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Extent of B31.3? 7
- Thread starter jimwaa
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Better check your federal, state and local regulations and requirements beforehand. Sometimes it is law, sometimes its just your insurance company requirements, sometimes its simply a good idea, sometimes its none of them.
Where are you located?
Where are you located?
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Hello jimwaa,
In and of itself, the ASME B31 Code for Pressure Piping, B31.3, Process Piping, is neither a law or a suggested practice.
B31.3 is a consensus National Standard. The ASME B31 Codes for Pressure Piping "become law" (gain the force of law) when they are adopted by local jurisdictions as an included part of their local municipal, state or provincial Building Codes. Once the local Building Code references one of the ASME B31 Pressure Piping Codes as mandatory it becomes a part of that Building Code.
In the North America most States and Provinces include the The ASME B31 Codes for Pressure Piping in their Building Codes. You can go to the National Board Internet site at:
There you can find a listing of State and Provincial Chief Inspectors and their contact information. You can contact the appropriate Chief Inspector for any jurisdiction and ask about the applicability of any National Standard.
The ASME B31 Code for Pressure Piping includes specific “books” for various piping applications. The Code is dynamic and the “sitting committees” work at keeping the Codes up to date with current standard industry practice – note, not “cutting edge”, not “trend setting”, not “latest and greatest" - rather current standard industry practice. The B31 Codes are not the final word, only the latest word.
The history of the B31 Code is very interesting. In 1926 the American Standards Associations, ASA (forerunner of ANSI) initiated project B31 to develop a pressure piping Code. The resulting document, "American Tentative Standard Code for Pressure Piping, ASA B31.1 was issued in 1935.
During the long history of the B31 Codes various “book section” numbers were assigned for development. Some of these documents were developed but not used as the work was pulled into another “book”. Others of them were withdrawn when superceded by another document. For completeness I present the following list of B31 “projects” and Codes:
B31.1 – Power Piping
B31.2 – Fuel Gas Piping, WITHDRAWN superceded by ANSI Z223.1
B31.3 – Process Piping, (formerly Chemical Plant and Petroleum Refinery Piping)
B31.4 – Liquid Hydrocarbon Transportation Piping (for example oil cross country pipelines)
B31.5 – Refrigeration Piping
B31.6 – Chemical Plant Piping, never issued as a separate document, folded into B31.3
B31.7 – Nuclear Power Piping, WITHDRAWN, superseded by ASME Code, Section III
B31.8 – Gas Transportation Piping (for example cross country gas pipelines)
B31.9 – Building Services Piping (for example office building hot water heating and air conditioning)
B31.10 – Cryogenic Piping, never issued as a separate document, folded into B31.3
B31.11 – Slurry Transportation Piping (for example cross country coal/water slurries)
And the new B31.12 Hydrogen Piping Systems, which is under development and has not yet been issued.
The various ASME B31 Code Committees will be meeting in Seattle, WA, from September 17 through September 21, 2007.
Regards, John.
In and of itself, the ASME B31 Code for Pressure Piping, B31.3, Process Piping, is neither a law or a suggested practice.
B31.3 is a consensus National Standard. The ASME B31 Codes for Pressure Piping "become law" (gain the force of law) when they are adopted by local jurisdictions as an included part of their local municipal, state or provincial Building Codes. Once the local Building Code references one of the ASME B31 Pressure Piping Codes as mandatory it becomes a part of that Building Code.
In the North America most States and Provinces include the The ASME B31 Codes for Pressure Piping in their Building Codes. You can go to the National Board Internet site at:
There you can find a listing of State and Provincial Chief Inspectors and their contact information. You can contact the appropriate Chief Inspector for any jurisdiction and ask about the applicability of any National Standard.
The ASME B31 Code for Pressure Piping includes specific “books” for various piping applications. The Code is dynamic and the “sitting committees” work at keeping the Codes up to date with current standard industry practice – note, not “cutting edge”, not “trend setting”, not “latest and greatest" - rather current standard industry practice. The B31 Codes are not the final word, only the latest word.
The history of the B31 Code is very interesting. In 1926 the American Standards Associations, ASA (forerunner of ANSI) initiated project B31 to develop a pressure piping Code. The resulting document, "American Tentative Standard Code for Pressure Piping, ASA B31.1 was issued in 1935.
