1B1 Chapter 5 Piping and API Codes

1st Class Power Engineering

What is the significance of ASME B31.1 Power Piping?

It provides minimum requirements for safety in the design of new piping and guidance for the repair, replacement, or modification of existing piping.

What types of systems does ASME B31.1 apply to?

It applies to piping in electric-generating stations, industrial and institutional plants, geothermal heating systems, and central and district heating and cooling systems.

What does ASME B31.1 exclude from its coverage?

It excludes pressure equipment covered by the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, low-pressure building heating systems, and other specific piping systems.

What is the primary focus of ASME B31.3 Process Piping?

It is focused on the design and construction of piping systems in process facilities, typically used for utilities.

What is the role of the chief engineer regarding ASME B31.1 and B31.3 Codes?

The chief engineer is responsible for ensuring compliance with the applicable Codes and regulations for piping systems.

What is the purpose of API 510 Pressure Vessel Inspection Code?

It addresses the maintenance inspection, rating, repair, and alteration of pressure vessels in the oil and gas industry.

What does API 570 Inspection Code cover?

It covers the inspection, repair, alteration, and re-rating of in-service piping systems primarily in the oil and gas industry.

What is a pipe defined as in the context of piping?

A pressure-tight cylinder used to convey a fluid or transmit fluid pressure, designated as pipe in applicable material specifications.

What components are included in piping systems?

Components include pipe, tubing, fittings, flanges, gaskets, bolting, valves, and devices like expansion joints and strainers.

What are Codes in the context of piping and pressure systems?

Codes are rules for the design of prescribed systems that are enforced by law through provincial and federal legislation.

What is the significance of the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Act in Canada?

It mandates safety regulations for pressure piping, vessels, boilers, and other related systems.

What is the difference in safety factors between ASME B31.1 and ASME B31.3?

ASME B31.1 has a safety factor of 4 to 1, while ASME B31.3 has a safety factor of 3 to 1.

What are the maximum pressure limits for boiler external piping for steam boilers according to ASME B31.9?

The maximum pressure limit is 105 kPa.

What is the maximum temperature limit for steam and condensate piping?

The maximum temperature limit is 185°C.

What is the purpose of the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors Inspection Code?

It provides general rules for the repair of boilers and piping systems based on established expertise.

What is the scope of ASME B31.1 regarding fuel gas or fuel oil piping?

It covers fuel gas or fuel oil piping from the distribution system to the plant site, downstream from the outlet of the plant meter.

What is the significance of the ASME B31.1 Code's introduction?

It emphasizes the owner's responsibility to select the appropriate Code section for a proposed piping installation.

What is the definition of piping?

Piping is an assembly of components used to convey, distribute, mix, discharge, meter, and control fluid flows.

What types of piping are excluded from ASME B31.1 coverage?

Exclusions include plumbing systems, roof and floor drains, and fuel gas piping inside buildings.

What is the historical context of ASME B31?

The American Standards Institute initiated Project B31 in 1926 to develop Codes for piping across various industries.

What is the expected lifespan of a plant designed to ASME B31.1?

A plant designed to ASME B31.1 is expected to have a lifespan of about 40 years.

What is the expected lifespan of a plant designed to ASME B31.3?

A plant designed to ASME B31.3 is expected to have a lifespan of about 25 years.

What does the term 'piping components' refer to?

Mechanical elements suitable for joining into pressure-tight fluid-containing piping systems.

What are the responsibilities of organizations repairing pressure equipment?

They must follow specific requirements mandated by provincial governments for the repair of boilers, pressure vessels, and piping systems.

What does boiler external piping include?

Piping that is part of the boiler but external to it, covering systems like feedwater, main steam, vent, drain, blowoff, and chemical feed piping.

What is non-boiler external piping?

Piping beyond the boiler, which falls under ASME B31.1 regulations.

What is the primary purpose of ASME B31.1?

To provide guidelines for the design, repair, replacement, or modification of power piping systems.

What does ASME B31.1 Code parallel?

It parallels and supplements ASME Section I, which pertains to Power Boilers.

What is the responsibility of the Owner under ASME B31.1?

To determine the appropriate Code Section and ensure compliance with engineering design and safety requirements.

What is the designer's responsibility according to ASME B31.1?

To ensure that the engineering design of piping complies with the Code and any additional requirements set by the Owner.

What are the responsibilities of the manufacturer, fabricator, and erector?

To provide materials and workmanship that comply with the Code and engineering design requirements.

What is the role of the inspector in non-boiler external piping?

To ensure compliance with engineering design and Code requirements.

How many chapters and appendices does ASME B31.1 consist of?

