ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code 2013: Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels: Division 1: 8

Division 1 provides requirements applicable to the design, fabrication, inspection, testing, and certification of pressure vessels operating at either internal or external pressures exceeding 15 psig. Such vessels may be fired or unfired. This pressure may be obtained from an external source or by the application of heat from a direct or indirect source, or any combination thereof. Specific requirements apply to several classes of material used in pressure vessel construction, and also to fabrication methods such as welding, forging and brazing.

Division 1 contains mandatory and non-mandatory appendices detailing supplementary design criteria, nondestructive examination and inspection acceptance standards. Rules pertaining to the use of the single ASME certification mark with the U, UM and UV designators are also included.

Division 2 requirements on materials, design, and nondestructive examination are more rigorous than in Division 1; however, higher design stress intensify values are permitted. These rules may also apply to human occupancy pressure vessels typically in the diving industry. Rules pertaining to the use of the single ASME certification mark with the U2 and UV designators are also included.

Division 3 requirements are applicable to pressure vessels operating at either internal or external pressures generally above 10,000 psi. It does not establish maximum pressure limits for either Section VIII, Divisions 1 or 2, nor minimum pressure limits for this Division. Rules pertaining to the use of the single ASME certification mark with the U3 and UV3 designator are also included.