ASME Code filing and organization 3

Help!

This is embarrassing to admit but I am totally confused by all these Code Cases and Interpretations. Please help out someone who should really know better.

Are Code Cases mandatory? Must we follow Code Cases?

Are Interpretations mandatory? Must we follow interpretations?

How long are these things (Code Cases and Interpretations) valid? I see people invoking interpretations from 20 years ago. Wouldn't these have been incorporated into the Code by now if they're worthwhile?

If they are still valid can copies or books of old interpretations be purchased from ASME? If they aren't available what's a guy who comes to the dance half-way through supposed to do?

What is the best way to file these things? By sequence number? Keep them combined by Supplement number (Code Cases) or Volume number (Interpretations) with each new distribution from ASME?

For that matter, what's the recommended way to add new ASME Addenda to the current Code Edition? Insert the new sheets behind the old sheets? Replace the old sheets with the new sheets? (then throw out the old one?)

I'm being buried in coloured paper here and can't get my vessels built! Thanks!

 

[metengr]

Bob Allen;
I would suggest that you visit the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code web site

http://www.ASME.org/bpv.

In a nutshell, ASME Code interpretations provide technical insight as to a particular question that someone might have with regards to wording and application of code rules during construction or design of a component. There is no acceptance of interpretations, this service is provided so users can better understand application of code rules.

A code case deals with issues regarding use of material, application of calculations or change in the existing code requirements for a particular item.

The acceptance of code cases is based on several factors, the owner purchasing the item, the Authorized Inspection agency required to assure the item has been designed and built to ASME Code and last, but most important, the Jurisdiction that the object will be installed. In some cases, Jurisdictions will not accept code cases for items.

As you can see, there are no simple answers. I would file code cases and interpretations in separate binders as resource material.

 

[deanc]

See ASME SecVIII Div 1,the "Forward" and Appendix 16.

 

[JoeTank]

BobAllen,
I will address the addenda issue. It has been my practice to insert the new pages into my Code book and remove the voided pages and place them in the back. NEVER throw the voided pages away! NEVER! Existing vessels are typically repaired or altered to the requirements of the original Code edition and addenda. Those voided pages are only void for new construction. Actually, the addenda are for optional use during the first six months and mandatory after six months. Hope this helps.

Steve Braune
Tank Industry Consultants

http://www.tankindustry.com

 

[bvi]

metengr is correct. Here is a little more clarification.

Interpretations are answers to questions about a specific edition of the Code, are not a part of the Code, and are not Code rules. They are only strictly applicable to the specific edition mentioned in the interpretation, and get out of date when the subject Code rules change. You can refer to an old interpretation, but you should make sure it is still applicable.

Code Cases are optional rules. They can be used as soon as they are approved, one need not wait for publication. However, some jurisdictions do not accept Code Cases, or require their specific approval of the use of a Code Case. Code Cases are used to address special circumstances, provide optional rules, provide quick response to special needs, and provide trial use of some new rules prior to incorporation into the Code.

 

[JohnBreen]

Hello,

........and expanding upon CB4, remember that the ASME Codes are consensus Codes that only become law when they are adopted by a specific jurisdiction. It might take some nontrivial amount of time (after a Codes published "mandatory" date) before a State or Province adopts a new issue of the Code into their law.

Regards, John.