ASME B31.3 Appendices P and S: Compensating for Shortcomings

The 2004 edition of ASME B31.3 Process Piping Code [1] introduced both Appendix P and Appendix S Example 1; Examples 2 and 3 were included in the 2006 edition. Appendix P is to illustrate a nearly computer stress analysis basis by defining alternative rules for displacement stress range evaluation, and Appendix S contains examples describing how to satisfy the requirements of B31.3 when performing computer based stress analysis. As is possible with any extensive addition to any code, these first offerings contained shortcomings either explicitly or by lack of clarity. This paper discusses some of these issues, provides workarounds when using today’s commercially available piping stress analysis software, and proposes revisions to both Appendices for the 2010 edition of the B31.3 Process Piping Code.