ASME stamp requirement for low pressure vessel? 3

[vagator]

I am trying to determine if a low pressure vessel is required to have an ASME stamp. The vessel was designed in Japan and under their regulations (JIS), if the pressure is less than 2Bar, than there is no required design standard. The vessel is now being imported to the U.S., and my question is...does this vessel require an ASME stamp? Vessel is approx. 4ft. in dia. and 11 ft. long. Pressurized with SF6 gas. Pressure inside tank is low - less than 2Bar. Does anyone have any insight on the regulations for this type of pressure vessel?

 

[timbones]

The answer is, yes. Look in the front section of ASME VIII. The pressure cut-off is 100 kPag (there are some exceptions of course but I don't think any apply in this case). The design pressure isn't given as 2 Bar(a) for some strange reason? If it is, things may not quite so straight forward.

Tim

 

[JStephen]

The answer is, "it depends". Some areas (Texas, for example) don't regulate pressure vessels, so there's not a legal state-wide mandate to use ASME B&PV code. (OSHA may require it for a workplace, or insurance may require it, etc.)

 

[vagator]

I have seen previous posts stating that it depends on install location, do you have any link which provides these state regulations pertaining to pressure vessels?

Thanks,
vagator

 

[CodeRef]

You have to register in order for access.

The National Board Synopsis of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Laws, Rules and Regulations is a compilation of jurisdiction laws, rules, and regulations set forth in a concise, easy-to-read format. It features the prevailing requirements, detailed contact information, and regulatory history for each jurisdiction.

This publication is now available online at no charge to National Board Web site account holders. Updates are made to the Synopsis as they are received from each jurisdication.

https://www.nationalboard.org/NationalBoard/Publications/Synopsis/nb370.pdf

There are three kinds of people in this world; those who can count and those who can't.

 

[timbones]

I stand corrected. I had assumed from the way the question was worded that it was already known that the area it was being imported to was under the ASME B&PV regulation requirements.

Another option is to review your requirements and rerate the vessel to something equal to or less than 100 kPag if conditions allow. No registeration would then be required.

Tim

 

[vagator]

Thanks to everyone for the valuable information. I do have some additional questions below.

1) If the end user of the vessel insists on not having the vessel ASME stamped, who is liable if something were to happen at their facility, the end user or manufacturer?

2) Who enforces the ASME stamp, OSHA or some other saftey regulatory body?

3) Is there any temporary pardon for pressure vessels manufactured outside the U.S.? If so, what is the time period in which the stamp is required.

Thanks,
vagator

 

[dcasto]

1. Everyone that had a connection with the vessel will be held liable, wether it had a stamp or not. The deepest pockets will win or should I say lose. The manufacturer will be tough to get legal jurisdiction over if they are in a forgien country. DICLAIMER... I'm not a lawyer, you should ask you question to a board certified lawyer, my responce is just my opion based on based experiences.

2. Enforcement, each state would have criminal jurisdiction if the state has made the use of under stamped vessel a crime and I am not aware of such. OSHA can become involved only if the vesel endangers a worker. The EPA could get involved if the vessel damages the environment or people who do not work at a facility. DOT would have jurisdiction if the vessel in question was used in transportation.

The problem lies in that, until there is an incident, nothing will happen. Look at toys with high amounts of lead in the paint. The toy companies have pulled the toys. Business is responsible for making sure imports are safe. A tank used for propane must have a stamp, if it doesn't, then the person filling must not fill it.

This whole discussion belongs under ethics. I believe everyone here will tell you just say NO and go pick up all the gradfather vessels get them certified and switch to a supplier that will meet minimun requirements. Texas understands business, including refineries and that is why they do not mandate ASME stamps in such facilities.

 

[CodeRef]

A case in point.... see the lessons learned ....

http://www.csb.gov/completed_investigations/docs/CSBMarcusOilCaseStudy.pdf

You should come away with the following conclusion. Pressure vessel design, construction, installation, repair/alteration, and maintenance,should be performed only by qualified personnel in accordance with a generally recognized and accepted good practice such as the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and the National Board Inspection Code.

Caveat emptor


There are three kinds of people in this world; those who can count and those who can't.

 

[gr2vessels]

vagator,
The vessel WAS designed in Japan, that means you should have some calculations, drawings, thicknesses, etc... If worst comes to worst, you should run a set of calculations on the ASME VIII Div 1 basis, to establish if the vessel is safe. If required, you will have at hand the design calculations acceptable to an AI, providing you have sufficient NDE's, WPS, PQR's to prove the vessel is at an acceptable level of fabrication. Obviously, I'm over simplifying it, but the essence is that you can save the crust by doing the documentation yourself or request the fabricator to provide, at cost, the design to ASME VIII.
Howzat?
gr2vessels

 

[vagator]

Thank you to everyone, good information to work with.

vagator

 

[Tomtation]

Is the unit for 2 barA (14.5 psig) or 2 barG (29 psig)? For vessels in Canada and the U.S., any vessel over 15 psig requires a code stamp. If this vessel was not designed, fabricated and inspected to ASME (or another code accepted by the state) and if full traceability of material, weld procedures, welder qualifications and so on were not maintained and available, I don't think you will be able to register it.

 

[psafety]

Tomtation - right to the point!

This needs an answer; Vagator could very easily have a "tank" NOT a PV.

 

[vagator]

psafety,
Could you please elaborate on the difference between a "tank" and "pressure vessel". Pressure inside the unit is measured at 1.9bar - so I take this as 1.9barG. But I may need clarification on this point as well.

thanks,
vagator

 

[psafety]

vagator,
If the internal pressure is 1.9bar(G) then a vessel complying with ASME is required.

If the internal pressure is 1.9bar(A) (13.05psig) then this vessel is not within the scope of ASME. Most prefer to build even exempt vessels to ASME design, but it is not required. If this were the case, this vessel would need to deemed suitable for its "worst-case" service with appropriate corrosion allowances, safety factors determined, and appropriate over & under-pressure protection provided.

Let me also note: All I refer to ASSUMES this is a non-hazardous gas, I am not familar with SF6.

You have presented unknowns that need resolving.