ASME Introduction & Inspection of Pressure Vessels: DOWNLOAD PDF

Introduction to the ASME Code

Keywords: ASME Code, Boiler & Pressure (B&PV) Vessel Code; Rules of Construction; Power Boilers; ASME Pressure Vessels; Welding Qualifications

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Code is a widely recognized set of standards and guidelines for the design, construction, and operation of various mechanical systems and equipment. The ASME Code remains a worldwide model for assuring equipment and vessel safety, reliability and operational efficiency. The Code is kept current by nearly 1,000 volunteer technical experts. The boiler and pressure vessel sections have long been considered essential within the electric power-generation, petrochemical, transportation and other industries.
ASME issued its first standard, “Code for the Conduct of Trials of Steam Boilers” in 1884. It subsequently evolved into “Rules for the Construction of Stationary Boilers and for Allowable Working Pressure” – the first edition of ASME’s now-legendary Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (B&PVC) issued in 1914 and published in 1915.
Over the years, the code expanded to incorporate other mechanical systems, such as nuclear power plants, piping, elevators, and cranes, among others. This expansion reflected the growing need for comprehensive safety guidelines in an increasingly diverse range of mechanical engineering applications.
The ASME Code quickly gained recognition within the engineering community due to its rigorous technical standards and commitment to safety. State and local governments in the United States began adopting the code, making it mandatory for the construction and operation of various mechanical systems.
Technical committees composed of experienced professionals and subject matter experts continually review, update, and develop the code’s provisions to adapt to technological advancements and emerging industry needs. These committees ensure that the ASME Code remains current, reflecting the best practices and state-of-the-art knowledge in various engineering disciplines.

Pressure Vessel Inspections

The Pressure Vessel Inspections article provides you information about the inspection of pressure vessels and pressure vessel tests in a manufacturing shop. You may want to review the pressure vessel inspection procedure and corresponding inspection and test plan.
Pressure Vessel Definition - Based on the ASME Code Section VIII, pressure vessels are containers for the containment of pressure, either internal or external.
This pressure may be obtained from an external source, or by the application of heat from a direct or indirect source, or any combination thereof.
ASME Code Section 8 - ASME Code Section 8 is the construction code for Pressure Vessels.
This Code section addresses mandatory requirements, specific prohibitions, and non-mandatory guidance for pressure vessel materials, design, fabrication, examination, inspection, testing, certification, and pressure relief.
You may know that ASME Code Section 8 has three divisions. Division 1 covers pressure up to 3,000 psi, Division 2 has an alternative rule and covers up to 10,000 psi, and Division 3 can be used for pressure higher than 10,000 psi.
This section is divided into three parts: subsections, mandatory appendices, and non-mandatory appendices.
Subsection A consists of Part UG, covering the general requirements applicable to all pressure vessels.
Subsection B covers specific requirements that are applicable to the various methods used in the fabrication of pressure vessels. It consists of Parts UW, UF, and UB, and deals with welded, forged, and brazed methods, respectively.
Subsection C covers specific requirements applicable to the several classes of materials used in pressure vessel construction.
It consists of Parts UCS, UNF, UHA, UCI, UCL, UCD, UHT, ULW, and ULT dealing with carbon and low alloy steels, nonferrous metals, high alloy steels, cast iron, clad and lined material, cast ductile iron, ferritic steels with properties enhanced by heat treatment, layered construction, and low temperature materials, respectively.

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Pipe stress analysis using a computer model of the piping system ; DOWNLODE PDF

What is pipe stress analysis?

Pipe stress analysis is a testing method that examines a piping system’s behavior under different loading situations.
As such, it’s able to analyze how the material responds to pressure, temperatures, fluid and supports, thus helping engineers:Observe the pipe’s flexibility and stiffness Determine values such as maximum stresses, forces, displacements and restraints Monitor the limits of stress in piping components and their correspondence to applicable standards
Decide on the right support systems to ensure their loads and movements are correct and safe avoiding unsuitable materials that do not support the necessary loads and pressures Notice potential disengagements from support structures and pipes Foresee how mechanical vibrations, seismic loads or acoustic vibrations might influence pipe operations Guarantee pipes are leak-proof to prevent leakage Select appropriate materials that meet strength and durability requirements All in all, the main reason to perform pipe stress analysis is to guarantee maximum safety wherever pipe systems are installed, so that pipe failures can be minimized. The right pipe analysis can also extend the pipe’s life cycle and ensure the quality and integrity of the transported product.

