(para. 301.2) and design temperature (para. 301.3). The
most severe coincident pressure and temperature shall
determine the design conditions unless all of the following
criteria are met.
(a) The piping system shall have no pressure containing
components of cast iron or other nonductile
metal.
(b) Nominal pressure stresses shall not exceed the
yield strength at temperature (see para. 302.3 of this
Code and Sy data in BPV Code, Section II, Part D,
Table Y-1).
(c) Combined longitudinal stresses shall not exceed
the limits established in para. 302.3.6.
(d) The total number of pressure-temperature variations
above the design conditions shall not exceed 1000
during the life of the piping system.
(e) In no case shall the increased pressure exceed
the test pressure used under para. 345 for the piping
system.
(f) Occasional variations above design conditions
shall remain within one of the following limits for
pressure design.
(1) Subject to the owner’s approval, it is permissible
to exceed the pressure rating or the allowable stress
for pressure design at the temperature of the increased
condition by not more than:
(a) 33% for no more than 10 hr at any one
time and no more than 100 hr/yr; or
(b) 20% for no more than 50 hr at any one
time and no more than 500 hr/yr.
The effects of such variations shall be determined
by the designer to be safe over the service life of the
piping system by methods acceptable to the owner.
(See Appendix V.)
(2) When the variation is self-limiting (e.g., due
to a pressure relieving event), and lasts no more than
50 hr at any one time and not more than 500 hr/year,
it is permissible to exceed the pressure rating or the
allowable stress for pressure design at the temperature
of the increased condition by not more than 20%.
(g) The combined effects of the sustained and cyclic
variations on the serviceability of all components in
the system shall have been evaluated.
(h) Temperature variations below the minimum temperature
shown in Appendix A are not permitted unless
the requirements of para. 323.2.2 are met for the lowest
temperature during the variation.
(i) The application of pressures exceeding pressure temperature
ratings of valves may under certain conditions
cause loss of seat tightness or difficulty of operation.
The differential pressure on the valve closure
element should not exceed the maximum differential
pressure rating established by the valve manufacturer.
Such applications are the owner’s responsibility.
Geoffrey D Stone FIMechE C.Eng;FIEust CP Eng