PROCESS INDUSTRY CODES AND STANDARDS OF PIPING

Process plants designed and constructed to the ASME B31.3 code also rely on the standardization of the components used for piping systems and the method of process plant fabrication and construction. There are numerous standards, many of which are interrelated, and they must be referred and adhered to by design engineers and manufacturers in the process industry. These standards cover the following: . Material—chemical composition, mechanical requirements, heat treatment, etc. . Dimensions—general dimensions and tolerances. . Fabrication codes—welding, threading. Standards covering the preceding were drawn up by the following major engineering bodies: . American Petroleum Institute (API). . American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). . American Water Works Association (AWWA). . American Welding Society (AWS).