Main types of piping stresses?

Certain pressure, temperature and vibration conditions, as well as occasional loads, all have an impact on pipe systems. As such, the main piping stresses can be divided in 5 categories:Hoop stress: a type of uniform pressure applied internally or externally, it can have an impact on the pipe’s diameter and wall thickness.
Axial stress: caused by factors such as thermal or pressure expansions, as well as applied forces that result in the pipe’s restrained axial growth. As different materials react differently to this type of stress, pipe stress analysis remains crucial to detect this issue.
Bending stress: it originates by certain body forces that can be concentrated (such as those related to valves) or occasional (such as the ones created by atmospheric forces, including seismic movements or extreme wind events). Bending stress can also be detected as forced displacements that are generated by the growth of other equipment and piping that ultimately impacts the analyzed pipe.
Torsional stress: caused by body forces that bring about rotational moments around the pipe axis.
Fatigue stress: this is created by the combination of continuous stresses that may impact certain pipe systems.
Additionally, it’s also important to understand the three categories of loads that influence pipe stress:Primary or sustained stresses, which account for 55% of the standard allowable stress following ASME standards Displacement stresses, which should be kept between 80% to 90% of allowed ASME requirements and can be reduced by adding flexibility to the piping systemOccasional stresses, originated by one-time events (typically related to seismic movements, extreme wind events or relief-thrust loads). ASME codes allow for certain increases in the event of these stresses, including allowing a 15% increase if the event lasts less than 8 hours and less than 800 hours per year (wind-related) and a 20% increase if the event lasts less than 1 hour and less than 80 hours per year (seismic movements and relief thrust).

How to perform a pipe stress analysis?

When is pipe stress analysis recommendedOperating temperatures are 150F or higher Pipe or line sizes are 4’ or above.
When rotating equipment is considered, the analysis should take care when line size is 2 ½” and above If pressure vessels are connected, analysis are performed when line size is 6″ and above Cryogenic pipe systems and those carrying hazardous chemicals must be subject to pipe stress analysis When the system is complex (branches are multiple) When a lack of flexibility is detected When the pipe is subject to vibrations (for instance, when suction or discharging operations occur) If the plant is in an area of high seismic activity.

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PIPE SYSTEM DESIGN - DOWNLOAD PDF

 

CONTENT

Pipe System Design.
The design of a pipe system requires a detailed map of the city, showing contours (or all controlling elevations) and the location of present and future streets and lots.
After studying the topography and selecting the location of distribution reservoirs, the city may be divided into districts, each to be served by a separate distribution system.

The probable maximum use (allowing for fire and future growth) for each sub-area of the city must be estimated.A skeleton system of supply mains leading from a distribution reservoir is assumed.
These supply mains must be large enough to deliver the expected requirements with adequate pressure.
The Hardy Cross method is used to determine the discharge and head loss in each pipe of the network.
The effect of the flow in auxiliary mains is neglected at first but may be accounted for later.

Flow in the supply-main network is analyzed for fire use located in several different areas of the district to check the adequacy of the system under various patterns of withdrawal.In selecting supply mains, possible future capacity requirements should be considered.It may prove much wiser to anticipate future requirements than to replace the main with a larger one at some future date.

After the supply-main network is selected, distribution mains are added to the system.

The hydraulic computations can be only approximate since all factors affecting the flow cannot possibly be accounted for.Minor distribution mains which serve fire hydrants should be at least 6 inches in diameter in residential areas and 8 or 10 inches in diameter in high-value districts.
Street mains serving only domestic needs are normally 2 or 4 inches of pipe.

Valves in Pipe System Design.
The valve layout in a water distribution system is an important part of the pipe system design.

Types of Valves.
Numerous other types of valves are required, but by far the most common are gate valves, which should be not more than 1/4 mi apart.
A closer spacing is preferable in order to minimize the area cut off from water during repairs.Air-relief valves should be provided at summits and drain valve: at low points.

Air-relief valves should be provided at summits and drain valve: at low points.

Gate valves over 12 inches in size are usually placed in manholes to permit inspection and are provided with concrete supports to prevent settling.
Small valves are accessible from the street through cast-iron valve boxes in which a special wrench can be inserted.Valve; can become inoperable because of corrosion or sediment accumulation and should be inspected at least once a year.
Standardized locations for gate valves (such as the northeast corner of an intersection) permit them to be found readily in emergencies.

