Ammonia piping requirements per B31.3 1

[qualitypro]

We are to construct an ammonia plant piping to B31.3. Are there any specific code requirements for 100% NDT and PWHT to ensure there us no stress corrosion cracking issues. Is ammonia classified as A category M fluid service? Thanks.

 

[MJCronin]

Please read the scope description of ASME B31.3.

There are there no specific code requirements for 100% NDT or PWHT contained within the code for Ammonia OR ANY OTHER specific process service.

B31.3 is not that specific,.... nor could any process piping code address ALL of the unique and special piping design issues for all of the many process liquids.

ASME assumes that the code is being used and implemented by experienced process piping engineers that are familiar with the specific requirements of their system. These engineers may or may not require 100% NDT and PWHT.

Regarding the classification of Category M fluid service, the answer is the same. ASME puts all responsibility on the piping engineer.

Having said that, please note that there has been a lengthy and heated series of discussions over the years on the eng-tips fora regarding B31.3 Category M Service

https://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=423442

let us know about your final decision ...


MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer

 

[moltenmetal]

There are, in many places in the world, over-arching regulations related to ammonia piping and storage systems that go beyond what might be gleaned from a piping code like B31.3 You are advised to do your research for your region and find out what the local and national rules are- all of them. And then the client may have some more- generally based on learnings from loss of life incidents.

 

[qualitypro]

Thanks for your replies @ MJCronin and Moltenmetal.in some of my previous jobs we did have stringent requirements by the design engineers. I will take it up with engineering team at my new job to address this requirement. Thanks for your help again.

 

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