During the long history of the B31 Codes various “book section” numbers were assigned for development. Some of these documents were developed but not used as the work was pulled into another “book”. Others of them were withdrawn when superceded by another document. For completeness I present the following list of B31 “projects” and Codes:
B31.1 – Power Piping
B31.2 – Fuel Gas Piping, WITHDRAWN superceded by ANSI Z223.1
B31.3 – Process Piping, (formerly Chemical Plant and Petroleum Refinery Piping)
B31.4 – Liquid Hydrocarbon Transportation Piping (for example oil cross country pipelines)
B31.5 – Refrigeration Piping
B31.6 – Chemical Plant Piping, never issued as a separate document, folded into B31.3
B31.7 – Nuclear Power Piping, WITHDRAWN, superseded by ASME Code, Section III
B31.8 – Gas Transportation Piping (for example cross country gas pipelines)
B31.9 – Building Services Piping (for example office building hot water heating and air conditioning)
B31.10 – Cryogenic Piping, never issued as a separate document, folded into B31.3
B31.11 – Slurry Transportation Piping (for example cross country coal/water slurries)
And the new B31.12 Hydrogen Piping Systems, which is under development and has not yet been issued.
The various ASME B31 Code Committees will be meeting in Seattle, WA, from September 17 through September 21, 2007.
Regards, John.
Some US Federal and States' Regulations dictate the use of B31.3. When they do so, it must be followed; in many instances the Edition referenced in the Regulations will not be the current Edition. You must determine if the piping system that you are designing/installing is subject to Jurisdictional Regulations.
John Breen has it right on.
In most legislations, the wording is usually a reference to the applicable codes, including those of ASME B31.3. Often, they will also indicate the most recent versions (saves on revisions of the law I suppose).
In many situations, one body of "code" or "standard" will refernce another. However, not always.
One example is ASME B31.4. In Canada, CSA Z662 Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems - (in particular, the oilfield steam distribution Clause) may be used instead.
Here is an example of the "law" requirements in Alberta:
Once a "law" refers to a specific code, then that code will have the "weight" of law.
"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."
Albert Einstein
Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?
In most legislations, the wording is usually a reference to the applicable codes, including those of ASME B31.3. Often, they will also indicate the most recent versions (saves on revisions of the law I suppose).
In many situations, one body of "code" or "standard" will refernce another. However, not always.
One example is ASME B31.4. In Canada, CSA Z662 Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems - (in particular, the oilfield steam distribution Clause) may be used instead.
Here is an example of the "law" requirements in Alberta:
Once a "law" refers to a specific code, then that code will have the "weight" of law.
"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."
Albert Einstein
Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?
Hello dcasto,
Please read what I said again.
There certainly ARE laws in some States and Provences that require that the ASME B31 Pressure Piping Codes be used in the design of piping systems. In fact in some States and Provences the requirement that the ASME B31 Pressure Piping Codes be used is part of their CRIMINAL law. My point s that the Codes themselves are not "laws".
Regards, John.
Please read what I said again.
There certainly ARE laws in some States and Provences that require that the ASME B31 Pressure Piping Codes be used in the design of piping systems. In fact in some States and Provences the requirement that the ASME B31 Pressure Piping Codes be used is part of their CRIMINAL law. My point s that the Codes themselves are not "laws".
Regards, John.
The use of ASME B31.3 can be mandatory if referenced in a contract. Even then there are provisions within these conditions that require the Owners consent.
Even if not required by law or within a contract and"best practice" in an industry. If you dont have an equal or better standard or code that you have used then you will probably lose.
ASME B31.3 is often mistaken as a design code. In fact it is a total package of materials, design, fabrication, NDE , testing etc. It references other documents that control quality of resources and documentation. It only covers the methods to build a new facility. But it doesnt cover everything. It does say what qualifications and experience you have to have to use it.
Geoffrey D Stone FIMechE C.Eng;FIEAust CP Eng
Even if not required by law or within a contract and"best practice" in an industry. If you dont have an equal or better standard or code that you have used then you will probably lose.
ASME B31.3 is often mistaken as a design code. In fact it is a total package of materials, design, fabrication, NDE , testing etc. It references other documents that control quality of resources and documentation. It only covers the methods to build a new facility. But it doesnt cover everything. It does say what qualifications and experience you have to have to use it.
Geoffrey D Stone FIMechE C.Eng;FIEAust CP Eng
On private property, states have no jurisdiction to make anyone use ANSI B31.3. On public property they can enforce use of any standard they want. They can not charge anyone with a crime of not using thier standards unless there is crinimal intent to defraud.
dcasto,
Depends what country you are in. ASME B31.3 is used in other countries than the USA.
Geoffrey D Stone FIMechE C.Eng;FIEAust CP Eng
Depends what country you are in. ASME B31.3 is used in other countries than the USA.
Geoffrey D Stone FIMechE C.Eng;FIEAust CP Eng
Good point Geoff, it is a point I was missing. I assumed that we were discussing the laws of North America - my bad.
