Introduction to

Process Piping in Accordance with

ASME B31.3
Design, Construction, and Mechanical Integrity

May 25 -26, 2006

Singapore

Don Frikken
Becht Engineering Company
5515 HWY 50
Gerald, MO 63037
573-764-6744
(dfrikken@becht.com)

Workshop Objectives
The aim of this workshop is to provide the participants with an overview of the area of Piping
Technology with an emphasis on process piping. The workshop covers design, fabrication,
examination and testing requirements of ASME B31.3. It covers Code requirements from design
through start-up of new piping systems, as well as standards for inspection and repair of piping
systems that have been in service, as provided in API 570, Piping Inspection Code.
This workshop provides a foundation of knowledge necessary for those responsible for assuring
the mechanical integrity of existing piping systems, as well as those responsible for designing
and constructing new piping systems.

Who Should Attend

Engineers, senior designers, maintenance, quality assurance, inspection and manufacturing
personnel who work with process piping (e.g., in the chemical, petroleum, plastic processing,
pulp and paper fields) will find it a time-saving means to broaden and update their knowledge of
piping.

Workshop Contents
The workshop will review the basic requirements of the ASME B31 Code for Pressure Piping
with emphasis on B31.3, Process Piping. General topics in the workshop include Code
organization and intent, pressure design, design for sustained loads including support design,
flexibility analysis, equipment loads, flanges, expansion joints, supports and restraints,
materials, fabrication, examination, testing, and, for existing piping systems, mechanical
integrity. Applications of these concepts, including simple hand analysis methods and computerbased analysis methods, will be demonstrated. Included will be comparisons between ASME
B31.3 and ASME B31.1, Power Piping. Inspection and maintenance (mechanical integrity) of
existing piping systems will be covered, as provided in API 570, Piping Inspection Code.
Each session will be conducted in a lecture/discussion/problem solving format designed to
provide intensive instruction and guidance on understanding Code requirements. The
instructors will be available following each days session to provide participants with further
opportunity for discussion and consideration of specific problems.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Don Frikken is an internationally recognized authority in piping design. Now employed by Becht
Engineering, Don had been with Solutia, Inc. and Monsanto Company for 34 years; working on
a wide range of activities including piping and mechanical design, project engineering, and
engineering standards. However, Dons principal specialty is piping design, including design of
complex piping systems, piping flexibility analysis, selection of piping components including
valves, development of piping standards and specifications, and developing and teaching
numerous piping seminars and workshops.
He is an ASME Fellow and has been active on various ASME standards committees. He is past
Chair of the ASME B31.3 Process Piping Code committee, Chair of the B31 Standards
Committee, which oversees all B31 Piping Code committees, member of the B16 Standards
Committee, member of the Board on Pressure Technology Codes and Standards, member of
the Codes and Standards Board of Directors, which oversees the development and
ii

maintenance of six hundred ASME codes and standards, and recently completed a three year
term as an ASME Senior Vice President.
Don has received a number of awards, and recently was awarded the ASME Melvin R. Green
Codes and Standards Medal, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the development of
documents used in ASME programs of technical codification, standardization and certification.
Don graduated with a B.S.M.E. from Kansas State University and has a masters degree in civil
engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla.

B31.3 Workshop Outline

Section Title
1
Introduction

Metallic Pipe &

Fitting Selection

Materials

Pressure Design
(metallic)

Topics Covered
General Definitions
Piping Development Process
Piping System Standards
B31.3 Scope
Organization of the Code
Fluid Service Definitions
Piping System Failure
Bases for Selection
Listed versus Unlisted Piping Components
Fluid Service Requirements
Pipe
Fittings
Branch Connections
Flanges
Gaskets
Bolting
Flanged Joints
Strength of Materials
Bases for Design Stresses
B31.3 Material Requirements
Listed and Unlisted Materials
Temperature Limits
Toughness Requirements
Deterioration in Service
Design Pressure & Temperature
Quality Factors
Weld Joint Strength Factor
Pressure Design of Components
Four Methods
Straight Pipe
Fittings
Fabricated Branch Connections
Flanges and Blanks
Other Components
Piping Material Specifications

iii

Section Title
5
Valve Selection

6
7

Introduction to
Flexibility Analysis
Layout and Support

Flexibility

Reactions

10

Flexibility Analysis

11

Designing with
Expansion Joints

12

Fabrication and
Installation

13

Inspection,
Examination and
Testing

Topics Covered
Code Requirements
Selection by Valve Type
Gate
Globe
Check
Butterfly
Ball
Plug
What are we trying to achieve?
Flexibility Analysis Example
General Considerations
Support Spacing
Support Locations
Support Elements
General Considerations
Friction
Stress Intensification
Thermal Expansion
Spring Hangers
The Displacement Load Analysis
General Considerations
Fabricated Equipment
Rotating Equipment
Supports
Cold Spring
When to Perform a Detailed Analysis
Considerations
Types of Expansion Joints
Pressure Thrust
Installation of Expansion Joints
Metal Bellows Expansion Joints
Welder/Brazer Qualification
Welding Processes
Weld Preparation
Typical Welds
Preheating & Heat Treatment
Typical Owner Added Requirements
Installation
Flange Joints
Inspection
Examination
Methods
Requirements
Acceptance Criteria
Leak Testing
Methods
Requirements

iv

Section Title
15
Nonmetallic Piping
Systems

16

Category M Fluid
Service

17

High Pressure
Piping

18

In-service Piping Inspection, Repair,

Alteration and
Rerating

19

Whats Different in
B31.1

Topics Covered
General
Design, Fabrication and Installation for
o Thermoplastics
o Reinforced thermosetting resins
o Reinforced concrete
o Vitrified clay
o Borosilicate glass
o Piping lined with nonmetals
Limitations
General
B31.3 Requirements
o Design
o Fabrication
o Examination
o Testing
Typical Owner Added Requirements
General
Materials
Pressure Design
Limitations
Fabrication
Examination
Testing
API 570 Piping Inspection Code
Responsibilities
What to Inspect
Types of Inspection
Inspection Practices
Frequency and Extent of Inspection
Remaining Life Calculation
Repairs and Alterations
Rerating
Scope
Organization of the Code
Fluid Service Requirements
Bases for Allowable Stresses
Material Requirements
Pressure Design Requirements
Valve Requirements
Fabrication and Installation
Inspection, Examination and Testing

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

1. Introduction

ASME B31.3 Process Piping

Charles Becht IV, PhD, PE
Don Frikken, PE
Instructors
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

Scope of B31.3 Course

This course covers piping as typically
used in process plants.
Not covered:
Pipelines
Plumbing
Nuclear plant piping

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

1. Introduction

Topics Covered
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Introduction
Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection
Materials
Pressure Design
Valve Selection
Flexibility Analysis
Layout and Support
Flexibility
Support and Equipment Load Limits
Flexibility Analysis Methods

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

More Topics Covered

11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.

Designing with Expansion Joints

Fabrication and Installation
Inspection, Examination and Testing
Category M Fluid Service
Nonmetallic Piping Systems
High Pressure Piping
Inspection, Repair, Alteration and Rerating
Whats Different in B31.1

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

1. Introduction

1. Introduction

General Definitions
Piping Development Process
Piping System Standards
B31.3 Scope
Organization of the Code
Fluid Service Definitions

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

Definitions: (300.2)
piping: assemblies of piping components
used[for] fluid flows. Piping also includes
pipe supporting elements, but does not
include support structuresor equipment
piping system: interconnected piping
subject to the same design conditions

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

1. Introduction

More Definitions:
piping components: mechanical
elements suitable for joining or assembly
into pressure-tight fluid-containing piping
systemspipe, tubing, fittings, flanges,
gaskets, bolting, valves and devices such
as expansion joints, flexible joints,
pressure hoses, traps, strainers, inline
portions of instruments and separators.
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

& More Definitions:

design pressure: the pressure at the
most severe condition of internal or external
pressure and temperature expected during
service
design temperature: the temperature at
which, under the coincident pressure, the
greatest thickness or highest component
rating is required
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

1. Introduction

Piping Development Process

1. Establish applicable system standard(s)
2. Establish design conditions
3. Make overall piping material decisions

Pressure Class
Reliability
Materials of construction

4. Fine tune piping material decisions

Materials
Determine wall thicknesses
Valves

5. Establish preliminary piping system layout & support

configuration
6. Perform flexibility analysis
7. Finalize layout and bill of materials
8. Fabricate and install
9. Examine and test

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

Piping System Standards

Provide a set of requirements for obtaining a
safe, reliable and economical installation.
Are frequently called Codes; for example,
B31 piping system standards are called
Codes.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

10

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

1. Introduction

ASME Piping System Standards

B31.1
B31.3
B31.4
B31.5
B31.8
B31.9
B31.11

Power Piping
Process Piping
Liquid Transportation Pipelines
Refrigeration Piping
Gas Transportation Pipelines
Building Services Piping
Slurry Transportation Pipelines

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

11

More ASME Piping System

Standards
BPE-1
Bioprocessing Equipment
PVHO-1 Pressure Vessels for Human
Occupancy
HPS
High Pressure Systems
B&PV Code, Section III for Nuclear Power
Plants

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

12

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

1. Introduction

Other Piping System Standards

NFPA 13 Installation of Sprinkler Systems
NFPA 24 Installation of Private Mains
NFPA 50 Bulk Oxygen Systems
NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code
CGA Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia (K61.1)
Chlorine Institute #6 Piping Systems for
Chlorine
See the longer list, pages 2-3 in the supplement.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

13

B31.3 Scope
Rules for the Process Piping Code
Section B31.3 have been developed
considering piping typically found in
petroleum refineries; chemical,
pharmaceutical, textile, paper
semiconductor, and cryogenic plants;
and related processing plants and
terminals. (300.1)
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

14

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

1. Introduction

B31.3 Scope

This Code prescribes requirements for

materials and components

design
fabrication
assembly
erection
examination
inspection
testing

of piping [300.1.1(a)]
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

15

B31.3 Scope
This Code applies for all fluids, including:
(1)raw, intermediate, and finished
chemicals;
(2)petroleum products;
(3)gas, steam, air, and water;
(4)fluidized solids;
(5)refrigerants; and
(6)cryogenic fluids.
[300.1.1(b)]
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

16

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

1. Introduction

B31.3 Scope
Exclusions: (300.1.3)
Piping systems designed for

pressure >0 and <15 psig (105 kPa)

nonflammable
nontoxic
not damaging to human tissue, and
temperature -20 to 366F (-29 to 186C)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

17

B31.3 Scope
More Exclusions: (300.1.3)
boilers and piping required to conform
to B31.1
tubes and manifolds of fired heaters
pressure equipment such as pressure
vessels and pumps, including internal
piping
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

18

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

1. Introduction

B31.3 Scope
Intent of the Code [300(c)]
1) set forth engineering requirements
deemed necessary for safe design and
construction
2) not intended to apply topiping that
has been placed in service.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

19

B31.3 Scope
More Intent of the Code [300(c)]
3) requirements, while considered
necessary and adequate for safe
design, generally employ a simplified
approach A designer capable of
applying a more rigorous analysis shall
have the latitude to do sothe
approach must beaccepted by the
owner
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

20

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

1. Introduction

B31.3 Scope
More Intent of the Code [300(c)]
4) Piping elements neither specifically
approved nor specifically
prohibitedmay be used provided
they are qualified
5) The engineering design shall specify
any unusual requirements

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

21

B31.3 Scope
More Intent of the Code [300(c)]
6) Compatibility of materials with the
service and hazards from instability of
contained fluids are not within the
scope of this Code.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

22

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

1. Introduction

B31.3 Scope
Responsibilities [300(b)]
(1) Owner. for compliance with this Code,
and for establishing the requirements for
design, construction, examination,
inspection, and testing which will govern
the entire fluid handling or process
installation of which the piping is a part.
The owner is also responsible for
designating piping in certain fluid services
and for determining if a specific Quality
System is to be employed
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

23

B31.3 Scope
Responsibilities [300(b)]
(2) Designer. The designer is responsible to
the owner for assurance that the
engineering design of piping complies with
the requirements of this Code and with
any additional requirements established
by the owner.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

24

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

1. Introduction

B31.3 Scope
Responsibilities [300(b)]
(3) Manufacturer, Fabricator, and Erector.
The manufacturer, fabricator, and erector
of piping are responsible for providing
materials, components, and workmanship
in compliance with the requirements of
this Code and of the engineering design.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

25

B31.3 Scope
Responsibilities [300(b)]
(4) Owner's Inspector. The owner's Inspector
(see para. 340) is responsible to the
owner for ensuring that the requirements
of this Code for inspection, examination,
and testing are met. If a Quality System is
specified by the owner to be employed,
the owner's inspector is responsible for
verifying that it is implemented.
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

26

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

1. Introduction

Organization of the Code

Base Code Chapters:
I
Scope and Definitions
II Design
III Materials
IV Standards for Piping Components
V Fabrication, Assembly, and Erection
VI Inspection, Examination and Testing

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

27

Organization of the Code

VII

Nonmetallic Piping and Piping Lined with

Nonmetals (A)
VIII Piping for Category M Fluid Service (M) &
(MA)
IX High Pressure Piping (K)

These chapters follow the same format as

the base Code, and refer to the base
Code requirements whenever applicable.
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

28

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

1. Introduction

Organization of the Code

Appendices
A Allowable Stresses & Quality Factors Metals
B Stresses and Allowable Pressures Nonmetals
C Physical Properties of Piping Materials
D Flexibility & Stress Intensification Factors
E Reference Standards
F Precautionary Considerations
G Safeguarding
H Sample Calculations
J Nomenclatures

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

29

Organization of the Code

More Appendices
K Allowable Stresses for High Pressure Piping
L Aluminum Alloy Pipe Flanges
M Guide to Classifying Fluid Services
Q Quality System Program
V Allowable Variations in Elevated Temperature Service
X Metallic Bellows Expansion Joints
Z Preparation of Technical Inquiries

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

30

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

1. Introduction

B31.3 Fluid Service Definitions

Fluid Service
Category D
Category M
High Pressure
Normal

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

31

B31.3 Fluid Service Definitions

Fluid Service: a general term concerning
the application of a piping system, considering
the combination of fluid properties, operating
conditions and other factors which establish
the basis for design
What fluid properties are important?
What operating conditions are important?
What other factors are important?
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

32

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

1. Introduction

B31.3 Fluid Service Definitions

Category D: The fluid handled is
nonflammable, nontoxic and not damaging
to human tissue. The design pressure does
not exceed 150 psig (1035 kPa). The design
temperature is greater than -20F (-29C)
and does not exceed 366 F (186C).
Often characterized as utility

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

33

B31.3 Fluid Service Definitions

Category M: A fluid service in which the
potential for personnel exposure is judged to
be significant and in which a single exposure
to a very small quantity of a toxic fluid,
caused by leakage, can produce serious
irreversible harm to persons upon breathing
or on bodily contact, even when prompt
restorative measures are taken.
Often characterized as lethal
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

34

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

1. Introduction

B31.3 Fluid Service Definitions

High Pressure: A service for which the
owner specifies the use of Chapter IX [of
B31.3] for piping design and construction
considered to be in excess of Class 2500
(PN 420).
Characterized as high pressure
Normal: Everything else.
Often characterized as process
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

35

B31.3 Definitions
Severe Cyclic Conditions: Conditions
applying to specific piping components or
joints in which SE exceeds 0.8 SA, and
the equivalent number of cycles exceeds
7000; or conditions which the designer
determines will produce and equivalent
effect.
Flammable: A fluid which under ambient
or expected operating conditions is a vapor
or produces a vapor that can be ignited and
continue to burn in air.
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

36

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

1. Introduction

Fluid Service Selection

Workshop: What B31.3 fluid service definition is
most nearly applicable for the following services:
Steam condensate
650 psig (45 bar) Steam
Chlorine
Heat transfer oil
Sulfuric acid
Styrene monomer
Gasoline
Lime-water slurry
See Supplement page 7 for details.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Introduction -

37

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

ASME B31.3 Process Piping

Charles Becht IV, PhD, PE
Don Frikken, PE
Instructors
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

Piping Development Process

1. Establish applicable system standard(s)
2. Establish design conditions
3. Make overall piping material decisions

Pressure Class
Reliability
Materials of construction

4. Fine tune piping material decisions

Materials
Determine wall thicknesses
Valves

5. Establish preliminary piping system layout & support

configuration
6. Perform flexibility analysis
7. Finalize layout and bill of materials
8. Fabricate and install
9. Examine and test

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Piping System Failure

Bases for Selection
Listed versus Unlisted Piping Components
Fluid Service Requirements
Pipe
Fittings
Branch Connections
Flanges
Gaskets
Bolting
Flanged Joints

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

The Material in This Section is

Addressed by B31.3 in:
Chapter II - Design
Chapter IV - Standards for Piping
Components
Appendix G - Safeguarding

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Piping System Failure

How can you recognize a failure in a
piping system?

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

Bases for Selection

Pressure Class
Reliability

Robustness
Fire Resistance
Blow-out Resistance
Tendencies to leak

Corrosion Resistance
Material Toughness

Material of Construction
Cost

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Pressure Class
Ratings for above ground metallic systems
are generally governed by their joints.
Frequently these are flanged joints
manufactured in accordance with ASME
B16.1 (iron flanges) and ASME B16.5 (other
metallic flanges).
Ratings for flanges (and some other piping
components) are designated by pressure
class.
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

Flange P-T Ratings Gray Iron (psi)

(Class Rated in accordance with ASME B16.1)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Flange P-T Ratings Gray Iron (bar)

(Class Rated in accordance with ASME B16.1)
40

Pressure (barg)

Class 125,
NPS 1-12
Class 125,
NPS 14-24

30

Class 125,
NPS 30-48

20

Class 250,
NPS 1-12

10

Class 250,
NPS 14-24
Class 250,
NPS 30-48

0
0

50

100

150

200

Temperature (C)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

Flange P-T Ratings Carbon Steel (psi)

(Class Rated in accordance with ASME B16.5)
7000

Pressure (psig)

6000

5000

Class 150
Class 300

4000

Class 600
Class 900

3000

Class 1500
Class 2500

2000

1000

0
0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

Temperature (F)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

10

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Flange P-T Ratings Carbon Steel (bar)

(Class Rated in accordance with ASME B16.5)
450
400

Pressure (barg)

350

Class 150
Class 300
Class 600
Class 900
Class 1500
Class 2500

300
250
200
150
100
50
0
0

100

200

300

400

500

Temperature (C)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

11

Flange P-T Ratings Carbon Steel (bar)

(PN Rated in accordance with EN 1092-1)
100
PN 2.5
PN 6
PN 10
PN 16
PN 25
PN 40
PN 63
PN 100

Pressure (bar)

80
60
40
20
0
0

100

200

300

400

Temperature (C)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

12

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Flange P-T Ratings Carbon Steel (bar)

(K Rated in accordance with JIS B2220)
60

Pressure (bar)

50
5K
10K
16K
20K
30K

40
30
20
10
0
0

100

200

300

400

500

Temperature (C)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

13

Cl 300 Flange Ratings Several Materials (psi)

(Class Rated in accordance with ASME B16.5, B16.24 and B31.3)
800
Carbon Steel
(B16.5)

700

Pressure (psig)

600
500

316
Stainless
Steel (B16.5)

400

Nickel Alloy
400 (B16.5)

300

Copper Alloy
B61 (B16.24)

200
6061-T6
Aluminum
(B31.3)

100
0
0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

Temperature (F)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

14

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Cl 300 Flange Ratings Several Materials (bar)

(Class Rated in accordance with ASME B16.5, B16.24 and B31.3)
60.0

Carbon Steel
(B16.5)

Pressure (barg)

50.0

316
Stainless
Steel (B16.5)
Nickel Alloy
400 (B16.5)

40.0

30.0

Coper Alloy
B61 (B16.24)

20.0

Aluminum
Alloy 6061T6 (B31.3)

10.0

0.0
0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

Temperature (C)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

15

Reliability
Robustness
Fire Resistance
Blow-out Resistance
Tendencies to Leak

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

16

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Robustness
Able to withstand exposure to loads such as:
Being stepped on
Dropped tool
Dropped tool box
Forklift traffic
Truck traffic
Crane booms
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

17

Fire
Resistance

Usual Definition: Components able to maintain

piping system integrity if subjected to
approximately 1200F (650C) for 30 minutes.
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

18

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Fire Resistance
Fire resistant components are used
where there is a sufficient probability of a
fire, and
where there is a significant consequence
as a result of piping system failure such as
adding fuel to the fire
exposure of fire fighters to danger due to
leaking fluids

Being able to continue operation after a fire is

usually not a consideration.
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

19

Blow-out Resistance
Gaskets and seals able to withstand high pressure
without failing by extrusion or fracture. A short-term
leak could be resealed by tightening the bolting. The
intent is to avoid large leaks
when a flanged joint is not tightened properly
when the piping system is subjected to pressures
much higher than design
when large bending moments are applied to the
flanged joint

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

20

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Blow-out Resistance

Failure by Extrusion

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Failure by Fracture
Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

21

Tendencies to Leak
Some joints are more leak prone than others.
These are usually a strong function of the
construction and maintenance practices at a
particular site. Examples:
Threaded joints
Unions
Elastomeric seals such as o-rings

