How do I determine if this component meets ASME?

[hollerg]

I have a component that was fabricated in Europe, which has the attached nameplate. The item is a 7"x7"x36" rectangular box on the side of a reverse pulse jet baghouse. The square tube has one longitudinal weld, corners are bends, and the ends are flat plates. The box operates at 55 psig at ambient pressure.
[ul]
[li]Is there a reciprocity between the standards organizations making this device acceptable to ASME, either BPVC section 8 or the B31.3 piping code?[/li]
[li]Does such a device meet any kind of code exemption?[/li]
[li]If neither applies, which code governs and what do I request the vendor to do to get the device in compliance?[/li]
[/ul]

 

[bimr]

There are firms that will certify imported vessels to the ASME code. You will need drawings, etc. from the original manufacturer.

Here is an example of a firm:

http://www.deerparkconstruction.com/pressure-vessels/asme-pressure-vessel-re-certification/

It would probably be considerably less expensive to have the original fabricator make the ASME certification. Foreign firms do have ASME certification.

Having said that, the vessel is so small, it would probably be easier to just have a shop make a new one with ASME certification.

 

[XL83NL]

I agree with bimr, with the following remarks

Is there a reciprocity between the standards organizations making this device acceptable to ASME, either BPVC section 8 or the B31.3 piping code?

The device has been designed to be in compliance with the PED. It does not show the applied design code. To check that you need to review the EC Declaration of Conformity. If the device is designed acc any ASME standard, there's a pretty good chance its been made using ASTM A/ASME SA materials. From there on, you can start to put it under VIII-1 if it's a vessel or B31.3 if it's a 'pipe' (i.e. pressure housing for transport means)

Does such a device meet any kind of code exemption?

If it's a pressure vessel, there are few exemptions. One of which is if the size is less than 6". I dont think your device can be exempted under VIII-1, nor it's a pipe.

If neither applies, which code governs and what do I request the vendor to do to get the device in compliance?

VIII-1 I guess.

Follow bimr's advice and make a new one.

 

[hollerg]

Very informative, thank you both very much. The pressurized air square tubular housing is integrated with a set of solenoid valves that penetrate through the tubular housing. It's the vendors proprietary design, so being locally refabricated may not be an option. Having them manufacture new to meet the code and air freighting is a possibility, but might delay the project.
[ul]
[li]Is a proof test for fitness for service, a reasonable option?[/li]
[li]Which part of the code covers such a proof test?[/li]
[li]Whom in Michigan or Houston TX might do it?[/li]
[/ul]

 

[XL83NL]

If this is for the US market, Id check with the chief boiler inspector of the state where you need the device to be used to check its requirement wrt ASME stamp and NB registration.

 

[hollerg]

My state (TX) is not a code state, so the code stamp and NB registration could be waived, if all parties agree. This brings me back to whether there is a method to accept this device, and meet my intent.

How to ensure the CE marked component is suitable for the intended service, and establish overpressure protection requirements (e.g Operating Margin. set point and allowable overpressure) relevant to the CE marked item. [ul]

[li]Is a proof test for fitness for service, a reasonable option and meet code intent?[/li]
[li]Which part of the code covers such a proof test?[/li]
[li]Whom in Michigan or Houston TX might do it?[/li]
[/ul]

 

[bimr]

The standard code rule is that a vessel 15 PSI or greater in pressure falls under the ASME Code and is required to be code stamped. There are additional factors but for the most part, that is the main driving force.

However, this is dependent also on state rules & regulations. Texas is one of a few non-code states such that Texas does not require pressure vessels to be code stamped. Most users in Texas also have their pressure vessels code stamped due to the fact that if ever a vessel was moved to another state they are covered. There is also an insurance liability risk and premium cost associated with non-code stamped pressure vessels.

It is totally up to the user to have the vessel stamped.

When a vessel is code stamped it is registered with the National Board. The U1 forms signed by an authorized ASME code inspector are provided to the user and are filed with the National Board. This provides both a record of documentation and also allows state agencies the ability to verify compliance.

Proof test for fitness for service is not something that is in the code. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers does not "approve", "certify", "rate", or "endorse" any item, construction, or activity, and there shall be no statements or implications that might so indicate. The ASME code is only a standard.

What you are dealing with is more risk since it has not been established that the device meets the minimum code requirements. If you want to use the device "as-is", that is something that the user's insurance adjuster (Factory Mutual for example) must accept and approve.