In the USA, you cannot build virtually ANYTHING on any property (public or private) that does not comply with the local Municipal, State Building Codes. Also, if there is a material involve that is listed in the federal Process Safety Management law, compliance with federal regulation is mandatory regardless of where the construction is located (within the borders of the USA). The local, state and federal laws all require the use of National Consensus Codes and Standards so with that these Codes and Standards have "the force of law".
Regarding "criminal intent", try and tell that to a judge - when you get into your automobile and drive on public roads you have no "criminal intent" but you are certainly responsible for your actions. If you build a house on your private property here it WILL be inspected by the local building inspector (even if that requires a search warrant) and if it does not comply with Standards cited in the local Building Code the courts may require that building to be demolished (or the local police may do it for you). There is currently at least one engineer in a mid-west State who is doing jail time as a result of the CONSEQUENCES of having violated a State Building Code. That (information) was the reason for my reference to the National Board site; if you have any doubts it is always prudent to check with your State or Province Chief Inspector to determine what your responsibilities are to the law before you build.
Regards, John.
In the USA, you cannot build virtually ANYTHING on any property (public or private) that does not comply with the local Municipal, State Building Codes. Also, if there is a material involve that is listed in the federal Process Safety Management law, compliance with federal regulation is mandatory regardless of where the construction is located (within the borders of the USA). The local, state and federal laws all require the use of National Consensus Codes and Standards so with that these Codes and Standards have "the force of law".
Regarding "criminal intent", try and tell that to a judge - when you get into your automobile and drive on public roads you have no "criminal intent" but you are certainly responsible for your actions. If you build a house on your private property here it WILL be inspected by the local building inspector (even if that requires a search warrant) and if it does not comply with Standards cited in the local Building Code the courts may require that building to be demolished (or the local police may do it for you). There is currently at least one engineer in a mid-west State who is doing jail time as a result of the CONSEQUENCES of having violated a State Building Code. That (information) was the reason for my reference to the National Board site; if you have any doubts it is always prudent to check with your State or Province Chief Inspector to determine what your responsibilities are to the law before you build.
Regards, John.
1. Most who post here are engineers -- not lawyers. I fit this generalization too.
2. Consider the application as other piping codes exist too. If you are dealing with a pipeline, boiler or water treatment plant then B31.3 may not be the correct standard regardless of whether it is the law or not.
3. In another discussion related to the law, I referenced 29 CFR 1910.119, a.k.a. Process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals. Search for phrases like "good engineering practice".
2. Consider the application as other piping codes exist too. If you are dealing with a pipeline, boiler or water treatment plant then B31.3 may not be the correct standard regardless of whether it is the law or not.
3. In another discussion related to the law, I referenced 29 CFR 1910.119, a.k.a. Process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals. Search for phrases like "good engineering practice".
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Well, I dunno about all installations on private property, but if an employer exposes their employees to non-B31.3 piping in a refinery in California, it seems that they would be in violation of state law. I suppose if I were to own a refinery on my own private property and run it myself wit no employees, the situation might be different.
(a) Application. These orders shall apply to the equipment and operations used in or appurtenant to the refining, storage and handling of petroleum, natural gas and their products, including the construction, location, transportation, utilization, testing, demolition, maintenance and operation of such equipment in "Employment" or a "Place of Employment" or by an "Employer" or an "Employee" as these terms are defined in Division 5, Part 1 of the Labor Code.
The design, fabrication, and assembly of piping systems installed prior to July 26, 2006, shall comply with General Industry Safety Orders and ASME B31.3- 1990, Chemical Plant and Petroleum Refinery Piping herein incorporated by reference. The design, fabrication, and assembly of piping systems installed on or after July 26, 2006, and the testing, inspection, and repair of all piping systems shall comply with Article 146 of the General Industry Safety Orders; API 570, Piping Inspection Code, Second Edition, October 1998, Addendum 3, August 2003; and ASME B31.3-2002, Process Piping; herein incorporated by reference.
So, as has been discussed, whether or not B31.x applies varies with the jurisdiction. A blanket statement to the effect of "states cannot mandate B31.x" seems to be a bit preliminary. Unless there's some federal vs states' rights issue being discussed by the courts...
jt
(a) Application. These orders shall apply to the equipment and operations used in or appurtenant to the refining, storage and handling of petroleum, natural gas and their products, including the construction, location, transportation, utilization, testing, demolition, maintenance and operation of such equipment in "Employment" or a "Place of Employment" or by an "Employer" or an "Employee" as these terms are defined in Division 5, Part 1 of the Labor Code.