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

22

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Corrosion Resistance

Where corrosion is more or less uniform, extra

pipe wall material can be provided in the form of a
corrosion allowance.
Where material degradation is localized, either
preventive measures must be used or a more
resistant material must be provided. Examples of
localized material problems:
- Erosion
- Intergranular
- Stress-Corrosion Cracking - Microbiological
- Hydrogen Embrittlement
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

23

Material Toughness
Measured by energy necessary to suddenly
propagate a crack to failure
Mostly of concern for carbon steels
Generally decreases as temperature decreases
Factors affecting fracture toughness include:
Chemical composition or alloying elements
Heat treatment
Grain size

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

24

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Example of Brittle Fracture

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

25

Example of Ductile Deformation

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

26

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Cost
CPVC, Sch 80
Carbon Steel, Sch 40
Stainless Steel, 304, Sch 10S
Stainless Steel, 316, Sch 10S
Aluminum, 6061 T6, Sch 40
Fiberglass - Vinyl Ester
Polypropylene Lined Steel
Fluoropolymer Lined Steel
Alloy 20, Sch 10S
Alloy 400, Sch 10S
Alloy C276, Sch 10
Zirconium, Sch 10

10

Relative Installed Cost - NPS 4 Complex System

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

27

Piping Component Standards

Provide consistent dimensions and ratings
so that components will fit together and can
be used interchangeably
Listed Components: Those listed by
standard number in Table 326.1 and
Appendix A
Unlisted Components: Those not so
listed.
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

28

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Some Listed Components - ASME

B16.1 Cast Iron Pipe Flanges
B16.3 Malleable Iron Threaded Fittings
B16.5 Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings
B16.9 Wrought Steel Buttweld Fittings
B16.11 Forged Fittings, Socket Welding & Threaded
B16.20 Metallic Gaskets
B16.22 Wrought Copper Solder Joint Fittings
B16.34 Valves Flanged, Threaded and Welded
See page 8 of the supplement.
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

29

Some Listed Components - Other

MSS SP-80 Bronze Valves
MSS SP-97 Branch Outlet Fittings
API
602
Compact Steel Gate Valves
API
608
Metal Ball Valves
ASTM A53
Steel Pipe
ASTM A312
Stainless Steel Pipe
AWWA C110 Ductile & Gray Iron Fittings
AWWA C151 Ductile Iron Pipe
See the pages 9 - 11 in the supplement.
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

30

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Listed Components
Can be used within their pressuretemperature ratings and any additional
limitations described in the Code.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

31

Some Unlisted Components

ASME B16.33 Manually Operated Metallic Gas
Valves or Use in Gas Piping Systems
ASME B16.50 Wrought Copper and Copper Alloy
Braze-Joint Pressure Fittings
MSS SP-68 High Pressure-Offset Seat Butterfly
Valves
MSS SP-108 Resilient-Seated Cast Iron-Eccentric
Plug Valves
API 6D Pipeline Valves (Gate, Plug, Ball, and
Check)
AWWA C153 Ductile-Iron Compact Fittings for
Water Service
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

32

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Unlisted Components [302.2.3, 326.2.1]

Can be used within Code limitations if they:
have dimensions that conform to those of
comparable listed components insofar as
practicable
provide strength and performance equivalent to
standard components, and
satisfy one of the following:
composition, mechanical properties, method of
manufacture, and quality control are comparable to
listed components; and have pressure-temperature
ratings that conform with para. 304, or
are qualified for pressure design as required by
para. 304.7.2.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

33

Fluid Service Requirements

Specific requirements for components and

joints are described in paras. 305-318.
Some components are permitted for certain
fluid services only when safeguarded.
Safeguarding is the provision of protective
measures to minimize the risk of accidental
damage to the piping or to minimize the
harmful consequences of possible piping
failure. Para. G300
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

34

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Fluid Service Requirements

Safeguarding examples:
Brazed or soldered copper water tube is
not inherently fire resistant, but may be
protected against fire exposure by
insulation or by water sprays.
Thermoplastic piping is not inherently blowout resistant and is sensitive to abuse, but
may be protected from both hazards by
routing the piping in a secondary
containment.
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

35

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

36

Piping Components

Pipe
Fittings
Branch Connections
Flanges
Gaskets
Bolting
Flanged Joints

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Pipe
Pipe includes components designated as
tube or tubing in the material specification,
when intended for pressure service. Para. 305

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

37

Pipe - seamless

Strand Caster

Elongator

Billet Heating

Reheat

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Rotary Piercing Mill

Pug Rolling Mill

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

38

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Pipe - seamless

Reheat

NDT

Finishing

Sizing Mill

Facing & Beveling

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Hydrotesting

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

39

Pipe ERW

Coil Feed

Welding

First Forming

NDT

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fin Pass

Seam Normalizer
Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

40

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Pipe - ERW

Sizing Mill

Flying Cut-Off

Hydrotesting

Straightening

NDT

Facing & Beveling

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

41

Weld Joint Quality Factor Ej

Type of Weld

Factor (Table 302.2.4)

None (seamless)

1.00

Electric Resistance Weld

0.85

Furnace Butt Weld

0.60

Single Fusion Weld

0.80 to 1.00*

Double Fusion Weld

0.85 to 1.00*

API 5L SAW, GMAW

0.95

*Depending on level of examination

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

42

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Pipe Fluid Service Requirements

Some specifications, including all furnace

butt welded, are limited to Category D
Fluid Service
Some specifications may be used only in
Category D Fluid Service unless
safeguarded
Only pipe listed in para. 305.2.3 may be
used for Severe Cyclic Conditions

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

43

Fittings
Fittings are selected primarily by the way
they are joined to the pipe.
Threading
Socket Welding
Buttwelding
OD Tubing (Compression fitting, Flare)
Water Tubing (Solder, Braze)
Others
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

44

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Fittings: Threaded

Common materials

Gray iron
(ASME B16.4)
Malleable iron
(ASME B16.3)
Steel (ASME B16.11)

Size usually limited to ~NPS 2

Potential injury for installers
Ability to get a good seal

Generally not used where leaks

cannot be tolerated
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

45

Threaded Joint Fluid Service

Requirements

Straight threaded coupling mating to taper

thread permitted only for Category D

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

46

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Threaded Joint Fluid Service

Requirements

NPS 1-1/2 and smaller tapered joints must be

Sch 80 for notch sensitive material in Normal
Service
May be used for Severe Cyclic Conditions
only if:
For taper threads must be, non-moment
bearing such as for a thermowell
For straight threads with seating surface,
must be safeguarded
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

47

Fittings: Socket Welding

Common materials
(ASME B16.11)
Carbon Steel
Stainless Steel

Size usually limited to ~NPS 1-1/2

Not used in services where
Corrosion is accelerated in crevices
Severe erosion may occur

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

48

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Fittings: Buttwelding

Common materials
(ASME B16.9)
Carbon Steel
Stainless Steel
Nickel alloys

Used in most piping systems

~NPS 2 and larger
Use generally not restricted
Welding is difficult in small sizes,
especially for thin wall
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

49

Fittings: OD Tubing

Common materials
Copper
Steel
Nickel alloys

Compression Fittings
Flared Fittings (ASME B16.26)
Generally not used in most severe
services because of leak potential

Must be safeguarded for Severe Cyclic Service

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

50

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Fittings: Water Tube

Common material: copper

Solder joint (ASME B16.18 &
B16.22)
Braze joint (ASME B16.50)
Not fire resistant

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

51

Solder & Brazed Joint Fluid Service

Requirements

Solder joints are permitted only for Category

D Fluid Service
Brazed joints are :
permitted for Normal Fluid Service
permitted for fluids that are flammable, toxic or
damaging to human tissue if safeguarded
prohibited for Severe Cyclic Conditions

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

52

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Fittings: Grooved
Fittings that use grooves in pipe
elastomeric seal required

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

53

Fittings: Compression for Pipe

Pressfit by Victaullic
(B16.51 draft for copper)

Lokring
(metal-to-metal seal)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

54

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Miter Bend Fluid Service

Requirements

A bend with greater

than 45 may be used
only in Category D
Fluid Service
For Severe Cyclic
Conditions, must be
less than or equal to
22.5.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

55

Branches

Generally many choices NPS 3

and larger
Choices include:
Tee
Unreinforced Fabricated Tee
Reinforced Fabricated Tee
Branch Connection Fitting

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

56

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Branches
Tee

Unreinforced Fabricated Tee

(Capable of less than full pressure)

Reinforced Fabricated Tee

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

57

Fabricated Branches
Unreinforced

Reinforced

Stub in

Stub on
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

58

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Branches - Branch Connection Fittings

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

59

Branches
Basis for selection:
Cost: depends on material, sizes &
fabricator
Resistance to external moment
Ability to examine fabrication
See table on page 19 in the supplement.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

60

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Flanges (ASME B16.5)

Flange types designated by joining method

Threaded

Socket welding

Welding Neck
(buttweld)

These flanges have the same advantages and

restrictions as fittings with the same joining
method. (Note that welding neck flanges are required
for Severe Cyclic Conditions.)
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

61

Flanges (ASME B16.5)

Other types of flanges - Slip-on
Has no crevice if installed with two welds
Easier to get good alignment
Unable to seat metal gaskets as well as WN
& LJ

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

62

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Slip-on Flange Fluid Service

Requirements

Required to be double welded for:

Severe erosion, crevice corrosion or cyclic

loading
Flammable, toxic, or damaging to human
tissue
Under Severe Cyclic Conditions
At temperatures below -101C (-150F)

Should be avoided where many large

temperature cycles are expected
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

63

Flanges (ASME B16.5)

Other types of flanges - Lapped joint
Flange can be made from cheaper material
Easier to fabricate and install than WN

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

64

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Flanges Facings (ASME B16.5)

Raised normal choice

Flat
Standard for gray iron flanges
More gasket has to be compressed, so only
softer gaskets can be used
Less likely to break flange when bolting
(applicable to brittle materials like gray iron)
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

65

Gaskets
Important Gasket Characteristics
Resists deterioration in normal service
Chemical resistance
Temperature resistance

Low enough leak rate

Blowout resistance
Fire resistance
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

66

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Gaskets Rubber
Chemical
Resistant
Approximate
Max. Temp.
Leak
Performance
Blowout
Resistant
Fire
Resistant
Bolt Strength
Needed

OK for
most
200F
(95C)
Best
No
No

(Thermoseal)

Low

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

67

Gaskets Reinforced Rubber

Chemical
Resistant
Approximate
Max. Temp.
Leak
Performance
Blowout
Resistant
Fire
Resistant
Bolt Strength
Needed

OK for
most
325F
(160C)
Fair
No
No

(Garlock)

Low

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

68

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Gaskets Fluoropolymer
Chemical
Resistant
Approximate
Max. Temp.
Leak
Performance
Blowout
Resistant
Fire
Resistant
Bolt Strength
Needed

OK for
almost all
350F
(180C)
Good

(Gore)

(Teadit)

No
No
Low
(Garlock)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

69

Gaskets Flexible Graphite

Chemical
Resistant
Approximate
Max. Temp.
Leak
Performance
Blowout
Resistant
Fire
Resistant
Bolt Strength
Needed

OK for almost
all
900 or 625F
(480 or 330C)
Good
Not without
heavier insert
Yes
Medium

Natural
Graphite
Flake

Thermally
Decomposed
(Worms)

Worms
Compressed
Into Foils
(SGL Carbon Group)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

70

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Gaskets Flexible Graphite

Foil Inserted
Insert is usually 0.002
(0.05 mm) type 316
stainless steel
Adhesive bonded
(Teadit)

Tang Inserted
Insert is usually 0.004
(0.10 mm) type 316
stainless steel
Mechanically bonded
(Teadit)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

71

Gaskets Flexible Graphite

(Garlock)

Corrugated Insert
Insert is usually 0.018
(0.46 mm) type 316
stainless steel
Adhesive bonded
Blowout resistant
Lower hand cutting
potential
Lower sealing stress
Cannot be cut from
sheet

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

72

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Gaskets Flexible Graphite

Flexible
graphite tends
to stick to
flanges, but
special coatings
can help.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

73

Gaskets Spiral Wound

Chemical
Resistant
Approximate
Max. Temp.
Leak
Performance
Blowout
Resistant
Fire Resistant
Bolt Strength
Needed

Both metal winding

& filler must be OK

1500F (820C)
Good
Yes

(Garlock)

Depends on
Filler
High

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

(Flexitallic)
Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

74

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Gaskets Spiral Wound

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

(NE Seal)

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

75

Gaskets Spiral Wound

Winding Material
304 SS
316L SS
Nickel 200
Alloy C276
Alloy 400

Ring Edge Color Code

Yellow
Green
Red
Beige
Orange

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

76

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Gaskets Spiral Wound

Filler Material
Asbestos
Flexible
Graphite
Mica Graphite
PTFE
Vermiculite

Ring Stripe
Color Code
None

Fire
Resistant
Yes

Maximum
Temp F/ C
1500 / 820

Gray

Yes

900 / 480

Pink
White

No
No

325 / 160
350 / 180

No standard

Yes

1500 / 820

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

77

Gaskets Spiral Wound

Internal buckling is a concern to some, especially

in higher pressure classes and larger sizes.
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

78

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Gaskets - Kammprofile
Both metal &
sealing material
must be OK

Chemical
Resistant
Approximate
Max. Temp.
Leak
Performance
Blowout
Resistant
Fire Resistant
Bolt Strength
Needed

1500F (820C)
Good
Yes
Depends on
sealing material

(Garlock)

Medium

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

79

Gaskets Ring Joint

Chemical
Resistant
Approximate
Max. Temp.
Leak
Performance
Blowout
Resistant
Fire Resistant
Bolt Strength
Needed

Metal must
be OK
1500F
(820C)

Oval

Very Good
Yes
Yes
High

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Octagonal
(NE Seal)

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

80

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Bolting

Has to be strong
enough to seat the
gasket
Consider need to be
corrosion resistant to
process fluid
Studs versus bolts

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

81

1st and 2nd degree burns

after being sprayed with hot water. The bonnet of

the valve had separated from the valve body due
to corroded bonnet bolts.
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

82

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Bolting Fluid Service Requirements

Low strength bolting [SMYS not greater than

207 MPa (30 ksi)] may not be used with
Pressure classes higher than 300
Metal gaskets

Carbon steel bolting may not be used with

Pressure classes higher than 300

Temperatures outside -29C to 204C (-20F to
400F) range

Galvanized carbon steel bolting must be to

heavy hex dimensions
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

83

More Bolting Fluid Service

Requirements

Low strength bolting shall be used for

weaker and more brittle flanged joints
unless

Both flanges are flat faced and a full face

gasket is used, or
A careful bolt-up procedure is used

Low strength bolting may not be used for

Severe Cyclic Conditions
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

84

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Flanged Joints
A flanged joint is composed of three
separate and independent, although
interrelated components: the flanges, the
gasket, and the bolting, which are
assembled by yet another influence, the
assembler. Proper controls must be
exercised in the selection and application for
all these elements to attain a joint which has
acceptable leak tightness. [B16.5]
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

85

Flanged Joints
Flange A

Flange B

Fire
Blow-out
Resist? Resist?

Class 125 Class 125

gray iron
gray iron

No

No

Class 125 Class 150

gray iron
carbon stl

No

No

Class 150 Class 150

carbon stl carbon stl

Yes

Yes

Class 150 Class 150

stainless
stainless

No

Yes

Class 150 Class 125

carbon stl gray iron

Yes

No

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Facing

Gaskets

Bolting
Strength

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

86

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

2. Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection

Pipe & Fitting Selection

Workshop: What basic piping system
characteristics would you provide for the following
services:
Steam condensate
650 psig (45 bar) Steam
Chlorine
Heat transfer oil
Sulfuric acid
Styrene monomer
Gasoline
Lime-water slurry
See Supplement page 7 for details.
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metallic Pipe & Fitting Selection -

87

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

3. Materials

ASME B31.3 Process Piping

Charles Becht IV, PhD, PE
Don Frikken, PE
Instructors
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

Piping Development Process

1. Establish applicable system standard(s)
2. Establish design conditions
3. Make overall piping material decisions

Pressure Class
Reliability
Materials of construction

4. Fine tune piping material decisions

Materials
Determine wall thicknesses
Valves

5. Establish preliminary piping system layout & support

configuration
6. Perform flexibility analysis
7. Finalize layout and bill of materials
8. Fabricate and install
9. Examine and test

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

3. Materials

3. Materials

Strength of Materials
Bases for Design Stresses
B31.3 Material Requirements

Listed and Unlisted Materials

Temperature Limits
Toughness Requirements
Deterioration in Service

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

The Material in This Section is

Addressed by B31.3 in:
Chapter II - Design
Chapter III - Materials
Appendix A - Allowable Stresses & Quality
Factors Metals
Appendix F - Precautionary Considerations

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

3. Materials

Strength of Materials

Stress
Strain
Stress-Strain Diagram
Elastic Modulus
Yield Strength
Ultimate Strength

Creep
Fatigue
Brittle versus Ductile Behavior
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

Strength of Materials
Stress (S): force (F) divided by area (A)
over which force acts, pounds force/inch2
(psi), Pascals (Newtons/meter2)
Strain (): change in length (/divided
by the original length (L)
F
L
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

L
Materials -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

3. Materials

Stress

Strength of Materials
ST = Tensile Strength

SY = Yield Strength
E = Elastic Modulus = Stress/Strain

Typical Carbon Steel

Strain

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

Stress

Strength of Materials
ST = Tensile Strength
SY = Yield Strength
Proportional Limit
0.2% offset

Typical Stainless Steel

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Strain
Materials -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

3. Materials

Strength of Materials
Creep: progressive permanent
deformation of material subjected to
constant stress, AKA time dependent
behavior. Creep is of concern for

Carbon steels above ~700F (~370C)

Stainless steels above ~950F (~510C)
Aluminum alloys above ~300F (~150C)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

Strain

Strength of Materials
Primary

Secondary

Tertiary

Rupture
Creep Rate (strain/unit time)

Typical Creep Curve

Time
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

10

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

3. Materials

Strength of Materials

Minimum Stress to Rupture, 316 SS

Fig I-14.6B, ASME B&PV Code, Section III, Division 1 - NH

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

11

Strength of Materials

Stress

Fatigue failure: a failure which results from a

repetitive load lower than that required to cause
failure on a single application

Number of Cycles

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

12

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

3. Materials

Strength of Materials
Brittle failure:

Ductile deformation:

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

13

Materials -

14

Brittle failure:

Stress

Strength of Materials
Toughness

Ductile failure:

Stress

Strain

Toughness

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Strain

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

3. Materials

Strength of Materials
Measuring Toughness
using a Charpy impact
test

W
H1 -H2

Pendulum

H1

H2

Charpy Impact Test

Cv = W(H1 - H2)
Specimens tested at 40, 100 and 212F
(4, 38 and 100C)

= Energy Absorbed

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

15

Strength of Materials

Ductile to Brittle Transition for a Carbon Steel

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

16

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

3. Materials

Bases for Design Stresses

Most Materials (materials other than gray
iron, malleable iron and bolting) below the
creep range, the lowest of (302.3.2)

1/3 of specified minimum tensile strength (ST)

1/3 of tensile strength at temperature
2/3 of specified minimum yield strength (SY)
2/3 of yield strength at temperature; except
for austenitic stainless steels and nickel
alloys with similar behavior, 90% of yield
strength at temperature

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

17

Bases for Design Stresses

Most Materials additional bases in the
creep range, the lowest of (302.3.2)

100% of the average stress for a creep rate

of 0.01% per 1000 hours
67% of the average stress for rupture at the
end of 100,000 hours
80% of the minimum stress for rupture at the
end of 100,000 hours

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

18

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

3. Materials

Bases for Design Stresses

ASTM A106 Grade B Carbon Steel (US Customary Units)
25.00

Stress, ksi

20.00
15.00

2/3 of Yield

10.00

Allowable

1/3 of Tensile

5.00
0.00
0

200

400

600

800

1000

Temperature, F

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

19

Bases for Design Stresses

ASTM A106 Grade B Carbon Steel (Metric Units)
180.0
160.0

Stress, MPa

140.0
120.0
2/3 Yield

100.0

1/3 Tensile

80.0

Allowable

60.0
40.0
20.0
0.0
0

100

200

300

400

500

Temperature, C

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

20

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

3. Materials

Bases for Design Stresses

Additional Notes

For structural grade materials, design

stresses are 0.92 times the value determined
for most materials (302.3.2)
Stress values above 2/3 SY are not
recommended for flanged joints and other
components in which slight deformation can
cause leakage or malfunction (302.3.2)
Design stresses for temperatures below the
minimum are the same as at the minimum

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

21

B31.3 Material Requirements

Listed and Unlisted Materials

Temperature Limits
Impact Test Methods & Acceptance
Toughness Requirements
Deterioration in Service

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

22

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

3. Materials

Listed and Unlisted Materials

Listed Material: a material that conforms

to a specification in Appendix A or to a
standard in Table 326.1 may be used
(323.1.1)

Unlisted Material: a material that is not

so listed may be used under certain
conditions (323.1.2)
Unknown Material: may not be used
(323.1.3)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

23

Listed and Unlisted Materials

An unlisted material may be used if (323.1.2)
It conforms to a published specification
covering chemistry, mechanical properties,
method of manufacture, heat treatment, and
quality control
Otherwise meets the requirements of the
Code
Allowable stresses are determined in
accordance with Code bases, and
Qualified for serviceall temperatures (323.2.3)
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