Altitude valves to prevent the overflow of elevated tanks are usually designed to operate automatically.

Pressure regulating valves may be used to divide the distribution system into various pressure zones.

Fire Hydrants in Pipe System.

Fire hydrants should be not more than 500 ft apart to avoid excessive head loss in the fire hose. They are usually much closer in high-value districts.
Hydrants are preferably placed at intersections so that they can be used in all directions from the corner.

Types of Fire Hydrants.
There are several types of fire hydrants and many designs within each type.

Flush hydrants are located in pits below the ground surface. They are not recommended for regions of heavy snowfall.

Wall hydrants project from the wall of a building and are used extensively in commercial districts.

Post hydrants, which extend about 3 ft above the ground near the curb line, are most easily located.The hydrant is usually placed on a concrete block to eliminate settling and braced to resist the lateral forces of the flowing water.
Hydrants are provided with one or more 2-1/2 inches hose outlets and a 4 inches pumper connection if fire-department pumpers are to be used.In cold climates, the valve is located below ground level so that the barrel contains no water except when in use.

A drain valve opens automatically when the hydrant valve is closed, to permit the escape of water after use and avoid damage by freezing.This type of hydrant in pipe system can be designed in such a way that the valve is not likely to open if the hydrant is broken off by a car.
In warm climates, the hydrant barrel may contain water at all times, and an individual valve is provided for each outlet.

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API 570 Piping Inspection - Download PDF

Overview of API 570 - Piping Inspection Code
API 570, Piping Inspection Code: In-Service Inspection, Repair, and Alteration of Piping Systems, is an inspection code developed and published by the American Petroleum Institute (API). The inspection code covers in-service inspection, rating repair, and alteration of metallic and fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) piping systems and their respective pressure relieving devices. The most recent edition (4th Ed.) was released February 2016.

First published in 1993, API 570 establishes the requirements and guidelines needed to maintain the safety and mechanical integrity of piping systems after they have been commissioned. While it was primarily intended for those systems in the petroleum and chemical processing industries, this code can be applied to any industry that uses piping systems.

API 570 does not cover inspection, repair, or alteration procedures for specialty equipment or equipment that has been decommissioned. However, piping systems that are temporarily out of service and may be recommissioned in the future are covered by API 570.

API RP 574 supplements API 570 to provide information and best practices that assist practitioners in the “how to” inspect piping and common piping components.

Who is API 570 Pipe Inspector ?
Certified API 570 Piping inspectors must have a broad knowledge base relating to maintenance, inspection, alteration and repair of in-service metallic piping systems. The API 570 examination is designed to determine if applicants have such knowledge.

This certification program benefits employers and the industry as a whole by helping to:

• Provide a continued high level of safety through the use of inspectors specialized in process piping
• Improve management control of process unit inspection, repair, alteration and rerating
• Reduce the potential for inspection delays resulting from regulatory requirements

API 570 certification is valid for a three-year term and is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This accreditation ensures that the exam has been developed to the highest standard for openness and integrity and meets the rigorous requirements established under the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17024.

Industry Application
API 570 applies to piping systems that involve process fluids, hydrocarbons, chemical products, natural gas, high-pressure gasses, and other flammable or toxic fluids. Some piping systems such as fluid services operating below a certain threshold or fluid services involving water are optional in regards to API 570 requirements. Furthermore, fitness-for-service assessments and risk-based inspection are accepted methods under API 570 for evaluating on-stream piping systems and pressure containing components.

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Process Piping Fundamentals, Codes and Standards - Download PDF

This course provides fundamental knowledge in the design of process piping. It covers the guidance on the applicable codes and materials. This course is the 1st of a 9-module series that cover the entire gamut of piping engineering. All topics are introduced to readers with no or limited background on the subject.

1.What is Process Piping?
Process piping refers to a network of interconnected pipes, fittings, valves, and other components used to transport fluids within an industrial facility. These systems facilitate the movement of various substances, including water, chemicals, petroleum products, gases, steam, air, refrigerants, and many more. Process piping is designed to handle specific fluid types and meet stringent safety and performance standards.

2.Components of Process Piping
Process Piping consists of a large variety of piping components. Some of the most widely used piping components for process piping are:
Note that various equipment like pressure vessel, pumps, compressors, turbines, heat exchangers, etc forms the complete system to operate the facility successfully but they are not part of process piping. They are used in process piping to complete the process piping system for performing the function of the system.

