Does an item of equipment designed to ASME VIII Div 1 need to be classed as a pressure vessel?

[Gcooper79]

Hi,

We have to design a pulsation suppressor for a screw compressor on a Brazilian FPSO. Normally we design them in accordance with ASME B31.3 as they are attached to the pipework and have no potential for blockages therefore subject to the same pressure requirements as the pipe. However, on some occasions, our client has asked for the suppressors to be designed in accordance with ASME VIII Div 1 - would this then consider them as pressure vessels and as such subject to U-stamp and NR-13 regulations? My initial take would be that the design code is just used to ensure pressure integrity but as there is no chance of pressure building increasing above design conditions, it would be deemed a pressure vessel.

Would be grateful for your opinions on this.

thanks,

Graeme

 

[JStephen]

As a contractual issue, the customer may require the stamp, etc. But just using Section VIII as a design guide on a container that is otherwise exempt doesn't require the stamp, inspections, etc.

 

[Cobra17]

In Canada you can fabricate fittings to VIII-1, or any other accepted ASME code (B31.5, B31.3, etc).

 

[danschwind]

As a brazilian, I have not seen U-Stamp requirements on any pressure vessel sold here in Brazil. NR-13 would be applicable though.

Best regards,

Daniel
Process Engineer
Rio de Janeiro - Brazil

 

[Gcooper79]

Thanks for the responses.

JStephen, you are correct that the contractual requirements would have to be followed , however I don't think it is stated for this equipment, only that they should be designed in accordance with ASME VIII Div 1, therefore I feel we could argue the point that just because they are designed to ASME VIII, it doesn't necessarily make them a pressure vessel. IIRC the exemption clause is for vessels under 12"but the suppressors are 22" - 30".

Danschwind, you are correct in that U-stamp would not be required for brazil, I just included that requirement as we have other customers elsewhere in the world who do require U-stamp for pressure vessels.

Graeme

 

[weldstan]

Equipment designed to ASME VIII need not be classified as a pressure vessel unless defined as such therein or as such by the Jurisdiction or Purchaser/End User.