24

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

3. Materials

Temperature Limits
Listed materials may be used above the
maximum described in the Code if (323.2.1)

There is no prohibition in the Code

The designer verifies serviceability of the
material, considering the quality of mechanical
property data used to determine allowable
stresses and resistance of the material to
deleterious effects in the planned fluid service
(323.2.4)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

25

Temperature Limits
Listed materials may be used within the
temperature range described in the Code if
(323.2.2)

The base metal, weld deposits and heat

affected zone (HAZ) are qualified in
accordance with Column A of Table 323.2.2.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

26

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

3. Materials

Table 323.2.2
Requirements for Low Temperature Toughness Tests

ge 2
a
p
See

nt.
e
m
pple
u
s
e
of th

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

27

Temperature Limits
Listed materials may be used below the
minimum described in the Code if (323.2.2)

There is no prohibition in the Code

The base metal, weld deposits and heat
affected zone (HAZ) are qualified in
accordance with Column B of Table 323.2.2.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

28

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

3. Materials

Carbon Steel Lower Temperature Limits

Most carbon steels have a letter
designation in the column for minimum
temperature in Appendix A
See page 25 of the supplement
For those that do, the minimum
temperature is defined by Figure 323.2.2A

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

29

Figure 323.2.2A
Minimum Temperatures without Impact Testing for Carbon Steel

See

22
e
g
pa

nt.
e
m
pple
u
s
e
of th

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

30

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

3. Materials

Carbon Steel Lower Temperature Limits

Impact testing is not required down to
-55F (-48C) if stress ratio does not
exceed the value defined by Figure
323.2.2B
Impact testing is not required down to
-155F (-104C) if stress ratio does not
exceed 0.3

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

31

Fig.323.2.2B
Reduction in Minimum Design Temperature w/o Impact Testing

See page 23 of the supplement.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

32

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

3. Materials

Carbon Steel Lower Temperature Limits

Fig.323.2.2B provides a further basis for use
of carbon steel without impact testing. If
used:
Hydrotesting is required
Safeguarding is required for components with
wall thicknesses greater than in. (13 mm)

Stress Ratio is the largest of

Nominal pressure stress / S

Pressure / pressure rating
Combined longitudinal stress / S

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

33

Carbon Steel Lower Temperature Limits

650 psig (45 bar) steam
superheated to 735F
(390C). Relief pressure is
725 psig (50 bar). Pipe
material is ASTM A53 Gr B
seamless.
What options are available
to deal with expected
ambient temperatures
down to -30F (-34C)?
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

NPS Nominal Stress

WT
Ratio
in (mm)

1
4
12
30

0.178
(4.52)
0.237
(6.02)
0.500
(12.70)
1.000
(25.40)

0.71
0.74
0.86
0.97
Materials -

34

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

3. Materials

Deterioration in Service

Selection of material to resist deterioration

in service is not within the scope of the
Code. (323.5)
Recommendations for material selection
are presented in Appendix F.
General considerations
Specific material considerations

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

35

Deterioration in Service

General considerations

Fire resistance
Possibility of brittle fracture
Susceptibility to crevice corrosion
Possibility of galvanic corrosion
Chilling effect of the loss of pressure
Compatibility of materials such as
Packing
Gaskets
Thread sealants

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

36

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

3. Materials

Deterioration in Service

Specific material considerations

Carbon and low alloy steel

High alloy steel
Nickel and nickel alloys
Aluminum and aluminum alloys
Copper and copper alloys
And more

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Materials -

37

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

4. Pressure Design of Metals

ASME B31.3 Process Piping

Charles Becht IV, PhD, PE
Don Frikken, PE
Instructors
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

Piping Development Process

1. Establish applicable system standard(s)
2. Establish design conditions
3. Make overall piping material decisions

Pressure Class
Reliability
Materials of construction

4. Fine tune piping material decisions

Materials
Determine wall thicknesses
Valves

5. Establish preliminary piping system layout & support

configuration
6. Perform flexibility analysis
7. Finalize layout and bill of materials
8. Fabricate and install
9. Examine and test

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

4. Pressure Design of Metals

4. Pressure Design of Metals

Design Pressure & Temperature

Quality Factors
Weld Joint Strength Factor
Pressure Design of Components

Four Methods
Straight Pipe
Fittings
Fabricated Branch Connections
Flanges and Blanks
Other Components

Piping Material Specifications

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

The Material in This Section is

Addressed by B31.3 in:
Chapter II - Design
Appendix V - Allowable Variations in
Elevated Temperature Service

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

4. Pressure Design of Metals

Design Pressure & Temperature

design pressure: the pressure at the
most severe condition of internal or external
pressure and temperature expected during
service (301.2)

The most severe condition is that which

results in the greatest required component
thickness and the highest component rating.
The inside pipe in jacketed piping shall be
designed for the most severe combination of
conditions expected during service.
Short-term variations may be considered
separately. (302.2.4)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

Design Pressure & Temperature

design pressure:

Provisions shall be made to safely contain or

relieve any pressure to which the piping may
be subjected.
Sources of pressure to be considered include
Ambient influences
Pressure oscillations
Improper operation
Decomposition of fluids
Static head
Failure of control devices

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

4. Pressure Design of Metals

Design Pressure & Temperature

design temperature: the temperature at
which, under the coincident pressure, the
greatest thickness or highest component
rating is required (301.3). For insulated piping:
May be taken as fluid temperature
May be based on calculated average wall
temperature, or
May be based on measurements or tests
Consider heat tracing and other sources of
heat

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

Design Pressure & Temperature

design temperature: Uninsulated piping

fluid temperatures below 150F (65C): Shall be

taken as fluid temperature, unless solar radiation
or other effects make the temperature higher
fluid temperatures 150F (65C) and above:
May be taken as fluid temperature
May be based on calculated average wall
temperature, or
Presumptive reductions described in para.
301.3.3 may be used

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

4. Pressure Design of Metals

Design Pressure & Temperature

design minimum temperature: the
lowest component temperature expected in
service
May be taken as fluid temperature
May be based on calculated average wall
temperature, or
May be based on measurements or tests

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

Design Pressure & Temperature

allowance for pressure and temperature
variation: The Code allows the design
pressure to be set below the most severe
coincident pressure and temperature under
certain conditions:
No cast iron or other non-ductile components
Nominal pressure stresses dont exceed yield
strength at temperature
Longitudinal stresses are within the allowable

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

10

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

4. Pressure Design of Metals

Design Pressure & Temperature

allowance for pressure and temperature
variation: more conditions:
The number of excursions beyond design does

not exceed 1000

The increased pressure does not exceed the
test pressure
With the owners permission can exceed
allowable by 33% for no more than 10 hr/event
and no more than 100 hr/year
With the owners permission can exceed
allowable by 20% for no more than 50 hr/event
and nor more than 500 hr/year
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

11

Design Pressure & Temperature

allowance for pressure and temperature
variation: more conditions:

Without the owners permission, can exceed

allowable by 20% for no more than 50 hr/event
and nor more than 500 hr/year for self-limiting
events such as pressure relieving
Effects of the variations must be evaluated, e.g.
by rules described in Appendix V
Differential pressure on valve closures should
not exceed maximum established by valve
manufacturer
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.
Pressure Design of Metals - 12

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

4. Pressure Design of Metals

Design Pressure & Temperature

Workshop Problem 1: Styrene monomer at
ambient temperature.
Pressure switch shuts off
positive displacement
pump at 630 psi (43 bar)
PSH

Determine design pressure, design

temperature and relief valve set pressure.
See Page 24 of the supplement.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

13

Design Pressure & Temperature

Workshop Problem 2: If the line in problem 1
is steam cleaned with 50 psi (3.5 bar) steam
superheated to 735F (390C)
What should the design pressure be?
What should the design temperature be?
What should the relief valve setting be?

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

14

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

4. Pressure Design of Metals

Quality Factors
Casting quality factor Ec (302.3.3)
Used for cast components not having ratings
Ec = 1.00 for gray and malleable iron
Ec = varies from 0.80 to 1.00 depending on the
level of examination
Table A-1A lists Ec for specific products
Weld joint quality factor Ej (302.3.4)
Table 322.3.4 lists factors used for pipe
Some factors may be increased when additional
examination is performed
Table A-1B lists Ej for specific products
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

15

Weld Joint Quality Factor Ej

Type of Weld

Factor (Table 302.2.4)

None (seamless)

1.00

Electric Resistance Weld

0.85

Furnace Butt Weld

0.60

Single Fusion Weld

0.80 to 1.00*

Double Fusion Weld

0.85 to 1.00*

API 5L SAW, GMAW

0.95

*Depending on level of examination

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

16

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

4. Pressure Design of Metals

Weld Joint Strength Factor

Weld joint strength reduction factor W (302.3.5)
Used to account for the long-term (creep) strength
of welds that may be lower than the base material
In the absence of more applicable data, W shall be
1.00 for all materials 950F (510C) and below
0.50 for all materials at 1500F (815C)
Linearly interpolated for intermediate
temperatures

W values are based on testing of selected

low alloys, stainless steels, and nickel alloys
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

17

Pressure Design of Components

Four Methods for Pressure Design
Straight Pipe
Fittings
Pipe Bends
Miter Bends
Reducers

Fabricated Branch Connections

Flanges and Blanks
Other Components
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

18

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

4. Pressure Design of Metals

Four Methods for Pressure Design

Calculations in accordance with Code

formula
Ratings given in a component standard
Ratings same as straight seamless pipe
Qualification by calculation plus
experience, analysis or test

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

19

Straight Pipe
Total thickness required is the sum of
1. Pressure design thickness
2. Manufacturing tolerance (usually 12.5% of the
nominal wall thickness)
3. Corrosion (or erosion) allowance
4. Mechanical allowances, e.g. threading

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

20

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

4. Pressure Design of Metals

Straight Pipe
Threading allowance nominal thread
depth described in ASME B1.20.1
NPS

Depth (in.)

Depth (mm)

&

0.057

1.45

1 thru 2

0.069

1.77

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

21

Straight Pipe
t = PD / [2 (SEW + PY)]
Where:
t = pressure design thickness
P = design pressure
D = outside diameter of pipe
S = stress value for material from Appendix A
E = quality factor
W = weld joint strength reduction factor
Y = coefficient (function of material and temperature),
usually 0.4

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

22

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

4. Pressure Design of Metals

Coefficient Y
900F
482C

950F
510C

Ferritic
Steels

0.4

0.5

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.7

Austenitic
Steels

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.5

0.7

Other
Ductile
Metals

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.4

Cast Iron

0.0

---

---

---

---

---

1000F 1050F 1100F

538C 566C 593C

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

1150F
621C

Pressure Design of Metals -

23

Straight Pipe Wall Thickness

Workshop: What is the required nominal pipe wall
thickness for the following case:
Styrene monomer service
ASTM A53 Gr B ERW carbon steel pipe
Design pressure and temperature from Problems 1
and 2, page 24 of the supplement.
S = 20,000 psi (138 MPa) - verify
Corrosion allowance = 1/8 (3.2 mm)
Socket welding thru NPS 1
Buttwelding NPS 2 and larger

See Supplement starting on page 31.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.
Pressure Design of Metals - 24

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

4. Pressure Design of Metals

Pipe Wall Thicknesses

Carbon
Steel
STD WT
XS WT
XXS WT

Also for
Carbon
Steel
Sch 10
Sch 20
Sch 30
Sch 40
Sch 60
Sch 80
Sch 160

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Stainless
Steel
Sch 5S
Sch 10S
Sch 40S
Sch 80S

Pressure Design of Metals -

25

Pipe Wall Thickness

STD WT and Sch 40 are the same NPS 1/8

through 10
STD WT is 3/8 (9.52 mm) NPS 12 and larger
XS WT and Sch 80 are the same NPS 1/8
through 8
XS WT is 1/2 (12.70 mm) NPS 8 and larger
Sch 40S is the same as STD WT
Sch 80S is the same as XS WT

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

26

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

4. Pressure Design of Metals

Fittings

Listed Fittings Can be used within their

pressure-temperature ratings
Unlisted Fittings Must have pressuretemperature ratings that conform with
para. 304

Rules for specific geometries in paras. 304.2

through 304.6
Rules for other geometries in para. 304.7

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

27

Fittings - Listed Fitting Example

1600
Pressure Rating (psi)

1400
1200
1000
800

Class 150

600

Class 300 up
to NPS 2

400
200
0
0

100

200

300

400

500

Temperature (F)

B16.3 Malleable Iron Threaded Fittings

(US Customary Units)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

28

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

4. Pressure Design of Metals

Fittings - Listed Fitting Example

Pressure Rating (bar)

100.0
80.0

Class 150

60.0

Class 300 up
to NPS 2

40.0
20.0
0.0
0

50

100

150

200

250

Temperature (C)

B16.3 Malleable Iron Threaded Fittings

(Metric Units)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

29

Fittings - Listed Fitting Example

B16.9 Wrought Steel Buttweld Fittings
The allowable pressure ratings for fittings
designed in accordance with this standard
may be calculated as for straight seamless
pipe of equivalent materialin accordance
with the rules established in the applicable
sections of ASME B31Pipe size, wall
thicknessand material identity on the
fittings are in lieu of pressure rating
markings.
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

30

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

4. Pressure Design of Metals

Fittings - Listed Fitting Example

B16.11 Forged Fittings, Socket Welding &
Threaded
Design temperature and other service
conditions shall be limited as provided by
the applicable piping code or regulation
for the material of construction of the
fittings. Within these limits the maximum
allowable pressure of a fitting shall be that
computed for straight seamless pipe of
equivalent material
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

31

Fittings - Listed Fitting Example

B16.11 Forged Fittings, Socket Welding &
Threaded The schedule of pipe corresponding to
each Class of fitting for rating purposes is shown
Class
2000
3000
6000
3000
6000
9000

Thd/SW
Thd
Thd
Thd
SW
SW
SW

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Sch No.
80
160
--80
160
---

Wall
XS
--XXS
XS
--XXS

Pressure Design of Metals -

32

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

4. Pressure Design of Metals

Pipe Bends
t =

PD / [2 (SEW/I + PY)]

Where:
I = [4(R1/D) 1] / [4(R1/D) 2]
at the intrados
I = [4(R1/D) + 1] / [4(R1/D) + 2]
at the extrados
I = 1.0 at the side
centerline
R1 = Bend radius
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

33

Miter Bends
Pm = [SEW(T-c)/r2] * GF
Where:
r2 = mean radius of pipe
GF = factor based on the
miter angle () and
bend radius

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

34

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

4. Pressure Design of Metals

Reducers
May be designed in accordance with rules in
ASME B&PV Code, Section VIII, Division 1
for conical or toriconical sections.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

35

Fabricated Branch Connections

Typical Welded Branch Connections [Fig.328.5.4]

Unreinforced

Reinforced

Lateral (angular branch)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

36

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

4. Pressure Design of Metals

Fabricated Branch Connections

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

37

Flanges and Blanks

Listed Flanges & Blanks Can be used

within their pressure-temperature ratings
Unlisted Flanges & Blanks Must have
pressure-temperature ratings that conform
with
Rules for specific geometries in paras. 304.5
Rules for other geometries in para. 304.7

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

38

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

4. Pressure Design of Metals

Flanges and Blanks

Listed Flange Example: B16.5 Pipe Flanges
and Flanged Fittings
7000

Pressure (psig)

6000

5000

Class 150
Class 300

4000

Class 600
Class 900

3000

Class 1500
Class 2500

2000

1000

0
0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

Temperature (F)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

39

Flanges and Blanks

Listed Blank Example:
B16.48 Steel Line Blanks
Ratings the same as
for flanges of
corresponding material
Blank thicknesses were
determined in
accordance with B31.3
rules
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

40

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

4. Pressure Design of Metals

Flanges and Blanks

Unlisted Flanges & Banks:
Flanges may be designed in accordance
with ASME B&PV Code, Section VIII,
Division 1, Appendix 2 with B31.3 allowable
stresses
Blanks may be designed in accordance
with para. 304.5.3

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

41

Other Components [304.7.2]

Components for which there are no specific
rules require:

Calculations consistent with the design criteria

of B31.3, and
Substantiation of the calculations by

Extensive successful experience

Experimental stress analysis
Proof test, or
Finite element stress analysis

Documentation available for owners approval

Interpolation between sizes & thicknesses
allowed
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

42

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

4. Pressure Design of Metals

Piping Material Specifications

Descriptions of components in a piping
material specification should include as
applicable:

Generic description of the component

Material specification, usually ASTM (include
material grade)
Rating or wall thickness
Product specification, usually B16 or MSS
Ends (buttweld, socket weld, threaded)
Type and facing for flanges

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Pressure Design of Metals -

43

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

5. Valve Selection

ASME B31.3 Process Piping

Charles Becht IV, PhD, PE
Don Frikken, PE
Instructors
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

Piping Development Process

1. Establish applicable system standard(s)
2. Establish design conditions
3. Make overall piping material decisions

Pressure Class
Reliability
Materials of construction

4. Fine tune piping material decisions

Materials
Determine wall thicknesses
Valves

5. Establish preliminary piping system layout & support

configuration
6. Perform flexibility analysis
7. Finalize layout and bill of materials
8. Fabricate and install
9. Examine and test

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

5. Valve Selection

5. Valve Selection

Code Requirements
Selection by Valve Type

Gate
Globe
Check
Butterfly
Ball
Plug

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

The Material in This Section is

Addressed by B31.3 in:
Chapter IV - Standards for Piping
Components

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

5. Valve Selection

Code Requirements
Listed Valves
Can be used within their pressuretemperature ratings and any additional
limitations described in the Code
Except that bolted bonnets secured by
fewer than 4 bolts or a U-bolt may only be
used in Category D Fluid Service.
[307]

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

Code Requirements
Unlisted Valves can be used within Code limitations
if they:
have dimensions that conform to those of
comparable listed components insofar as
practicable
provide strength and performance equivalent to
standard components, and
satisfy one of the following:
pressure-temperature ratings established by the method
described in Annex F of ASME B16.34, or
are qualified for pressure design as required by para.
304.7.2.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

5. Valve Selection

Selection by Valve Type

Gate
Globe
Check
Butterfly
Ball
Plug

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

Valve Selection -

Gate
Valve
From
API 603

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

Gate
Valve
Bonnets

From
Bonney
Stockham
Milwaukee

5. Valve Selection

Bolted
Welded

Screwed

Union

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

Gate
Valve
Bonnets

Pressure Seal Body to Bonnet Joint

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

10

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

5. Valve Selection

Gate
Valve
Stems

From
Stockham
Outside Screw
and Yoke (OS&Y)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inside Screw
Non-rising Stem
Valve Selection -

11

Gate Valve Attributes

On-off applications (Not considered suitable

for throttling)
Works as well with flow from either direction
Suitable for use in wide range of conditions
Can be made fire resistant and blow-out
resistant
Available in any size
Blocked-in volume when the valve is closed
Almost always leaks through the seat

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

12

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

5. Valve Selection

Globe
Valve

From
Vogt

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

13

Globe Valve

Angle Globe
(Vogt)

Y-Pattern Globe
(Vogt)

Straight-pattern Globe
with Pressure-seal
Bonnet (Ramondi)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

14

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

5. Valve Selection

Needle
Instrument
Valve
MSS-SP-105

From Vogt

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

15

Globe Valve Attributes

Suitable for on-off applications and throttling

Works best with flow from one direction
Suitable for use in wide range of conditions
Can be made fire resistant and blow-out
resistant
Available in sizes up to about NPS 14
No blocked-in volume when the valve is closed
Almost always leaks through the seat, but less
than a gate valve

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

16

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

5. Valve Selection

Check Valve
Swing
(Ramondi)
Tilting Disk
(ORBINOX)

Lift
(Vogt)
Centerline
Guided
Disk
(Durabla)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

17

Dual-Plate Wafer Check Valves

Lug Body Wafer (API 594)

Wafer & Lug Bodies (Mueller)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

18

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

5. Valve Selection

Check Valve Attributes

Works only with flow from one direction

Suitable for use in wide range of conditions
Can be made fire resistant and blow-out
resistant
Available in any size
No blocked-in volume when the valve is
closed
Almost always leaks through the seat, but
much more than a gate valve

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

19

Check Valve Attributes

Check valves check about 95% of the time

Check valves can close suddenly when the flow is
reversed, causing severe water hammer
Valve Type
Swing
Lift
Wafer

Slam Characteristics
Severe (improved with weight or spring)
Severe (improved with spring return)
Good

Tilting Disk

Excellent

C/L Disk

Excellent

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

20

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

5. Valve Selection

Butterfly
Valve
Low
Pressure
From
API 609
Category A

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

21

Butterfly Valve Low Pressure

Wafer Body, PTFE Lined

(Durco)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Lug Body
(Contromatics)

Valve Selection -

22

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

5. Valve Selection

Butterfly Valve Low Pressure

Suitable for on-off applications and throttling

Works as well with flow from either direction
Suitable for use up to ~200F (95C), 150 psig
(10 bar)
Cannot be made fire resistant or blow-out
resistant
Generally available NPS 3 and larger
No blocked-in volume when the valve is closed
Usually does not leak through the seat
Can be PTFE Lined
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

23

Butterfly Valve High Pressure

From API 609 - Category B

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Double offset

Valve Selection -

24

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

5. Valve Selection

Butterfly Valve High Pressure

Valve Seats

Double offset

PTFE Seat
(Xomox)
Fire
Resistant
Seat
(Contromatics)
Fire
Resistant
Seat
(Xomox)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

25

Butterfly Valve High Pressure

Suitable for on-off applications and throttling
Generally works as well with flow from either
direction
Suitable for use in wide range of conditions,
but PTFE seats limited to ~400F (200C)
Can be made fire resistant and blow-out
resistant
Generally available NPS 3 and larger
No blocked-in volume when the valve is
closed
Usually does not leak through the seat

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

26

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

5. Valve Selection

Ball
Valve
From
API 608
Floating
Ball,
End
Entry
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

27

Valve Selection -

28

Ball
Valve
From
API 608

Trunnion
Mounted,
Two
Piece
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

5. Valve Selection

Ball Valve

Two Piece
Lever Handle
(Contromatics)

End Entry
Oval Handle
(Contromatics)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

29

Ball Valve

Top Entry

Three Piece (Swing-out)

(Contromatics)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

30

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

5. Valve Selection

Ball Valve

Two Piece, Fully Lined (Xomox)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

31

Ball Valve Attributes

On-off applications (not considered suitable
for throttling)
Works as well with flow from either direction
Suitable for use in wide range of conditions,
but PTFE seats limited to ~400 F (200C)
Can be made fire resistant and blow-out
resistant
Available in any size
Blocked-in volume when the valve is closed
Usually does not leak through the seat
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

32

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

5. Valve Selection

Plug Valve
From API 599
Lubricated

Sleeve Lined

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

33

Plug
Valve
Fully Lined

(Durco)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

API 599
Valve Selection -

34

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

5. Valve Selection

Plug Valve Attributes

On-off applications and non-severe throttling
Works as well with flow from either direction
Suitable for use in wide range of conditions,
but PTFE seats limited to ~400 F (200C)
Can be made fire resistant (only lubricated
type) and blow-out resistant
Generally available up to ~NPS 12
Blocked-in volume when the valve is closed
Usually does not leak through the seat
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

35

Valve Selection Workshop

What valve attributes and block, throttle and check
valve types would you select for the following
services:

Steam condensate
Dry chlorine liquid
Sulfuric acid
Gasoline
650 psig (45 bar) Steam
Heat transfer oil
Styrene monomer
Lime/water slurry

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Valve Selection -

36

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

6. Flexibility Analysis

ASME B31.3 Process Piping

Charles Becht IV, PhD, PE
Don Frikken, PE
Instructors
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility Analysis -

Piping Development Process

1. Establish applicable system standard(s)
2. Establish design conditions
3. Make overall piping material decisions

Pressure Class
Reliability
Materials of construction

4. Fine tune piping material decisions

Materials
Determine wall thicknesses
Valves

5. Establish preliminary piping system layout & support

configuration
6. Perform flexibility analysis
7. Finalize layout and bill of materials
8. Fabricate and install
9. Examine and test

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility Analysis -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

6. Flexibility Analysis

6. Flexibility Analysis

What are we trying to achieve?

