Overview of ASME 3

[Drej]

Dear group,

I must apologise for the naivety of this question, but I have been unable to obtain an acceptable answer from the sources I've tried so far (including this forum, the web and the code itself): is it possible, in a paragraph, for someone to describe what the ASME code actually provides for the designer/engineer/analyst and the areas in which it is applicable i.e. what the ASME code is actually USED for?

Sorry again, but I honestly cannot find a summary of this code anywhere.

Cheers,

-- drej --

 

[metengr]

Here is my 2 cents in one paragraph;

The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel code was originally established (circa 1900) to provide rules for the design and fabrication of boilers (Sections I and IV) and pressure vessels (Section VIII). Many years ago boilers and pressure vessels were built by many a company that resulted in yearly explosions that harmed the public. The original code committee consisted of a select group of mechanical engineers from several large fabricators and recognized universities. Rules were established by experience and technical knowledge to assure adequate protection for the public safety, and to assure a reasonably long operating life. The code is NOT a substitute for engineering knowledge, it only provides a set of minimum guidelines for the designer to follow. The ASME B&PV code applies to any component of certain minimum diameter, that operates at or above 15 psig pressure. You can review further the Introductory statements in each section of the code.

 

[lostsailor]

Drej,
Way back when I was told that the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code is a safety code. It provides engineers/designers etc. with minimum standards that must be met in the specific areas addressed which include materials, design, fabrication, examination, testing, and certification.
Regards,
RLS

 

[Rich2001]

ASME has has over 600 codes & standards for:

Authorized Inspection
Automotive Lifting Devices
Boilers and Pressure Vessels
Chains
Compressors
Controls
Conveyors
Cranes and Hoists
Dimensions
Drawings and Terminology
Elevators and Escalators
Fasteners
Flow Measurement
Gage Blanks
Gauges
High Pressure Systems
Industrial Trucks
Keys
Machine Guarding
Manlifts
Measurement
Metric System
Nuclear
Operator Qualification and Certification
Pallets
Performance Test Codes
Piping
Platform Lifts and Chairlifts
Plumbing
Powered Platforms
Pumps
Reinforced Thermo. Plastic Corrosion Resistance
Screw Threads
Steel Stacks
Storage Tanks
Surface Quality
Tools
Turbines
Valves, Fittings, Flanges and Gaskets

 

[Drej]

Thanks guys for the replies. When I wrote the above post I should have mentioned that it was the B&PV code (as spotted by metengr, rich and lostsailor) that I was referring to. The reason I ask by the way is that someone asked me the other day whether I had "any experience of using ASME?". I'd come across this code before but not actually used it in anger. Once I got the code out to look at, it was a MONSTER SIZE, and I was pretty overwhelmed. Hence the reason for my post.

I may be using ASME B&PV in the future for the assessment of nuclear structures. Hence, I would appreciate any further replies so that I can get a better overview of the code. Many thanks again.

-- drej --

 

[lostsailor]

Drej,
Nuclear components are an entirely different ballgame. Are you talking about new construction, inservice, waste?
Regards,
RLS

 

[Drej]

RLS,
Looks like it will be a mixture, but initially looking at new construction of pressure vessels in a decommissioning programme.

Thanks,
-- drej --

 

[mgp]

Try the Casti guidebook series.

http://www.casti.ca/books.html

There is even a free downloadable "light" version of some of these books, e.g.

http://www.casti.ca/books_ebooks/lite/section_VIII_lite.pdf

regards
Mogens

 

[lostsailor]

Drej,
You will need sections II, III, V, IX and possibly XI. NQA-1, SNT-TC-1A, 10CFR50, and 10CFR21 would also be handy. See? You
didn't need the whole B&PV code, don't you feel better? :0)
You may also want to get VIII-1 as that section is often invoked in contracts involving governmental installations.
Regards,
RLS

 

[EdStainless]

Good list Lostsailor.
Section III is the meat. Lots fo rules, lots of testing, and tons of paperwork.
The thoughest of the whole list is NQA-1. It sets up some QA system requirements that even most of us that hold various nuc certs can't meet. If you get into any NQA work start asking a lot of questions early, you will want the help.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be managed.

http://www.trenttube.com/Trent/tech_form.htm