14 major changes in ASME B 31.3-2016 with respect to its earlier edition (ASME B 31.

3-2014):-

Most of you are aware that the latest edition of Process Piping Bible (ASME B 31.3-2016) is issued on
31st January 2017 and This Code will become effective 6 months after the Date of Issuance (i.e. from
August 2017 onwards).

There are many changes in this edition with respect to its earlier edition. This article provides only 14
major changes which readers will find in that code. Readers are requested to list down other major
changes in the comments section.

1: For the first time the code provides some reference for piping system that has already placed in
service. For existing piping systems, The code suggests to use ASME PCC-2, Repair of Pressure
Equipment and Piping, and API 570, Piping Inspection Code: In-service Inspection, Rating, Repair, and
Alteration of Piping Systems.

2: A new section for rounding of values (Test data or dimensions) based on ASTM E29 is added in clause
300.1.4.

3: The conventional definition of severe cyclic conditions (either equivalent no of of cycles>7000 or

Se>0.8Sa) has been modified in this edition. As per B 31.3-2016, Designating piping as being under
severe cyclic conditions should be considered when piping is subjected to both a high stress range
(when the calculated stress range approaches the allowable stress range) and many cycles (the stress
range factor, f, is less than the maximum, fm).

4: New Appendix R (Use of Alternative Ultrasonic Acceptance Criteria) is added. The fracture mechanics
ultrasonic acceptance criteria in Appendix R may be used for acceptance of discontinuities if all
requirements of Appendix R are met.

5: In 2014 edition, for the first time the code provided stress values in MPa in table A-1M and Table A-
2M. Those metric values are partly provided and were equivalent to its FPS (KSI) counterparts. Please
note that In 2016 edition The values stated in ksi (Table A-1 and table A-2) are not exact equivalents to
the values stated in MPa (table A-1M and Table A-2M). Therefore, for any given material, the user of the
Code should use only the ksi or the MPa values.

6: As per latest edition of the code; In no case shall a coupling or half coupling have a rating less than
Class 3000 in accordance with ASME B16.11.

7: In B31.3-2016 when inplane and outplane SIF’s (for sustained stress sistained moment index) are
determined by experimental or analytical means the bending stress calculation for branch pipe is
permitted using section modulus of parent pipe (not branch pipe). However if SIF’s from Appendix D are
used branch section modulus to be used.

8: As per the latest code the Impact testing is not required if the design minimum temperature is greater
than or equal to −104°C (−155°F) and the stress ratio (as defined in Fig 323.2.2B of the code) does not
exceed 0.3. and For stress ratios greater than 0.3, the lowest design minimum temperature permitted is
−48°C (−55°F). Also it has included Tabular Values for Reduction in Lowest Exemption Temperature for
Steels Without Impact Testing.

9: The minimum PWHT holding temperature for P-No. 15E, Group No. 1 materials may be 675°C
(reduced by 45°C from 2014 edition) for nominal material thicknesses ≤13 mm (1⁄2 in.).

10: The Assembly requirements for bolted flanged joints are added in clause 335.2.5.

11: Now Hardness tests are not required to verify proper heat treatment except as otherwise specified
in the engineering design.

12: When piping sub-assemblies are tested separately, A special provision for testing is provided in
clause F345.2.3 where consideration should be given to performing an additional leak test of the
assembled piping system with nonhazardous test fluid prior to initial operation and Examination for
leaks should be at all joints that have not been previously examined for leaks, or that have been
reassembled after being examined for leaks.

13: Piping systems designed for vacuum service may be subjected to a vacuum leak test (in place of leak
testing under internal pressure)method by a qualified and certified Leak-testing personnel with
technique and acceptance criteria specified by the owner following a written procedure complying with
the applicable technical requirements of the BPV Code, Section V, Article 10.

14: During leak testing the Joints previously tested in accordance with this Code may be insulated or
covered. Also At the owner’s option, for Category D Fluid Service, joints that are subject to a hydrostatic
leak test or an initial service leak test may be insulated and have protective weather sheathing installed
prior to leak testing. However, Consideration shall be given to increasing the test period to allow time
for possible leakage to pass through the insulation and weather sheathing.