ASME B31.3 Code "Process Piping,"
ASME B31.3 Code "Process Piping,"
ASME B31.3 Code "Process Piping,"
PURPOSE
This Guide provides information for the proper application of the ASME B31.3 Code "Process Piping,” It
was last updated for the 2002 edition. ASME B31.3 applies to process piping and tubing systems at Los
Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). This Guide also contains ASME B31.1 and AWWA compliant Piping
Specifications. Guide users are responsible for compliance with all aspects of the applicable Code. This
Guide addresses only B31.3, however this guidance is typical of the requirements of other piping Codes.
The information contained in this Guide provides clarification to the Code text, additional information not
contained in ASME B31.3, and design input specific to LANL. This Guide is not to be used as a stand-
alone document. This Guide is formatted to be used in conjunction with ASME B31.3, by following the
same section numbering as B31.3 Code. Appendix references herein are to this Guide, not B31.3 or the
ESM, unless otherwise noted.
A user who desires clarifications on the application of piping related Codes and Standards should contact
the LANL Engineering Standards Pressure Safety Point-of-Contact.
B31.3 INTRODUCTION
The Introduction to ASME B31.3 states "It is the owner's [Design Authority] responsibility to determine
which Code Section is most applicable to the piping installation.”
The other ASME B31 Code Sections and other common National Consensus Codes are listed in Table 1.
Building and plumbing Codes as required by state and local jurisdictional requirements apply to potable
water, and for sewer and drain systems that do not have a process function.
Table 1- National Consensus Codes and Standards for Piping
Organization ID Title
ASME B31.1 Power Piping
ASME B31.4 Liquid Petroleum Transportation Piping Systems
ASME B31.5 Refrigeration Piping
ASME B31.8 Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems
ASME B31.9 Building Services Piping
ASME B31.11 Slurry Transportation Piping Systems
ANSI/AGA Z223.1 National Fuel Gas Code (same as NFPA 54)
AWWA C 100 Cast-Iron Pipe, Fittings
AWWA C 200 Steel Pipe
AWWA C 300 Concrete Pipe
AWWA C 400 Asbestos Cement Pipe
AWWA C 500 Valves and Hydrants
AWWA C 600 Pipe Laying
AWWA C 900 PVC Pressure Pipe
AWWA M9 Concrete Pressure Pipe
AWWA M11 Steel Pipe-Guide for Design and Installation
NFPA Multiple Fire Protection Systems
Guidance supplementing the Code is necessary because the Code provides no explicit rules for
functional design, material compatibility with fluid and environment (erosion/corrosion protection, radiation
effects, etc.), layout, serviceability, steam tracing, grounding, valve and component selections, design of
pipe supports, material traceability, gasket selection, as-built tolerances, insulation, cleaning for special
process, etc. Also, for certain services some options available through B31.3 must be excluded, made
more stringent or supplemented by the designer.
Warning: The original and continued safe operation of a piping system depends on the competent
application of codes and standards.