ASME B31.3 - applies to engines within a plant?

[JohnRicardo]

Hi All,

Thanks for help. My question is if ASME piping code B31.3 would apply to natural gas engines used in a process plant. Vessel Code VIII Div1 has a specific exemption for reciprocating engines, but not B31.3.

Help is appreciated. I'd like to know if we need to structure our engine search around compliance with these specs.

 

[pennpiper]

John,
No! ASME B31.3 does not apply to gas engines, motors or other types of equipment. B31.3 applies to Piping Engineering and Design in Process Plants (Refinery, Chemical Plants, etc)

Maybe your question should have been:
- Does ASME B31.3 apply to the (fuel?)Piping to a Gas Engine, located in a Process Plant? The answer here is - Yes! if the Client says in the job specs that it (or all piping) is to be in accordance with B31.3

prognosis: Lead or Lag

 

[JohnRicardo]

Thanks for the quick reply - your revision is somewhat correct. The real question is whether the piping of the fuel and exhaust lines within the engine must meet these specifications, particularly in those states where they are legally supported (Colorado among others). Understood that the fuel supply pipes external to the engine would have to conform.

The exclusions are fairly vague about which types of lines/pipes are applicable. Maybe this is the pressure equipment - "internal piping" referred to by section 300.1.3, or "tubes and manifolds of fired heaters"?