Flexibility Analysis Example

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility Analysis -

The Material in This Section is

Addressed by B31.3 in:
Chapter II

- Design

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility Analysis -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

6. Flexibility Analysis

What are we trying to achieve?

1. Provide adequate support;
2. Provide sufficient flexibility; and
3. Prevent the piping from exerting
excessive reactions

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility Analysis -

What are we trying to achieve?

1. Provide adequate support to resist loads
such as pressure, weight, earthquake
and wind

January 17 1994 Northridge Earthquake

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility Analysis -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

6. Flexibility Analysis

What are we trying to achieve?

2. Provide sufficient flexibility to safely
accommodate changes in length resulting
from temperature variations

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility Analysis -

What are we trying to achieve?

3. Provide sufficient support and flexibility to
prevent the piping from exerting
excessive reactions on equipment and
restraints

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility Analysis -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

6. Flexibility Analysis

What are we trying to achieve?

And we do that in order to

make the piping look well supported to the

facility engineers and operators
prevent collapse of the piping
prevent leaks due to fatigue cracks
prevent joint leakage caused by excessive
forces , and
prevent failure or malfunction of attached
equipment caused by excessive reactions

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility Analysis -

Flexibility Analysis Example

A two step analysis is shown.
1. Weight and Pressure Loads verify
proper support and check reactions
2. Thermal Expansion Load verify
adequate flexibility and check
reactions

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility Analysis -

10

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

6. Flexibility Analysis

Proposed System
NPS 4
Carbon Steel
Ambient to 600F (315C)
SG contents = 1.0

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility Analysis -

11

Sustained Load Analysis

Check Deflections

Deflected 0.4 (10 mm)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Marginal:
> 0.3 (8 mm)
Normal
Maximum
Flexibility Analysis -

12

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

6. Flexibility Analysis

Sustained Load Analysis

Check Reactions

60% =
1020#
(4500 N)

5%

Reactions
Poorly
Distributed
5%

30%

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility Analysis -

13

Sustained Load Analysis

Check Stresses
Max. is 66% of allowable

Stresses
OK

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility Analysis -

14

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

6. Flexibility Analysis

Displacement Load Analysis

Revised System (Added Support)
Max. Displacement
0.4 to 0.1 (10 to 2 mm)

60 to 35%

5 to 5%

Max. Stress
66% to 34% of allowable

5 to 10%

30 to 20%

0 to 30%

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Displacements
Stresses &
Reactions
All OK

Flexibility Analysis -

15

Displacement Load Analysis

0.4 (10 mm)

Check Deflections

Deflections
OK

0.9 (23 mm)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility Analysis -

16

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

6. Flexibility Analysis

Displacement Load Analysis

Check Reactions

0%

10%

40%

45% =
1240# (5520 N)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

5%

Reactions
High, Poorly
Distributed
Flexibility Analysis -

17

Displacement Load Analysis

Check Stresses

Max. is 79% of allowable

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Stresses
OK

Flexibility Analysis -

18

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

6. Flexibility Analysis

Displacement Load Analysis

Revised System (Added Spring
Support)
Max. Displacement
0.9 to 1.5 (23 to 38 mm)
Max. Stress
79% to 48% of allowable

0 to 0%

10 to 0%

45 to 5%

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

40 to 0%

5 to 5%

100% =
1240# (5520 N)

Displacements
Stresses &
Reactions
All OK

Flexibility Analysis -

19

Flexibility Analysis
Is the process of calculating the strains, and
resultant stresses and forces in a piping
system to determine if the system
has adequate support
has sufficient flexibility to safely
accommodate changes in length
resulting from temperature variations
exerts sufficiently low reaction forces at
restraints and equipment
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility Analysis -

20

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

7. Layout and Support

ASME B31.3 Process Piping

Charles Becht IV, PhD, PE
Don Frikken, PE
Instructors
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Layout and Support -

Piping Development Process

1. Establish applicable system standard(s)
2. Establish design conditions
3. Make overall piping material decisions

Pressure Class
Reliability
Materials of construction

4. Fine tune piping material decisions

Materials
Determine wall thicknesses
Valves

5. Establish preliminary piping system layout & support

configuration
6. Perform flexibility analysis
7. Finalize layout and bill of materials
8. Fabricate and install
9. Examine and test

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Layout and Support -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

7. Layout and Support

7. Layout and Support

General Considerations
Support Spacing
Support Locations
Support Elements

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Layout and Support -

The Material in This Section is

Addressed by B31.3 in:
Chapter II

- Design

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Layout and Support -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

7. Layout and Support

General Considerations

Access for operation (valves)

Access for maintenance of in-line devices
instrumentation
Traps
strainers, etc.

Avoiding interference with other activities

Removing heat exchanger bundles
Clearance for pump maintenance, etc.

Appearance

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Layout and Support -

General Considerations

Drainage (slope) requirements

Pressure drop
Cost of piping, including maximizing use
of existing supports
Avoiding interference with other piping
Clearance for application of insulation
Clearance for piping displacement, etc.

Provisions for future additions

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Layout and Support -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

7. Layout and Support

Support Spacing
Loads to consider
Dead Weight

Pipe
Insulation
Valves, specialty
items and
instruments

Live loads

Pipe contents
Ice, snow
People

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Layout and Support -

Support Spacing
Two principal sources:
1. Recognized codes & standards

ASME B31.1
MSS SP-69: Pipe Hangers and Supports
Selection and Application

2. Owner or designer calculated values

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Layout and Support -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

7. Layout and Support

Support Spacing
NPS
1

MSS SP-69
ft
m

Typical Calculated
ft
m

2.1

14

4.3

10

3.0

20

6.1

14

4.3

26

7.9

17

5.2

30

9.1

19

5.8

32

9.8

10

22

6.1

34

10.4

12

23

7.0

36

11.0

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Layout and Support -

Support Spacing
Usually based on simplifying assumptions
Combination of pipe material and wall
thickness used in the facility that gives the
shortest spans
Contents specific gravity, usually 1.0
Typical insulation thickness and density
Person walking on pipe for larger sizes

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Layout and Support -

10

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

7. Layout and Support

Support Spacing
Two Models Frequently Used

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Layout and Support -

11

Support Spacing
w

SL = stresses caused by bending

moment and pressure
= M/Z + PD/4t
= (wL2 + 2HL) / (8Z) + PD/4t
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Layout and Support -

12

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

7. Layout and Support

Support Spacing
SL = (wL2 + 2HL) / (8Z) + PD/4t
Where
D
H
L
M
P
t

=
=
=
=
=
=

pipe outside diameter

concentrated load (people)
trial length for support spacing
bending moment
design pressure
pipe wall thickness nominal wall thickness less
mechanical, corrosion and erosion allowances
w = uniform load due to pipe, contents & insulation
Z = pipe section modulus

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Layout and Support -

13

Support Spacing
Some designers limit support spacing using an
arbitrary deflection criterion. 0.5 in. (12 mm) is
frequently used.
w

PD[ = (5wL4 / 384EI) + (HL3 / 48EI)

Where
E = pipe material elastic modulus
I = pipe moment of inertia

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Layout and Support -

14

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

7. Layout and Support

Support Spacing

This calculation method is only applicable

to straight pipe with more-or-less
uniformly spaced supports.
Using the simply supported beam model
versus the fixed beam supported model
adds some conservatism to the
calculation.
Other models that can be used are shown
on succeeding slides.
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Layout and Support -

15

Support Spacing
Assuming simply supported ends
Concentrated
load

H
L
w

Uniform load
L

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

M = HL/4
PD[ +/(,

M = wL2/8
PD[ 
Z/(,

Layout and Support -

16

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

7. Layout and Support

Support Spacing
Assuming Fixed ends
Concentrated
load

M = HL/8
PD[ 
+/(,

H
L

M = wL2/12
PD[ 
Z/(,

Uniform load
L

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Layout and Support -

17

Support Locations
Supports must be located such that SL Sh.
Following these rules of thumb will help:
Piping running up the side of vessels should
be supported from the vessel, generally near
the top of the run.
Locate concentrated loads (e.g. valves) near
supports.
Use rigid supports (i.e. not spring supports) at
safety valves.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Layout and Support -

18

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

7. Layout and Support

Support Locations
Following these rules of thumb will help
when doing the flexibility analysis:

As much as possible, attach supports to

straight pipe rather than elbows or other
fittings.
Provide space for adding loops to piping near
load sensitive equipment, e.g. in pump suction
lines.
Consider the need to add friction reducing
slides between the piping and support steel.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Layout and Support -

19

Support Locations
Following these rules of thumb will help
operation and maintenance:

Attach supports to pipe, not valves, flanges or

instruments.
Provide supports near instruments, and other
devices that are likely to be removed for
maintenance.
Support piping such that spools to be removed
for equipment maintenance can be removed
without adding temporary supports.
Minimize the use of spring hangers.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Layout and Support -

20

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

7. Layout and Support

Support Elements
Support elements are classified by the degree of restraint
provided to the piping

Simple
Support

Only provides vertical

restraint

Restrains lateral movement

Guide (and sometimes vertical
movement as well)
Restrains axial movement
Longitudinal
(and sometimes vertical
Pipe Restraint
movement as well)
Restrains movement in all
Anchor directions (welded to
support steel)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Layout and Support -

21

Simple Support

(from Piping Technology & Products)

(from Anvil International)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Layout and Support -

22

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

7. Layout and Support

Simple Support

(from Piping Technology & Products)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

(from Anvil International)

Layout and Support -

23

Layout and Support -

24

Guide

(from Anvil International)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

7. Layout and Support

Spring Hangers

(from Anvil International)

Constant Type

Variable Type

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Layout and Support -

25

Special Purpose Supports

(from Anvil International)

Sway strut used to

prevent horizontal
movement.

Hydraulic snubber used

to prevent sudden
horizontal movement but
allow slowly applied
displacement.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Layout and Support -

26

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

7. Layout and Support

Support Element Selection

Resting pipe directly on structural
steel should be avoided when:
Carbon steel pipe is in a wet
environment and failure by
corrosion is not tolerable
Stainless steel pipe would be in
contact with galvanized steel and
failure by liquid metal
embrittlement during a fire is not
tolerable

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Layout and Support -

27

Support Element Selection

Support elements on outdoor insulated
piping should penetrate the insulation on the
bottom of the pipe.

(from Anvil International)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Layout and Support -

28

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

7. Layout and Support

Support Element Selection

Some solutions:

Use pipe shoes

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Support outside
the insulation
Layout and Support -

29

Support Element Selection

In aggressive external
corrosion environments,
support should be via
structural steel under
the pipe rather than
hanger rods with
multiple threaded
connections that may
fail in a few years.
(from Anvil International)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Layout and Support -

30

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

8. Flexibility

ASME B31.3 Process Piping

Charles Becht IV, PhD, PE
Don Frikken, PE
Instructors
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

Piping Development Process

1. Establish applicable system standard(s)
2. Establish design conditions
3. Make overall piping material decisions

Pressure Class
Reliability
Materials of construction

4. Fine tune piping material decisions

Materials
Determine wall thicknesses
Valves

5. Establish preliminary piping system layout & support

configuration
6. Perform flexibility analysis
7. Finalize layout and bill of materials
8. Fabricate and install
9. Examine and test

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

8. Flexibility

8. Flexibility

General Considerations
Friction
Stress Intensification
Thermal Expansion
Spring Hangers
The Displacement Load Analysis

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

The Material in This Section is

Addressed by B31.3 in:
Chapter II - Design
Appendix D - Flexibility & Stress
Intensification Factors

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

8. Flexibility

General Considerations

Main purpose is to provide sufficient flexibility to

safely accommodate changes in length
resulting from temperature variations, avoiding
failure caused by
Fatigue
Creep-fatigue
Ratchet

Another purpose is to keep movement of piping

within a manageable range
Avoiding interference with other stuff
Supports designed to handle displacements

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

General Considerations

Loads are actions that cause one end of a pipe

segment to move relative to the other end and
actions that have an equivalent effect
Thermal expansion of attached equipment
Temperature changes in the piping

Peak stresses are accounted for using stress

intensification factors
Acceptance criterion is based on the stress
range

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

8. Flexibility

Friction

Displacement causes piping to move over

sliding supports
Friction forces are in one direction when
the pipe is heating and in the opposite
direction when cooling
The coefficient of friction used for steel on
steel ranges from 0.3 to 0.5.
N

F = N

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

Flexibility -

Friction

The coefficient of friction can

be reduced to 0.1 by using
PTFE or graphite impregnated
plates
Using roller supports can
further reduce the coefficient of
friction to 0.02

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

8. Flexibility

Friction Workshop
Calculate the east-west reactions at the anchors
caused by friction.

Assume steel on steel

Line is NPS 6, std WT steel, uninsulated and full of water

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

Stress Intensification

Stress intensification factors (SIFs) are

used to account for higher stresses that
may exist at discontinuities in the piping at
fittings and joints
The calculated stresses at a fitting or joint
are taken as the stress calculated for a
perfect circular cylinder times the SIF
SIFs are given in Appendix D of B31.3
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

10

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

8. Flexibility

Stress Intensification

SIFs are based on Markl testing of piping

components
Primarily A106 Gr B pipe, with some types
316 and 347 stainless steel
NPS 4 Sch 40
Fully reversed bending
Displacement controlled tests

Markl started with a fatigue curve

generated by fatigue tests on pipe with
circumferential welds
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

11

Stress Intensification
Pipe with Circumferential Welds

Stress Range

1,000,000

Average
Fatigue
Failure

100,000

Design
Fatigue
Curve (1/2
Average)

10,000

1,000
1000

10000
100000
1000000 10000000
Number of Cycles

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

12

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

8. Flexibility

Stress Intensification

Components such as tees and elbows

were similarly fatigue tested
The SIF for a component is the ratio of
the nominal stress in the circumferentially
welded pipe divided by the nominal stress
in the component at failure for the same
number of cycles
Even though the component may have
thicker walls, the evaluation is based on
the dimensions of the pipe
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

13

Stress Intensification
NPS 4 STD WT Fittings
100,000

Stress Range

Buttwelded
Pipe
Elbow = 1.1
Tee = 1.5

Elbow
10,000

Tee

1,000
1000

10000

100000

1000000 10000000

Number of Cycles

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

14

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

8. Flexibility

Thermal Expansion
Thermal Expansion of metals can be
calculated by
/  7/
:KHUH
= Coefficient of thermal expansion
/
/HQJWKRISLSLQJ
/
&KDQJHLQOHQJWKRISLSLQJ
7
&KDQJHLQWHPSHUDWXUHXVXDOO\
WHPSHUDWXUHUDQJH
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

15

Thermal Expansion
Thermal Expansion of metals can also be
calculated by
/ ([S/
:KHUH
Exp = Total thermal expansion, in/100 ft
(mm/m)
/
/HQJWKRISLSLQJIWP
/
&KDQJHLQOHQJWKRISLSLQJLQPP

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

16

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

8. Flexibility

Thermal Expansion
What is the change in length of a carbon
steel line that has

$QRULJLQDOOHQJWKRIIWP
+DVDPLQLPXPH[SHFWHGWHPSHUDWXUHRI
|)|&DQG
+DVDPD[LPXPH[SHFWHGWHPSHUDWXUHRI
|)|&

6HHSDJHVRIWKHVXSSOHPHQW
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

17

Flexibility -

18

Spring Hangers
Spring hangers are used
to provide support for
piping while allowing
vertical movement of the
piping caused by
displacement loads.

Variable Type
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

8. Flexibility

Force

Spring Hangers

Displacement

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

19

Spring Hangers
Selection Process
Calculate weight to be supported
Calculate movement of the line at the support
location
Select hanger size based on the load
Decide allowable load variation
Usually less than 25%
Less if needed to meet stress or reaction
requirements

Select hanger from manufacturers table

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

20

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

8. Flexibility

Spring Hanger Workshop

Select a spring hanger that will minimize the
weight reaction on the pump.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

21

Spring Hangers

Variable Spring Hanger Installation (Anvil International)

[Note that springs are always in compression.]

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

22

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

8. Flexibility

Spring Hangers
Constant type spring hangers are used when the
load variation on a variable type spring hanger
would be too high.