3.Materials for Process Piping
The choice of materials for process piping depends on factors such as fluid characteristics, temperature, pressure, and the environment. Common materials include:

4.Codes and Standards for Process Piping
Even though ASME B31.3 is the main governing code for process piping, various other codes and standards are referred to design different components of the piping system.

5.Installation Techniques and Standards
Process piping installation requires adherence to specific guidelines and industry standards to ensure safety and reliability. Proper installation techniques involve activities like pipe routing, cutting, threading, welding, and pressure testing. Standards such as ASME B31.3, ASME B31.1, and API 570 outline best practices for the design, fabrication, inspection, and testing of process piping systems.

6.Maintenance and Safety Considerations
Regular maintenance is crucial for the optimal performance and longevity of process piping systems. This includes inspection for leaks, corrosion, and mechanical damage, as well as cleaning and periodic replacement of components. Safety considerations involve implementing appropriate measures to prevent leaks, spills, and accidents, including the use of safety barriers, pressure relief devices, and emergency shutdown systems.

Content
This course is divided in Three (3) chapters:
CHAPTER -1: THE BASICS OF PIPING SYSTEM .
CHAPTER – 2: DEFINITIONS, TERMINOLOGY AND ESSENTIAL VOCABULARY.
CHAPTER – 3: DESIGN CODES AND STANDARDS.

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Welding Processes Basic - Download PDF

CONTENT

1. MIG – Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
MIG welding is a simple, popular form of welding, a novice can operate and master the art easily.
MIG stands for metal inert gas and sometimes may be called gas metal arc welding (GMAW). It is a semi-automatic, quick process where filler wire is fed through the gun, and shielding gas is expelled around to protect from environmental impurities. The filler wire is fed on a spool to act as an electrode as well.

2. Stick – Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
These are century-old types of welding processes and improve regularly from time to time. It is popular welding because of its low cost, and easy and simple operability. The process comes with spatter welding that needs cleanup, essentially.

3. TIG – Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
TIG welding is possible with no filler material. The non-consumable tungsten electrode is used to create the arc when contacting the base metal. The strong arc melts the two metals and joins them. You may use filler wire if required. We need a constant supply of shielding gas to protect welding from environmental impurities. It works better indoors and away from the elements.

4. Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW)
FCAW is similar to MIG welding, as the power source can perform both types of welding. MIG welding needs filler wire working as an electrode fed continuously from the gun. Conversely, FCAW has a wire with its core as flux and creates a gas shielding zone around the weld. No need for any external shielding gas in this welding type. The process is versatile and works for thick metals.

5. Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)
SAW produces strong welds with deep penetration, with minimal preparation quickly and efficiently. It protects the welder from UV light and infrared radiation because of the flux layer.

6. Gas Welding/Oxyacetylene Welding
One of the hottest methods of welding at 3500 degrees Celsius. The temperature of welding here reaches seven times as hot as the biggest, hottest pizza oven. It generates heat when a mixture of fuel gases and oxygen passes in a torch. The process involves three types of flames: neutral flame, carburizing flame, and oxidizing flame.
The advantages of the welding process are many. It is portable because of pressurized gas filled in a handy steel cylinder. It is fairly easy to use, and versatile for different sizes of metals. It is a very safe and economical option where a novice can perfo.

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Technical Data HandBook for Butt Weld Pipe Fitting and Forged Steel Fittings - Download PDF

Content

ASME (Inchs)
Wrought Carbon Steel Butt Weld Pipe Fittings
Wrought Stainless Steel Butt Weld Pipe Fittings

ASME(mm)
Wrought Carbon Steel Butt Weld Pipe Fittings
Wrought Stainless Steel Butt Weld Pipe Fittings

KS/JIS
Wrought Carbon Steel Butt Weld Pipe Fittings
Wrought Stainless Steel Butt Weld Pipe Fittings

High Pressure Fittings
High Pressure Manifold Fittings
Api Flange Studded Crosses & Tees
Api Flange - Type 6bx

Forged Steel Fittings
Forged Steel Socket-Welding & Threaded Fittings
Socket-Welding Type (ASME)
Threaded Type
Outlet
Socket-Welding Type (KS/JIS)

