Implementing an ASME Covered Piping Systems Program

摘要

Power plant piping with a nominal pipe size of four inches or larger that carries steam or water operating at greater than 750F or 1,025 psi is considered a "covered piping system." That means the operating company must establish a program to assess the piping and ensure it lives up to standards. Plant engineers, management, operations, and maintenance personnel must understand the code and how to comply with its requirements. In the past, heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) piping inspections were often categorized as "high-energy" piping inspections and mostly emphasized steam piping. However, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B31.1 "Power Piping" code sets requirements for piping maintenance plans. The code states that any piping systems with nominal pipe size of four inches or larger that carry steam or water and operate greater than 750F, or, greater than 1,025 psi, are considered "covered piping systems" (CPS). The areas defined under covered piping systems encompass the main steam, hot reheat steam, cold reheat steam, and boiler feedwater piping systems at a minimum. The code also mandates covered piping systems be assessed by the operating company using an established program in which all documentation relevant to the condition of the plant's piping is maintained.