Constant Type
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

23

Spring Hangers

Constant Support Hanger Installation (Anvil International)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

24

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

8. Flexibility

The Displacement Load Analysis

Temperature Range
Displacement Stress Calculation
Calculation Methods

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

25

Temperature Range

B31.3 requires that we consider the

algebraic difference between strains in
the extreme displacement condition and
the original (as-installed) condition (or any
anticipated condition with a greater
differential effect)(319.2.3(b))
The minimum and maximum
temperatures used dont necessarily
correspond to the design temperature and
the design minimum temperature
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

26

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

8. Flexibility

Temperature Range
design temperature: the temperature at
which, under the coincident pressure, the
greatest thickness or highest component
rating is required (301.3).
design minimum temperature: the lowest
component temperature expected in
service (301.3.1)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

27

Temperature Range

Minimum temperature may be due to

Normal operation
Excursion operation
Expected winter temperature

Maximum temperature may be due to

Normal operation
Excursion operation
Piping exposed to hot summer sun [120F,
50C]
Empty piping exposed to heat tracing
Steam cleaning

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

28

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

8. Flexibility

Temperature Range Examples

Outdoor cooling tower water line:

Minimum water temperature is 45F (7C)

Maximum water temperature is 90F (32C)
The piping is installed during February,
which has an average daily temperature of
53F (12C)
Minimum average daily temperature is 30F
(-1C)
Temperature range is _______ to ________

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

29

Temperature Range Examples

Outdoor compressed air piping

Minimum compressed air temperature is

ambient
Maximum compressed air temperature is
150F (65C)
The piping is installed during July, which has
an average daily temperature of 64F (18C)
Minimum average daily temperature is -30F
(-35C)
Temperature range is _______ to ________

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

30

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

8. Flexibility

Temperature Range Examples

Outdoor steam traced water line:

Minimum water temperature is 40F (4C)

Maximum water temperature is 60F (16C)
The piping is installed during September,
which has an average daily temperature of
76F (24C)
Minimum average daily temperature is 30F
(-1C)
Calculated maximum temperature for no flow
condition with steam tracing on is 280F
(140C)
Temperature range is _______ to ________

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

31

Displacement Stress Calculation

L

= Ey//
/ y7y/
= Ey y7
 :KDWLV IRUFDUERQVWHHODQG7 |)|&"
(IRUFDUERQVWHHO (SVL*3D
 :KDWLV IRUVWDLQOHVVVWHHOXQGHUWKHVDPHFRQGLWLRQ"
(IRUVWDLQOHVVVWHHO (SVL*3D

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

32

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

8. Flexibility

Calculation Methods
The Code describes four acceptable
methods to demonstrate adequate flexibility
1. Formal analysis
2. Duplicate of a successful system
3. System that can be judged adequate by
comparison
4. Empirical equation for piping that meets
certain requirements

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

33

Calculation Methods
The empirical equation is:
Dy/(L U)2 30SA/Ea (in/ft)2
Dy/(L U)2 208,000SA/Ea (mm/m)2
Where:
D
L
U
Y

=
=
=
=

Pipe outside diameter (in) (mm)

Developed length of piping between anchors (ft) (m)
Distance between anchors (ft) (m)
Total displacement strain to be absorbed by the
piping (in) (mm)
SA = Allowable stress range
Ea = Elastic modulus at room temperature

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

34

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

8. Flexibility

Calculation Methods
L1

L2
U
L = L1 + L2
y = U7

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

35

Calculation Methods

The empirical equation can be used if the

piping system:
Is of uniform size
Has no more than two points of fixation
Has no intermediate restraints

The equation is not applicable to systems

subject to severe cyclic conditions.
The equation may not be accurate for
certain geometries.
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

36

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

8. Flexibility

Calculation Methods
The Code describes four acceptable
methods to demonstrate adequate flexibility
1. Formal analysis
2. Duplicate of a successful system
3. System that can be judged adequate by
comparison
4. Empirical equation for piping that meets
certain requirements

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

37

Calculation Methods
Formal analyses can be simple or complex.
The complex analyses are done using
computer programs such as

Autopipe, Siber Technology,

http://www.siber.co.uk/rebis/autopipe.shtml
CAEPIPE, SST Systems, Inc., http://www.sstusa.com/
Caesar, Coade, Inc., http://www.caesarii.com/
PipePak, Algor,
http://www.pipepak.com/products/Profes1504/default.asp
SIMFLEX, Peng Engineering, http://www.pipestress.com/
TRIFLEX, Nor-Par a.s, http://www.norpar.com/triflex.htm

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

38

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

8. Flexibility

Calculation Methods
The simple analyses are done using
equations, charts and graphs such as
described in

Design of Piping Systems, The M.W. Kellogg

Company, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., First Edition
1941
Piping Design and Engineering, Grinnell
Corporation, First Edition 1963

One of the simplest methods is the guided

cantilever method described in the Kellogg
book.
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

39

Guided Cantilever Method

= 48L2SA/EaD
Where = maximum permissible displacement
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

40

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

8. Flexibility

Guided Cantilever Method

See page 49 of the Supplement.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

41

Calculation Methods
The Code describes four acceptable
methods to demonstrate adequate flexibility
1. Formal analysis
2. Duplicate of a successful system
3. System that can be judged adequate by
comparison
4. Empirical equation for piping that meets
certain requirements

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Flexibility -

42

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

8. Flexibility

Calculation Methods
Judging by comparison
20 (6 m)
NPS 6
13 (4 m)

If this line is OK,

20 (6 m)

what can we say about this line,

which is in the same fluid service?

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

13 (4 m)

NPS 4

Flexibility -

43

Calculation Methods
Judging by comparison
20 (6 m)
NPS 6
13 (4 m)

If this line is OK,

20 (6 m)

what can we say about this line,

which has the same pipe material
at a lower temperature range?

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

13 (4 m)

NPS 6

Flexibility -

44

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

8. Flexibility

Calculation Methods
Judging by comparison
13 (4 m)

20 (6 m)
NPS 6
If this line is OK,
20 (6 m)

what can we say about this line,

which is in the same fluid service?

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

16 (5 m)

NPS 6

Flexibility -

45

Calculation Methods
Judging by comparison
20 (6 m)
NPS 6, carbon steel
13 (4 m)

If this line is OK,

20 (6 m)

what can we say about this line,

which is in the same fluid service?

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

13 (4 m)

NPS 6, stainless steel

Flexibility -

46

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

9. Reactions

ASME B31.3 Process Piping

Charles Becht IV, PhD, PE
Don Frikken, PE
Instructors
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Reactions -

Piping Development Process

1. Establish applicable system standard(s)
2. Establish design conditions
3. Make overall piping material decisions

Pressure Class
Reliability
Materials of construction

4. Fine tune piping material decisions

Materials
Determine wall thicknesses
Valves

5. Establish preliminary piping system layout & support

configuration
6. Perform flexibility analysis
7. Finalize layout and bill of materials
8. Fabricate and install
9. Examine and test

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Reactions -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

9. Reactions

9. Reactions

General Considerations
Fabricated Equipment
Rotating Equipment
Supports
Cold Spring

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Reactions -

The Material in This Section is

Addressed by B31.3 in:
Chapter II

- Design

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Reactions -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

9. Reactions

General Considerations

Main purpose is to provide sufficient

support and flexibility to prevent the piping
from exerting excessive reactions on
equipment and restraints
The calculation methods are different for
fabricated equipment than for rotating
equipment or supports
Reaction limits are determined differently
for fabricated equipment than for rotating
equipment or supports
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Reactions -

Reactions -

Fabricated Equipment

Calculation Methods
Reaction Limits
Nozzle Flexibility

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

9. Reactions

Calculation Methods

Usually the accuracy of a formal analysis

using a computer stress analysis program
is required
Both sustained loads and displacement
loads are considered
Failure modes for fabricated equipment
include:
Gross deformation or collapse
Fatigue

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Reactions -

Calculation Methods

In order to evaluate fatigue, the entire

range of loads must be considered, so the
temperature range for this calculation is
the same as for calculating the
displacement stress range

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Reactions -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

9. Reactions

Reaction Limits
Reaction limits for
nozzles are calculated
using

Welding Research
Council Bulletin 107
Local Stresses in
Shells due to
External Loadings
Finite element analysis

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Reactions -

Reaction Limits

Allowable stresses values used in the

calculation are taken from the applicable Code,
and stress evaluation is usually done using the
stress evaluation criteria described in ASME
B&PV Code Section VIII, Division 2, Alternate
Rules for Pressure Vessels
Advantages to doing these calculations yourself
Cycle time is reduced considerably
Easier to decide between reinforcing the
nozzle and lowering the reactions
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Reactions -

10

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

9. Reactions

Rotating Equipment

Calculation Methods
Reaction Limits

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Reactions -

11

Calculation Methods

Usually the accuracy of a formal analysis using

a computer stress analysis program is required
Failure modes for rotating equipment include:
Detrimental misalignment
Rubbing interference

In order to evaluate failure modes, only the

magnitude of the loads during operation needs
to be considered, so the temperature range
from the installed condition to the operating
condition is used
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Reactions -

12

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

9. Reactions

Temperature Range Examples

Outdoor cooling tower water line:

Minimum water temperature is 45F (7C)

Maximum water temperature is 90F (32C)
The piping is installed during February,
which has an average daily temperature of
53F (12C)
Minimum average daily temperature is 30F
(-1C)
Temperature range is _______ to ________

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Reactions -

13

Temperature Range Examples

Outdoor compressed air piping

Minimum compressed air temperature is

ambient
Maximum compressed air temperature is
150F (65C)
The piping is installed during July, which has
an average daily temperature of 64F (18C)
Minimum average daily temperature is -30F
(-35C)
Temperature range is _______ to ________

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Reactions -

14

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

9. Reactions

Temperature Range Examples

Outdoor steam traced water line:

Minimum water temperature is 40F (4C)

Maximum water temperature is 60F (16C)
The piping is installed during September,
which has an average daily temperature of
76F (24C)
Minimum average daily temperature is 30F
(-1C)
Calculated maximum temperature for no flow
condition with steam tracing on is 280F
(140C)
Temperature range is _______ to ________

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Reactions -

15

Reaction Limits

Limits are specified by the equipment

manufacturers
Manufacturers of certain types of
equipment are required to at least meet
the allowable reaction requirements in
applicable industry standards, so
Many manufacturers refer the users to
these standards

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Reactions -

16

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

9. Reactions

Reaction Limits
Equipment

Industry Standard

Centrifugal Pumps

ASME B73.1
API 610
NEMA SM-23
API 611
API 612
API 617

Steam Turbines

Centrifugal Compressors
Positive Displacement
Compressors

API 619

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Reactions -

17

Reactions -

18

Supports

Calculation Methods
Reaction limits

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

9. Reactions

Calculation Methods

Usually the accuracy of a formal analysis using

a computer stress analysis program is required
The failure modes of concern for supports is
collapse and excessive deformation
The structural codes dont recognize the
distinction between displacement and sustained
loads, so only the magnitude of the loading
extremes needs to be considered, so
The temperature range from the installed
condition to the operating condition is used
Some codes differentiate between normal
loads and occasional loads
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Reactions -

19

Reaction Limits
Reaction limits are determined by either the
maximum stress or the stability limit of the
structure.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Reactions -

20

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

9. Reactions

Cold Spring
Cold spring is the intentional deformation of piping
during assembly to produce a desired initial
displacement and stress. (319.2.4)
Cold springing:

Does not change the stress range

Does not change the reaction range
Is not helpful for reducing reaction ranges at fabricated
equipment
Can be helpful for reducing reactions rotating
equipment and supports
Can be used to control displacements

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Reactions -

21

Reactions -

22

Cold Spring
Neutral

Neutral

Cold

Cold

Hot

Hot

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

9. Reactions

Cold Spring
Because cold spring is difficult to achieve
accurately in practice, B31.3 permits only
partial credit in calculating reaction forces

For two anchor systems with no intermediate

restraints, B31.3 gives equations for estimating
reactions giving 2/3 credit for cold spring
(319.5.1)
For other systems, B31.3 requires that each
case be studied to estimate reactions (319.5.2)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Reactions -

23

Cold Spring
Note that unintentional cold spring
(misalignment) has the same effect as
intentional cold spring.

The Code says Any distortion of piping to

bring it into alignment for joint assembly which
introduces a detrimental strain in equipment or
piping components is prohibited. (335.1.1)
Some owners are more restrictive than the
Code on misalignment.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Reactions -

24

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

10. Flexibility Analysis Methods

ASME B31.3 Process Piping

Charles Becht IV, PhD, PE
Don Frikken, PE
Instructors
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Detailed Flexibility Analysis -

Piping Development Process

1. Establish applicable system standard(s)
2. Establish design conditions
3. Make overall piping material decisions

Pressure Class
Reliability
Materials of construction

4. Fine tune piping material decisions

Materials
Determine wall thicknesses
Valves

5. Establish preliminary piping system layout & support

configuration
6. Perform flexibility analysis
7. Finalize layout and bill of materials
8. Fabricate and install
9. Examine and test

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Detailed Flexibility Analysis -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

10. Flexibility Analysis Methods

10. Detailed Flexibility Analysis

When to Perform a Detailed Analysis

Considerations

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Detailed Flexibility Analysis -

The Material in This Section is

Addressed by B31.3 in:
Chapter II

- Design

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Detailed Flexibility Analysis -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

10. Flexibility Analysis Methods

When to Perform a Detailed Analysis

When the other methods the Code
describes dont give satisfactory results.
1. Formal analysis

Simple
Detailed

2. Duplicate of a successful system

3. System that can be judged adequate by
comparison
4. Empirical equation for piping that meets
certain requirements
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Detailed Flexibility Analysis -

Considerations

Temperatures and pressures during

start-up
normal operation
steam out/decoking
depressuring (autorefrigeration)
shutdown (ambient effects)
excursion operation
no-flow branch
regeneration
heat tracing

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Note that
frequently
only the most
severe
condition is
documented
at this stage
of design.

Detailed Flexibility Analysis -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

10. Flexibility Analysis Methods

Considerations

Effects due to

expansion and contraction

differential settlement
relief valve reactions
weight
wind
seismic, and
other mechanical loadings

The effect of frictional resistance to

thermal movement
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Detailed Flexibility Analysis -

Considerations

External bending moments on flanges

Forces due to unsteady operation, such
as
two phase flow
pulsating flow
water hammer

Maximum sag deflections of, for example,

1/2 inch (13 mm)
Thermal movement of equipment to which
the piping is attached
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Detailed Flexibility Analysis -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

10. Flexibility Analysis Methods

Considerations

Differential movement of support

structures during an earthquake
Tank settlement
Need for control in construction and
maintenance when gaps or other
unusual tactics are used
Supports from which the pipe lifts off
when hot
Records that need to be kept
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Detailed Flexibility Analysis -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

11. Designing with Expansion Joints

ASME B31.3 Process Piping

Charles Becht IV, PhD, PE
Don Frikken, PE
Instructors
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Designing with Expansion Joints -

Piping Development Process

1. Establish applicable system standard(s)
2. Establish design conditions
3. Make overall piping material decisions

Pressure Class
Reliability
Materials of construction

4. Fine tune piping material decisions

Materials
Determine wall thicknesses
Valves

5. Establish preliminary piping system layout & support

configuration
6. Perform flexibility analysis
7. Finalize layout and bill of materials
8. Fabricate and install
9. Examine and test

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Designing with Expansion Joints -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

11. Designing with Expansion Joints

11. Designing with Expansion Joints

Types of Expansion Joints

Pressure Thrust
Installation of Expansion Joints
Metal Bellows Expansion Joints

(Hanjo)

(General Rubber)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

(Hyspan)
Designing with Expansion Joints -

The Material in This Section is

Addressed by B31.3 in:
Chapter II - Design
Appendix X - Metallic Bellows Expansion
Joints

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Designing with Expansion Joints -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

11. Designing with Expansion Joints

Types of Expansion Joints

Slip

Ball

Rubber Bellows

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Metal Bellows
Designing with Expansion Joints -

Pressure Thrust

Expansion Joint Manufacturers Association (EJMA)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Designing with Expansion Joints -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

11. Designing with Expansion Joints

Pressure Thrust

(EJMA)
Which types of expansion joints have this problem?

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Designing with Expansion Joints -

Pressure Thrust
For a bellows type expansion joint, the pressure
thrust force is the effective thrust area
recommended by the manufacturer times the
pressure. In the absence of this information:
F = P * * d p2
4
Where
F = pressure thrust force
P = pressure
dp = mean diameter of bellows
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Designing with Expansion Joints -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

11. Designing with Expansion Joints

Pressure Thrust
Net force on nozzle = PAn
Net force on vessel = 0

PAn

PAn

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Designing with Expansion Joints -

Pressure Thrust
Net force on nozzle = F-PAn
Net force on vessel = F
Net force on anchor = F

PAn

dp

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

PAn

Designing with Expansion Joints -

10

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

11. Designing with Expansion Joints

Pressure Thrust Workshop

What is the
apparent change
in the weight of a
vessel caused
by increasing the
pressure by 100
psi (700 kPa)?

Rigid Support

See the
supplement,
page 52.
Weigh Cell (typ)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Designing with Expansion Joints -

11

Installation of Expansion Joints

Anchors must be designed for full pressure thrust

based on maximum operating pressure.
(EJMA)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Designing with Expansion Joints -

12

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

11. Designing with Expansion Joints

Bellows Movement

Axial (EJMA)

Rotation (EJMA)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Designing with Expansion Joints -

13

Bellows Movement

Lateral (EJMA)
Inefficient for bellows

Bellows are not intended to

take torsional displacement.

Efficient use of bellows for

Lateral movement (EJMA)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Designing with Expansion Joints -

14

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

11. Designing with Expansion Joints

Universal Expansion Joint

Piping Technology & Products

(PTP)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

(PTP)

Designing with Expansion Joints -

15

Universal Expansion Joint

In-plane application
(EJMA)

3-dimensional application
(EJMA)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Designing with Expansion Joints -

16

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

11. Designing with Expansion Joints

Hinged Expansion Joint

(EJMA)

(Adsco)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

(Hae Jo Industrial)

Designing with Expansion Joints -

17

Hinged Expansion Joint

(EJMA)

(EJMA)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Designing with Expansion Joints -

18

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

11. Designing with Expansion Joints

Gimbal Expansion Joint

(EJMA)

(Adsco)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

(Hae Jo Industrial)

Designing with Expansion Joints -

19

Gimbal Expansion Joint

(EJMA)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Designing with Expansion Joints -

20

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

11. Designing with Expansion Joints

Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Designing with Expansion Joints -

21

Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint

(EJMA)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

(Hae Jo Industrial)

Designing with Expansion Joints -

22

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

11. Designing with Expansion Joints

Pressure Balanced Expansion Joint

(EJMA)

(EJMA)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Designing with Expansion Joints -

23

Bellows Expansion Joint Types

Type
Single

Type

Axial

Yes

Universal
(tied)

Lateral Rotation
Small

Yes

Yes

Yes

Hinged

Yes

Gimbal

Yes

Pressure
Balanced

Yes

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Small

Pressure
Thrust

Yes

Yes

Designing with Expansion Joints -

24

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

11. Designing with Expansion Joints

Metal Bellows Expansion Joints

Bellows Shapes
Failure Modes

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Designing with Expansion Joints -

25

Bellows Shapes (EJMA)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Designing with Expansion Joints -

26

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

11. Designing with Expansion Joints

Bellows Shapes (EJMA)

Unreinforced U

Toroidal

Reinforced U

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Designing with Expansion Joints -

27

Metal Bellows Failure Modes

In-plane squirm
Column squirm
Fatigue

In-plane
squirm

(Design Factor = 2.6 on cycles)

Creep-fatigue
Burst, collapse, over
stretching

Column
squirm

(Design Factor = 3.0 on burst)

Corrosion

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Designing with Expansion Joints -

28

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

11. Designing with Expansion Joints

Flixborough Disaster

1974 cyclohexane vapor cloud

explosion (UK)
Killed 28, injured 89, damaged 1821
homes
Caused by plant personnels failure to
recognize expansion joint pressure
thrust problem

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Designing with Expansion Joints -

29

Metal Bellows Fatigue

Total Stress Range

1000000

EJMA
Unreinforced
EJMA
Reinforced
B31.3
Unreinforced
B31.3
Reinforced

100000

10000
100

1000

10000

100000

1000000

Number of Cycles

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Designing with Expansion Joints -

30

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

12. Fabrication and Installation

ASME B31.3 Process Piping

Charles Becht IV, PhD, PE
Don Frikken, PE
Instructors
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

Piping Development Process

1. Establish applicable system standard(s)
2. Establish design conditions
3. Make overall piping material decisions

Pressure Class
Reliability
Materials of construction

4. Fine tune piping material decisions

Materials
Determine wall thicknesses
Valves

5. Establish preliminary piping system layout & support

configuration
6. Perform flexibility analysis
7. Finalize layout and bill of materials
8. Fabricate and install
9. Examine and test

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

12. Fabrication and Installation

12. Fabrication and Installation

Welder/Brazer Qualification
Welding Processes
Weld Preparation
Typical Welds
Preheating & Heat Treatment
Typical Owner Added Requirements
Installation
Flange Joints

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

The Material in This Section is

Addressed by B31.3 in:
Chapter V - Fabrication, Assembly, and
Erection

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

12. Fabrication and Installation

Welder Qualification
Welders are required to use an approved procedure
in accordance with B&PV Code Section IX
Prepare the welding procedure specification (WPS)

Essential variables (P-no., thickness, PWHT, etc.)

