ASME Power Boiler stamp

[wayuu1981]

I'm working in a Project in South America where it will be installed a 300 MWe coal fired power plant, designed, manufactured and erected by Chinese contractors. The requirements specified that the boiler shall be designed, manufactured, erected and tested according to the latest version of the ASME B&PV code. (by the way, ASME B&PV code is not mandatory in Project site)

Do the given requirements imply that the Boiler require an ASME "S" Stamp? I've been reviewing ASME code and I cannot find that the ASME stamp is something that you can decide whether to fulfill it or not.

We are about to sign the contract but now the contractor insists that the ASME stamp (and Authorized Inspector, certification, etc) where not explicitly requested so they are going to “design, manufacture, erect and test” the boiler according to ASME B&PV but it won't include stamp, AI, nor certification. Is that possible? You can say you are fulfilling ASME Code in that way?

Thanks for your Help.

Javier Guevara E.
Projects, Mechanical Engineer

 

[SnTMan]

wayuu1981, we often design and manufacture to Sec VIII, Div 1, but without stamp. If Sec VIII, Div 1 is not mandated by the jurisdiction stamp is not required.

Regards,

Mike

 

[metengr]

If the location where the boiler will be erected does not require an ASME code symbol stamp by regulation, it is possible to have the boiler designed, fabricated and installed with no ASME S-Stamp or erected with no ASME A-Stamp. I would double check with the client because the insurer may require ASME code symbol stamping for this large of a project. I personally would still require code symbol stamping because of the size of the project and what could happen with no Authorized Inspection oversight.

 

[chicopee]

You should have contracted a US boiler manufacturer. I could see such event 35 years ago when NB representatives were thrill to be invited by the Chinese presumably for assistance in their code development and ultimately sell boilers and PV's overseas. Be as it may, if the boiler was fabricated in the absence of a ASME shop inspector, you will not be able to get a S stamp; plus that Chinese shop has to be registered with the National Board; and even if that shop has a NB certification, make sure that it is still current.

 

[chicopee]

Furthermore, get a copy of the Manufacturer's Data Sheet and note for a NB number. If there is such a number, verify with the National board about the legitimacy of that number.

 

[GenB]

any non Code shops will say to design and mfr to ASME but any one can design to the ASME Code but cannot Mfr to the Code because there is no supervision and no third party inspection therefore no quality control to prove that is been MFD to the Code. and in this case your supplier is cheating you. SnTMan. if a shop has an ASME certificate you may say MFD to the Code bit w.o. the final stamping and certification only you the fabricator can believe it it mfd ,o the Code and one else. ASME: It is the intension of the Code that an item designed and MFD to Code is to be certified and stamped per Code.
regardless of jurisdiction. if the contract says that it will be designed and MFD to the ASME Code then it shall be stamped. nn Code shops use the former to get the jobs. I know of a sheet metal fabricator who says "certified to Sect IX of the ASME Code", figure it out... genblr.

 

[qaqceng]

It is possible to design, manufacture, erect and test the boiler in accordance with ASME B&PV without physically stamping the boiler. When ASME is not mandatory per the local jurisdiction, you need to come to an agreement with your client on the extent to which you will meet it. You could choose manufacturers who aren't stamp holders and work under ASME to the fullest extent possible, you could select manufacturers who are stamp holders and supply "part" stamped components without putting the final "S" stamp on the completed boiler (e.g. when the erector is not a stamp holder), etc. These things should be clarified up front. Note: to apply a "S" stamp to the completed boiler, all manufacturers/assemblers of equipment in the code boundary must be stamp holders.

 

[GenB]

I can only design and built to the ASME Code without stamping having all the QC points done, except for the final stamping, that will fly. else is just night dreams.
In this case the user/customer can hire an Inspector or an Engineer experienced in the Boiler/ASME code Mfg to look after the construction and certifications if any. In South America... Be very Careful with the Chinese bribing the Engineer and everybody else. La mordida. It will happen.It happen everywhere. do the right thing.