512 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 16-22

Chapter 20: Pressurized Equipment and Systems

This chapter addresses the standards and practices for managing pressurized equipment and systems, emphasizing safety, compliance, and proper operation.

USACE inspectors inspecting piping systems

This chapter emphasizes the standards and practices for managing pressurized equipment and systems.

It outlines the necessity for regular inspections, testing, and maintenance of equipment such as air receivers, personnel hoists, elevators, and pressurized piping systems. These protocols ensure the integrity of pressurized systems and the safety of their operation, covering everything from installation and repair to modifications that could affect system integrity.

The chapter also covers the qualifications required for personnel including Qualified Inspectors (QIs) and Qualified Mechanics. Inspections and tests are mandated and detailed guidelines for the safe operation and maintenance of these systems. Specific instructions are covered for handling, storing, and inspecting compressed gas cylinders, ensuring they are operated within safe pressure limits, and safeguarding against physical damage or exposure to hazardous conditions.

20-1. References.

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 20-1.

20-1. References.

a.  ASME B31, Code for Pressure Piping (https://www.asme.org)  (20-1.a)

b.  ASME B31Q, Pipeline Personnel Qualification (https://www.asme.org/) (20-1.b)

c.  ASME, Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) (https://www.asme.org/) (20-1.c)

d.  ASME, Code for Unfired Pressure Vessels (https://www.asme.org/)  (20-1.d)

e.  CGA C-6, Standard Visual Inspection of Steel Compressed Gas Cylinders (https://portal.cganet.com/Publication/index.aspx)  (20-1.e)

f.  CGA C-8, Standard for Requalification of DOT-3HT, CTC-3HT, and TC-3HTM Seamless Steel Cylinders (https://portal.cganet.com/Publication/index.aspx)  (20-1.f)

g.  CGA P-1, Standard for Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Containers (https://portal.cganet.com/Publication/index.aspx)  (20-1.g)

h.  MIL-STD 101B, Color Code for Pipelines and for Compressed Gas Cylinders (https://webstore.ansi.org/)  (20-1.h)

i.  National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBI), National Board Inspection Code (NBIC) (https://www.nationalboard.org/index.aspx?pageID=4)  (20-1.i)

j.  49 CFR 171, General Information, Regulations, and Definitions (Hazardous Materials Regulations) (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title49- vol2/pdf/CFR-2020-title49-vol2-part171.pdf) (20-1.j)
k.  49 CFR 172, Hazardous Materials Table, Special Provisions, Hazardous Materials Communications, Emergency Response Information, Training Requirements, and Security Plans (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title49- vol2/pdf/CFR-2020-title49-vol2-part172.pdf) (20-1.k)

l.  49 CFR 173, Shippers- General Requirements for Shipments and Packagings (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title49-vol2/pdf/CFR-2020-title49-vol2- part173.pdf)  (20-1.l)

m.  49 CFR 175, Carriage by Aircraft (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title49-vol2/pdf/CFR-2020-title49-vol2-part175.pdf)  (20-1.m)

n.  49 CFR 176, Carriage by Vessel (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title49-vol2/pdf/CFR-2020-title49-vol2-part176.pdf)  (20-1.n)

o.  49 CFR 177, Carriage by Public Highway (https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title49-vol2/pdf/CFR-2020-title49-vol2- part177.pdf)  (20-1.o)

20-2. Definitions.

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 20-2.

20-2. Definitions.

a.  Air Receiver.  A tank used for the storage of air discharged from the compressor; used to help eliminate pressure pulsations in the discharge line.  (20-2.a)

b.  Competent Person (CP).  See paragraphs 1-2 or 2-2, as applicable.  (20-2.b)

c.  Fuel Gas. A gas (for example, acetylene, hydrogen, natural gas, propane) used with oxygen in the oxy-fuel process and for heating.  (20-2.c)

d.  Fusible Plug. A device designed to relieve pressure and to indicate certain conditions that contribute to low water.  (20-2.d)

e.  Pressure Systems.  All pipe, tubing, valves, controls, and other devices that operate or are maintained above atmospheric pressure.  (20-2.e)

f.  Qualified Inspector (QI).  Individuals performing authorized inspections as required in the ASME BPVC.  The QI may not be employed by the manufacturer. (20-2.f)

g.  Qualified Person (QP).  See paragraphs 1-2 or 2-2, as applicable.  (20-2.g)

h.  Safety Lashing.  A rope, cord, chain, or other suitable material flexible lacing that is used to fasten two objects together securely and thus rendering the objects safe. (20-2.h)

i.  Safety Relief Valves.  Valves that relieve excess pressure or vacuum (depending on their design) that would otherwise damage equipment or cause injury to personnel.  (20-2.i)

j.  Unfired Pressure Vessels.  Vessels that can withstand internal pressure or vacuum, but are not heated by burning fuel or electricity (heat may be generated in the vessel due to chemical reactions or the application of heat directly to vessel contents). (20-2.j)