Background of the ASME B31 Piping Code

Keywords: ASME B31.1, ASME B31, B31 Code; Power Piping; Process Piping; ASME B31.3; ASME B31.4, ASME B31.8, ASME B31.1 Code

Introduction

ASME Power and Process Piping Codes are Foundational in Ensuring Compliance, Safety, Reliability, and Efficiency in Systems including Power Generation and Industrial Piping. These Codes, Developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Provide Comprehensive Guidelines for the Design, Fabrication, Installation, Inspection, and Testing of Piping Systems across Various Industries.

ASME B31.1 (Power Piping Code) Focused on piping systems typically found in electric power generating stations, industrial plants, and geothermal heating systems, this code outlines standards for materials, design, fabrication, assembly, inspection, and testing to prevent failures and ensure safe operation.

ASME B31.3 (Process Piping Code) Focused on piping systems in chemical plants and petroleum facilities, this code outlines standards for materials, design, fabrication, assembly, inspection, and testing to prevent failures and ensure safe operation.

ASME B31.4 (Pipeline Transportation Systems) This code applies to the transportation of liquid hydrocarbons and other liquids through pipelines. It covers design, construction, operation, and maintenance to ensure the safe transport of these materials.

ASME B31.8 (Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems) This code regulates the design and operation of piping systems for transporting natural gas. It emphasizes safety measures and integrity management throughout the pipeline lifecycle.

Each of these codes serves a distinct purpose within the industry, ensuring that piping systems are engineered to meet specific demands while maintaining safety and reliability across various applications. The ASME codes take into account lessons learned from past failures and incidents, incorporating best practices and innovative engineering solutions. By integrating research, industry expertise, and continuous improvements, these codes stay up-to-date with emerging technologies and advancements.

History of ASME B31.1 Power Piping Code

In 1926, the American Standards Institute initiated Project B31 to develop a piping code. The first publication was in 1935. From 1942 to 1955 the Code was published as the American Standard Code for Pressure Piping, ASA B31.1. It consisted of separate sections for different industries. Starting in 1955, these sections were split off – and now currently exist as:

• B31.1 Power Piping
• B31.2 Fuel Gas Piping (withdrawn in 1988)
• B31.3 Process Piping
• B31.4 Pipeline Transportation Systems for Liquid Hydrocarbon and Other Liquids
• B31.5 Refrigeration Piping
• B31.6 Chemical Plant Piping (never published – was merged into B31.3)
• B31.7 Nuclear Piping (moved to ASME B&PV Code Section III)
• B31.8 Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems
• B31.9 Building Services Piping
• B31.10 Cryogenic Piping (never published – merged into B31.3)
• B31.11 Slurry Piping

Historically, the initials that have occurred in front of B31.1 have been ASA, ANSI and ASME. In 1978, the Standards Committee was reorganized as a committee operating under ASME procedures with ANSI accreditation – therefore the initials ASME now appear in front of B31.1.

Scope of ASME B31.1 Code

The ASME B31.1 Code was written for power piping systems, covering fuel gas and oil systems in the plant (downstream of the meters), central and district heating systems, in addition to the water and steam systems in power plants.
ASME B31.1 is a consensus document, written by a committee that is intended to contain balanced representation from a variety of interests. Membership includes:

1. Manufacturers
2. Owners/Operators
3. Designers/ Constructors
4. Regulatory Agents
5. Insurers/Inspectors
6. General Interest Parties

Intent of The ASME B31.1 Code

ASME B31.1 provides rules for piping typically found in electric power generating stations, industrial and institutional plants, geothermal heating systems, and central and district heating and cooling systems.

References

ASME.ORG/b31-1-power-piping