Non-US Codes & Stamping of Pressure Equipment

1. Purpose

This procedure expresses Inflection Point Engineering’s views on code stamping requirements and the use of non-U.S. Codes where the American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code is specified for pressure containing equipment.

2. General

2.1 Inflection Point Engineering Project Specifications are based upon the use of U.S. codes and standards. This is described in the Inflection Point Engineering Basic Engineering Design Questionaire (BEDQ) section 1.2c.

2.2 The term “stamp” refers to the ASME Certification Mark with the appropriate Designators(s) (See ASME Section VIII, Division 1, section UG-115 through UG-119). Stamping refers to the authorized application of the Certification Mark and Designator to equipment.

3. Owners Located Within the United States

Design and fabrication in accordance with the appropriate Section(s) of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and affixing of the ASME Certification Mark and applicable Designator is required for pressure vessels to be operated within the United States.

4. Owners Located Outside the United States

4.1 Equipment to be operated outside of the United States is often designed and fabricated in accordance with the appropriate Section(s) of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and affixed with the applicable mark or stamp.

4.2 Inflection Point Engineering may receive requests for assistance from owners located outside the United States when answering questions from bidding contractors about using alternate codes and code marking or stamping. In such instances, Inflection Point Engineering shall respond to the Owner as follows:

“The decision to allow the use of alternate codes and/or not require code certification marking or stamping rests with the Owner. Inflection Point Engineering does not consider ASME Code Certification Marking mandatory to meet Inflection Point Engineering's project requirements. However, a quality control system is required.”

In addition, the requirements of section 4.3 (below) and the cautions of Section 4. (below) should be summarized in the Inflection Point Engineering response.

4.3 Alternate Codes

Alternate, internationally recognized, codes that the Owner approves may be used if all of the following are met:

a. The codes are in accordance with applicable local and national laws of the country in which the equipment will be installed.

b. The codes comply with applicable insurance requirements.

c. All code requirements, including those affecting other equipment (e.g., relief system) are met. Codes shall be used in their entirety.

d. The quality and reliability of the resulting equipment equals or exceeds that of equipment conforming to the requirements of the codes and standards referenced by the Inflection Point Engineering Project Specifications.

e. The Owner accepts responsibility for the use of the alternate codes.

4.4 Code Certification Mark or Stamp

Pressure containing equipment that is designed and fabricated according to an internationally recognized code approved by the Owner shall be certified as required by the applicable code. An ASME Code Certification Mark and Designator is not required when the ASME Code is used unless required/requested by the applicable governing authority and/or the Owner. However:

• Fabrication in a shop where the vendor has a valid ASME Certification Marks with Designator for the applicable Section of the ASME Code provides assurance that the Vendor is complying with all provisions of the applicable Section of the ASME Code, and that the shop procedures and conditions have been evaluated and accepted by ASME.

• When an ASME Certification Mark and applicable Designator is not provided, the contractor accepts full responsibility for assuring that the design, materials, fabrication, heat treatment, examination, inspection, testing, and other requirements that are specified in the applicable Section(s) of the ASME Code have been met, including the retention of pertinent records.

The Contractor shall also assure that the applicable Section(s) of the ASME Code is (are) followed in its (their) entirety and that the quality of the completed equipment is at least equal to the quality present if the item were ASME Certification Marked.

Shop conditions and fabrication, heat treatment, inspection and testing procedures shall also be at least equal to those present in a shop possessing a valid ASME Certification Mark. Included are: shop layout and working conditions; equipment capability, condition and control; personnel skills, qualifications and experience; supervision; inspection (including non-destructive examination); material storage, handling, forming and control; positive material identification; welding methods, specifications and procedures; experience with the material(s) of construction, code of construction and similar size and thickness equipment; work flow; equipment handling and storage during and after fabrication; shipment preparation; etc.

c. The requirements for equipment designed and fabricated in accordance with ASME Section VIII, Division 2 are extensive, stringent, and sometimes complex. Ensuring that a fabricator who does not have a valid ASME Certification Mark with Division 2 Designator is, in fact, competent and will fully comply with all of the requirements of Division 2 is a difficult task. Equipment will be exposed to high pressures, hence have a high-energy content, magnifying the consequences of a failure (e.g. explosion, prolonged shutdown). Although not required, use of a fabricator possessing a valid ASME Section VIII, Division 2 Certification Mark and Designator is strongly recommended for equipment complying with Division 2.