Using ASME codes for sites within the EU, and achieving CE mark 4

[borobam182]

Hello,

I have an issue which is confusing me a little and I'm hoping someone can help.

I have 2 questions:

Is it possible to achieve CE marking if you're designing to American codes - ASME?

What is the stance on using ASME on sites in the EU?

The site is in UK / Europe.

As far as I'm concerned, EN codes must be used for the site location - BS EN 13480-3 for design. But I'm being told that ASME is the code we must use by the client. I'm struggling to find a line in either code to direct me which route to take. I was also under the impression that the client can dictate the code based on what they have nominated for their site, but they are looking to us for guidance.

Thank you in advance

Craig.

 

[LittleInch]

I'm no expert on CE, but as far as I know this relates to packages and items.

"ASME" is a very broad term - can you define a bit more which codes you're looking at.

Usually of more importance is the particular legislation and safety laws / systems applicable in the country / location you're building this.

E.g. In the UK the use of ASME B 31.3 for station piping is widespread and common place with ASME B 16.5 flanges etc used.

On pipeline though the use of BS PD 8010 or IGEM TD/1 is "strongly encouraged" by the HSE and I'm not aware of any major pipeline built to e.g;. B31.4 or B 31.8. In Europe similar custom and practices apply where individual countries still retain their own preferred design code, especially for gas pipelines.

See

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pressure-systems/law.htm

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[borobam182]

Hi LittleInch

Thank you for the response.

We are looking to design the piping systems to ASME B31.3 and looking to use pipe, flanges and fittings called up from ASME B36.10, B16.5 and B16.9.

I have completed PMA's in the past to confirm conformity of American material (A106 Gr B) on projects based in the UK when BS EN 13480 has been used. So I've no issue with using American material with EU design codes, but its the issue of using American design codes and materials in the EU.

Thanks

Craig

 

[robyengIT]

UE is issuing a standard EN 11111 (number is for example only)
I am in Italy and I follow the Italian edition of the UE standards that is UNI EN 11111 (when the Italian Authority states that said standard has to be performed). But every country is entitled to add some additional specs to the common UE standard. That means if you want to sell in a different country you should comply with the common Standard EN 11111 + the local complementary additional standard.
Conclusions : in Europe you can fulfill any Standard you like (i.e. ASME) but you have to specify it and the quality controlling Authority (i.e. according to ISO 9001) will issue a quality certificate stating the compliance of your company work with the ASME standard. This is possible, of course, if the job to be done must comply with ASME standard and that is stated/accepted by the Authority of the European country where the job is done

 

[XL83NL]

Hi Craig, we do this all the time with our plants. Our piping is designed for 95% to B31.3, whereas 95% of our plants are for the EU and require CE-marking to various directives, incl. PED 2014/68/EU.

Using harmonized standards for PED applications certainly can be useful, as they assume compliance with the PED such that further action is not required. However, reading the PED guidelines, and the PED itself as well, its not mandated to use harmonized standards. In fact, Ive found it quite hard to work acc EN 13480. The code is not always clear, still contains a lot of bugs. Material sourcing for even the simplest items in 316 can be a pain in the %@#, if not impossible ... so we prefer B31.3.

For piping, refer to CEN/TR 14549 for more details on how to apply B31.3 in combination with the PED. Allthough that guideline has been used some time ago when PED 97/23/EC was still in effect, the contents can still be applied in the context of the new PED. ASME B31.3 appendix N also references CEN/TR 14549.

PMA's is one thing to look out for. An IOM also (Installation, Operation & Maintenance manual). Other than that, there's nothing really special. One thing weve been doing the last couple of years is applying 1 nameplate on each unique set of pipe spools which together fall under 1 linenumber, provided that pipe spool is in PED cat I or higher.

For pressure vessels, ASME PTB-10 may be useful in the same context.

Roby made a valid point, allthough I havent had any trouble in the past using the specific xx-EN 13480 standard for a specific country. I havent found additional things in any such standard.

So to answer your questions;

Is it possible to achieve CE marking if you're designing to American codes - ASME?

Yes.

What is the stance on using ASME on sites in the EU?

See above, it is allowed. As an example, Shell DEPs for EU sites are based on B31.3, so youre not the only one.

 

[borobam182]

Roby,

Thank you for your input. It ties in with XL83NL's post as well.

XL83NL,

Thank you for your detailed response. It gives me the confidence that it can be done.
Also, thank you for referring me to the CEN/TR 14549 code, I wasn't aware of that. I will get my hands on that and review.
In the past, I have done PMA's, completed the IOM's, done the heath and safety risk assessment, and review the essential site safety requirements as part of the PED process.
But as I say, you have reassured me that it can be done, as long as we follow the correct methodologies. I'd hate to embark on the design using ASME 31.3, spec ASTM material and then run into issues due to the site being in the EU. The fact that the client is also pushing us that way gives me even more confidence that this is the way to go.

Thanks again,

Craig.