MINUTES OF THE FOURTH BOILERS & PRESSURE VESSELS TECHNICAL COUNCIL MEETING OF 2010

Transcription

1 MINUTES OF THE FOURTH BOILERS & PRESSURE VESSELS TECHNICAL COUNCIL MEETING OF 2010 DATE: November 18, 2010 TIME: LOCATION: PRESENT: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Delta Edmonton South, Edmonton Tony Robinson, Chair Denis Côté John Gillen Brian Lade Dan Lindbeck Izak Roux T.J. Sheptycki Jim Weiss, Vice Chair Jon Wilson Dr. Ken Lau, ABSA Djordje Srnic, ABSA Allan Hantelmann, Alberta Municipal Affairs Doug Clough, Safety Codes Council GUESTS: REGRETS: RECORDER: Randy Kvill, Reynolds-Alberta Museum Allan Belter Paul Jensen Paul McAviney Ron Muller Terry Wiseman Sandi Orr 2011 MEETINGS: January 7, March 11, May 6, September 16, November 18

2 A. Call to Order The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. B. Introductions A round table introduction was held. C. Adoption of Agenda The following items were added to the agenda: F Mechanical Clamp Registration Dan Lindbeck / Brian Lade moved adoption of the agenda, as amended; CARRIED D. Adoption of Minutes Clarification was provided regarding the Administrator s report provided in F Brian Lade / Dan Lindbeck moved adoption of the minutes of the September 3, 2010 meeting, as circulated; CARRIED E. Business Arising from the Minutes F Qualification of NDE Personnel update Jim Weiss reported on communications with the individual that sent out the questionnaire. The deadline for responses has been extended to December 31. It was reported that the topic will be brought up for discussion at the ARPIA conference. The Administrator reported that ASME has formed an organization to do qualification and certification of NDE Personnel. The organization s charter has been received and action is moving forward rapidly. ABSA will monitor this on behalf of the council and will continue to provide progress reports. It is believed the reason for their speedy action is a result of the demand of the nuclear industry. F Power Engineering Regulation Amendment update The Technical Advisor reported that new staff is on board now and this will assist in getting the public consultation moving forward sometime in the New Year. It was questioned whether the definition of boiler is being considered. It was reported that this was discussed by the working group but has not been included in the public consultation. However, if the definition is considered an issue, there is opportunity to provide comments during the public consultation. F CSA B51 Subcommittee Meeting update There was nothing new to report. MINUTES: Boilers & Pressure Vessels Technical Council Meeting November 18, 2010 Page 2

3 F ASME Boilers & Pressure Vessel Code Proposals Single Certification Mark with Certification Designators The Administrator provided a report on some issues discussed during the ASME Code Week meetings held the first week of November: Eliminating all ASME Code Symbol Stamps for all Code Sections will likely be effective July 1, There will be code cases for all construction Code Sections to allow the use of in-stock nameplates with existing Code Symbol Stamps for a limited period of time. In place of the traditional ASME Code Symbol Stamps, a single ASME Certification Mark will be used together and product Certification Designators which will identify if the product is a boiler, a heating boiler, pressure vessel, etc.. This has created a great number of revisions throughout all the Code Sections. Incorporation of Code Case 2235 UT in place of RT in ASME Section VIII Division 1. Instead of incorporating the provisions in the Code, the revision to Section VIII Division would simply refer to the provisions in Section VIII Division 2. Concern was expressed that those using UT in place of RT will need to have a copy of Division 2. As well, for the proposed Code revision, there is no provision for the involvement of owners/users in the application of UT in lieu of RT. Accordingly, there could be an issue if a vessel Manufacturer has not consulted with the owner/user before the application of the new provision. This may particularly be a problem for engineered vessel designs since UT and RT, while both are excellent NDE techniques, are not straightly equal or equivalent. A complete review is undertaken for all three Divisions of Section VIII regarding standard pressure parts for full compliance with Code requirements. Section VIII, Division 2 significant revisions to nozzle reinforcement under Part 4.5 are being introduced. Instead of providing addenda, a 2011 edition of the Code will be published. Following that, there will be no addenda but a new edition of the Code will be published every two years. A copy of the latest draft Non-mandatory Appendix XX Guidance to the Responsibilities of the Users / Designated Agents was circulated as information (Handout #1). The issue was previously presented to the Council. Permission for circulation the draft has been provided by the Project Manager. Council members have permission to further circulate this document. However, everyone was reminded that this is a draft and is not a code requirement. Members were asked to provide any comments or feedback to the Administrator. [All] F Agreements between Boiler & Gas Safety Disciplines on LPG Storage Vessels and Fuel Gas Piping The Technical Advisor reported on meetings between the Chief Gas Administrator and ABSA. Comments were requested from the Boilers and Pressure Vessels Technical Council. MINUTES: Boilers & Pressure Vessels Technical Council Meeting November 18, 2010 Page 3

