The American Society of Mechanical Engineers' (ASME) B31.3 Process Piping Code is considered to be the international standard for piping in processing plants.
The Code is used for piping typically found in petroleum refineries; chemical, pharmaceutical, textile, paper, semiconductor, and cryogenic plants; and related process plants and terminals.
This interactive workshop, facilitated by an international expert from the USA, provides an introduction to the Code, covering the requirements for the design, analysis, materials, fabrication, testing and inspection of process piping systems. Changes to the latest edition, B31.3. - 2018, will also be covered.
You'll also explore the rules for various components including fittings, connections, bends, valves and specialty components and look at trends in Code changes and how they could affect your work and projects.
By the end of this course you'll:
- be aware of the requirements to safely design process piping to U.S. standards;
- able to identify the issues to take into consideration when designing process piping;
- explain the pressure design of piping and relevant components;
- analyse piping flexibility and gauge the limitations of piping and relevant components; and
- identify pipe supports, leak testing, piping failures and their causes.
This course is run exclusively by The American Society of Mechanical Engineers with Engineering Education Australia.
Special Requirements
- Participants are required to bring their own calculator.
- The B31.3 code book is not provided with registration and is available to order through ASME.
EA members get 15% off on selected workshops and training. Not a member? Sign up now
*1% credit card surcharge applies.
Any questions?
Contact us
24 February - 28 February
10 November - 14 November
This online short course will run on the following dates:
24 – 28 February 2025, 9am – 3pm AEDT
10 – 14 November 2025, 9am – 3pm AEDT
RSVP
Registrations close three business days before the start of each session.
We can customise this course for groups of six or more.
You choose the time, place, duration and format.
Find out how we can help you and your team by clicking on the button below to request a quote or calling us directly on +61 3 9321 1700.
- Identify what issues to take into consideration when designing process piping
- Explain the pressure design of piping and piping components
- Analyse piping flexibility and gauge the limitations of piping and piping components
- Identify pipe supports, leak testing, piping failures and their causes
- Understand the scope and technical requirements of the ASME B31.3 Code
- Apply and implement the quality requirements that are defined in the ASME B31.3
Code
Is this course for you?
Relevant for those involved in the design, manufacture, fabrication, examination, inspection and/or testing of process piping including:
- engineers
- designers
- managers
- quality personnel
- manufacturers
- users
There are no prerequisites for this course, but each student must bring his or her own calculator.
Topics we'll cover
Day one
Introduction to B31.3
- Aims, objectives, and outcomes of the course
B31.3 scope and definitions
- General statements
- Fluid service categories
Design considerations and criteria
- Design conditions
- Design criteria
Pressure design of piping components
- General
- Pressure design of components
- Case study: Pipe wall thickness
Design – Fluid service requirements and standards for piping components standards
- Pipe
- Fittings, bends, miters, laps, and branch connections
- Valves and specialty components
- Flanges, blanks, flange facings, and gaskets
- Bolting
- Dimensions and ratings of components
- Case studies: Branch connection and flanges
Day two
Design – Fluid service requirements for piping joints
- General
- Welded joints
- Expanded joints
- Threaded joints
- Tubing joints
- Caulked joints
- Soldered and brazed joints
- Special joints
Design – Flexibility and support
- Piping flexibility
- Piping support
- Case study: Piping flexibility
- Case study: Specification of spring support
Bellows expansion joints
Day three
Design – Systems
- Specific piping systems
- Pressure relieving systems
Materials
- General requirements
- Materials – miscellaneous
- Case Study: Selection of materials for low temperature service
Fabrication, assembly, and erection
- General
- Welding
- Preheating
- Heat treatment
- Bending and forming
- Brazing and soldering
- Assembly and erection
Days three and four
Inspection, examination, and testing
- Inspection
- Examination
- Examination personnel
- Examination procedures
- Types of examination
- Testing
- Records
- Case study: Pressure testing
Day four
- Precautionary considerations
- Safeguarding
- Summary
- Case study: Development of a piping system
Optional code topics
- Non-metallic piping and piping lined with non-metals
- High-pressure piping
- High-purity piping
Jim E. Meyer P.E., has over 45 years of experience in refining petrochemical, chemical, power generation and industrial facilities. He is a principal engineer at CDM Smith, a full service engineering and architectural firm, located in Wadsworth Ohio.
Jim is experienced in overall project coordination/management, pressure equipment, piping design, analysis, specifications, support design, mechanical system requirements and documentation requirements. In particular, areas of his technical competence include ASME piping and pressure vessel codes, stress analysis, field troubleshooting piping system support, vibration, and expansion problems.
Jim is a member of ASME and has been involved in the ASME B31.1 and ASME B31.3 Section committees for over 40 years. He is currently, Chair of the ASME B31 Standards Committee, Chair of the B31 Mechanical Design Committee and serves on the ASME Board on Pressure Technology Codes and Standards. Jim has also served as Chair of the ASME B31.3 Process Piping Section Committee and Chair of ASME B31.1 Power Piping Code Section Committee.
Most recently, Jim co-authored chapters in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Companion Guide, 5th Edition, covering the ASME B31.1 Power Piping Code and the B31.3 Process Piping Code. Past projects and work experience has involved major oil refineries, petrochemical plants, fossil, nuclear, solar and alternative energy generation, as well as cryogenic and vacuum test facilities.
Excellent materials ... the fact that EEA was able to get the ex-chair of the code committee to provide training is excellent. His background knowledge is invaluable and entertaining
Really improved my understanding of what ASME B31.3 code is about, as well as real world examples of the basis for the code and what can go wrong
Very practical approach. Really liked the examples. Jim has an excellent way of communicating key points and succinctly covering a large code.
