ASME Sect I or NB changes to affect vessel fabrication business

[zerosum]

I am hearing that vessel fabrication shops are about to be swamped with orders for power boilers possibly due to some new more stringent requirements? Can anyone fill me in?

 

[metengr]

I am not aware of any new requirements from ASME B&PV Code or from the National Board, which would effect shop loading.


However, it just might be that with increasing power demand all over the world, there is an immediate need to build more power plants (nuclear and fossil). I do know that ASME B&PV Code, Section III is dusting the cob webs off because of the need for additional nuclear capacity in the US. It should be interesting.

 

[zerosum]

Yeah but nuclear equipment isn't built by the fabricators that build our stuff (I am in the smaller Chem Plant process business). Not too many shops are up and running (at least in the States) that can build containment vessels and other equipment to nuc stds. The old Westinghouse nuclear fab shop here in Pensacola is now converted to building wind turbines for GE! I am hearing substantial backlogs, maybe some of it's hype to defend current tight market in process vessels and materials.

 

[lostsailor]

zerosum,
Any N certificate holder in the US that is still in the vessel business has diversified their client base. More than a few have always worn multiple hats when it comes to fabrication. I agree that the numbers sure ain't what they used to be.
Regards,
RLS

 

[metengr]

zerosum;
There are currently long lead times for material and fabrication (we are experiencing this for the Power Generation company I work for) The market is tight, but this has nothing to do with Codes and Standards. Actually, as an end-user I have a more serious concern with craft labor (boilermakers and pipe fitters that are in short supply for field installations).

 

[zerosum]

Thanks lost sailor and metengr, appreciate your viewpoints and just wanted to be sure I hadn't missed something new in the stds.

I am also hearing that ethanol plants are going to come on strong depending on legislation now pending.