Nonessential variables (Groove design, position, technique, etc)

Procedure Qualification Test to determine that weldment

is capable of having required properties
Test of procedure, not welder (normally done by good
welders)
Must pass tensile test and bend test
May be required to pass supplemental tests (e.g. impact)
The test record is documented as Procedure Qualification
Record (PQR), which is retained by the employer

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

Welder Qualification
Welders are required to be qualified by test in
accordance with B&PV Code Section IX

Performance Qualifications Test to determine that the

welder is capable of depositing sound weld metal
Additional essential variables, e.g. position, pipe diameter
The test record is documented as Welder Performance
Qualification (WPQ), which is retained by the employer
Need to weld with manual (or automatic) process
periodically, if not for 6 months, re-qualification required
(could be on production weld that is X Rayed)
Procedure and performance qualifications may be by
other than the employer under certain conditions if the
Inspector approves.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

12. Fabrication and Installation

Brazer Qualification
Brazers are required to used an approved procedure
and be qualified by test, also in accordance with
B&PV Code Section IX

Prepare the brazing procedure specification (BPS)

The procedure test record is documented as Procedure
Qualification Record (PQR), which is retained by the
employer
The performance test record is documented as Brazer
Performance Qualification (BPQ), which is retained by the
employer
The owner may waive these qualifications for Category D
Fluid Service.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

Welding Processes Fusion Weld

Characteristics of the fusion weld joint

(Manufacturing Engineering and Technology: p820)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

12. Fabrication and Installation

Welding Processes Electric Arc

Shielded Metal Arc Welding

(SMAW), a.k.a. stick
welding
Gas Metal Arc Welding
(GMAW), a.k.a. MIG
Flux Cored Arc Welding
(FCAW)
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
(GTAW), a.k.a. TIG
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

Shielded Metal Arc Welding

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

10

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

12. Fabrication and Installation

Shielded Metal Arc Welding

Suitable for windy, outdoor conditions
Low cost equipment
All position capabilities
Good choice for on-site welding

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

11

Gas Metal Arc Welding

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

12

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

12. Fabrication and Installation

Gas Metal Arc Welding

Not suitable for windy, outdoor conditions
Moderate cost equipment
All position capabilities
Fast welding speeds possible
No slag to clean

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

13

Flux Cored Arc Welding

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

14

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

12. Fabrication and Installation

Flux Cored Arc Welding

Suitable for windy, outdoor conditions
Same equipment as for GMAW
Out of position capabilities
High metal deposition rate

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

15

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

16

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

12. Fabrication and Installation

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

Not suitable for windy, outdoor conditions
Moderate cost equipment
All position capabilities
Low metal deposition rate
No slag to clean
Highest quality, most precise welds

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

17

Welding Processes
Process

Materials

Skill Level
Required

SMAW

Steel, Stainless Steel

Moderate

GMAW

Steel, Stainless Steel,

Aluminum

Low

FCAW

Steel, Stainless Steel

Moderate

GTAW

Steel, Stainless Steel,

Aluminum, Titanium,
Nickel Alloys

High

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

18

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

12. Fabrication and Installation

Welding Processes Accepted

Process
SMAW
GMAW
FCAW
GTAW

Generally Accepted for

Most fluid services with GTAW root.
Sometimes restricted to larger sizes.
Like SMAW, but approval of specific
process may be required.
Like SMAW, but approval of specific
process may be required.
Everything

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

19

Weld Preparation

Surfaces to be
welded are required
to be clean
End preparation
required to meet
WPS, ASME B16.25
is accepted practice

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

20

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

12. Fabrication and Installation

Weld Preparation

Use of backing rings

is permitted
Alignment is required
to be in accordance
with the WPS

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

21

Typical Welds

Slip-on Flange

Socket Welding
Flange

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

22

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

12. Fabrication and Installation

Typical Welds

Socket Weld
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

23

Typical Welds

Unreinforced Stubon

Reinforced Stubon

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Unreinforced Stubin

Reinforced Stubin
Fabrication and Installation -

24

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

12. Fabrication and Installation

Preheating
Preheating:

Prevents cracking caused by differential thermal expansion

in the area of the weld
Drives off moisture that could contribute to hydrogen in the
welds
Slows the cooling rate for the deposited weld metal

The Code:

Recommends preheat to 50F (10C) for most carbon

steels and stainless steels
Requires preheat to 300F (150C) or more for low alloy
steels

No welding is permitted if water is present in the weld

area or if there is excessive wind. See Table 330.1.1.
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

25

Heat Treatment
Heat treatment

Relieves residual stresses caused by welding,

bending and forming
Facilitates diffusion of hydrogen out of the
weld

The Code requires heat treatment for:

Carbon steels thicker than in. (19 mm)

Most low alloy steels thicker than in. (13
mm)

See Table 331.1.1.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

26

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

12. Fabrication and Installation

Typical Owner Added Requirements

Requirements on use of particular welding
processes
Restrictions on the use of repairs
Requirements for traceability
Requirements for marking of piping
Stamping not permitted on certain materials
Inks containing low melting point metals not
permitted on certain materials

Specific end preparation and alignment

requirements
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

27

Typical Owner Added Requirements

(Continued)

Requirements for socket welds

Prohibition of the use of single welded
slip-on flanges
Prohibition on the use of backing rings
Requirements for fabricated branches
Bolt hole orientation for flanges
Dimensional tolerances
Additional heat treatment requirements
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

28

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

12. Fabrication and Installation

Typical Owner Added Requirements

(Continued)
Requirements for flow meter runs
Cleaning requirements
Shipping and storage requirements
Requirements for records

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

29

Installation
Code Requirements

Detrimental distortion of piping to bring it into

alignment is prohibited
Examination of installation for errors prior to
cold spring is required.
Flange faces are required to be parallel to
design plane within % prior to bolt up.
Flanges are required to be properly tightened
No more than one gasket can be used
Bolts can be one thread short of a full nut
Thread sealant shall be suitable for the service

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

30

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

12. Fabrication and Installation

Installation
Code Requirements

Threaded joints to be seal welded shall be

made up without thread compound
Threaded joints that leak during testing may be
seal welded provided compound is removed
from exposed threads
Seal welds shall cover all exposed threads

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

31

Installation
Typical Owner Added Requirements

Maximum distance a bolt can extend through a nut

Requirements for connecting to in-service piping
Cleanliness requirements
Requirements for installation of isolation kits
Require threads to conform to ASME B1.20.1
Requirements for thread sealant(s)
Prohibition of the use of seal welds
Prohibit use of gasket compounds

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

32

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

12. Fabrication and Installation

Installation
Typical Owner Added Requirements (cont.)

Requirements for use of bolt lubricants

Requirements for use (or not) of washers
Requirements for flanged joint tightening
Requirements for valve orientations
Requirements for alignment by heating (rose
budding)
Requirements for bolting to rotating
equipment; e.g., in accordance with API 686
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

33

Typical Owner Added Requirements (cont.)

Requirements for support, including prohibition

of supporting piping from other piping

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

34

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

12. Fabrication and Installation

Typical Owner
Added
Requirements
(cont.)
Clearance
from
obstructions
such as
support
steel

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

35

Flange Joints
Guidelines for installation are provided in
ASME PCC-1 Guidelines for Pressure
Boundary Bolted Flange Joint Assembly.
Topics addressed include:
Qualification of assemblers
Gasket contact surfaces
Correct facing finish
Good condition

Flange alignment
Correct gasket type, size & placement
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

36

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

12. Fabrication and Installation

Flange Joints
More topics addressed:

Lubrication of bolting,
back facing
Numbering of bolts
Tighten bolting uniformly
in criss-cross pattern is
small steps
Target bolt stress is
typically 50 ksi (340 MPa)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

37

Flange Joints

Elastic Interaction
(WRC Bulletin 408)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

38

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

12. Fabrication and Installation

Flange Joints

NPS 16
Class 300 Flange

Bolt Tension after 1, 2 and 3 Passes

(WRC Bulletin 408)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

39

Flange Joints
ASME PCC-1 describes bolt-up procedure using
torque to gage bolt tension

Snug up bolting
Tighten to 20% of target torque using cross pattern
Tighten to 50 to 70% of target torque using cross
pattern
Tighten to 100% of target torque using cross pattern
Continue tightening to 100% target torque using
rotational pattern until no movement
Wait 4 hours or longer and repeat rotational pattern to
100% target torque until no movement

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Fabrication and Installation -

40

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

12. Fabrication and Installation

Flange Joint
Target torque for 50 ksi (345 MPa) bolt stress:
Bolt Size
1/2
5/8
3/4
7/8
1
1-1/8
1-1/4
1-3/8
1-1/2

Non-Coated Bolts
in-lb N-m
60
80
120
160
210
280
350
470
500
680
750
1000
1050
1400
1400
1900
1800
2450

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Coated Bolts
in-lb N-m
45
60
90
120
160
220
250
340
400
540
550
750
800
1100
1050
1400
1400
1900
Fabrication and Installation -

41

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

13. Inspection, Examination and Testing

ASME B31.3 Process Piping

Charles Becht IV, PhD, PE
Don Frikken, PE
Instructors
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

Piping Development Process

1. Establish applicable system standard(s)
2. Establish design conditions
3. Make overall piping material decisions

Pressure Class
Reliability
Materials of construction

4. Fine tune piping material decisions

Materials
Determine wall thicknesses
Valves

5. Establish preliminary piping system layout & support

configuration
6. Perform flexibility analysis
7. Finalize layout and bill of materials
8. Fabricate and install
9. Examine and test

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

13. Inspection, Examination and Testing

13. Inspection, Examination & Testing

Inspection
Examination

Methods
Requirements
Acceptance Criteria

Leak Testing

Methods
Requirements

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

The Material in This Section is

Addressed by B31.3 in:
Chapter VI - Inspection, Examination and
Testing

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

13. Inspection, Examination and Testing

Inspection
(4) Owner's Inspector. The owner's
Inspector (see para. 340) is responsible to
the owner for ensuring that the requirements
of this Code for inspection, examination, and
testing are met... [300(b)]
This Code distinguishes between
examination (see para. 341) and inspection.
Inspection applies to functions performed for
the owner by the owners Inspector or the
Inspectors delegates. [340.1]
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

Inspection
The owners inspector:

Verifies that all required examinations

and testing have been completed
Has access to any place where work is
being performed
Must be independent of organizations
performing fabrication, examination,
installation or testing
Must have 10 years experience or 5
years experience plus an engineering
degree

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

13. Inspection, Examination and Testing

Examination
Examination applies to quality control
functions performed by the manufacturer (for
components only), fabricator, or erector.
Reference in this Code to an examiner is to
a person who performs quality control
examinations. [341.1]

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

Examination
The examiner:

Examines piping in accordance with Code

requirements
Examines piping is accordance with additional
requirements described in the engineering
design
Prepares suitable examination records for use
by the inspector
Shall have training and experience
commensurate with the needs of the specified
examinations

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

13. Inspection, Examination and Testing

Examination
Examination is performed in order to assure
that:

Components conform to the specifications for

Material of construction
Design
Freedom from defects

Piping is installed with the proper

Support
Alignment
Joint assembly

Discontinuities are sufficiently small that they

dont grow into leaks during operation
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

Typical Weld Imperfections

Lack of Fusion

Incomplete Penetration

Excess Reinforcement
Suck Up

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

10

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

13. Inspection, Examination and Testing

Examination Methods
Examination methods include

Visual (VT)
Positive Material Identification (PMI)
Liquid Dye Penetrant (PT)
Magnetic Particle (MT)
Radiography (RT)
Ultrasonic (UT)
In-Process

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

11

Examination Methods
Visual Includes examination of materials,
fabrication (welds), supports, and
installation.
Least expensive
Most effective

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

12

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

13. Inspection, Examination and Testing

Examination Methods
Positive Material Identification Verifies material of
construction is as specified.
The ruptured hose should
have had an Alloy C-276
exterior metal braiding.
Instead, the braiding was
stainless steel and was
easily corroded by
chlorine permeation
through the Teflon liner.
The hose failed after less
than 2 months of service.
Both the purchase and
shipping papers indicated
that the hose was
constructed of the proper
materials, but it was not.
(CCPS Beacon, Aug 04)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

13

Examination Methods
Positive Material Identification Verifies
material of construction is as specified.

X-ray fluorescence Sample is exposed to low

radioactive or x-rays. Reflected energy is different
for every element. This energy is measured, thus
identifying the alloy elements.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

DCI, Inc.
Inspection, Examination and Testing -

14

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

13. Inspection, Examination and Testing

Examination Methods
Positive Material Identification Verifies
material of construction is as specified.
Spark emission
spectrography - A spark
is released that vaporizes
a small portion of the
sample. The instrument
optically measures the
atoms in the vapor to
determine the components
of the material.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Spectro

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

15

Examination Methods
Liquid Dye Penetrant Employs a dye
penetrant applied to the surface and a
developer. This method is used to detect
fine cracks.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

16

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

13. Inspection, Examination and Testing

Examination Methods
Magnetic Particle This method is also
used to detect fine cracks.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

17

Examination Methods
Radiography Used to detect internal defects and
defects on the inside of of the weld for welds which
cannot be visually examined on the inside. Will
detect some surface defects.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

18

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

13. Inspection, Examination and Testing

Examination Methods
Ultrasonic Used to detect internal defects and
defects on the inside of of the weld for welds which
cannot be visually examined on the inside. Can be
used to characterize surface defects.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

19

Examination Methods
In-Process Used to verify work is performed in
such a way that it is likely to produce an acceptable
joint. Visual observation of the following is required

Joint preparation and cleanliness

Preheating
Fit-up, clearance and alignment
For welding
Filler material, position and electrode
Condition of root pass after cleaning
Weld condition between passes
Appearance of finished weld

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

20

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

13. Inspection, Examination and Testing

Examination Requirements
Progressive Sampling for Examination [341.3.4]
For examinations that are not 100%
When spot or random exam reveals a defect

Two additional samples of the same kind are examined

the same way
If the two samples are acceptable, then lot is acceptable
If not, then two further samples of the same kind are
examined for each defective sample the same way
If all the further samples examined are acceptable, then
lot is acceptable
If not, then all items in the lot must be examined

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

21

Examination Requirements
Progressive Sampling for Examination

For welds, the work product of each welder or

welding operator must be included in the samples
being examined
Defective items must be repaired or replaced and
reexamined
Same kind for welds means joints made by the
same welder or welding operator

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

22

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

13. Inspection, Examination and Testing

Examination Requirements - VT
Normal
Materials &
components

Severe Cyclic

Random to extent needed to satisfy

the examiner

Fabrication,
including welds

5% Random

100%

Longitudinal
welds

100%

100%

Bolted, threaded Random to extent 100%

& other joints
needed, except
100% for
pneumatic test
Supports,
alignment,
erected piping

Category D

Random

Random to
extent needed
to satisfy the
examiner

100%

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

23

Examination Requirements - Other

Normal

Severe Cyclic

Circumferential
groove welds

5% Random RT
or UT

100% RT

Socket welds
and branch
connection
welds not
radiographed

No additional
examination
required

100% MT or PT

Brazed joints

5% in-process
examination

(brazed joints not

permitted)

Solder joints

(solder joints not

permitted)

(solder joints not

permitted)

Category D

No additional
examination
required

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

24

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

13. Inspection, Examination and Testing

Examination Requirements

In-process examination can be

substituted for RT or UT in normal service
if specified in the engineering design
UT can be substituted for RT under
severe cyclic conditions if specified in the
engineering design

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

25

Acceptance Criteria for Welds

Described in Table 341.3.2

See page 83 of the supplement.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

26

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

13. Inspection, Examination and Testing

Testing
Testing is performed to assure that
there are no unacceptable leaks in the
system prior to operation. Leak test
methods include
Hydrostatic
Pneumatic
Initial service
Sensitive
Alternate

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

27

Leak Test Methods

Hydrostatic Filling the piping system with
liquid, pressurizing and checking for leaks.
Test liquid:

Shall be water unless there are adverse effects

Other liquid shall be non-toxic with a flash point
at least 120F (49C)
Chlorides in test water < 50 ppm
Only dead bugs in water (residual chlorine)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

28

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

13. Inspection, Examination and Testing

Leak Test Methods

Hydrostatic Test pressure:
37 367 6
Where:
PT=
P=
ST=
S=

Minimum test pressure

Design pressure
Stress value at test temperature
Stress value at design temperature

(ST / S) not to exceed 6.5

If PT would produce a nominal stress above SY,
PT may be reduced
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

29

Leak Test Methods

Pneumatic Pressurizing the piping system
with gas and checking for leaks.
Care must be taken to minimize the chance of
brittle failure
A pressure relief device is required
Gas shall be nonflammable and nontoxic
Test pressure shall be 110% of design
pressure
Preliminary leak check is required
Leak check is made after pressure is lowed to
design pressure

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

30

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

13. Inspection, Examination and Testing

Leak Test Methods

Initial Service Pressurizing the piping with
the service fluid and checking for leaks.

Pressure increased in steps to operating

pressure
Preliminary leak check is required if test fluid is
a gas
Leak check is made at operating pressure

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

31

Leak Test Methods

Sensitive Pressurizing the piping with a
gas and checking for leaks using a method
that can detect leaks as small as 10-3 atmml/sec.
Test pressure is at least the lesser of 15 psi
(105 kPa) and 25% of the design pressure
Preliminary leak check is required
Leak check is made at test pressure

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

32

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

13. Inspection, Examination and Testing

Leak Test Methods

Alternative Verifying weld integrity in lieu
of pressurizing above design pressure and
checking for leaks.

Groove welds shall be 100% RT or UT

All other welds shall be MT or PT
A formal flexibility analysis is required
A sensitive leak test is required

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

33

Leak Tests Required

A hydrostatic test is required except:

The owner may choose to use the initial service

leak test for Category D fluid service
The owner may choose a pneumatic leak test if
s/he considers the hydrostatic test impractical
The owner may use the alternative leak test if
s/he considers both the hydrostatic and
pneumatic tests impractical, and if
Hydrostatic test would cause damage or residual
liquid would be hazardous, or there is danger of
brittle fracture; and
Pneumatic test would present an undue hazard, or
there is danger of brittle fracture

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

34

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

13. Inspection, Examination and Testing

Other Leak Test Provisions

Leak tests shall be maintained for at least 10

minutes
All joints and connections shall be checked for
leaks
Leak tests shall be conducted after heat
treatment
Piping may be tested as subassemblies
Flanged joints with blanks need not be tested
Closure welds need not be tested if subjected to
In-process examination, and
100% RT or UT examination

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

35

Other Leak Test Provisions

Externally pressurized piping shall be tested at

the higher of 1.5 times the design pressure or
15 psi (105 kPa)
The internal pipe in jacketed piping shall leak
tested before the jacket is completed
For minor repairs and additions following
testing, the owner may waive retesting when
measures are taken to assure sound
construction
All joints, including structural attachments, must
be left exposed for examination during the leak
test
Joints may be painted prior to hydrostatic or
pneumatic leak test
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

36

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

13. Inspection, Examination and Testing

Other Leak Test Provisions

Temporary supports may be needed to

support piping during a hydrotest
Piping with expansion joints

Joints that depend on external main anchors

to restrain pressure shall be tested in place
Such joints shall be tested at the lesser of 1.5
times the design pressure and the test
pressure
When the test pressure is higher than 1.5
times the design pressure, temporary
restraints may be added to limit main anchor
loads
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC. Inspection, Examination and Testing - 37

Exam & Test Workshop

What examination and leak test
requirements would you specify for the
following services:
Steam condensate
Chlorine
Sulfuric acid
Gasoline

650 psig (45 bar) Steam

Heat transfer oil
Styrene monomer
Lime-water slurry

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Inspection, Examination and Testing -

38

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

15. Nonmetallic Piping

ASME B31.3 Process Piping

Charles Becht IV, PhD, PE
Don Frikken, PE
Instructors
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

Piping Development Process

1. Establish applicable system standard(s)
2. Establish design conditions
3. Make overall piping material decisions

Pressure Class
Reliability
Materials of construction

4. Fine tune piping material decisions

Materials
Determine wall thicknesses
Valves

5. Establish preliminary piping system layout & support

configuration
6. Perform flexibility analysis
7. Finalize layout and bill of materials
8. Fabricate and install
9. Examine and test

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

15. Nonmetallic Piping

15. Nonmetallic Piping

General
Design, Fabrication, and Installation for

Thermoplastics
Reinforced thermosetting resins
Reinforced concrete
Vitrified clay
Borosilicate glass
Piping lined with nonmetals

Limitations

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

The Material in This Section is

Addressed by B31.3 in:
Chapter VII - Nonmetallic Piping and Piping
Lined with Nonmetals
Appendix B - Stress Tables and Allowable
Pressure Tables for
Nonmetals

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

15. Nonmetallic Piping

General

Chapter VII has requirements for

Thermoplastics
Reinforced thermosetting resins
Reinforced concrete
Vitrified clay
Borosilicate glass
Piping lined with nonmetals

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

General

Trend toward the use of nonmetals is

increasing
Nonmetals are used when the metallic
alternative is judged to be too expensive
Allowances for variations of pressure and
temperature described in Chapter II are
not permitted for nonmetallic piping
Increased allowable stresses for
occasional loads described in Chapter II
are not permitted
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

15. Nonmetallic Piping

Thermoplastics
Materials that can be repeatedly
softened by heating and hardened
by cooling
Pipe is extruded
Fittings are usually injection
molded, but sometimes fabricated
Valve parts are usually injection
molded

(Durapipe)

(Charlotte Pipe)

(Durapipe)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

Thermoplastics
Commonly used thermoplastics

ABS
CPVC
FEP
(HD)PE
PFA
PP
PVC
PVDF

Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride
Perfluoro ethylene propylene
(High density) polyethylene
Polyperfluoroalkoxy Alkane
Polypropylene
Polyvinyl chloride
Polyvinylidene fluoride

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

15. Nonmetallic Piping

Thermoplastics
B31.3 recommended temperature limits:
Material
ABS
CPVC
FEP
PE
PFA
PP
PVC
PVDF

Min (F)
-40
0
-325
-30
-40
30
0
0

Max (F)
176
210
400
180
450
210
150
275

Min (C)
-40
-18
-198
-34
-40
-1
-18
-18

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Max (C)
80
99
204
82
250
99
66
135

Nonmetallic Piping -

Thermoplastics
Characteristics

High coefficient of thermal expansion

4 in 100 (3 mm/m) of expansion for 50F (25C)
temperature change [HDPE]
More in some thermoplastics, less in others

Creep at room temperature

Low elastic modulus
Longitudinal strain due to internal pressure can
be significant

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

10

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

15. Nonmetallic Piping

Thermoplastics
Allowable Stress
Hydrostatic design stress (HDS) is the hoop
stress that when applied continuously, will cause
failure of the pipe at 100,000 hours multiplied by
a suitable design factor (usually 0.5)
Material
CPVC

Short-term
(ksi)
7.53

HDS*
(ksi)
2.00

Short-term
(MPa)
51.9

HDS*
(MPa)
13.8

PE

2.96

0.80

20.4

5.5

PVC

7.53

2.00

51.9

13.8

* HDS at 23C (73F)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

11

Thermoplastics
Allowable Stress US Customary Units
Allowable Stress (psi)

2000
1500
CPVC
1000

PE

500

0
-50

50

100

150

200

Temperature (F)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

12

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

15. Nonmetallic Piping

Thermoplastics
Allowable Stress Metric Units
Allowable Stress (MPa)

15

10
CPVC
PE
5

0
-40

-20

20

40

60

80

Temperature (C)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

13

Thermoplastics
Pressure Design Straight Pipe

t = PD / [2 (S + P)]
Where:
t
P
D
S

=
=
=
=

pressure design thickness

design pressure
outside diameter of pipe
HDS value for material from Appendix B

No specific rules for external pressure design

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

14

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

15. Nonmetallic Piping

Thermoplastics
Support
Because of the low modulus and low allowable
stress, thermoplastics require more support than
similar sized metallic pipe. For 68F (20C):
PP (Asahi)
ft
m

Typical Metallic
m
ft

NPS
1

3.5

1.1

14

4.3

4.5

1.4

20

6.1

6.0

1.8

26

7.9

7.0

2.1

30

9.1

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

15

Thermoplastics
Fabrication Butt fusion fittings
are joined to the pipe using a
butt fusion welding process.
(PE, PP, PVDF, others)

(Asahi)
(Asahi)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

16

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

15. Nonmetallic Piping

Thermoplastics
Fabrication Socket fittings can
be joined to the pipe using a
socket fusion welding process.
(PE, PP, PVDF, others)

(Spears)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

(Asahi)
Nonmetallic Piping -

17

Thermoplastics
Fabrication Socket fittings can be joined to the pipe
using a solvent cementing process. (ABS, PVC, CPVC)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

18

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

15. Nonmetallic Piping

Thermoplastics
Fabrication Piping can also be
joined using a hot gas welding
process. (PE, PP, PVDF, others)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

19

Thermoplastics
Bonders are required to use a qualified bonding
procedure specification. The BPS shall specify

Procedure for making the bonds

Materials, including storage requirements
Tools, including proper care and handling
Environmental requirements (clean, dry, warm)
Joint preparation
Dimensional requirements, including tolerances
Cure time
Protection of work
Acceptance criteria

[A328.2].

