The ASME B31.3 code specifies the minimum requirements for materials, design, fabrication, testing, and inspection of process piping systems. The code covers a wide range of topics, including design pressure and temperature, pipe sizing, wall thickness, materials, flanges, fittings, valves, expansion joints, supports, testing, and inspection.
The code specifies the design pressure and temperature limits for
process piping systems, based on the material, service, and location of the
piping system. The code also provides guidance on how to calculate the required
pipe thickness for a given design pressure and temperature.
ASME B31.3 specifies
the requirements for materials used in process piping systems. It covers a wide
range of materials, including carbon steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys,
copper alloys, and plastics. The code provides guidelines on the selection,
fabrication, and use of these materials in process piping systems.
The code also provides guidelines for the installation of process
piping systems, including welding, bolting, and flanging procedures. It
specifies the requirements for expansion joints and pipe supports, and provides
guidance on how to properly install these components.
ASME B31.3 requires
that all process piping systems be tested and inspected prior to being put into
service. The code specifies the testing and inspection requirements, including
hydrostatic testing, pneumatic testing, and non-destructive examination (NDE)
techniques such as radiography, ultrasonic testing, and magnetic particle
testing.
The ASME B31.3 code is regularly updated to reflect advances in
technology and changes in industry practices. The current edition of the code
is the 2020 edition, which includes updates to the design rules for
high-pressure piping systems, new requirements for the use of ultrasonic
examination in lieu of radiography, and revisions to the requirements for
materials and fabrication.
Overall, the ASME B31.3 code provides comprehensive
guidelines for the design, fabrication, installation, inspection, testing, and
maintenance of process piping systems. Compliance with the code helps ensure
the safe and efficient operation of these critical systems in a wide range of
industrial applications.