Overview

ASME standard B31 is the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ code for high
pressure piping. ASME B31.3 is the code for process piping and covers different types
of fluids, including Class M fluids and Class D fluids.

ASME was founded to prevent boiler explosions and piping ruptures that put
construction and boiler workers at risk.
Source: David Wilhite, author's spouse

ASME Standard B31.3

ASME B31.3 specifies a list of materials that can be used in process piping. These
listed materials are allowed for use in high pressure pipe designs. ASME B31.3 also
allows for the use of unlisted materials if the material can handle the acceptable
stresses at the expected operational pressures. Reclaimed materials and re-used pipes
are permitted within limits for ASME B31.3 pipes, whereas B31.1 does not allow
reclaimed or used material.
B31.3 also requires vent systems for many types of process piping. Venting systems
ensure that pressure can be relieved in a controlled manner instead of risking
uncontrolled pipe ruptures. However, for category M fluids, additional limits on venting
of processed fluids are required to protect bystanders.
ASME B31.3 requires process pipes to have full structural connections. Full structural
connections are considered to occur when bolts and threads are properly joined. ASME
standard B31.3 says that bolts should extend completely through the nut. However, if
the bolt cannot extend completely through the nut, it can be short up to one thread width.
ASME B31.3 requires process piping to be arranged and supported to eliminate
excessive harmful effects. ASME B31.3 requires designers to consider the stresses
vibrations cause within piping as well as the operational conditions. Vibrations can be
caused by pressure cycling within pipe, fluid flow turbulence, resonance caused by
equipment like motors and pumps, sudden impacts and wind. Short term higher
pressure loads such as snow and ice build up are can also be allowed if the piping can
handle the stresses.

ASME B31.3 Standard

 ASME B31.3 - 2012 Standard

This ASME Code contains requirements for piping typically found in petroleum
 refineries; chemical, pharmaceutical, textile, paper, semiconductor, & cryogenic
plants, & related processing plants terminals.

ASME Categories of Fluids

ASME B31.3 classifies category M fluids are those that are particularly toxic or
hazardous. Figure M300 in ASME B31.3 contains a logic flow chart to help readers
determine if fluids are classified as category M or category D (normal fluid service).
Generally, category fluid M service involves fluids that are dangerous if anyone exposed
to even a small amount, causing irreversible harm. For class M fluid service, additional
safeguards and precautions are necessary. For example, exhaust vents cannot release
gas into work spaces or maintenance shafts where workers may be located.

ASME BPVC Standard

 ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (ASME BPVC) standard, 2013 edition

Related Standards

ASME B31.1 is the standard for steam water loop piping used in geothermal systems
and power plants. ASME B31.2 was the standard for fuel gas piping but has been
replaced by ANSI standard Z223.1. ASME B31.4 covers liquid transportation pipes for
moving hydrocarbons like oil and other types of liquids. B31.5 covers heat transfer pipes
and refrigeration. There is no ASME B31.6. ASME B31.7 was originally the section on
nuclear piping but this type of piping is now covered under the ASME Boiler and
Pressure Vessel code or ASME BPVC, section 3.

ASME B31.8 is the code for buried gas pipes such as those used to transport natural
gas. ASME B31.9 covers building services piping such as that in schools and hospitals.
There is no ASME B31.10. ASME B31.11 addresses slurry piping. ASME B31.12 is
specific to pipes that carry hydrogen. ASME B31.12 is similar but not exactly copied
from ASME B31.3. ASME B31.3 uses the definition of high pressure based on the
pressure-temperature charts given in ASME B16.5 as class 2500.

Last updated on June 3, 2014