Pressure Vessel & Process Piping AHJs

[test152331]

Hello all. I have a question regarding AHJs for pressure vessels and pressure piping in the United States; mainly, do you even have any? We're an engineering firm from Canada who is starting more and more work in the US. In Canada each province has a well defined AHJ who reviews and approves pressure piping systems (ASME BPVC and ASME B31.3 systems specifically). Our work to date is mostly in North Dakota where there are no inspections or approvals required. This just seems odd to me. A client wants us to review the use of this equipment in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma as well. While some states seem to have adopted B31.3 for design, I am having trouble finding any requirements on registration, inspections, or approvals of designs. I've found a list at the link below for the NB but the list is mostly in reference to boiler registration.

Any assistance or clarifications on AHJs and their role in the design-build process would be extremely appreciated.

http://www.nationalboard.org/PrintAllSynopsis.aspx?Jurisdiction=Select

Bob

 

[Don56]

Maybe I'm having an "Aleppo moment," but what is AHJ?

 

[test152331]

AHJ = Authority Having Jurisdiction. The one who enforces an adopted standard or regulator, usually appointed by the law that adopts a standard. For example in Alberta, Canada, the AHJ for boilers, pressure vessels, and piping systems is the Alberta Boilers Safety Association.

http://www.absa.ca/

 

[pdiculous963]

A few of my big clients are in Canada so I understand that the way things are handled in the States is much different. Generally the states adopt certain required standards, ASME B&PV, ASME B31, NBIC, etc, and rely that those Codes are followed (AI gets involved to inspect new vessels, review repairs, etc.). There is nowhere near the involvement that jurisdictional groups like ABSA, TSASK, have to review all calculations and provide individual CRNs.

To be able to perform this engineering work however, be sure to have the proper licensure. In the states, to perform consulting you need a license in each jurisdiction you consult.

 

[weldstan]

Under B31.3. the Owner's Inspector is primarily responsible for assuring compliance. The Owner's Inspector may be the Owner's Engineer or another individual not employed by the Contractor or Manufacturer performing the work.
Oklahoma has specific requirements regarding inspection of Steam Carrying Piping Systems. You must check its requirements.