Upgrading to latest B&PV Code

[SPND]

I've recently been hired with a company that uses the B&PVC as a basis for their design reports. The latest version of the code we have is July 1995. Would those experienced with the code here highly recommend upgrading to the latest revision? We manufacture penetration sensors for nuclear reactors, most of the components use Inconel and stainless tubing under 1.5" OD, mostly "thick-walled" components. One reason why I think they have not upgraded for a while (besides cost) is that our designs have remained fairly constant for the past 15 years so current designs are reflected by reports using the 1995 Code. I'm looking for possible justification to buy the new code, any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[TGS4]

If you are located in the US (in a state that has adopted the ASME B&PV Code as the law) or Canada, I would say that your justification would be THE LAW! Most juristictions require the latest B&PV Code for new designs.

 

[lostsailor]

fabrication of nuclear components differ in that the code year is stipulated in the design specification and is generally ( for domestic plants ) dependent on the original code year of construction. If you have ASME nuclear stamps then you must have the latest edition/sections depending on the scope of activities.
Regards,
RLS

 

[SPND]

We do not have ASME nuclear stamps. For those who have responded, the company I work for is located in Ontario and most of our products are supplied to US reactor sites through an American distributor. I'm trying to find out if we are required under Ontario Law/Regualtion to have a current copy of the code, any input from knowledgable people would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[ncstate86a]

I am not sure what the law is in Canada. In the US, I believe the edition and the addenda of the ASME Code to be used in EACH INDIVIDUAL PLANT is called out in the FSAR and in Tech Spec's of the plant. No two plants will necessarily use the same edition and addenda; typically it will depend on the date of construction of the plant and whether a plant has gone through the expense of changing tech specs and other licensing/design documents to update to a newer edition/addenda. You should check with you licensing group as to what edition of the ASME Code you are allowed/required to use. Many nuclear plants in the US are required by their plant documents (fsar, tech spec, operating license)to use earlier editions of the code (ie, 1996 eddition, winter addenda).

 

[arto]

Look at IHS - it's expensive, but always up-to-date - don't have to worry about rev. control. They also have referenced ASME spec's.:

http://www.ihserc.com/

You can log into it for access when you're in the field too

 

[VeryPicky]

Adding to my colleagues' posts.

I envisage two different scenarios:
1. Components built by you (and I am not familiar with nuclear reactor configuration) are regulated by provincial laws and you are obligated to comply with the latest edition of the ASME Code. That would be typically the case of pressure envelope. In this case you have to use the latest Code edition regardles if you stamp them with code stamp or not. I strongly advise to talk to Ontario provincial presure equipment authority if you can not establish the scope of their involvement in your product. Also some research of state regulatory bodies of the states where the components are installed should give you enough insight. I found those authorities are very open to cooperation and offer a lot of support.
2. Since the components are not regulated they don't fall under Ontario jurisdiction but require pressure vessel design and ASME Code is used to ensure the design meets integrity requirements. This might be a case of propriatory design. In this case it might not be imperative to use latest code edition. There is a catch though, your designes should ensure that the requirements of the code did not change (e.g. PWHT requirements). Well, it is still advisable to review the latest code edition as minimum.
The purchaser may specify in their purchase order that the latest code edition should be used. I do. Than you don't have much choice anyway.

Having said that, in my opinion use of latest code is justifiable. The Code (I assume Section VIII is used) addresses materials, welding and NDE. Those sections (II, V, IX) are revised regularily to address latest industrial trends and developments in techniques and equipment. I don't think you want to overlook these.

Only in the case of very simple components that do not require PWHT and are "off shelf" items of propriatory design based on ASME 1995 I see no direct need to us the latest edition provided someone confirms no changes to the code sections/paragraphs used. That should be addressed in the manufacturer propriatory design specification.

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