Ansi B31.3 piping Fluid service category for ammonia

[brazeng]

Dear all
Can liquid ammonia piping with 170 barg and 70F be classified as Fluid service category M? Or can be classified as High Pressure Fluid service?
Appendix M of Ansi B31.3 is helpful but, it states that there is no High Pressure fluid service and Category M at the same time.
Also, the definition 300.3 for fluid service, category M, seems to be very restrictive when states ... serious irreversible harm.
Any comments?
Regards
Brazeng

 

[MJCronin]

brazeng,

There is a book, by a Chales M. Becht that does a wonderful job explaining and interpreting ASME B31.3. The book is "PROCESS PIPING: The Complete Guide to ASME B31.3"
and is available from ASME Press (

http://www.asme.org)

or from AMAZON

Within the text are some reasonable guidlines to establish the fluid category for B31.3 systems.

As I understand and recollect, Becht explains that unless leakage of the system can cause immediate, serious injury or death the fluid need not be classified as Fluid service category M.

Purchase the book for more details.....

This is the only published source I have ever found on this timely and important topic.............the ASME organization seems to have "no balls" with regard to more definitive guidelines on fluid categories that are so important to industry.

"same as its ever been,.... same as its ever been"

My opinion only

MJC

 

[TBP]

In Ontario, ammonia piping in refrigeration plants will fall under ASME B31.5. Most people can be exposed to relatively low levels of ammonia, with no lasting ill effects. You cough & choke a little, your eyes water, and you become acutely aware of every little cut on your body, but as soon as you walk into some fresh air, you're fine.

 

[brazeng]

Thanks
MJCronin and TBP
In this case this is an ammonia producer process plant.
By the way does one know the DIN stardard equivalent to
Ansi B31.3?
Regards Brazeng