17.4 American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel
17.4 American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC)
David Colameco, M.Ed.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers was founded in 1880 according to their website where original meetings of the society discussed tools, machine parts, and uniform work practices. As time passed ASME created a Boiler Testing Code in 1884 which developed into the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code which was first published in 1915. The publishing of this code was important to create uniform standards for boiler fabrication. Prior to and around the time of the BPVC’s publishing there were regularly occurring fatal boiler explosions. States and federal governments adopted the codes which made them required by law.
Development of ASME standards
Similar to AWS Standards, ASME standards are also developed based on a consensus approach of voting committee members that are experts in their fields. Members also come from industry, research, and government. Committees and standards have processes in place that allow those in the welding field with questions and comments to address the committee both in writing and in person. Generally, if you send in a written inquiry to a committee you should attend the committee meeting where they will discuss your question. This will allow the committee an opportunity to ask you any questions they may have about the why, when, where of your question which will likely increase the chances of getting a more meaningful answer.
Basics of the ASME BPVC Section IX Standard
The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) is a multi section code which addresses the fabrication of boilers and pressure vessels. Additional ASME codes, such as B31.1 Power Piping, and B31.3 Process Piping are codes that govern the fabrication of piping systems that are attached to the boilers or pressure vessels.
As a side note, these fabrications are very cool and you are encouraged to ask your instructor or career office about welding and fabrication opportunities of boilers, pressure vessels and associated piping in your area if you are interested. Keywords to search for these types of job opportunities are boilermaker, pipefitter, steamfitter, and BPVC Section IX to name a few. Also, make sure to read over the bulleted list below when you get to it and if anything catches your eye, do an internet search for jobs and videos to learn more about those career opportunities.
A large difference between ASME codes and AWS standards is in how they are organized. Development of AWS welding codes in Section 17.3 listed several AWS codes which covered different materials, such as structural steel, structural aluminum, structural stainless steel and different applications such as bridge welding or repair and reinforcement whereas the ASME BPVC was developed with different topics:
- Section I: Rules for Construction of Power Boilers
- Section II: Materials
- Section III: Rules for Construction of Nuclear Facility Components
- Section IV: