Chapter 2

ASME System Introduction

This chapter provides information on the ASME system and organizations that make up the world
of the ASME. These organizations include the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel
Inspectors, the jurisdictions and the Authorized Inspection Agencies.

THE ASME

The ASME began as a group of engineers primarily interested in boiler safety. In 1911, at the request
of various parties, a committee was formed to develop a standard by which boilers could be built
safely, and which would be accepted unilaterally throughout the United States and Canada.

This committee developed Section I, Power Boiler, which was the first ASME Code. It was first
issued in 1914.

Section VIII was developed and issued in 1928. Since then, the following has occurred:

1) In 1968, Section VIII was renamed the Pressure Vessel Code.

2) Also in 1968, Section VIII, Div. 2, was issued. This Code gave alternative rules for pressure
vessels. This Code is more stringent in design, material selection and NDE.

3) In 1969, Section X was issued. This Code is used to fabricate fiber glass reinforced vessels.

ASME is an organization made up of volunteers from industry. Fabricators, Owner/Users,

Regulatory Agencies and the Authorized Inspection Agencies make up the Committee. This
committee is now called the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Committee and they meets regularly to
consider revisions, new rules, Code cases and requests for interpretation.

FUNCTION

The prime function of the ASME is the maintenance and issuance of safety standards (Codes) for
design, material selection, fabrication, testing and documentation of boilers and pressure vessels.
Some of the policies for the maintenance of these codes include:

1) Addenda: Addenda are simply revisions to the Codes. They are issued once a year.

2) Interpretations: ASME is the only body that may officially interpret the Codes. Interpretations
are questions relating to the content and intent of the Codes. Interpretations outside the
scope of the Code will not be answered.

3) Code Cases: Code Cases are alternative rules to the Code and may asked on items outside
the scope of the Code.

4) Errata: are corrections due to typographical or grammatical errors, or oversights. Such errata
shall be used on the date posted.

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COMMITTEE STRUCTURE

ASME is made up of various committees. The committees are organized like a corporation. The
Main Committee sits at the top and votes on just about everything. Below the Main Committee are
the sub-committees for each Code. For example, there is a Sub-Committee on Section VIII, Div. 1,
Section IX, and so forth.

Below these sub-committees are the work groups, special work groups and so on. Many of these
work groups are standing groups and others are formed for a specific project. When that project is
over, the work group is disbanded.

The sub-groups submit items to the sub-committees and, if favorably voted upon, the item is
presented to the Main Committee for a vote. These items include addenda and code cases.

THE ASME CODES

There are several “Fabrication” codes. These are the codes that provide the requirements for design,
material selection, fabrication, testing, identification and documentation for boilers and pressure
vessels. These codes are:

1) Section I, Power Boilers.

2) Section III, The Nuclear Codes.

3) Section IV, Heating Boilers.

4) Section VIII, Div.1 and 2, Pressure Vessels.

5) Section X, Fiberglass Reinforced Vessels.

These codes are used to “build” the ASME Code item and they reference the “Reference” Codes for
requirements in specific and common areas.

THE REFERENCE CODES

The reference codes were issued to support the “book codes”. These reference codes provide
information that is common to all the construction codes. These reference codes are:

a) Section II, Materials, which was issued in 1924 and now consists of four parts:

1) Part A, Ferrous Materials

2) Part B, Non-Ferrous Materials
3) Part C, Welding Materials
4) Part D, Material Properties

b) Section IX, Welding Qualifications, was issued in 1937.

c) Section V, Non Destructive Examination, was issued in 1971 and covers the requirements
for NDE. Prior to this, all NDE requirements were covered in each Code.

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THE NATIONAL BOARD

Another major group involved in ASME activities is the National Board. This is organization made
up of the law enforcement officials of the jurisdictions of the United States and Canada. This includes
states, provinces and cities or municipalities. The objectives of the National Board are:

a) The uniform administration and enforcement of boiler and pressure vessel laws in their
jurisdiction.

b) Standardization of construction.

c) Standardization of operation.

d) Standardization of inspector qualifications.

e) Testing of safety valves built to ASME.

THE NATIONAL BOARD COMMISSION

The National Board is probably best known for the standardization of inspector qualifications.
Authorized Inspectors are tested and, if successful, issued a Commission. This Commission is
renewed annually. Some jurisdictions have their own test, but this limits the inspector to making
inspections in that jurisdiction.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY

In addition to the NB Commission, most states require that any in service inspections done in the
jurisdiction be performed by an Inspector holding a commission issued by that jurisdiction. In most
cases, that commission is issued based on successful completion of the National Board test. Some
jurisdictions, however, have their own test for state certification.

THE AUTHORIZED INSPECTION AGENCY (AIA)

The Authorized Inspection Agency (AIA) is an organization accredited by ASME that employs the
Authorized Inspector (AI), as defined in UG-91.

THE AUTHORIZED INSPECTOR (AI)

The Authorized Inspector and his/her qualification requirements are outlined in the National Boards
By-laws. The inspector is also defined in UG-91.

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THE ORGANIZATION OF SECTION VIII, DIV.1

Paragraph U-1(b), describes the organization of Section VIII, Div.1. A good way to think of this
organization is to remember that the book begins general and becomes more specific towards the
end. This breakdown is as follows:

1) Subsection A is the General Subsection and consists of Part UG.

2) Subsection B is the Method of Fabrication subsection. It consists of parts UW, for welded
vessels, UF for forged vessels and UB for brazed vessels.

3) Subsection C is the Materials Subsection. It consists of nine parts. These parts include UCS
for carbon and low alloy steels, UHA for high alloy or stainless steels, and UHT for ferritic
steels with properties enhanced by heat treatment, etc.

4) Mandatory Appendices give requirements for specific applications. Mandatory appendices

are numbered and are to be used when required or referenced from subsections.

5) Non-mandatory Appendices provide information and good engineering practices. They are
indicated by letter.

6) Last but not least, when using Section VIII, Div. 1, it is always good idea to use the Table of
Contents and the Index.

THE SCOPE OF SECTIONS VIII, DIV.1

The scope of Section VIII, Div.1, is found in paragraph U-1(c)(2). It is important to note that the
introductory paragraph states in part “…….; however, any pressure vessel which meets all
applicable requirements of this Division may be stamped with the Code U Symbol:”

Some of the items not within the scope are:

a) Items within the scope of other Code Sections.

b) Fired process tubular heaters.

c) Rotating or reciprocating devices.

d) Piping systems (transport of fluids)

e) Piping components such as gaskets, bolting, etc.

f) Vessel containing water1 under pressure with design pressure < 300 psi or design temp < 210F.

g) Heated hot water supply storage tank with heat input < 200,000 Btu/hr; temp < 210F; capacity
< 120 gal.

h) Vessels with pressures less than 15 psi.

i) Vessels with a dimension, other than length, of six inches or less.

j) Pressure vessels for human occupancy.

k) Pressure exceeding 3000 psi with an exception, U-1(d).

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THE BOUNDARIES OF SECTION VIII, DIV.1

U-1(e) describes the “boundaries” of Section VIII, Division 1. “Where external piping is to be
connected to the vessel:”

1) The welded end connection for the first circumferential joint for welded connections.

2) The first threaded joint for screwed connections.

3) The face of the first flange for bolted, flanged connections.

4) The first sealing surface of proprietary connection or fittings.

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