MissingU-1A form

[jdg92000]

We have several vessels that are missing U-1A forms.
The nameplate has the "U" stamp but they were not registered with the National board and the vendors are out of business. Can these vessels be considered code compliant?

 

[metengr]

Are they currently in service?

 

[jdg92000]

Yes they are.

 

[metengr]

Are the vessels under local Jurisdictional authority or are they exempt?

 

[metengr]

The reason for my asking the question above is because you had asked if the vessels were code compliant. The vessels were obviously designed and fabricated in accordance with ASME Section VIII, because of the U-Stamp. Placing code stamped vessels into service is a different matter. Code compliance falls under a local regulatory body or Jurisdiction, if applicable.

If the vessels are exempt from a local Jurisdiction or regulatory rules, you are on your own in terms of being code compliant.

 

[jdg92000]

They are in Texas which I know doesn't require a stamp but the client wants them to be code compliant.
I guess you could argue since they have "U" stamp on the nameplate that they are code vessels but without the U-1A it's hard to back up.

 

[metengr]

jdg92000;
Go back to the client and tell them that Texas does not regulate pressure vessels. Since the vessels are not registered with the National Board or the Jurisdiction, code compliance is not applicable. You can have your client perform various nondestructive tests to attempt to re-create material information (PMI and wall thickness data) for future use with these vessels but I see no reason to do this work.

 

[LSThill]

TEAM MEMBER

Question: FUEL GAS VOLUME BOTTLE if it falls under the B31.3 PROCESS PIPING. .

Answer: Yes, 300.1.2 Packaged Equipment Piping.
300.2 Definitions

Note: calculations using the rules of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII Division for the additional safety factor.

Reference to API 618 Integral components of the compressor package (cylinder passage, bottles, piping)

B31.3 Process Piping: piping typically found in petroleum refineries, chemical, pharmaceutical, textile, paper, semiconductor, and cryogenic plants, and related processing plants and terminals;

Scope

Chapter 1
300 GENERAL STATEMENT

300.1.1 Content and Coverage
(a) This Code prescribes requirements for materials and components, design, fabrication, assembly, erection,
examination, inspection, and testing of piping.
(b) This Code applies to piping for all fluids, including
(1) raw, intermediate, and finished chemicals
(2) petroleum products
(3) gas, steam, air, and water
(4) fluidized solids
(5) refrigerants
(6) cryogenic fluids
(c) See Fig. 300.1.1 for a diagram illustrating the application of B31.3 piping at equipment. The joint connecting piping to equipment is within the scope of B31.3.

GENERAL NOTE: The means by which piping is attached to equipment is within the scope of the applicable piping code.
Fig. 300.1.1 Diagram Illustrating Application of B31.3 Piping at Equipment

300.1.2 Packaged Equipment Piping.
Also included within the scope of this Code is piping which interconnects pieces or stages within a packaged equipment assembly.


300.2 Definitions
packaged equipment: an assembly of individual pieces or stages of equipment, complete with inter-connecting piping and connections for external piping. The assembly may be mounted on a skid or other structure prior to delivery.

piping: assemblies of piping components used to convey, distribute, mix, separate, discharge, meter, control, or snub fluid flows. Piping also includes pipe-supporting elements, but does not include support structures, such as building frames, bents, foundations, or any equipment excluded from this Code (see para. 300.1.3).

piping components: mechanical elements suitable for joining or assembly into pressure-tight fluid-containing piping systems. Components include pipe, tubing, fittings, flanges, gaskets, bolting, valves, and devices such as expansion joints, flexible joints, pressure hoses, traps, strainers, in-line portions of instruments, and separators.

Accumulators can take a variety of shapes:

piping elements: any material or work required to plan and install a piping system. Elements of piping include design specifications, materials, components, supports, fabrication, examination, inspection, and testing.


2BPV Code references here and elsewhere in this Code are to the
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and its various Sections
as follows:
Section I, Power Boilers
Section II, Materials, Part D
Section V, Nondestructive Examination
Section VIII, Pressure Vessels, Divisions 1 and 2
Section IX, Welding and Brazing Qualifications
3AWS A3.0, Standard Welding Terms and Definitions, Including
Terms for Adhesive Bonding, Brazing, Soldering, Thermal Coupling

 

[JoeTank]

jdg9200,
I would suggest that the nameplate may be taken only as evidence that the vessels were compliant with the ASME Code when initially built. Repairs and alterations since that time may or may not have been per NBIC or API-510. You should look into that aspect too.

Joe Tank

 

[VeryPicky]

Just a stupid thought. Have you tried tracing the U-1A's with the original vessel manufacturer? Another possibility is the AIA (if you know which one cosigned the form).

Putting Human Factor Back in Engineering

 

[weeeds]

One other thing to keep in mind is whether the old vessels are suitable for the current application. Just because the vessel has a 'U' Stamp does not mean that it can be put into any pressure service. One example is a process vessel being used as an air receiver, does it have the required inspection ports?