ASME Code Structure

▣ Code & Standard Characteristics

• Developed, integrated, or modified as needed.
• Comprise both mandatory and optional requirements.
• Involve a wide range of stakeholders with numerous producing entities.
• ASME regulations are legally adopted and enforced by individual states in the U.S.
• Focused primarily on Mechanical Engineering but play a leading role as codes and standards across all technical fields.
• Classified into four categories:
  • Professional Societies
  • Trade Associations
  • Test and Certification Organizations
  • Standards Developing Organizations

▣ Overview

• ASME Code : Established to ensure public welfare and system safety for users.
• Code Case: Issued swiftly by the committee when there is a need for interpretation of existing codes or to address topics not covered in the current code.
• ASME: The American Society of Mechanical Engineers is responsible for certification and standardization in the mechanical field.

 

▣ ASME Code Structure I

• Contains sections with common applications.
• Classified by function: Sections for manufacturing and maintenance.
• Includes regulations for the design, fabrication, installation, testing, and inspection of boilers, pressure vessels, and other components.

 

▣ ASME Code Section II

• Contains information on various materials.
• Includes tables and charts according to regulatory requirements.

 

▣ ASME Code Section III

• Subsection NCA: General requirements common to Divisions 1 and 2, including equipment classification, responsibilities of related organizations, quality assurance requirements, authorized inspection, qualification, and management.
• Lists exempted items (NCA-1130b) and quality grade groups as per Quality Group (Reg. Guide 1.26).

▣ ASME Code Section XI

• Editions and changes (Addenda) are published every three years.
• Nondestructive testing methods: visual inspection, surface examination, volumetric examination, and alternative methods.

 

▣ ASME Code Applications and Items

• Types: Components, parts, appurtenances, piping subassemblies, component supports, materials, installation.
• Items exempted in ASME III (NCA-1130b): valve operators, controllers, position indicators, pump impellers, instruments.

 

▣ ASME Code Grades

▣ ASME Qualification Certification System

• Establishes procedures to certify companies that can engage in design, fabrication, and construction according to ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code requirements.
• Differentiates items with specific stamps from those without.
• Applicable items:
  • General Industry: All pressure vessels above 5 psig, including heat exchangers, columns, drums, etc.
  • Nuclear Industry: Reactor pressure vessels, tank containment vessels, pumps, valves, core supports, structures, piping, etc.

 

▣ ASME Authorized Certification System

• Ensures pressure-containing equipment related to safety is designed, fabricated, installed, and operated according to design requirements and relevant standards (ASME Code).
• Authorized Inspection Agencies (AIA)
• Authorized Nuclear In-Service Inspector (ANIS)
• Authorized Nuclear Inspector (ANI)