General Provisions and Regulatory Framework
Definition and Status of the Standard
This document is a specialized section of the ASME B31 codes, developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) to regulate the design, installation, and operation of process piping. The standard is a national American regulation that ensures uniformity of technical requirements in industrial construction.
Distribution of Responsibility
- Owner of the facility: Bears full legal and technical responsibility for compliance with the standard’s provisions at the facility. The owner’s duties include the classification of piping (Categories D, M, High Pressure, High Purity), the selection of a quality control system, and ensuring compliance with the jurisdiction of the installation region.
- Designer: Must ensure that the engineering design complies with the requirements of ASME B31.3 and the internal safety standards established by the owner.
- Manufacturer and Installer: Are responsible for the quality of the materials and components used, and for adhering to technological processes during the assembly of piping systems in full compliance with project documentation.
- Inspector: Carries out independent oversight of tests and examinations. In the event of the implementation of a quality system, the inspector monitors its actual implementation at the site.
Purpose and Scope
EV Group China notes that the standard establishes mandatory technical criteria for safe design. It is important to note: the standard does not regulate the repair or operation of pipelines already in service (for these purposes, one should refer to specialized regulations, such as F300.1).
| Classification | Scope of Application |
|---|---|
| Category D | Minimal risks, limited operating conditions |
| Category M | High toxicity, special requirements (Chapter VIII) |
| High Pressure | Specialized systems (Chapter IX) |
Technological Specialization
ASME B31.3 standards from EV Group China are applied in the petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and pulp and paper industries, as well as in cryogenic technology and semiconductor manufacturing facilities. The standard covers a wide range of media: from inert gases and water to aggressive chemicals, refrigerants, and fluidized solids.
Exclusions from the Standard
This regulation does not apply to:
- Piping with gauge pressure less than 105 kPa (15 psi) when handling non-toxic and non-flammable media.
- Power boilers covered by the ASME BPV Code Section I.
- Internal components of fired heaters.
- Proprietary equipment (pumps, compressors, heat exchangers), including their internal circuits.
