Extent of B31.3 or B31.1 ? 1

[MrSpike]

I'm on a petrochemical project which happens to produce steam as part of the process as well. This steam will be even sold to battery limit but is still not the main application of the plant. There is a steam drum and superheaters in the plant and is point of argument whether should be designed as ASME I or ASME VIII; consequently the piping would get split partially in B31.1 and B31.3 if ASME I was selected.
Does this have to be considered as ASME I while is part of the typical B31.3 plant and therefore we should split them for before and after first shut-off valve for B31.1 and B31.3 spec break, stress analysis, etc.?
(By the way client has no obligation for either way)
I myself think that the criteria of B31.3 dominates this case and we should go for ASME VIII.
Any thoughts?

 

[pennpiper]

"(By the way client has no obligation for either way)"

It has been a while since I had this situation but I think this statement is incorrect.
The Client in this case may not have an "opinion" but he (she) does have the "obligation" to define how he want this handled.

 

[rneill]

Regarding the piping, my interpretation of B31.3 Fig 300.1.1 is that regardless of what you do with the Boiler itself, B31.3 excludes from its scope Boiler External Piping covered by B31.1. On that basis, B31.1 Boiler external piping would include piping that beings where the boiler proper terminates (e.g., first circumferential welded joint or flanged connection) and extends up to and including the valve or valves required by ASME B31.1 Clause 122.1.

Regarding the boiler itself, doesnt' ASME Section VIII Div 1 say (Clause U-1(c)(2) ... the following classes of vessels are not included in the scope of this Division ... (a) those within the scope of other Sections ...

Since Boilers are covered by Section 1, I read this to mean they are outside the scope of Section VIII Div 1. If so, they would need to be designed and manufactured to ASME Section I?

 

[MrSpike]

thanks Pennpiper,
You are probably right about incorrect word of obligation and correct word of opinion. However we sell our package as ASME-satisfied but my client will change it to the local regulations that I can not even read!
Since we have had this before like;
-but according to ASME ...
-our local regulations doesn't need this ...

I thought if they find it local to purchase, they bring such excuse as above ... and my position is to be faithful to our own contract.

thanks rneil,
Let me put my question this way;
Is it right to consider one equipment as power boiler scope because it produces steam(we don't have boiler)? Or if there was a boiler and a machinary driven loop we can typically call it steam production and therefore the choice is ASME I, otherwise the choice of whole plant (B31.3 application) will dominate the equipment standard selection.

 

[stanweld]

The Jurisdiction and the Codes' limitations dictate the Design/Construction Code. Unfired steam generators may be fabricated under Section VIII if permitted by the Jurisdiction. The Boiler External Piping is generally designed, constructed and tested under B31.1 and the process steam transfer piping is designed, manufactured and tested to B31.3 in petrochemical plants.

 

[rneill]

MrSpike, I guess I assumed from your original post you were referring to fired steam boilers but as pointed out by stanweld, it could be unfired steam boilers.

Can you clarify whether these are fired (e.g., natural gas, oil) or unfired?

 

[MrSpike]

rneil,
It is an unfired boiler.
Thanks