Power Engineering Codes & Standards PDF

Unit A-3 • Introduction to Power Engineering and its Governance in Canada Objective 1 Discuss the history of how codes and standards became necessary in the pressure equipment field. Jurisdictional governments passed legislation for the protection of the public and the safety of workers. However,...

Unit A-3 • Introduction to Power Engineering and its Governance in Canada Objective 1 Discuss the history of how codes and standards became necessary in the pressure equipment field. Jurisdictional governments passed legislation for the protection of the public and the safety of workers. However, officials did not have the knowledge and experience to determine the best methods to design, fabricate, install, and operate pressure equipment. Each Jurisdiction enacted its own rules and requirements. Jurisdictions varied greatly in their requirements and in their level of protection. In 1911, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) formed a committee, called the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Committee, to address these variations. This committee worked towards establishing uniformity for pressure vessel and boiler designs. The mandate of the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Committee was to: a) Establish rules of safety for the design, fabrication, and inspection during construction of boilers and pressure vessels. b) Interpret these rules when questions arise. The rules they developed are called the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, which has been adopted by all Canadian Jurisdictions. National Standards Why Standards are Necessary Modern industry has developed in safety and efficiency due to, and concurrently with, the development and adoption of industry standards. A standard is a minimum grade or quality, having widespread recognition and implementation, developed by industry experts. Standards are needed for the following reasons: • To promote safety for the public, plant owners, and operators. Striving for safety helps to lower insurance costs as well. • To facilitate lower operation and maintenance costs. Imagine the confusion if there were no uniform standards for pipe threads and fittings. • To form the basis of plant inspection and certification, and the certification process for Power Engineers. How Standards are Prepared Standards are issued by national and international organizations. They have various committees and subcommittees that develop safety codes and standards. These committees are made up of experts and professionals from industry, government, and insurance companies. Since the committees are generally composed of highly qualified people, the codes prepared are adopted as standards, and may receive nation-wide recognition if made into law. The Standards Council of Canada The Standards Council of Canada functions as the national coordinating body, through which organizations concerned with voluntary standardization may operate and cooperate to recognize, establish and improve standardization in Canada. 3-4 4th Class Edition 3 • Part A Codes and Standards for Power Engineers and Pressure Vessels • Chapter 3 ASME Founded in 1880, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is a professional technical society. It has a membership of over 115 000 practicing engineers and associated scientists. Its purpose is to: A E • Develop and disseminate technical information • Promote high standards of engineering design and education • Encourage personal and professional development • Foster ethical conduct • Provide creative solutions for technical problems In 1914, the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Committee published its first Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC). This single volume contained standard rules for the construction of steam boilers. Because of the ASME’s knowledge, broad membership and widespread support, the code was rapidly adopted by manufacturers and regulatory authorities. The objective of the BPVC rules was to: a) Establish minimum standards that would apply to all jurisdictions. b) Afford reasonable certain protection of life and property. c) Provide reasonable long life and a safe period of usefulness for boilers and pressure vessels. To form its rules, the BPVC considers the needs of the users, manufacturers, and inspectors of pressure vessels and boilers. The objective is to: a) Provide reasonable protection of life and property. b) Provide a safety margin for in-service deterioration. The safety margin ensures a lengthy period of safe use of the boiler or pressure vessel. The BPVC also recognizes advancements in materials and designer experience. The ASME does not approve, certify, rate, or endorse any item, construction, proprietary device, or activity. As well, the ASME does not act as a consultant on engineering problems or general application of the code. The ASME publishes twelve different codes within the BPVC. The following sections are of the greatest interest for students for Power Engineering: Section I Rules for Construction of Power Boilers Section IID Materials Properties Section IV Rules for Construction of Heating Boilers Section V Nondestructive Examination Section VI Recommended Rules for Care and Operation of Heating Boilers Section VII Recommended Guidelines for the Care of Power Boilers Section VIII Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels (Div. 1 and 2) Section IX Welding and Brazing Qualifications 4th Class Edition 3 • Part A 3-5 Unit A-3 • Introduction to Power Engineering and its Governance in Canada The ASME also publishes other codes of great interest to Power Engineers. These include: ASME B31.1 Power Piping ASME B31.3 Process Piping ASME B31.5 Refrigeration Piping and Heat Transfer Components ASME B16.5 Pipe Flanges And Flanged Fittings CSA In Canada, The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) has developed codes for boilers, pressure vessels, pressure piping, and mechanical refrigeration. The CSA consists of members from industry, scientists, engineers, and consumers. It is a non-profit organization and is independent from the government. CSA produces thousands of standards, ranging in topics from safety boot manufacturing to electrical installations. The development and use of CSA boiler, pressure vessel and refrigeration codes, along with Jurisdictional legislation, provides protection to the public and operators working with pressure vessels and boilers. They ensure that the design, fabrication, materials, construction, operation meets a minimum standard for protection. ANSI The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is similar to the Standards Council of Canada. To a large extent, ANSI recognizes standards developed by groups such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the CSA, and the ASME. ANSI K61.1 Safety Requirements for Storage and Handling of Anhydrous Ammonia is a valuable reference source for Power Engineers. Local Regulations Building codes, fire codes, and health department regulations typically fall under local municipal regulations. For example, such regulations may rule that flammable liquids must not be stored in boiler rooms. Local regulations may also specify the location of fire-fighting equipment, or of escape routes from a plant. As with all the organizations discussed above, safety is their prime consideration. 3-6 4th Class Edition 3 • Part A