The design, fabrication, and assembly of piping systems installed prior to July 26, 2006, shall comply with General Industry Safety Orders and ASME B31.3- 1990, Chemical Plant and Petroleum Refinery Piping herein incorporated by reference. The design, fabrication, and assembly of piping systems installed on or after July 26, 2006, and the testing, inspection, and repair of all piping systems shall comply with Article 146 of the General Industry Safety Orders; API 570, Piping Inspection Code, Second Edition, October 1998, Addendum 3, August 2003; and ASME B31.3-2002, Process Piping; herein incorporated by reference.
So, as has been discussed, whether or not B31.x applies varies with the jurisdiction. A blanket statement to the effect of "states cannot mandate B31.x" seems to be a bit preliminary. Unless there's some federal vs states' rights issue being discussed by the courts...
jt
The first result in a simple google search for Texas and B31.3 resulted in inspection requirements listed within the Texas Administrative Code Title 16 Part 1 Chapter 14 Subchapter E Rule 14.2431.
PIPING SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS FOR ALL STATIONARY LNG INSTALLATIONS
b) Circumferential butt-welds shall be fully examined by radiographic or ultrasonic inspection. Piping with an operating pressure that produces a hoop stress of less than 20% specified minimum yield stress need not be nondestructively tested provided it has been visually inspected in accordance with ANSI B31.3, 336.4.2.
...
PIPING SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS FOR ALL STATIONARY LNG INSTALLATIONS
b) Circumferential butt-welds shall be fully examined by radiographic or ultrasonic inspection. Piping with an operating pressure that produces a hoop stress of less than 20% specified minimum yield stress need not be nondestructively tested provided it has been visually inspected in accordance with ANSI B31.3, 336.4.2.
...
Hello all,
There is another situation that I forgot about: federal government reservations. Federal facilities built on federal reservations were exempt from local law. Some of us have discovered that at many federal research facilities piping and pressure vessels that do not comply with the ASME B&PV Code or the B31.X Codes were built and were used for years. Some were built to the Corps of Engineers specifications and some were built to NO Standard. NASA was formed and they took over the operation of older NACA research facilities and all the equipment that was on-site. We found out later that in-service equipment did not comply with any Code or Standard. NASA's position now is that all new piping and pressure vessels will comply with consensus Codes and Standards.
Regards, John.
There is another situation that I forgot about: federal government reservations. Federal facilities built on federal reservations were exempt from local law. Some of us have discovered that at many federal research facilities piping and pressure vessels that do not comply with the ASME B&PV Code or the B31.X Codes were built and were used for years. Some were built to the Corps of Engineers specifications and some were built to NO Standard. NASA was formed and they took over the operation of older NACA research facilities and all the equipment that was on-site. We found out later that in-service equipment did not comply with any Code or Standard. NASA's position now is that all new piping and pressure vessels will comply with consensus Codes and Standards.
Regards, John.
Great discussion. I personally use B31.3 in the plants I work in. OSHA PSM is a performanced based program, if something goes wrong, errors will be found. But, if you selected some design criteria other than B31.3, and you follow it to the letter, OSHA can not make an engineering based call on wether your chosen design criteria is sound.
I'll put it like this, if you select a 1/8" corrosion allowance in your design, based on a company policy, and that part fails due to corrosion, as long as the documents in your shop show how you followed your policies to the letter, OSHA cannot go after willful acts and higher penalties. They may ask you under the general duty clause or under mechanical integrety to makes changes.
The point is, you can not hide behide a code or standard as a defense and likewise the government cannot fully endorse and take civil liability for a standard that fails. If all it takes is to follow a code or standard to design something, then lets just shutdown the engineering profession.
I'll put it like this, if you select a 1/8" corrosion allowance in your design, based on a company policy, and that part fails due to corrosion, as long as the documents in your shop show how you followed your policies to the letter, OSHA cannot go after willful acts and higher penalties. They may ask you under the general duty clause or under mechanical integrety to makes changes.
The point is, you can not hide behide a code or standard as a defense and likewise the government cannot fully endorse and take civil liability for a standard that fails. If all it takes is to follow a code or standard to design something, then lets just shutdown the engineering profession.
dcasto-
Agreed. The existence and mandate or lack of mandate of using available codes and standards does not invalidate the use of common sense. I'm more of a pressure vessel type than a piping type, but the only laws which cannot be changed are the laws of physics. However... using a consensus engineering standard such as B31.3 does provide a great deal of credibility if a criminal or civil investigation should be entertained by the system...
jt
Agreed. The existence and mandate or lack of mandate of using available codes and standards does not invalidate the use of common sense. I'm more of a pressure vessel type than a piping type, but the only laws which cannot be changed are the laws of physics. However... using a consensus engineering standard such as B31.3 does provide a great deal of credibility if a criminal or civil investigation should be entertained by the system...
jt
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