Special Topic on Codes and Standards

Abstract

ASME pressure technology Codes and Standards are used in the design, fabrication, examination, installation, maintenance, and in-service inspection and evaluation of pressure boundary components. The primary objective of ASME pressure technology Codes and Standards is safe operation of these components. ASME pressure technology Codes and Standards provide standardized engineering procedures that can be applied uniformly throughout a particular industry, and in some cases can support a regulatory framework. The contents of these Codes and Standards can include design criteria or in-service evaluation criteria with margins of safety to ensure a low probability of failure, analytical calculation procedures, material properties, requirements for fabrication, as well as requirements and procedures for inspection. The results of extensive research and development in pressure vessels and piping technology, as well as best engineering practices, are often incorporated into ASME pressure technology Codes and Standards. These Codes and Standards are developed, revised, and maintained by ASME Code volunteer committees comprised researchers, practicing engineers, and regulators. ASME Code committees work within a consensus process to develop the documents to ensure safe and reliable operation of pressure boundary components that benefit the public, industry, and the regulatory authorities. A number of ASME pressure technology Codes and Standards, such as the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel (B&PV) Code, are updated on a periodic basis.