ASME B31 Piping Standards Overview part 2

Overview of B31 Specifications

Introduction to AES and Presentation Structure

• Chris Kurzick introduces himself as the principal engineer at Athabasca Engineering Solutions (AES), which specializes in third-party value evaluations, training, certification, and equipment re-rating.

• The presentation will cover summaries of applications for B31 specifications, focusing on B31.4 and B31.8 for pipelines, followed by MEP315 for refrigeration, B31.9 for building services, and a new specification called B3112 for hydrogen service.

Details on B31.4 Liquid Pipeline Systems

• B31.4 applies to liquid pipeline systems connecting production fields to various facilities such as tank farms and refineries.

• It also governs the transportation of liquids within pump stations and terminals; ASME has created figures 400 to clarify when to use this code.

• Key liquids covered include crude oil, natural gas liquids, carbon dioxide (supercritical), slurries, alcohols, anhydrous ammonia, produced water, brine, and biofuels.

• Exclusions from B31.4 include building service piping below certain temperature limits and oil well assemblies.

Overview of B31.8 Gas Transmission Systems

• Separate requirements exist under B31.8 for gas transmission systems due to their unique safety aspects compared to liquid systems.

• This section covers natural gas piping systems including compressor stations and treatment facilities; NFPA 58 and 59 regulations apply when handling gases like butane or propane.

• Excluded items from this specification are pressure vessels and heat exchangers; exceptions exist for specific types of piping within oil refineries.

Transitioning to Refrigeration Piping with B31.5

• After discussing pipeline specifications (B31.4 & 8), the focus shifts to refrigeration piping under ASME B31.5 which is primarily used in the U.S., while CSA is more common in Canada.

• This specification includes secondary coolant piping down to -196°C but excludes self-contained unit systems like underwater laboratories.

Summary of Building Services with B31.9

• ASME B31.9 applies to industrial buildings covering various services such as water heating units up to specified pressures; it includes a wide range of materials.

• A summary table outlines pressure limits across different applications including steam boilers and non-toxic gases; local jurisdictional requirements must be checked.

Hydrogen Service Piping and Pipelines Overview

Exclusions in Hydrogen Service Specifications

• The presentation discusses the exclusion of certain equipment from specifications, including economizers, heaters, pumps, tanks, heat exchangers, and boiler pressure vessel equipment.

• The focus is on B31.12 specification for hydrogen service piping and pipelines as part of the developing hydrogen economy.

Applications of B31.12 Specification

• B31.12 applies to both gaseous and liquid hydrogen service piping systems.

• It encompasses various applications such as power process transportation, distribution, commercial, and residential uses.

• The specification includes piping up to the joint connecting it to vessels and other equipment.

Current Status of B31.12 Specification

• The B31.12 specification is still evolving with ongoing discussions regarding its implementation.

• Currently excluded from this specification are associated pressure vessels and specialty equipment.