Is 'U' stamp required for ASME VIII coded vessel used in Australia?

[steve2007]

Peers,

There is confusion in the 'U' stamp requirement of ASME VIII Div 1 coded vessel fabricated overseas (not US), but will be used in the Eastern States of Australia.

There are two sides of thoughts/argument which states 'U' stamp is required as part of ASME VIII vessel certification. Second states that the legislation (Workplace Health & Safety) requires the design registration and WHS does not mention anything about the 'U' stamp requirement. Ultimately, the vessel should be registrable and this can be achieved by designing and fabricating to the code with appropriate QA documentation.

By logic, U stamp is not mandatory to 'use' the vessel in this state. There may be implications on the legal or insurance if it is not 'U' stamped.

Pls share your experience.

 

[bernoullies123]

U-stamp is not a requirement. The PV design needs to be registered with the state. This generally requires a competent engineer verifying the design by completing a form.

See

http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/training/registrations/plantdesign/overseas/index.htm

for info specific to QLD.

 

[steve2007]

Thanks bernoullies123. This is understood. One question is that as part of ASME certification of the vessel, does it require to be U-stamped especially pls note the inspection compliance part of U-1A form will not be AI certified. Without this will the WHS accept the documentation for registration? If WHS is not going to review U-1A documentation and provides registration solely based on design verification by registered professional engineer, then it would be fine without U-stamp.

 

[gr2vessels]

Steve,
The Australian local government (state government) require the documentation to be proven in accordance with AS 1210 by a local third party design verifier. Then the sedign documentation can be registered as 'design registration', including the review form completed and signed by the reviewer. To register the equipment you need additional proof of compliance like hydrotest pressure (1.5 x design pressure per AS 1210, in lieu of 1.3 x MAWP as per ASME). As you can see, the U-stamp does not come into the picture in any type, shape or form.
Every state in Australia has a website like WorkCover in Victoria where you can get all the info required for 'plant registration'. just google for example 'plant registration NSW' or any other state and there you go. Also, there are contact details to get the most qualified answers to your questions (better that a forum).
Cheers,
gr2vessels

 

[bernoullies123]

That's correct. While I specify for all ASME vessels to be stamped, cause it gives me that warm and fuzzy feeling.

Under the WHS legislation, fabrication is covered under the suppliers or importers duties to ensure that an assurance is provided that the PV has been examined and tested.

The 'assurance' is covered under the requirements specified in AS 3920.1. More specifically, Table 2.1 which specifies the relationship between hazard level of PV's and required degree of external design verification and fabrication inspection with and without a manufacturer's certified quality system. From this table with the highest hazard level requires the following:
Design: Certified quality system - ISO 9001
Design: Design verifying body required - that is the design verifier in Australia

Fabrication: Certified quality system - ISO 9001
Fabrication: Fabrication inspection body required - this one is a bit tricky. You need to refer to section 2.7.5 (d). Which says that inspection to be carried out by a certified fabrication inspection body or a recognized overseas inspecting organization. The scope and frequency of inspection should comply with ASME.

 

[TTT]

The current trend for WorkSafe WA is yes, the design must be registered, (Hazard Level A,B,C,D) The individual Item to be registered must have the "U" stamp. This is to ensure the quality control ASME specifies has been carried out.

 

[gr2vessels]

TTT, would you care to give us an insight of where the WA regulations require U-stamp? BTW, the ASME quality control is insignificant to the Australian regulations. The AS 3992, 3920 and 4458 are far more onerous than any ASME requirement.
However, we are all ears to learn where did you get these new Australian regulations overriden by ASME?? quality control regulations.
For your information, the AS pressure system standards have little regard to ASME standards, although they are still tolerated in Australia, with the caveat they have to comply with Australian additional requirements. Spend some time reading the AS 1210-2010.
Again, the U-stamp has no meaning in Australia, as also conceded in ASME VIII-1.
Cheers,
gr2vessels