ASME - International Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code

The ASME International Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) is made of 11 sections and contains over 15 divisions and subsections. This comprehensive reference tool provides guidance on power boilers, materials, nuclear facility components, heating boilers, nondestructive examination, pressure vessels, welding and brazing qualifications, and transport tanks.

ASME - International Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Overview

The ASME - American Society of Mechanical Engineers - International Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) is made of 11 sections and contains over 15 divisions and subsections.

Code Sections

I. Power Boilers - Requirements for all methods of construction of power, electric, and miniature boilers; high temperature water boilers used in stationary service; and power boilers used in locomotive, portable, and traction service.

II. Materials - Ferrous and nonferrous material specifications, welding rods, electrodes, filler metals, and material properties.

III. Rules for Construction of Nuclear Facility Components - Requirements for nuclear facility components including Class 1, 2, 3, and MC components.

IV. Heating Boilers - Requirements for design, fabrication, installation and inspection of steam generating boilers and hot water boilers for low pressure service.

V. Nondestructive Examination - Requirements and methods for nondestructive examination to detect surface and internal discontinuities.

VI. Recommended Rules for the Care and Operation of Heating Boilers - Guidelines for operation and maintenance of heating boilers.

VII. Recommended Guidelines for the Care of Power Boilers - Guidelines to promote safety in the use of stationary, portable, and traction type boilers.

VIII. Pressure Vessels - Requirements for design, fabrication, inspection, testing, and certification of pressure vessels.

IX. Welding and Brazing Qualifications - Rules for qualification of welding and brazing procedures and personnel.

X. Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Pressure Vessels - Requirements for construction of FRP pressure vessels.

XI. Rules for In-service Inspection of Nuclear Power Plant Components - Rules for examination and inspection of nuclear power plant components.

XII. Rules for Construction and Continued Service of Transport Tanks - Requirements for construction and continued service of pressure vessels for dangerous goods transportation.

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Applicable ASME Code Section--
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Key Applicability Rules

Power Boilers (Section I)

  • Steam or other vapor generation at pressures exceeding 15 psig
  • High temperature water boilers for pressures exceeding 160 psig OR temperatures exceeding 250°F
  • Includes superheaters, economizers, and other pressure parts connected directly to the boiler without intervening valves

Heating Boilers (Section IV)

  • Low pressure steam generating boilers
  • Hot water boilers directly fired by oil, gas, electricity, or coal
  • Limited to standard operating ranges

Pressure Vessels (Section VIII)

  • Division 1: Internal or external pressures exceeding 15 psig
  • Division 2: Alternative rules for pressures exceeding 15 psig
  • Division 3: High pressure vessels generally above 10,000 psi

Transport Tanks (Section XII)

  • Pressure vessels for dangerous goods transportation
  • Pressures from full vacuum to 3,000 psig
  • Volumes greater than 120 gallons
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