Requirements for Code Stamps and Nonboiler External Piping 2

[ColonelSanders83]

Hello All,

My place of business builds chilled water plants, on this particular occasion our client has invoked ASME B31.1 rather than B31.9 (they see this as a district heating and cooling application per B31.1 scope section 100.1)

No part of our plant will generate steam; there will be no water hotter than 250F and no pressure greater than 160 psig. This envelope clearly falls within the rules for nonboiler external piping per B31.1 and as such the piping does not require a code stamp.

Now for the problem. Our quality assurance guy has decided that because the piping is to B31.1 the company needs to have a code stamp and be qualified to do boiler external piping work regardless of whether our application falls under those rules or not.

I interpret the code such that we can manufacture these pipes in accordance with B31.1 requirements for NBEP without having the code stamp for our facility. Is this correct or am I missing something?

If I am correct what is my best approach for bringing this to management attention? By taking the stance that we need a stamp we are putting the guys in shop out of work for this project.

 

[stanweld]

You are correct. Your QC guy is not. But maybe your QC guy would like to be able to fabricate/assemble Boiler External Piping as well.

 

[metengr]

I agree with stanweld. Just present the facts like you did above. If your QC Manager is not listening, gently tell them you will discuss this with their boss.

 

[PVinspector]

our client has invoked ASME B31.1

You cannot fabricate and certify to B31.1 without a PP or S Certificate of Authorization from ASME. It depends on what you mean by "has invoked." You can make it like B31.1 without stamping, but it is not really B31.1 piping if it is not Code. They way I see it, anyhow. B31.3 and other B31.X codes are not that way, but B31.1 is a different animal.

 

[ColonelSanders83]

PVinspector,

What you have stated is the same thing our QA person has said.

I need to be clear on this point. The system will meet code in all aspects, from start to finish. Every requirement governing the design, fabrication, erection and QA invoked by the code for NBEP will be met or exceeded.

That being said B31.1 is normally invoked and used in systems with Boiler External Piping (BEP) present. We have "ABSOLUTELY NO PIPING THAT CAN BE CLASSIFIED AS BEP"

The rules in the code clearly state that NonBoiler External Piping (NBEP) falls under the jurisdiction of ASME B31.1 and does not require mandatory use of a code stamp unlike BEP (BEP falls under the jurisdiction of the ASME BPVC thus the need for a code stamp).

If I have missed a key paragraph in the code which states we need a code stamp on record for all B31.1 Code compliant piping, regardless of the fact we will only produce NBEP could you please direct me where to look? I have been unable to find this information myself and our own QA person could not point it out to me either. I would greatly appreciate any help on this matter.

 

[PVinspector]

ColonelSanders83,

After re-reading the posts and the Scope and Fig. 100.1.2 of B31.1 I think I was too quick and did not pay enough attention to the nonboiler part. I think you are correct for NBEP that stamping and a Code Certificate is not mandatory. The best (and final) solution really is to ask the jurisdiction where it will be installed. If the jurisdiction's concurrence does not convince your QA guy, you have an internal problem, not a Code problem.

 

[mcadiz]

I have a simple question: What is the "standard pressure rating for NPT pipe thread ends (for 2" dia fittings)"???
What does it mean by "working pressure?"

Manny.

 

[brandonb73]

mcadiz, its best to start a new thread for this question. You might want to think about posting it in the "Piping and Fluid Mechanics" forum.

 

[GenB]

BEP B31.1 and Joint "Power Piping' Nees Code Stamping.
NBEP or process piping is a Jurisdictional issue and
under ASME B31.3 needs NO code stamping.
If under 250F and <= 260PSI you may be under Section IV if the piping is for Heating and if the Jurisd. wants, you may have to stamp this piping.

 

[steve99f]

Piping is not within the scope of Section IV.

 

[GenB]

similar to BEP sect I, some jurisdictions are enforcing it under SEct IV, don't blame me, ,maybe the insp. does not know.