Is it mandatory to stamp all pressure vessels? 2

[TechThrm]

I am designing a Div I vessel to be installed in California. Design Pressure: 50 psig.
Our Customer don’t want to get it Code Stamped or National Board Registered… Can we do that?

Thanks

 

[metengr]

TechThrm;
Get in touch with the Boiler Safety Division for the State of California to determine if they regulate pressure vessels. If they do regulate pressure vessels, you need to follow their requirements for registration and Code stamping not the customer's.

 

[SnTMan]

TechThrm, California? Seriously? I doubt it.

http://www.nationalboard.org/SiteDocuments/NB-370.pdf

Regards,

Mike

 

[zdas04]

There is some real misunderstanding about state-by-state choice of being a "code state" or not. A state is a "code state" if they have a "Boiler Inspector" function in one of the state departments. The states that don't have that function are "non-code states". What does that mean to a vessel designer? Absolutely Nothing. If you build a vessel and it explodes, then in the inevitable lawsuit the first question will be "was this vessel built to generally accepted engineering standards?". If you cannot show the documentation required by the code then it wasn't and you'll lose the suit every time.

In non-code states, the state is not going to enforce registering vessels with the National Board, but it also doesn't prevent it. If I was building vessels destined for use in California I'd make damned sure that I had every calc, NDT inspection, and material pedigree required by the code in a "DO NOT DESTROY" file forever. I'd also register the vessel with the Board even if I had to eat that cost myself.

David

 

[metengr]

There is obviously more to this than above and it is called lobbyists and special interest groups that protect industries. Boiler rules were established well before pressure vessel rules because boiler explosions were commonplace in the late 1800's.

Normally, owners of pressure vessels typically insure their equipment against loss. The insurers of this equipment usually require the owner to register the vessel and assure code stamping, among other things.

 

[vesselfab]

Nothing leaves our shop without a code stamp and registration with national board. EVERYTHING

We had one Client over the years that fussed about it and we told him it was for our protection as well as his.

When you have fabricator prepare his data book, tell him to put everything required in there. electronic copy for you and your client.

 

[jte]

There may be exceptions to the rule (e.g. located on Federal property), but the vast majority of vessels in California will be stamped and NB registered. Bottom line guidance available (probably for free) from your friendly neighborhood regulator at

http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/pressure.html

jt

 

[brandonb73]

This is from the CA DOSH Boiler and PV Regs.

§460. Design and Construction of Pressure Vessels for other than Compressed Air, LPG, NH(3) and Natural Gas.

(a) All new pressure vessels for pressures exceeding 15 psig used for the transportation, storage, or use of any poisonous, corrosive, or flammable substance, or other products at temperatures above their boiling points at atmospheric pressures, or in which the pressure is generated by means of a compressor, shall be constructed, inspected, and stamped in compliance with the ASME Code, unless the design, material and construction of the vessel are accepted by the Division as equivalent to the ASME Code. Except for "UM" vessels, all such vessels shall be registered with the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors.

 

[stanweld]

Because of our Global Economy, a number of States have adopted other International Standards for design and manufacture, in many cases without naming them. It is up to CA DOSH to determine acceptability of the alternate International Code.