14 major changes in ASME B 31.3-2016 with respect to its earlier edition (ASME B 31.

3-2014)

Most of you are aware that the latest edition of Process Piping Bible (ASME B 31.3-2016) is issued on 31st January
2017 and This Code will become effective 6 months after the Date of Issuance (i.e. from August 2017 onwards).

There are many changes in this edition with respect to its earlier edition. This article provides only 14 major changes
which readers will find in that code. Readers are requested to list down other major changes in the comments section.

1: For the first time the code provides some reference for piping system that has already placed in service. For
existing piping systems, The code suggests to use ASME PCC-2, Repair of Pressure Equipment and Piping, and API
570, Piping Inspection Code: In-service Inspection, Rating, Repair, and Alteration of Piping Systems.

2: A new section for rounding of values (Test data or dimensions) based on ASTM E29 is added in clause 300.1.4.

3: The conventional definition of severe cyclic conditions (either equivalent no of of cycles>7000 or Se>0.8Sa) has
been modified in this edition. As per B 31.3-2016, Designating piping as being under severe cyclic conditions
should be considered when piping is subjected to both a high stress range (when the calculated stress range
approaches the allowable stress range) and many cycles (the stress range factor, f, is less than the maximum, fm).

4: New Appendix R (Use of Alternative Ultrasonic Acceptance Criteria) is added. The fracture mechanics ultrasonic
acceptance criteria in Appendix R may be used for acceptance of discontinuities if all requirements of Appendix R
are met.

5: In 2014 edition, for the first time the code provided stress values in MPa in table A-1M and Table A-2M. Those
metric values are partly provided and were equivalent to its FPS (KSI) counterparts. Please note that In 2016 edition
The values stated in ksi (Table A-1 and table A-2) are not exact equivalents to the values stated in MPa (table A-
1M and Table A-2M). Therefore, for any given material, the user of the Code should use only the ksi or the MPa
values.

6: As per latest edition of the code; In no case shall a coupling or half coupling have a rating less than Class 3000
in accordance with ASME B16.11.

7: In B31.3-2016 when inplane and outplane SIFs (for sustained stress sistained moment index) are determined by
experimental or analytical means the bending stress calculation for branch pipe is permitted using section modulus
of parent pipe (not branch pipe). However if SIFs from Appendix D are used branch section modulus to be used.

8: As per the latest code the Impact testing is not required if the design minimum temperature is greater than or
equal to 104C (155F) and the stress ratio (as defined in Fig 323.2.2B of the code) does not exceed 0.3. and For
stress ratios greater than 0.3, the lowest design minimum temperature permitted is 48C (55F). Also it has
included Tabular Values for Reduction in Lowest Exemption Temperature for Steels Without Impact Testing.

9: The minimum PWHT holding temperature for P-No. 15E, Group No. 1 materials may be 675C (reduced by 45C
from 2014 edition) for nominal material thicknesses 13 mm (12 in.).

10: The Assembly requirements for bolted flanged joints are added in clause 335.2.5.

11: Now Hardness tests are not required to verify proper heat treatment except as otherwise specified in the
engineering design.

12: When piping sub-assemblies are tested separately, A special provision for testing is provided in clause F345.2.3
where consideration should be given to performing an additional leak test of the assembled piping system with
nonhazardous test fluid prior to initial operation and Examination for leaks should be at all joints that have not been
previously examined for leaks, or that have been reassembled after being examined for leaks.
13: Piping systems designed for vacuum service may be subjected to a vacuum leak test (in place of leak testing
under internal pressure)method by a qualified and certified Leak-testing personnel with technique and acceptance
criteria specified by the owner following a written procedure complying with the applicable technical requirements
of the BPV Code, Section V, Article 10.

14: During leak testing the Joints previously tested in accordance with this Code may be insulated or covered. Also
At the owners option, for Category D Fluid Service, joints that are subject to a hydrostatic leak test or an initial
service leak test may be insulated and have protective weather sheathing installed prior to leak testing. However,
Consideration shall be given to increasing the test period to allow time for possible leakage to pass through the
insulation and weather sheathing.