Six chapters and 13 appendices.

What are the main chapters of ASME B31.1?

1. Scope and Definitions, 2. Design, 3. Materials, 4. Standards, 5. Fabrication, Assembly and Erection, 6. Inspection, Examination and Testing.

What is design pressure in the context of ASME B31.1?

The most severe coincident conditions that result in the greatest pipe wall thickness or highest required pressure class.

What factors must be considered when determining design pressure?

Internal pressure conditions, including thermal expansion, surge, and control device failures.

What is the requirement for boiler external feedwater piping design pressure?

It must exceed the boiler maximum allowable working pressure by 25% or 1550 kPa, whichever is less.

What is the significance of the 25% higher pressure requirement for feedwater piping?

It accounts for shock service and surge pressures in the piping system.

What does ASME B31.1 paragraph 122.5 address?

Pressure reducing valves and their requirements for downstream piping.

What types of piping systems are specified in ASME B31.1?

Steam piping, feedwater piping, blowoff and blowdown piping, drain piping, and more.

What does ASME B31.1 Nonmandatory Appendix V recommend?

Best practices for operation, maintenance, and modification of power piping systems.

What is the purpose of the Authorized Inspector in boiler external piping?

To ensure compliance with the engineering design and Code requirements.

What is the relationship between ASME B31.1 and ASME B31.3?

ASME B31.1 provides system-specific rules, while ASME B31.3 focuses on service conditions.

What is the design condition for piping systems according to ASME B31.1?

Design conditions are not intended to combine the highest potential pressure and temperature unless they occur simultaneously.

What is the purpose of the piping system-specific rules in ASME B31.1?

To ensure safe and effective design and operation of power piping systems.

What is the significance of the term 'non-boiler external piping'?

It defines the piping that is outside the boiler's boundary, governed by ASME B31.1.

What is the importance of demonstrating engineering validity in ASME B31.1?

Designers must show that their approach meets safety and compliance standards to the satisfaction of the Owner and Authorized Inspector.

What does the term 'boiler proper piping' refer to?

Piping that is part of the boiler as defined by ASME Section I.

What is the role of the ASME B31.1 Code in existing piping systems?

It provides guidance for the repair, replacement, or modification of existing piping.

What are the key considerations for temporary piping systems under ASME B31.1?

They must adhere to specific requirements outlined in the Code to ensure safety.

What does the term 'design temperature' refer to in ASME B31.1?

The maximum temperature that a piping system is designed to withstand under operating conditions.

What is the purpose of the ASME B31.1 Code's conservative approach?

To ensure safety and reliability in the design and operation of power piping systems.

What does ASME B31.3 primarily focus on?

Piping safety and minimum requirements for safety.

Which types of facilities does ASME B31.3 cover?

Chemical plants, oil refineries, loading terminals, bulk processing plants, cryogenic piping, pulp and paper mills, steel mills, and beer breweries.

What are the optional piping systems mentioned in ASME B31.3?

Steam piping from a boiler outside Section 1 jurisdiction and refrigeration piping in packaged systems.

Does ASME B31.3 apply to the operation or maintenance of piping systems?

No, it does not address operation or maintenance of piping systems that have been placed in service.

What is the intent of ASME B31.3 regarding existing piping?

It is not intended for evaluating existing piping; API 570 should be used for inspection of in-service piping.

What does paragraph 300(c)(2) of ASME B31.3 state?

The Code is not intended to apply to the operation, examination, inspection, testing, maintenance, or repair of in-service piping.

What does paragraph 300(c)(3) of ASME B31.3 indicate about engineering requirements?

It states that while the requirements are necessary for safe design, a designer may use more rigorous analysis if they can demonstrate its validity.

What does paragraph 300(c)(4) of ASME B31.3 emphasize about piping elements?

Piping elements should conform to the specifications and standards listed in the Code, but unlisted components may be used if qualified.

What is the significance of paragraph 300(c)(5) in ASME B31.3?

It requires that any unusual service requirements beyond the Code must be specified by the engineering design.

What is the philosophy of ASME B31.3 regarding detailed procedures?

The Code does not rigorously detail every procedure or approve every component; it allows for the use of unlisted components and materials.

What analysis method is mentioned in ASME B31.3 for more rigorous design?

Finite element analysis.

What is the maximum allowable working pressure related to in ASME B31.3?

It relates to the piping's maximum allowable pressure at system temperature, not the design conditions.

What does ASME B31.1 state about block valves?

Block valves are prohibited from the inlet to pressure relieving safety devices and from discharge piping of such devices.

What is the purpose of the additional thickness 'A' in piping design?

