RE: API and ASME Code

From: <Steve>
Date: Mon Sep 12 2005 - 05:37:00 EDT

Hello Ralph

Thanks for your insight although I didn't write the question.

I blame the current overcomplication squarely on the computer and the internet. The amount of information immediately available on any given subject far exceeds the capability of any person to absorb it within a reasonable time.

As an example, for the odd pressure vessel that I design, first I use a code written in the 1940s. For a simple vessel it takes about half an hour to do and the code is about A5 and probably 50 pages long. If the vessel needs certifying, we often use BS5500 here so I send my "design" off to my favourite BS5500/CAD software jockey who grinds it out in probably 2 days hard work, and sometimes he can save me 2mm shell thickness. Not once has it been necessary to strengthen. Then its off to the regulating authorities with a cheque and the CAD(design) printout so they can approve or request that the bleed hole on the saddles are tapped R1/4 instead of 1/4 NPT.

When its all added up, something I can do for $50 winds up costing over $5000 due to regulation. Now I'm not saying regulation is unnecessary; quite the opposite. However I do feel regulations should be questioned repeatedly and discarded when not required or they can no longer answer the question.

End of Sermon. And apologies. Guess who has been arguing with lawyers again?

Cheers

Steve

-----Original Message-----
From: <a href="/group/PipingDesign/post?postID=z9dihZ58bIgIVcgIKPAmJxwChy6Jhawv6qLZz1J9p1gTUrQVF6Q-PvZQWjQt69FT5617tH03g4FifTPWGQpJmz7-YOU">PipingDesign@yahoogroups.com</a> [mailto:<a href="/group/PipingDesign/post?postID=z9dihZ58bIgIVcgIKPAmJxwChy6Jhawv6qLZz1J9p1gTUrQVF6Q-PvZQWjQt69FT5617tH03g4FifTPWGQpJmz7-YOU">PipingDesign@yahoogroups.com</a>] On Behalf Of Sare, Ralph H.
Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 7:02 PM To: <a href="/group/PipingDesign/post?postID=z9dihZ58bIgIVcgIKPAmJxwChy6Jhawv6qLZz1J9p1gTUrQVF6Q-PvZQWjQt69FT5617tH03g4FifTPWGQpJmz7-YOU">PipingDesign@yahoogroups.com</a> Subject: [PipingDesign] API and ASME Code

When u work in a production facility that deals not only with hydrocarbons but also with highly hazardous stuff and the work involves repair, alteration and rerating aside from maintaining and adding more equipment then on almost daily basis you deal with ASME, API, ISO and OSHA requirement.

Decades ago prior to the publication of the API Inspection Code, all we got is the National Board Inspection Code NB-23. When OSHA PSM came out, the issue related to repair, alteration, modifcation and rerating makes the life of an engneer difficult but it also made them wiser because along the way we learn how to manage/mitigate risk. Then came the API Inspection Code delaing with changes related to Piping, Pressure Vessels and Storage Tanks already in-service and built/ design to ASME and API. This was followed by API 581 and 579.

The engineering software followed suit. But then again ISO certs for quality and environment came along. Now you have the Code that deals with new and in-service equipment, the OSHA PSM, the ISO cert that needs to be maintained and of course the issue of controlling expense.

Well piping works is not getting difficult over the years.They dont really. Its just that the work needed to comply with all this requirement is getting very very complicated. And Im getting old for this type of thing. Adios for now.

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Yahoo! Groups Links Received on Mon Sep 12 05:37:00 2005