Deviation from ASME B31.3 Code Allowed by Owner?

[RVAmeche]

I'm working on a project where the project manager made the comment that if an aspect of the piping design doesn't conform the Code (ASME B31.3, normal fluid service here) there's language that the Owner can accept/allow such deviations.

Is this an actual statement in the Code? I've looked through Section 300 where I would've expected to see such a statement but don't see one. My understanding is that unless the specific jurisdiction has exemptions for specific items in their laws, the Code must be met. Thoughts?

 

[LittleInch]

B 31.3 has a number of sections where the phrase "When the owner approves" or similar

e.g. 302.2.1
When the owner approves, provisions of this Code may be used to extend the pressure–
temperature ratings of a component beyond the ratings contained in the listed standard.
302.2.4
Subject to the owner’s approval, it is permissible
to exceed the pressure rating or the allowable stress
for pressure design at the temperature of the increased
condition by not more than
(-a) 33% for no more than 10 h at any one time
and no more than 100 h/y, or
(-b) 20% for no more than 50 h at any one time
and no more than 500 h/y
The effects of such variations shall be determined by
the designer to be safe over the service life of the piping
system by methods acceptable to the owner. (See
Appendix V.)

Just do a search on B 31.3 and many others pop up.

However I don't believe there is a general non conformance ability to override the code and legislation will always top any code requirement. But if the law says use B 31.3 and in that particular section it says "... with the approval of the owner,... " then you're covered. Nothing gets you away from recommending what you believe to be a safe and operable system, but if the owner doesn't want it then it becomes his or her direct responsibility.




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[RVAmeche]

LittleInch,

Thanks for the quick response. My situation in particular is regarding thermal relief that shall conform to ASME per Section 322.6.3. From what I can see, any thermal relief device has to be an ASME stamped device and there doesn't appear to be any owner approval there, unless there's a general "owner approval" statement that I'm not aware of.

 

[LittleInch]

Without going into the many ASME BPV sections listed, I can't see a requirement for an ASME stamp. The devil is in the detail of those ASME BPV UG sections.

Maybe it needs to be ASME stamped, maybe not. Probably yes but you need to dig a little deeper.



Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[RVAmeche]

Yeah, ASME says that it must be stamped since it's primarily discussing protection for pressure vessels. B31.3 indicates that any thermal relief device on the pipeline must conform to ASME BPV (be stamped).

 

[GD2]

I am a bit confused with the wording, 'ASME Stamped'. What I know is that ASME B31.3 directs the designer to the rules of ASME BPVC VIII Div 1 for designing the pressure relief device in a piping system.


GDD
Canada

 

[jojoyohan]

I suggest you reread B31.3 section 322.6.3, particularly the first half of paragraph (a). The excluded chapters and paragraphs from the BPVC are mainly those covering certification and marking as LittleInch pointed out.

 

[RVAmeche]

There are only two paragraphs excluded (UG-135(e) and UG-136(c)), neither of which means the valve does not have to be certified/stamped per ASME.

Therefore, thermal relief devices for a B31.3 pipeline must be certified/stamped per ASME. Right?

 

[XL83NL]

Since there's some debate on definitions and wordings here, I might as well add that B31.3 is a piping code, not a pipeline code. B31.4 and B31.8 are pipeline codes. Piping and pipelines are 2 (completely) different things.