Referances
Welding End Preparations for ASME B16.9
Welding End Preparations for KS/JIS
Dimensional Tolerances for ASME B16.9
Dimensional Tolerances for MSS SP-43
Dimensional Tolerances for KS/JIS
Standard Threads Specification
Approx Weight Equation
Butt-Welding Fittings Approx Weight
Comparison ASTM Specifications and Similar Standards
Materials Specifications for Butt-Welding Fittings
ASTM Materials (A234, A403 and A420)
Materials Specifications for Fittings JIS Materials
Wall Thickness of Welded and Seamless Pipe
Carbon, Alloy & Stainless Steel

Appendix
About Weld Fittings and Flanges
Useful Formulas
Conversion Factors
Fittings
Weld Ends
Welding Guide

Specification 

KS : KOREAN INDUSTRIAL STANDARDS
KS B 1522 :- Steel Butt Welding Pipe Fittings for Ordinary use and Fuel Gas.
KS B 1522 :- Steel Butt Welding Pipe Fittings.
KS B 1542 :- Steel Socket Welding Pipe Fittings.
KS B 1543 :- Steel Plate Butt Welding Pipe Fittings.

JIS : JAPANESE INDUSTRIAL STANDARDS
JIS B 2311 :- Steel Butt Welding Pipe Fittings for Ordinary use.
JIS B 2312 :- Steel Butt Welding Pipe Fittings.
JIS B 2313 :- Steel Plate Butt Welding Pipe Fittings.
JIS B 2316 :- Steel Socket Welding Pipe Fittings.

ASTM : AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS
ASTM A 105 :- Carbon Steel Forgings for Piping Applications.
ASTM A 182 :- Forged or Rolled Alloy Steel Pipe Flanges, Forged Fittings, and Valves and Parts for high Temperature Service.
ASTM A 234 :- Piping Fittings of Wrought Carbon Steel and Alloy Steel for Moderate and High Temperature Service.
ASTM A 350 :- Carbon and Low-Alloy Steel Forgings, Requiring Notch Toughness Testing for Piping Components.
ASTM A 403 :- Wrought Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping Fittings.
ASTM A 420 :- Piping Fittings of Wrought Carbon Steel and Alloy Steel for Low-Temperature Service.
ASTM A 694 :- Carbon and Alloy Steel Forgings for Pipe Flanges, Fittings, Valves, and Parts for High-Pressure Transmission Service.
ASTM A 815 :- Wrought Ferritic, Ferritic/Austenitic, and Martensitic Stainless Steel Piping Fittings.
ASTM A 860 :- Wrought High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel Butt-Welding Fittings.
ASTM B 366 :- Factory-Made Wrought Nickel and Nickel Alloy Fittings.

MSS : MANUFACTURERS STANDARDIZATION SOCIETY OF THE VALVE AND FITTINGS INDUSTRY
MSS SP-25 :- Standard Marketing System for Valves, Fittings, Flanges and Unions.
MSS SP-43 :- Wrought Stainless Steel Butt Welding Fittings.
MSS SP-44 :- Standard for Steel Pipe Line Flanges.
MSS SP-75 :- Specification for High Test Wrought Butt Welding Fittings.
MSS SP-79 :- Socket Welding Reducer Inserts.
MSS SP-83 :- Carbon Steel Pipe Union Socket welding and Threaded.
MSS SP-87 :- Factory-Made Butt Welding Fittings for Class 1 Nuclear Piping Applications.
MSS SP-95 :- Swage(d) Nipples and Bull Plugs.
MSS SP-97 :- Integrally Reinforced Forged Branch Outlet Fittings- socket Welding, Threaded and Butt Welding Ends.

ASME : AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS
ASME : ASME BOILER AND PRESSURE VESSEL CODE AN INTERNATIONAL CODE
ASME B 16.5 :- Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings.
ASME B 16.9 :- Factory Made Wrought Steel Butt Welding Fittings.
ASME B 16.11 :- Forged Fittings, Socket welding and Threaded
ASME B 16.25 :- Butt Welding Ends.
ASME B 36.10 :- Welded and Seamless Wrought Steel Pipe.
ASME B 36.19 :- Stainless Steel Pipe.
ASME B 31.1 :- Power piping.
ASME B 31.3 :-Process piping.
ASME SECTION I :- Materials.
ASME SECTION III:- Rules for Construction of Nuclear Facirity Components.
ASME SECTION V:- Nondestructive Examination.
ASME SECTION VIII:- Rule for Construction of Pressure Vessels.
ASME SECTION IX:-Welding and Brazing Qualifications.

API : AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE
API 5L :- Line Pipe.

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