4 G Gas Pressure Piping in Excess of 15 PSI (circulated at the last meeting). G Liquid Petroleum Gas Storage Vessel Installations (circulated at the last meeting). G-01-xx-ABSA Propane Storage Tanks Designed for 200 PSI was circulated at the meeting (Handout #2). An overview was provided regarding some of the changes and code reference updates made to the previous STANDATAs. The Administrator provided clarification regarding the delineation of jurisdiction between fuel gas and processed gas, piping and pipelines, and when and what ABSA inspection staff would inspect or not inspect. Members were asked to provide comments on any issues and concerns to the Technical Advisor by no later than the next scheduled Technical Council meeting. [All] F Proposed Amendment to PESR AR49/2006 PESR 38-1 Code Change Request update It was reported that with the addition of new staff at AMA, it is hoped that the amendment might be ready for review at the January 2011 meeting. Stakeholder feedback is being sought for consideration in the amendment. The Administrator will provide a presentation at the January 2011 meeting on the anticipated changes to be incorporated in the 2011 edition of the ASME Code. [Lau] F Clarification on the use of Overpressure Protection by System Design as provided for under the Regulation vs. Code provisions by the Administrator update The Administrator reported that some of the concerns relative to steam pipeline needed to be resolved quickly. Background was provided on the work completed between ERCB, ABSA and industry as well as on the Directive 077 issued by ERCB, following which, ABSA s Directive was issued under ABSA IB There were some administrative issues relative to the ABSA Directive which had since been corrected and the Directive has been reissued with editorial and format changes but not changes to the substance and technical contents. Members were reminded that under the provisions of the Pressure Equipment Safety Regulation, the Administrator (and previously Chief Inspectors under the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Act) could accept, and had accepted alternatives to the use of Safety Relief Valves, provided that would provide an equal or greater level of safety. Djordje Srnic reported on the committee being formed to develop a guideline to address Protection by System Design. An update was provided on the committee matrix and those organizations that have committed to provide representation. Terms of reference and project timeline will be developed and reviewed at the first meeting. MINUTES: Boilers & Pressure Vessels Technical Council Meeting November 18, 2010 Page 4

5 F Boilers & Pressure Vessels Matrix The Research, Policy and Investigations Coordinator reported on communication between SCC and BOMA North and South. It is believed that alternating back and forth provides sufficient representation. b) Request for seat from EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) update The Chair will continue to review this and report back at a future meeting. [Robinson] d) Request for seat from UCIA (Upstream Chief Inspectors Association) It was reported that there has been no communication from UCIA since our last meeting. f) Request for seat from ARPIA update It was reported that there has been no communication from ARPIA since our last meeting. T.J. Sheptycki reported that this was discussed at their last meeting. Several ARPIA members are also members of other organizations and it is believed that they may already be appropriately represented. F Possible Adoption of ISO The Administrator reported that there has been no negative feedback received regarding the possible adoption of ISO It was further reported that it would not be adopted in total, but only in situations not covered by existing codes. However, the principles of the existing codes must still be adhered to. Concern was expressed why CSA B51 Code would not adopt ISO It was reported that B51-09 Code is recognized by the International Standards Organization as meeting the ISO Standard and therefore adopting ISO by CSA B51 may be seen as a circular action as CSA B51 Code adopting itself. The Administrator reiterated the explanation provided to all the Technical Council members in the last Technical Council meeting and how the ISO Standard could be adopted in a way that could be useful for Alberta s application, specifically only for special design configurations not addressed by the standards already adopted under the Pressure Equipment Safety Regulation and to ensure that the same level of safety will be achieved. It was questioned regarding AMA s perspective on adopting an ISO Standard. The Technical Advisor has reported that although this has not gone to the legal department, it would appear that there are no issues with adopting ISO The Technical Advisor will follow up to see if there are any potential legislative issues with respect to adopting ISO Standards and will report at the next meeting. [Hantelmann] F Qualifications of the Owner s Inspector as per ASME B31.3 T.J. Sheptycki reported to ARPIA and a working group has been developed and will be working with ABSA on this matter. Jim Weiss reported on his research and noted that it would be the owners responsibility to ensure that these inspectors have the appropriate qualifications. MINUTES: Boilers & Pressure Vessels Technical Council Meeting November 18, 2010 Page 5

