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We are frequently asked what "ASME"
means and why it is important for a pressure vessel to have a "U" stamp.
Simply put, an ASME U stamp (and its accompanying U1A data form) show the
pressure vessel was built according to
the standards and specifications defined by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
(ASME). More importantly it indicates the vessel was inspected by a qualified and
certified ASME inpector before being approved and stamped.
Not all vessels are ASME coded and may not comply with ASME standards and should
be avoided. Vessels that are missing their tags, whether lost or removed, should
also be avoided. Here is a quick
breakdown of the most common ASME stamps:
Vessel was manufactured following
the standards set forth for Section VIII Division 1 by the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers. For vessels up to 3,000# psi. For further info see http://www.absa.ca/faq/SectionVIIIcomparison.pdf.
Vessel was manufactured following the alternative standards set forth for Section
VIII Division 2, by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. For further info
see http://www.absa.ca/faq/SectionVIIIcomparison.pdf
Vessel was manufactured following the standards for high pressure vessels set forth
for Section VIII Division 3, by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Typically
for vessels rated 10,000# psi or higher. For further info see http://www.absa.ca/faq/SectionVIIIcomparison.pdf
In addition to applicable ASME stamps, many vessels have a National Board number.
The number indicates the vessel was registered with the National Board of Boiler
and Pressure Vessel Inspectors by the manufacturer. Registrations means a report,
commonly called a “U1A”, can be obtained at a nominal cost for review before purchase.
Like the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the National Board issues vessel
stamps. The most common one seen is the “R” stamp and indicates the vessel was repaired
or altered according to the standards set forth by National Board of Boiler and
Pressure Vessel Inspectors.
When shopping for a pressure vessel
like a separator, look for a picture of the original manufacturer’s tag. At a minimum
the tag should show:
- Maximum working pressure and
working temperature
- Year of Manufacture
- Name of Manufacturer
- National Board number or drawing
number (if available)
- Any ASME and National Board
stamps
- Additional stamped certifications such as HT (Heat Treated)
or RT-1 (Radiological Testing, level 1)
For more information about ASME, visit their web site: www.asme.org.
For additional information, and to find the location of ASME certified shops in
your area, visit the National Board of
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors web site at www.nationalboard.org.
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