B31.3 Exclusions 2

[TBP]

The vast majority of my work falls under ASME B31.1. I haven't had much contact with B31.3, and am holding off buying the code until the update is available. In the meantime, I have a question about the exclusions:

"B31.3 excludes (a) piping systems designed for internal gauge pressures above 0 PSI but below 15 PSI, provided that the fluid handled is nonflammable, nontoxic, and not damaging to human tissue as defined in 300.2, and its temperature is from -20*F though 366*F..."

What, exactly, does the definition in 300.2 say?

 

[donf]

I don't have the latest either, but here's what's in my edition:

"damaging to human tissues - for the purposes of this Code, this phrase describes a fluid service in which exposure to the fluid, caused by leakage under expected operating conditions, can harm skin, eyes or exposed mucous membranes so that irreversible damage may result unless prompt restorative measures are taken. (Restorative measures may include flushing with water, administration of antidotes, or medication)"

donf

 

[EGT01]

Can't offer any advice about exclusions but I find the following in the defintions.
From B31.3-2002, 300.2 Definitions

damaging to human tissues: for the purposes of this Code, this phrase describes a fluid service in which exposure to the fluid, caused by leakage under expected operating conditions, can harm skin, eyes, or exposed mucous membranes so that irreversible damage may result unless prompt restorative measures are taken. (Restorative measures may include flushing with water, administration of antidotes, or medication.)

Also, here's a link to the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) piping guide you may find of interest.

http://www.lanl.gov/orgs/f/f6/pubf6stds/engrman/6mech/pdfs/Ch6.ASME.B31.3.R0.pdf

 

[TBP]

That's what I suspected. Thank you both for confirming that for me. This means that piping for acids, caustics and other chemicals (depending upon what they are, and how concentrated) frequently found in boiler rooms (or elsewhere) for chemical treatment purposes, very probably falls under this code.

 

[JohnBreen]

Hello,

When you order your copy of B31.3 also look into ordering (from ASME) a copy of the excellent book by Dr. Charles Becht IV, "Process Piping - The Complete Guide to ASME B31.3" (ISBN 0-7918-0177-2). Dr. Becht has very clearly explained much of what you are asking about.

This is not a "commercial message", jusadvice from one "piping engineer" to another.

Regards, John.