To compensate for corrosion, erosion, and material removed for threading.

How is the design temperature determined in ASME B31.1?

It is assumed to be the same as the fluid temperature unless calculations support a different temperature.

What does ASME B31.1 paragraph 101.3.2(c) require for piping from fired equipment?

The design temperature must be based on expected continuous operating conditions plus the manufacturer's maximum temperature tolerance.

What is the reference standard for pipe support design according to ASME B31.3?

MSS SP-58.

What does Chapter VI of ASME B31.3 cover?

Inspection, examination, and testing requirements and standards for piping systems.

Who is responsible for inspection of boiler external piping?

An Authorized Inspector.

What does ASME B31.3 say about using variations to override component standards?

It does not allow the variations provision to override limitations of component standards or manufacturer specifications.

What is the significance of the ASME B31.3 Code in process piping?

It provides a framework for ensuring safety in the design and construction of process piping systems.

What is the role of ASME Section I in relation to ASME B31.3?

It refers to boiler external piping standards for pressure-relieving devices.

What is the main concern of ASME B31.3 Code?

Safety in the design and construction of process piping.

What does the term 'design temperature' refer to in ASME B31.3?

The temperature assumed for the fluid in the piping system during design.

What is the purpose of the Allowable Stress Tables in ASME B31.3?

To provide allowable stress values for metallic materials based on their properties.

What is the significance of the minimum thickness calculation in piping design?

It ensures the pipe can withstand internal pressure and other stresses.

What is the primary responsibility of the Owner in relation to ASME B31.3?

The Owner is responsible for determining which Code Section to use and ensuring compliance with the Code.

What are the three fluid service categories defined in ASME B31.3?

Normal, Category D, and Category M fluid service.

What characterizes Category D fluid service?

Category D includes fluids that are nontoxic, nonflammable, and not dangerous to human tissue, with pressures less than 1035 kPa and temperatures from -29°C to 186°C.

What is the definition of Category M fluid service?

A fluid service where the potential for personnel exposure is significant, and a small quantity of a toxic fluid can cause serious irreversible harm.

What is the Owner's role in selecting fluid service categories?

The Owner must designate the fluid service category and cannot select Category D or M without their permission.

What is the significance of the ASME B31.3 Code's Chapter VIII?

Chapter VIII contains rules for piping in Category M fluid service, which includes more stringent requirements for hazardous fluids.

What does Chapter IX of the ASME B31.3 Code address?

Chapter IX contains rules for high-pressure piping and is optional for the Owner to select.

What is the numbering scheme for paragraphs in the ASME B31.3 Code?

Paragraphs are designated in the 300 range, with specific letters indicating chapters: A for Chapter VII, M for Chapter VIII, and K for Chapter IX.

What is the purpose of the flowchart in Appendix M of the ASME B31.3 Code?

The flowchart provides guidance for classifying fluid services, but it is not a Code requirement.

What are listed components in ASME B31.3?

Listed components comply with standards in Table 326.1; unlisted components do not.

What is the Owner's responsibility regarding more stringent requirements for fluid services?

The Owner may specify more stringent rules than those provided in Chapter VIII for Category M fluid substances.

What is the general content structure of ASME B31.3?

The Code consists of nine chapters, with the first six providing basic requirements for Normal and Category D fluid service.

What does the term 'turnkey' construction imply regarding the Owner?

In 'turnkey' construction, the Owner is the organization to which the facility will be turned over, not the contractor.

What is the significance of the condition of the fluid on leakage for Category D?

The condition of the fluid on leakage must be considered, not just the fluid within the pipe.

What is an example of a fluid that may be classified as Category D?

Water piping is a common example of Category D fluid service.

What is the potential exposure risk for fluids classified as Category M?

For Category M, the potential for personnel exposure must be judged significant, with serious harm possible from small quantities.

What are the implications of a fluid being classified as Normal fluid service?

Normal fluid service rules are considered suitable for hazardous services, providing a baseline for safety.

What is the purpose of the ASME B31.3 Code?

The Code provides guidelines and requirements for the design, fabrication, examination, inspection, and testing of piping systems.

What is the temperature limitation for Chapter IX piping?

Chapter IX is limited to temperatures below the creep regime for the material.

What is the role of the piping designer in relation to the Owner's responsibilities?

The piping designer should inform the Owner of their responsibilities regarding fluid service selection.

What is the significance of using the same paragraph numbers across chapters?

It allows for easy cross-referencing between chapters and avoids repetition of requirements.

What is a key characteristic of Category M fluids?

Category M fluids include those that can cause serious harm upon exposure, necessitating higher integrity piping.