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

20

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

15. Nonmetallic Piping

Thermoplastics
Fabrication

A warm, dry and clean

environment is required for
fabrication
A leak at an elbow requires
1. Cutting out the elbow and
adjacent pipe
2. Fabricating a piece with an
elbow and two couplings
3. And installing it, hoping none of
the six new joints leak

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

21

Reinforced Thermosetting Resins

Materials that harden
when heated and
cannot be re-melted
Pipe is filament wound,
contact molded, or
centrifugally cast
Fittings are molded,
filament wound or
fabricated
Few RTR valves are available
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

(Smith Fibercast)

Nonmetallic Piping -

22

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

15. Nonmetallic Piping

Reinforced Thermosetting Resins

Commonly used resins

Polyester
Vinylester
Epoxy
Furan

Commonly used reinforcements

Glass fiber
Carbon fiber

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

23

Reinforced Thermosetting Resins

Filament wound
(Smith Fibercast)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

24

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

15. Nonmetallic Piping

Reinforced Thermosetting Resins

Contact Molded

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

25

Reinforced Thermosetting Resins

Centrifugally
Cast

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

26

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

15. Nonmetallic Piping

Reinforced Thermosetting Resins

Reinforced plastic mortar pipe

Has aggregate (usually sand) in

addition to fiber reinforcement to
stiffen the wall of the pipe
Is used mostly underground
Usually has bell and spigot joints, but
may have socket joints like other RTR
piping

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

27

Reinforced Thermosetting Resins

Vendor recommended temperature limits

Range from 180 to 275F (82 to 135C)

Are somewhat dependent on the resin
But are more dependent on the construction of
the pipe and fittingsamount of reinforcement
in the liner and structural layers
Can be significantly lowered depending on the
chemical being handled

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

28

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

15. Nonmetallic Piping

Reinforced Thermosetting Resins

Characteristics

Higher coefficient of thermal expansionabout

twice that of steel, but 1/5 of thermoplastics
Creep at room temperature
Low elastic modulus (3 to 10% of steel), but 3
to 10 times thermoplastics

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

29

Reinforced Thermosetting Resins

Allowable Stress Filament Wound and
Centrifugally Cast
Hydrostatic design stress (HDS) is the hoop
stress that when applied continuously, will cause
failure of the pipe at 100,000 hours multiplied by
a design factor. The design factor is:
Not more than 1.0 if stress is determined using the
pressure cycling method
Not more than 0.5 if stress is determined using the
static pressure method

Typical HDS values are 8,000 to 13,000 psi (55

to 90 MPa)
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

30

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

15. Nonmetallic Piping

Reinforced Thermosetting Resins

Allowable Stress Contact Molded
Design stress (DS) is 1/10 of the minimum tensile
strength

Pressure Design Same as for

thermoplastic pipe

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

31

Reinforced Thermosetting Resins

Support
Because of the lower modulus and lower allowable stress,
RTR pipe requires more support than similar sized metallic
pipe. For 75F (24C):

NPS
1

Green Thread
(Smith Fibercast)
ft
m

Typical Metallic
m
ft

10.9

3.3

14

4.3

14.1

4.3

20

6.1

17

5.2

26

7.9

20.5

6.2

30

9.1

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

32

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

15. Nonmetallic Piping

Reinforced Thermosetting Resins

Support Support elements must be designed to
provide low concentrated stresses and protect the
piping from abrasion.

(Typical guide and anchor Conley)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

33

Reinforced Thermosetting Resins

Fabrication - Butt fittings are joined to the pipe
using a butt wrapping process. (Smith Fibercast)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

34

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

15. Nonmetallic Piping

Reinforced Thermosetting Resins

Fabrication Doing it in a warm, clean, dry
environment is sometimes a challenge.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

35

Reinforced Thermosetting Resins

Socket fittings are joined to the pipe using an
adhesive.
(Conley)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

36

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

15. Nonmetallic Piping

Reinforced Thermosetting Resins

Fabrication
A leak at an elbow requires
1.Cutting out the elbow and
adjacent pipe
2.Fabricating a piece with an
elbow and two couplings
3.And installing it, hoping none
of the six new joints leak

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

37

Reinforced Thermosetting Resins

BPS and Bonder Qualification Tests are
required as for thermoplastic piping, except
test pressure is 3 times manufacturers
rating

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

38

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

15. Nonmetallic Piping

Reinforced Concrete

Typically 15 to 250 psi (1 to 17 bar) ambient

temperature water service
Made to ASTM and AWWA standards with
specific B31.3 pressure ratings

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

39

Vitrified clay

Manufactured from clay fired in furnaces

Joined with
Rubber seals
Caulking
Mortar

B31.3 mentions, but has

no specific requirements

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

40

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

15. Nonmetallic Piping

Borosilicate Glass

Manufactured from molten

glass
Joined with clamps,
rubber seals

(H.S. Martin)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

41

Piping Lined with Nonmetals

Common liners include

Fluoropolymer
Polypropylene
PVDF
Glass

Glass
Lined
(Estrella)

Polypropylene
Lined
(Resistoflex)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

42

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

15. Nonmetallic Piping

Piping Lined with Nonmetals

Thermoplastic liners can be locked-in or

loose
PTFE and FEP lined systems require vent
holes
Thermoplastic lined pipe and fittings are
usually ductile iron and steel
Glass lined pipe and fittings are steel
Systems usually have many flanged joints

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

43

Piping Lined with Nonmetals

Typical Fittings

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

44

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

15. Nonmetallic Piping

Piping Lined with Nonmetals

Untypical Fittings

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

45

Piping Lined with Nonmetals

Common Thermoplastic Liners
Fluoropolymer

FEP Perfluoro ethylene propylene

PTFE Polytetrafluorethylene
PFA Polyperfluoroalkoxy Alkane

Polypropylene
PVDF

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

46

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

15. Nonmetallic Piping

Piping Lined with Nonmetals

B31.3 recommended temperature limits for liners:
Material
FEP
PTFE
PFA
PP
PVDF
Glass

Min (F)
-325
-325
-325
0
0

Max (F) Min (C) Max (C)

400
-198
204
500
-198
260
500
-198
260
225
-18
107
275
-18
135
Limited by the metal.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

47

Piping Lined with Nonmetals

The metallic portions of piping lined with

nonmetals for

Design
Fabrication
Examination, and
Testing

shall conform to the rules of Chapters I

through VI
Liners must be qualified for external
pressure in order to prevent liner collapse
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

48

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

15. Nonmetallic Piping

Piping Lined with Nonmetals

Failures frequently occur at the flange joints.
Following the ASME PCC-1 bolt-up procedure
greatly improves the chances of success

Snug up bolting
Tighten to 20% of target torque using cross pattern
Tighten to 50 to 70% of target torque using cross
pattern
Tighten to 100% of target torque using cross pattern
Continue tightening to 100% target torque using
rotational pattern until no movement
Wait 4 hours or longer and repeat rotational pattern to
100% target torque until no movement

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

49

Limitations
Thermoplastic Piping
may not be used in above ground flammable
fluid service unless

NPS 1 and smaller

Owner approves
The piping is safeguarded, and
The following are considered
The possibility of exposure of piping to fire
The susceptibility to brittle failure or failure due to thermal
shock when exposed to fire
The ability of thermal insulation to protect the piping when
exposed to fire

shall be safeguarded when used in other than

Category D fluid service
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

50

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

15. Nonmetallic Piping

Limitations

PVC and CPVC may not be used in

compressed gas service
RPM Piping shall be safeguarded when used in
other than Category D fluid service
RTR Piping shall be safeguarded when used in
toxic or flammable fluid services
Borosilicate Glass Piping
Shall be safeguarded when used in toxic or
flammable fluid services
Shall be safeguarded against large, rapid
temperature changes

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Nonmetallic Piping -

51

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

16. Category M Fluid Service

ASME B31.3 Process Piping

Charles Becht IV, PhD, PE
Don Frikken, PE
Instructors
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Category M Fluid Service -

Piping Development Process

1. Establish applicable system standard(s)
2. Establish design conditions
3. Make overall piping material decisions

Pressure Class
Reliability
Materials of construction

4. Fine tune piping material decisions

Materials
Determine wall thicknesses
Valves

5. Establish preliminary piping system layout & support

configuration
6. Perform flexibility analysis
7. Finalize layout and bill of materials
8. Fabricate and install
9. Examine and test

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Category M Fluid Service -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

16. Category M Fluid Service

16. Category M Fluid Service

General
B31.3 Requirements

Design
Fabrication
Examination
Testing

Typical Owner Added Requirements

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Category M Fluid Service -

The Material in This Section is

Addressed by B31.3 in:
Chapter VIII - Piping for Category M Fluid
Service

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Category M Fluid Service -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

16. Category M Fluid Service

General
Category M: A fluid service in which the potential
for personnel exposure is judged to be
significant and in which a single exposure to a
very small quantity of a toxic fluid, caused by
leakage, can produce serious irreversible harm
to persons upon breathing or on bodily contact,
even when prompt restorative measures are
taken.
Often characterized as lethal
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Category M Fluid Service -

Design Requirements

Consideration of need for safeguarding is

required
There are no provisions for piping under severe
cyclic conditions
Impact, shock and vibration loads must be
considered
Allowances for variations in pressure and
temperature are not permitted
Maximum relief pressure limited to 110% of
design pressure

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Category M Fluid Service -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

16. Category M Fluid Service

Design Requirements

Consideration of valve design features that

prevent stem leakage is required
Valve body joints to be

Flanged and secured by 4 or more bolts

Pressure seal design
Welded , or
Union with a seal weld

Instrument tubing to be 5/8 (16 mm) OD or less

and have an accessible block valve to isolate
tubing from piping
The use of flared laps is restricted
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Category M Fluid Service -

Design Requirements

Metallic piping, B31.3 prohibits the use of

MSS SP-43 CR fittings

Type C stubends
Taper threaded flanges
Taper threaded joints > NPS 1
Socket welding joints > NPS 2
Caulked joints
Solder and brazed joints
Adhesive joints
Cast irons except ductile
Single joint miters >22.5
Corrugated bends

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Category M Fluid Service -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

16. Category M Fluid Service

Design Requirements

Nonmetallic piping, B31.3 prohibits the use of

Thermoplastic piping
Nonmetallic valves
Nonmetallic specialty components
Threaded flanges
Threaded joints
Adhesive bonded joints
Caulked joints

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Category M Fluid Service -

Fabrication Requirements

Metallic

Fabricated branch construction is permitted only if

suitable fittings are not available
Heat treatment in accordance with base code
requirements is required following any rose
budding
Slip-on flanges must be double welded

Nonmetallic

Fabricated branch construction is prohibited

Fabricated miter bends are prohibited
Fabricated laps are prohibited

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Category M Fluid Service -

10

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

16. Category M Fluid Service

Examination Requirements - VT
Metallic Piping
Materials &
components

Category M

Normal
Random to extent
needed to satisfy
the examiner

Random to extent needed

to satisfy the examiner

Fabrication, including 5% Random

welds

100%

Longitudinal welds

100%

100%

Bolted, threaded &

other joints

Random to extent
needed, except
100% for pneumatic
test

100%, threads to be
examined for cleanliness
and compliance with ASME
B1.20.1 prior to assembly

Supports, alignment,
erected piping

Random

Random

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Category M Fluid Service -

11

Examination Requirements - Other

Metallic Piping

Normal

Category M

Circumferential
groove welds

5% Random RT or UT

20% Random RT or UT

Brazed joints

5% in-process
examination

(brazed joints not

permitted)

Solder joints

(solder joints not

permitted)

(solder joints not

permitted)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Category M Fluid Service -

12

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

16. Category M Fluid Service

Metallic Leak Test Requirements

A hydrostatic test is required except:

The owner may choose a pneumatic leak test

if s/he considers the hydrostatic test
impractical
The owner may use the alternative leak test if
s/he considers both the hydrostatic and
pneumatic tests impractical, and if
Hydrostatic test would cause damage or residual
liquid would be hazardous, or there is danger of
brittle fracture; and
Pneumatic test would present an undue hazard, or
there is danger of brittle fracture

A Sensitive leak test is also required

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Category M Fluid Service -

13

Nonmetallic Examination and

Testing Requirements
Examination and testing requirements are
the same as that for nonmetallic piping in
normal service, except

All fabrication shall be visually examined

All mechanical joints shall be visually examined
A sensitive leak test is required

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Category M Fluid Service -

14

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

16. Category M Fluid Service

Typical Owner Added Requirements

Fire resistance
Blow-out resistance
No nonmetallic components
All welds to be suitable for radiography
100% radiographic examination of welds
Special examination procedures for
valves

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Category M Fluid Service -

15

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

17. High Pressure Piping

ASME B31.3 Process Piping

Charles Becht IV, PhD, PE
Don Frikken, PE
Instructors
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

High Pressure Piping -

Piping Development Process

1. Establish applicable system standard(s)
2. Establish design conditions
3. Make overall piping material decisions

Pressure Class
Reliability
Materials of construction

4. Fine tune piping material decisions

Materials
Determine wall thicknesses
Valves

5. Establish preliminary piping system layout & support

configuration
6. Perform flexibility analysis
7. Finalize layout and bill of materials
8. Fabricate and install
9. Examine and test

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

High Pressure Piping -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

17. High Pressure Piping

17. High Pressure Piping

General
Materials
Pressure Design
Limitations
Fabrication
Examination
Testing
(Autoclave Engineers)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

High Pressure Piping -

The Material in This Section is

Addressed by B31.3 in:
Chapter IX - High Pressure Piping
Appendix K - Allowable Stresses for High
Pressure Piping

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

High Pressure Piping -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

17. High Pressure Piping

General
High Pressure: A service for which the
owner specifies the use of Chapter IX [of
B31.3] for piping design and construction
considered to be in excess of Class 2500
(6000 psi, 42 MPa).
There are no specified pressure
limitations for application of these rules.
[K300(a)]

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

High Pressure Piping -

General

Most applications are in the range of

20,000 psi (150 MPa) and higher
Nonmetallic piping is excluded
No provisions are made for Category M
fluid service
The temperature is required to be below
the creep range
Allowances for variations in pressure and
temperature are not permitted
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

High Pressure Piping -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

17. High Pressure Piping

Materials

Allowable stress for materials other than bolting

2/3 of specified minimum yield strength (SY)
2/3 of yield strength at temperature; except for
austenitic stainless steels and nickel alloys with
similar behavior, 90% of yield strength at
temperature

Material

Base
Code
(ksi)

High
Pressure
(ksi)

Base
Code
(MPa)

High
Pressure
(MPa)

A106 Gr B

20.0

23.3

138

161

API 5L
X80

30.0

53.3

207

368

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

High Pressure Piping -

Materials

Castings and welded components are required

to be such that the quality factors are equal to
1.0
Conformance of materials to the product
analysis chemical requirements of the
applicable specification shall be verified.
Cast irons are not permitted
Zinc coated materials are not permitted, nor are
zinc coated materials permitted to be welded to
pressure containing components
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

High Pressure Piping -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

17. High Pressure Piping

Materials
Impact Test Requirements

Impact testing is required for all materials from which a

suitable test specimen can be machined
The impact test temperature
shall be no higher than the
lowest temperature at which
the piping is subjected to a
stress greater than 6 ksi (41
MPa)lower if subsize
specimens are required
Minimum acceptable impact
values are higher than for the
base code

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

High Pressure Piping -

Pressure Design Straight Pipe

t = (D/2) [1 - exp(-1.155P/S)]
Where:
t=

pressure design
thickness

D = outside diameter
of pipe
P = design pressure
S = stress value for
material from
Appendix K

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

(Autoclave Engineers)

High Pressure Piping -

10

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

17. High Pressure Piping

Pressure Design Straight Pipe

The equation is based on through thickness

yielding pressure as a basis for design
The equation provides a factor of two on
through thickness yielding

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

High Pressure Piping -

11

Pressure Design Straight Pipe

0.50

Thickness (in)

0.40
Base Code,
A106 Gr B

0.30

High Pressure,
A106 Gr B

0.20

Base Code,
API 5L X80

0.10

High Pressure,
API 5L X80

0.00
0

20000

40000

60000

80000

Pressure (psi)

(1 in. OD tubing)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

High Pressure Piping -

12

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

17. High Pressure Piping

Pressure Design Straight Pipe

Thickness (mm)

12
10

Base Code,
A106 Gr B

High Pressure,
A106 Gr B

6
4

Base Code,
API 5L X80

High Pressure,
API 5L X80

0
0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

Pressure (bar)
(25 mm OD tubing)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

High Pressure Piping -

13

Pressure Design
Thread depth need not be subtracted from the pipe
wall thickness when
Thread depth does not
exceed 20% of the wall
thickness
D/d is greater than 1.1
The internally threaded
attachment provides
adequate reinforcement
The thread undercut area
does not extend beyond
the reinforcement by a
distance greater than the
pipe wall thickness

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

(Autoclave Engineers)
High Pressure Piping -

14

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

17. High Pressure Piping

Pressure Design [K304.7.2]

Components for which there are no specific
rules require:
Calculations consistent with the design
philosophy of Chapter IX, and
Substantiation of the calculations by
Extensive successful experience
Performance testing, or
Finite element stress analysis

Interpolation between sizes & thicknesses

allowed
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

High Pressure Piping -

15

Pressure Design
Fatigue Analysis

Fatigue analysis in accordance with ASME

B&PV Code, Section VIII, Div. 2 is required
Pressure is the primary load, but alternating
sustained loads and displacement loads must
also be included
High stresses at the inner surface of the pipe
wall and stress concentrations must be
considered
An inelastic analysis is required if the stress on
the inside surface of the pipe exceeds three
times the allowable stress (twice yield)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

High Pressure Piping -

16

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

17. High Pressure Piping

Pressure Design
Fatigue Analysis

Fatigue life may be demonstrated by

destructive testing when the owner approves
Fatigue life beyond that calculated via the
Section VIII, Div. 2 method may be applied
when
surface treatments or
prestressing methods

are used, and the component is qualified by

extensive successful service or
performance testing

in accordance with K304.7.2

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

High Pressure Piping -

17

High Pressure Piping -

18

Limitations
Not permitted

Miter bends
Fabricated branches
Corrugated and creased bends
Laps other than forged
Slip-on flanges

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

17. High Pressure Piping

Limitations
Joints Not permitted

Ordinary threaded, except for instrumentation

up to NPS
Socket welding
Expanded
Solder
Compression and flared tubing
Caulked
Bell type
Adhesive

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

High Pressure Piping -

19

Fabrication

Welder qualification is like for the base

Code, except

Impact tests are required for all procedure

and performance qualifications
More testing is required for weld procedure
and performance qualifications
Performance and procedure qualification by
others is not permitted

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

High Pressure Piping -

20

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

17. High Pressure Piping

Fabrication

Seal welds are not permitted

Welded branch construction must provide
for 100% interpretable radiographic
examination

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

High Pressure Piping -

21

Examination Requirements - VT
Metallic Piping
Materials &
components

Normal
Random to extent
needed to satisfy
the examiner

High Pressure
100%

Fabrication, including 5% Random

welds

100%

Longitudinal welds

100%

100%

Bolted, threaded &

other joints

Random to extent
needed, except
100% for pneumatic
test

100%, threads to be
examined for finish and fit,
and compliance with
applicable standard

