ASME Sec VIII the most common code used

for designing pressure vessels in Oil & Gas.

We are all aware of the ASME Sec VIII, as an international Code for designing pressure vessels,
but have we ever thought that despite the code being not mandatory why it is a common trend in Oil
and Gas. If we look up in history of incidents that led to safety hassles, in most cases ‘Improper
design’ caused unknown pressure differential that was dangerous and led to fatal consequences.
Considering these impacts in the past, many associations developed guidelines to design pressure
vessels. Some guidelines are followed internationally and some are followed country wise. These
guidelines are termed as Codes and Standards.

Amongst the available codes (ASME Sec VIII, PD 5500, EN 13445 3, IS 2825) ASME is the most
favored code in the Oil & Gas Industry.
The reason for such universal acceptance of ASME Sec VIII is essentially due to the following
parameters:
 ASME Sec VIII is one of the safest code and the safety margin is also high compared to other
design codes.
 ASME codes are updated every year based on the feedback received from the users and based on
current industry scenario.
 ASME being the largest committee for codes also ensures better and reliable experience.
Interpretation of any code is always a complicated issue for engineers wherein the support
provided by ASME through prompt replies helps the engineers to understand the technical aspect
and expedites the engineering process.
Additional Information regarding Pressure Vessels & ASME Sec VIII
Pressure Vessel: A pressure vessel is a closed container designed to hold gases or liquids at a
pressure substantially different from the ambient pressure.

Pressure ranges in ASME Sec VIII code:

Pressure range starts from 15 PSI to 3000 PSI can be designed as per ASME Sec VIII Division 1.
Pressure range starts from 3000 PSI to 10,000 PSI can be designed as per ASME Sec VIII Division
2. Pressure range over 10,000 PSI can be designed by ASME Sec VIII Division 3
ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Stamps – Ready Reckoner
 A – Field Assembly of Power Boiler
 E – Electric Boilers
 H – Heating Boilers, steel plate or cast iron sectional
 HV – Heating Boiler safety valve
 HIW – Lined portable water heaters
 M – Miniatures Boilers
 N – Nuclear power plant components
 NPT – Nuclear power plant component particles
 NA – Nuclear power plant installation/Assembly
 NV – Nuclear power plant safety valves
 PP – Pressure piping
 RP – Reinforced plastic pressure vessels
 RTP – Reinforced Thermoset plastic corrosion resistant equipment
 S – Power boilers
 U1, U2, U3 – Pressure vessels
 UD – Rupture disc devices
 UM – Miniature Pressure vessels
 UV3 – High pressure vessel safety valves
 V – Boiler safety valve
Important Fact
The ASME Code Section 8 is the construction code for pressure vessel and covers
design, manufacturing and pressure vessel inspection and testing in the
manufacturing shop.

This Code section addresses the mandatory requirements, specific prohibitions, and
non-mandatory guidance for Pressure Vessel Materials, design, fabrication,
examination, inspection, testing, certification, and pressure relief.

In this article you will learn about the different subsections and guidelines for the
use and application of this code.

For ASME Code Section 8 scope and boundaries, review the Pressure Vessel
Definition article.

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Pressure Vessel Definition

The Pressure Vessel Definition article provides you the definition and boundaries
of pressure vessel based API code and ASME Code.

Based on the ASME Code Section VIII, pressure vessels are containers for the
containment of pressure, either internal or external.

This pressure may be obtained from an external source or by the application of

heat from a direct or indirect source, or any combination thereof.

The ASME Code is a construction code for pressure vessels and contains
mandatory requirements, specific prohibitions and non-mandatory guidance for
pressure vessel materials, design, fabrication, examination, inspection, testing, and
certification.

Pressure Vessel Definition - Scope

These scopes are based ASME Code Sec VIII Div 1

 The vessel with maximum allowable working pressure(MAWP) higher than

15 psi

 Inside diameter to be higher than 152 mm

 No piping or piping component

 No rotating or reciprocating Equipment

 Not Water Vessel up to 300psi or 210°F

 Not within the scope of other Sections

 Also for gas fired double shell heat exchangers < 50 psi

 Not Steam Boilers with direct firing

 Not for Human Occupancy (PVHO)

Boundaries

 The welding end of the first circumferential joint for welded connections

 The first threaded joint for screwed connections

 The face of the first flange for bolted, flanged connections

 The first sealing surface for proprietary connections or fittings

 Non pressure parts welded directly to a pressure retaining surface

 Pressure retaining covers

 Pressure relief devices