Supports, alignment,
erected piping

Random

100%

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

High Pressure Piping -

22

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

17. High Pressure Piping

Examination Requirements - Other

Metallic Piping
Circumferential
groove welds

Normal
5% Random RT or UT

High Pressure
100% RT

Longitudinal welds

100% RT

Branch connection
welds

100% RT

Neither ultrasonic examination nor in-process

examination may be substituted for radiographic
examination.
Acceptance criteria are more stringent than the base
Code

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

High Pressure Piping -

23

Testing

A hydrostatic or a pneumatic test at 1.5 times

the design pressure corrected for temperature
is required
Protection of people and property from missile
fragments, shock waves and other
consequences of failure must be provided
A leak test of the installed piping at 1.1 times
the design pressure is required unless the main
leak test was done on the installed piping
For all welded systems, the closing weld may
be tested at 1.1 times the design pressure
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

High Pressure Piping -

24

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

18. In-Service Piping

ASME B31.3 Process Piping

Charles Becht IV, PhD, PE
Don Frikken, PE
Instructors
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

18. In-Service Piping

API 570 Piping Inspection Code

Responsibilities
What to Inspect
Types of Inspection
Inspection Practices
Frequency and Extent of Inspection
Remaining Life Calculation
Repairs and Alterations
Rerating

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

18. In-Service Piping

API 570 Piping Inspection Code

For inspection, repair, alteration, and

rerating of in-service metallic piping
systems
Applicable to piping systems constructed
in accordance with ASME B31.3
First Edition, June 1993
Second Edition, October 1998
Addendum 1, February 2000
Addendum 2, December 2001

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

API 570 Piping Inspection Code

API 570 includes flammable and toxic services. It
excludes specific requirements for:

Water, steam, steam-condensate, boiler feed water and

Category D fluid service
Piping systems that are an integral part or component
of rotating or reciprocating mechanical devices
Piping or tubing with an OD NPS 1/2
Nonmetallic piping and polymeric or glass-lined piping
Plumbing
fired heater and boiler internals are also excluded

The excluded piping can be included at the ownerusers option.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

18. In-Service Piping

Responsibilities
Owner-user:
Has overall responsibility for compliance with API 570
and developing, documenting, implementing, and
executing the inspection, repair, alteration, and rerating

Piping Engineer:
Responsible to the owner-user for design, engineering
review, analysis, and evaluation of piping systems

Repair Organization:
Responsible to owner-user for providing materials,
equipment, quality control, and workmanship to maintain
and repair the piping system in accordance with API 570

Inspector:
Responsible to owner-user for determining that the
inspection, examination and testing requirements of API
570 are met. Qualifications in terms of experience and
education are specified in Appendix A of API 570

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

What to Inspect
API 570 directs attention to the following types and
areas of deterioration

Injection points
Dead legs
Corrosion under insulation (CUI)
Soil-to-air interfaces
Service specific and local corrosion
Erosion and corrosion/erosion
Environmental cracking
Corrosion beneath linings and deposits
Fatigue cracking
Creep cracking
Brittle fracture
Freeze damage

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

18. In-Service Piping

What to Inspect
API 570 doesnt cover everything.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

External Inspection Checklist

Leaks

(API 570 Appendix D)

Process
Steam Tracing
Existing Clamps (temporary repairs)

Misalignment

Piping misalignment/restricted movement

Expansion joint misalignment

Vibration

Excessive overhung weight

Inadequate support
Thin, small-bore, or alloy piping
Threaded connections
Loose supports causing metal wear

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

18. In-Service Piping

External Inspection Checklist

Supports

Shoes off support

Hanger distortion or breakage
Bottomed-out springs
Brace distortion/breakage
Loose brackets
Slide plates/rollers
Counter balance condition
Support corrosion

Bolting support points under clamps

Coating/painting deterioration
Soil-to-air interface
Insulation interfaces
Biological growth

Corrosion

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

External Inspection Checklist

Insulation

Damage/penetrations
Missing jacketing/insulation
Sealing deterioration
Bulging
Banding (broken/missing)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

10

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

18. In-Service Piping

Types of Inspection
Internal visual
Thickness measurement
External visual
Vibrating piping
Supplemental

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

11

Types of Inspection

Internal visual inspection is not normally

used for most piping systems
But may be scheduled for very large
diameter piping
Or may be performed using remote
viewing technique
Should be performed when given the
opportunity like at disconnected flange
joints
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

12

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

18. In-Service Piping

Types of Inspection

Thickness is measured via UT or radiography

At least the minimum thickness should be determined
and recorded
The locations of TMLs should be recorded on a drawing
and marked on the pipe to permit repetitive
measurements at the same TMLs
Generally should include measurements in each of the
four quadrants of pipe and fittings
Generally should include inside and outside radius of
elbows and tees where corrosion/erosion could
increase rate of metal loss
Also required in areas of continuing corrosion under
insulation, soil/air interfaces, and other areas of
localized or general corrosion

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

13

Types of Inspection

No specific numeric guidelines for number of

thickness measurement locations (TMLs)
provided in API 570
More TMLs should be provided when there is

Higher potential for creating a safety or

environmental emergency in the event of a leak
Higher expected or experienced corrosion rates
Higher potential for localized corrosion
More complexity in terms of fittings, branches, dead
legs, injection points, and other similar items
Higher potential for CUI

Ultrasonic thickness measurement preferred for

pipe larger than NPS 1
Radiography preferred for pipes NPS 1 and
smaller
In-Service Piping - 14
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

18. In-Service Piping

Types of Inspection
External visual inspection is performed to determine
the condition of the outside of the piping, insulation
system, painting and coating systems, and
associated hardware; and to check for signs of
misalignment, vibration, and leakage. Some specific
things to check:

Cracked or broken hangers, bottoming out of spring

supports, support shoes displaced from support
members
Bellows expansion for unusual deformations,
misalignment, or displacements that may exceed design
Any components in the service that may be unsuitable for
long-term operation

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

15

Types of Inspection

Vibrating or swaying piping should be reported

to the inspector or piping engineer for
assessment.
Supplementary inspection should be specified
when needed to assess the condition of piping.
Examples are
Thermography to check for hot spots in refractory
lined systems
Acoustic emission testing
Acoustic leak detection
Ultrasonic or radiographic examination for detecting
localized corrosion.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

16

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

18. In-Service Piping

Inspection Practices

Pressure testing not normally conducted

except for alterations, major repairs, and
sometimes with rerating.
TMLs are not normally required on valves,
due to their greater wall thickness, but
valve thicknesses should generally be
checked when removed for service

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

17

Inspection Practices

Welds are not required to meet the radiographic

acceptance criteria for new construction random
radiography
Defects resulting from environmental cracking
shall be assessed by the piping engineer
Defects resulting from original weld fabrication
should be investigated using one or more of the
following

Inspector judgment
Certified welding inspector judgment
Piping engineer judgment
Engineering fitness-for-service analysis

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

18

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

18. In-Service Piping

Inspection Practices
Potential causes of leaks in a flange joint include:

Uneven bolt tightening

Improper flange alignment
Excessive external moments from piping
Improper gasket placement
Improper, dirty or damaged flange facing finish
Improper gasket type or size
Using a gasket that has already been compressed
Thermal shock
Bolt relaxation
Differential expansion between bolts and flange

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

19

Frequency and Extent of Inspection

An inspection strategy based on

likelihood and
consequence of failure

is referred to as risk-based inspection.

For the purposes of defining consequence
of failure, API 570 defines 3 service
classes.
The owner/user may devise a more
extensive classification scheme that more
accurately assesses consequence
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

20

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

18. In-Service Piping

Frequency and Extent of Inspection

Class 1 - greatest hazard (safety or environmental)
should a leak occur
Hydrofluoric acid, anhydrous hydrogen sulfide, piping over or adjacent
to water and piping over public throughways, pressurized services that
rapidly vaporize during release, that could result in vapor cloud
explosions, etc.

Class 2 - includes services that are not Class 1 or

Class 3
Hydrogen, fuel gas, natural gas, hydrocarbons that slowly vaporize
during release, on-site strong acids and caustics

Class 3 - flammable services that do not significantly

vaporize when they leak and are not located in highactivity areas. Also, services potentially harmful to
human tissue that are located in remote areas
Off-site acids and caustics, on-site hydrocarbons that will not
significantly vaporize during release

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

21

Inspection Intervals

Considerations in setting inspection intervals

Corrosion rate and remaining life calculations

(Interval can affect MAWP)
Piping service classification
Applicable jurisdictional requirements
Judgment based on operating conditions, previous
inspection history, current inspection results, and
conditions that may warrant supplemental
inspections

Inspection intervals should not exceed 1/2 the

calculated remaining life or that shown in the
following table
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

22

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

18. In-Service Piping

Inspection Intervals
Recommended Maximum Inspection Intervals (Years)
Thickness
Measured

External
Visual

Class 2

10

Class 3

10

10

Injection Points

By Class

Type of Circuit
Class 1

Soil-to-air interfaces

By Class

(Table 6-1 from API 570)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

23

Extent of CUI Inspections

API 570 recommends that a percentage of the areas with
potential for corrosion under insulation be inspected
Areas with
Damaged
Insulation

Suspect Areas with

Susceptible Temperature
Ranges

Class 1

75%

50%

Class 2

50%

33%

Class 3

25%

10%

(Table 6-2 from API 570)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

24

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

18. In-Service Piping

Remaining Life Calculation

Remaining Life = (tactual treqd) / Corrosion Rate
Where:
tactual = The actual minimum thickness
determined at the time of inspection
treqd = The required minimum thickness
Corrosion rate is determined based on thickness
measurements.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

25

Remaining Life Calculation

Corrosion Rate = (tinit tactual) / Time
Where:
tinit = Initial thickness (long-term corrosion rate)
or thickness measured in a previous
inspection (short-term corrosion rate)
tactual = The actual minimum thickness

determined at the time of inspection

Time is between thickness measurements.
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

26

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

18. In-Service Piping

Maximum Allowable Working Pressure

Calculated in accordance with applicable

code
If the material is unknown, use the lowest
grade of material and joint efficiency in
the applicable code
To calculate the MAWP, use the current
thickness minus two times the anticipated
corrosion that will occur between the
current time and the next inspection time
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

27

Required Minimum Thickness

The required minimum thickness shall be based on

Pressure
Mechanical, and
Structural considerations

using the appropriate design formulae and code

allowable stress
For services with high potential consequences, the
piping engineer should consider increasing the
required minimum thickness above the calculated
minimum thickness to provide for
Unanticipated or unknown loadings
Undiscovered metal loss, or
Resistance to abuse

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

28

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

18. In-Service Piping

Assessment of Inspection Findings

Pressure containing components found to have

degradation that could affect their load carrying
capability (pressure loads and other applicable
loads including weight, wind and thermal
expansion) shall be evaluated for continued
service.
Fitness-for-service techniques, such as those
documented in API RP 579 and ASME B31G,
may be used for this evaluation.
Local wall thinning below the required minimum
thickness might be found to be acceptable
using this approach.
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

29

Repairs and Alterations

Can be made by the owner or user, or by

contractors acceptable to them
Must be authorized by the inspector
Alterations must also have approval of the
piping engineer
Repairs of cracks that occurred in-service
should not be made without prior
consultation with the piping engineer in
order to identify and correct the cause of
the cracking
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

30

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

18. In-Service Piping

Temporary Repairs
Temporary repairs, including on-stream repairs are
permitted. These include

Full encirclement welded split sleeve

Box-type enclosures designed by the piping engineer
Fillet welding a split coupling or plate patch over an area of
local corrosion
Bolted leak clamps (design must consider pressure thrust)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

31

Temporary Repairs

Repair of piping with longitudinal cracks should

not be commenced unless the piping engineer
determines that the crack will not propagate
from under the sleeve or enclosure.
Temporary repairs shall be replaced with
permanent repairs at the next available
maintenance opportunity

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

32

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

18. In-Service Piping

Fabrication and Examination

The inspector shall verify that the materials are

consistent with the selected or specified
construction materials
Qualifications and procedures are generally
required to be in accordance with ASME B31.3,
or the code to which the piping was originally
constructed
Some exceptions are provided for weld preheat
and PWHT
Examinations are required to be in accordance
with ASME B31.3, or the code to which the
piping was originally constructed
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

33

Leak Testing

Normally required after alterations or

major repairs
The decision as to whether or not to
pressure test is by the inspector,
considering practicality and necessity
Final closure joints may be exempted
from pressure testing, conditional on
design, radiographic or ultrasonic
examination, and additional requirements
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

34

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

18. In-Service Piping

Rerating
Piping may be rerated. Requirements
include:

Calculations must be performed by the piping

engineer that demonstrate that the pipe is
acceptable for the new conditions
If the prior leak test was not sufficient for the
new conditions, a new leak test is required
Current inspection records must verify that it is
acceptable for the new service
Piping flexibility must be adequate for the new
conditions

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

In-Service Piping -

35

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

19. Whats Different in B31.1

ASME B31.3 Process Piping

Charles Becht IV, PhD, PE
Don Frikken, PE
Instructors
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

19. Whats Different in B31.1

Scope
Organization of the Code
Fluid Service Requirements
Bases for Allowable Stresses
Material Requirements
Pressure Design Requirements
Valve Requirements
Fabrication and Installation
Inspection, Examination and Testing

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

19. Whats Different in B31.1

B31.1 Scope
Rules for this Code Section have been
developed considering the needs for
applications which include piping
typically found in electric power
generating stations, industrial and
institutional plants, geothermal heating
systems and central and district heating
and cooling systems. (100.1)
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

B31.1 Scope
Power piping systems as covered by this
Code apply to all piping and their component
partsThey include but are not limited to

steam
water
oil
gas
air

[100.1.2]

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

19. Whats Different in B31.1

Boiler External Piping (BEP)

Generally defined as piping between the
boiler and the first block valve.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

Boiler External Piping

Technical requirements are in accordance

with B31.1
Administrative requirements are defined
in ASME B&PV Code Section I and
include requirements for

B&PV Code stamp

Data reports
Quality control
Inspection

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

19. Whats Different in B31.1

Organization of the Code

I
II
III
IV
V
VI

Scope and Definitions

Design
Materials
Dimensional Requirements
Fabrication, Assembly, and Erection
Inspection, Examination and Testing

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

Organization of the Code

Appendices similar to B31.3 except
II

Rules for Design of Safety Valve

Installations
IV Corrosion Control
V Recommended Practice for Operation,
Maintenance and Modification
VII Design of Restrained Underground Piping

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

19. Whats Different in B31.1

Organization of the Code

B31.1 provides specific requirements for
Boiler External Piping (Steam, Feedwater,
Blowoff, Blowdown and Drains)
Blowoff and Blowdown Piping (Non-BEP)
Instrument, Control and Sample Piping
Spray Type Desuperheater Piping
Pressure Reducing Valves
Pressure Relief Piping

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

Organization of the Code

B31.1 provides specific requirements for

Piping for Flammable or Combustible Liquids

Piping for Flammable Gases and Toxic Fluids
Piping for Corrosive Fluids
Temporary Piping
Steam Trap Piping
Pump Suction and Discharge Piping
District Heating and Steam Distribution
Systems

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

10

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

19. Whats Different in B31.1

Fluid Service Requirements

B31.1 does not define specific fluid

services, but does have limitations for
piping systems handling certain fluids
Specific requirements for components and
joints are described in paras. 105-118.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

11

Pipe Fluid Service Requirements

Furnace butt welded pipe is not permitted

for flammable, combustible or toxic fluids

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

12

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

19. Whats Different in B31.1

Joint Fluid Service Requirements

Socket welding size limited for BEP and

toxic fluids
Threaded joints size limited by temperature
and pressure; example maximum pressure
for NPS 3 joint is 400 psi (2750 kPa)
Pipe thinner than STD WT may not be
threaded
Pipe shall be Sch 80 seamless for

Steam over 250 psi (1750 kPa)

Water over 100 psi (700 kPa) and 220F
(105C)
Whats Different in B31.1 - 13
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

More Joint Fluid Service Requirements

OD tubing compression and flared tubing
limited to 2 in. (50 mm)
Brazed joint may not be used for flammable
or toxic fluids in fire hazard areas
Soldered joints may not be used for
flammable or toxic fluids
Soldered joints may not be used in piping
subject to vibration

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

14

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

19. Whats Different in B31.1

Flanged Joint Requirements

B31.1 has detailed requirements for flanged
joints. Requirements include:
Class 150 steel flanges bolted to Class 125
cast iron flanges are required to be flat
facedgasket required to be full face
Bolting dimensions for both US customary and
metric bolting
Bolt material requirements as a function of
flanges and gaskets

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

15

Bases for Design Stresses

Most Materials (materials other than gray
iron, malleable iron and bolting) below the
creep range, the lowest of
the specified minimum tensile strength
divided by 3.5
1/3 of tensile strength at temperature
2/3 of specified minimum yield strength
2/3 of yield strength at temperature; except
for austenitic stainless steels and nickel
alloys with similar behavior, 90% of yield
strength at temperature

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

16

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

19. Whats Different in B31.1

Bases for Design Stresses

ASTM A106 Grade B Carbon Steel (US Customary Units)
25.00

Allowable Stress (ksi)

20.00
2/3 Yield
15.00

Ultimate / 3
Ultimate / 3.5
B31.3 Allowable

10.00

B31.1 Allowable
5.00

0.00
0

200

400

600

800

1000

Temperature (F)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

17

B31.1 Material Requirements

Materials for BEP must meet ASME

B&PV Code requirements; unlisted
materials may not be used
Unlisted materials may be used for OD
tubing compression and flared tube
fittings
Use at temperatures above maximum in
stress tables generally not permitted
No rules for use at temperatures below
-20F (-29C)
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

18

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

19. Whats Different in B31.1

Pressure Design
The rules for pressure design are essentially
the same as for B31.3, but they are not
identical.
The two Section Committees are working to
make the requirements the same.

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

19

Design Pressure & Temperature

allowance for pressure and temperature
variation: The Code allows the design
pressure to be set below the most severe
coincident pressure and temperature for the
following variations:
Can exceed allowable by 20% for no more
than 1 hr/event and no more than 80 hr/year
Can exceed allowable by 15% for no more
than 8 hr/event and nor more than 800 hr/year

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

20

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

19. Whats Different in B31.1

Design Pressure & Temperature

allowance for pressure and temperature
variation - conditions:
Except as limited by component standards
Except as limited by manufacturers
No limitations on cast iron or other non-ductile
components
No limitations on yield strength
No limitations on longitudinal
No limitations with respect to test pressure
No permission from the owner required

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

21

Valve Requirements
Standard Valves Can be used within their
pressure-temperature ratings and any
additional limitations described in the
Code
Nonstandard Valves Shall be of a design
which the manufacturer recommends for
the service

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

22

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

19. Whats Different in B31.1

Valve Requirements
All Valves
must have blow-out proof stems
OS&Y required for NPS 3 and larger above
600 psi (4150 kPa)
screwed bonnets not permitted for steam
above 250 psi (1750 kPa)

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

23

Fabrication and Installation

Welder & brazer qualification and bending

& forming requirements are very similar
but not identical
Preheating and heat treatment
requirements are different
B31.3 requires neither preheating or heat
treatment for carbon steel with thickness less
than or equal to 3/4 in. (19.0 mm)
B31.1 requires preheating to 200F (95C) or
heat treatment for the same thickness range

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

24

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

19. Whats Different in B31.1

Fabrication and Installation

Minimum socket weld size is 1.09 times

nominal wall thickness versus B31.3
requirement for 1.25 time pressure design
thickness
Flange faces are required to be fitted so
that gasket contact surfaces bear
uniformly on the gasket
Bolts must be threaded trough the nut
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

25

Inspection, Examination and Testing

Similar distinction between inspection and
examination, but no specific owners
inspector
Authorized inspector required for boiler
external piping, ASME B&PV Code,
Section I
B31.1 does not include the concept of
random with progressive examination
either 100% or none
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

26

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

19. Whats Different in B31.1

Inspection, Examination and Testing

Examination is as required by Table 136.4:
Over 750F
(400C)
Visual plus
For NPS d 2,
MP or LP
For NPS > 2,
100%
radiography

Over 1025 psig (70 bar)

and 350 to 750F
(175 to 400C)
All Others
Visual plus
Visual only
For wall thickness t
(19 mm), 100%
radiography

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

27

Inspection, Examination and Testing

Visual examination is required for all
welds with para. 136.4.2 acceptance
criteria

No surface cracks
No surface undercut <1/32 in. (1.0 mm)
Limits on weld reinforcement
No surface lack of fusion
No incomplete penetrationapplies when
inside surface is readily accessible

BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

28

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Course

19. Whats Different in B31.1

Inspection, Examination and Testing

BEP requires hydrotest in accordance with
ASME B&PV Code, Section I
Non BEP requires hydrotest or, at the owners
option, pneumatic, sensitive leak or initial
service leak testing
Lines open to the atmosphere do not require
testing
Joints must be exposed for examination during
leak testing, except that insulated systems may
be tested by fluid loss over time method
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

29

Inspection, Examination and Testing

Pressure must be held a minimum of 10
minutes, and then may be reduced to design
pressure for leak examination period
Stress during hydrotest is limited to 90% SY,
rather than 100% SY
Hydrotest pressure is 1.5 times the design
pressureno temperature correction
Pneumatic testing requires owners approval
Pneumatic test pressure is 1.2 to 1.5 times the
design pressure
BECHT ENGINEERING COMPANY, INC.

Whats Different in B31.1 -

30