6 F National Board Exams The Administrator reported on his review regarding whether the new National Board Exam is comparable to the old exam relative to in-service inspections. Being no further action, this item will be removed from the agenda. [Paches] F. New Business F Variance VA issued to Engineered Air - discussion The Variance VA issued to Engineered Air was circulated with the agenda. The Chair was contacted by industry regarding the concern with respect to the limited exemption provided by the regulation resulting in a variance issued on October 22, With the issuance of this Variance and the limited exemption provision for a certain class of mechanical refrigeration systems, it was questioned whether there is a need to amend the regulation to address gaps between the Pressure Equipment Exemption Order (AR 56/2006) and Clause 5.2 of CSA B52 Code. Clarification was provided regarding hierarchy of the Act, regulations, standards, codes, etc. AR 56/2006 provides very specific exemptions and CSA B52 also contains exemptions which could well be interpreted as different and more liberal than the exemptions under the Regulation. It was questioned if there is a need to also include the CSA B52 Clause 5.2 exemptions in AR 56/2006. The Administrator will be requesting a meeting of the Executive Committee of the CSA B52 Code to clarify what the CSA B52 Clause 5.2 exemptions really constitute. Different options were explained including either revising our exemption regulation or to provide an Interpretation following clarifications of CSA B52 Code requirements. Although Engineered Air has done their due diligence, concern was expressed regarding whether there is other equipment in Alberta that is non-compliant with the regulation. The Administrator reported that the first step is to clarify the exemption with CSA B52. With the explanation provided by Engineered Air and the HVAC industry, it is not believed that there are any pressure vessels in use in this type of mechanical refrigeration system and not in compliance with the regulation. However, the issue could mainly be to do with the smaller components including headers and coils used in such systems. The Chair will provide an update to the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI). [Robinson] F Mechanical Clamping Registration Brian Lade provided background on the issue and it was noted these are relative to low and medium pressure. There has been a lot of evolution of these products over the years with pressure up to 650 psig. Discussions have been held with the manufacturers regarding design, testing and registration to determine if there is opportunity regarding historic practice. Industry will be involving ABSA and requesting their support. This topic was provided as information at this time. However, industry wishes to be transparent and will be bringing forward further information to the Council. MINUTES: Boilers & Pressure Vessels Technical Council Meeting November 18, 2010 Page 6

7 The Administrator provided background and it was noted that although industry is to be commended for wanting to go through a design (CRN) registration process, it may not be feasible if this equipment is not under the jurisdiction of the Safety Codes Act. However, ABSA will assist industry with developing a process to assist all concerned parties. G. Correspondence A brief update was provided on correspondence copied to the Chair on varying topics. H. ABSA The Administrator provided Education and Certification statistics on the number of Power Engineer Certificates issued (Handout #3) and Certificates by Age (Handout #4). The Administrator also reported on the following: Council members were reminded of past freezing and brittle fracture accidents and were asked to go back to their stakeholders to alert them about the dangers relative to hazards of low temperature operations because of the coming winter season. Specific attention should be paid to equipment, including fittings, following freezing incidents. A fatal incident a few years ago as a result of a ball valve failure through freezing was discussed. A great deal of information is provided on freezing damage and brittle fracture on the ABSA website in Alerts and Pressure News articles. ABSA achieves great success at offering existing seminars along with creating new seminars like: Pressure Relief Valves, Quality System and Inspection for Pressure Equipment Construction, and Pressure Vessel Design. The seminars have been developed mainly through industry demand and are receiving strong industry. ABSA has caught up with the backlog of design registration submissions and will endeavour to maintain the system without backlog. I. Technical Coordinating Committee Update There was nothing to report. J. Next Meeting The 2011 meeting schedule was determined, all Fridays in Edmonton at 9:00 am: January 7, 2011 March 11, 2011 May 6, 2011 September 16, 2011 November 18, 2011 Dan Lindbeck / T.J. Sheptycki moved that the meeting be adjourned; CARRIED The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 noon. MINUTES: Boilers & Pressure Vessels Technical Council Meeting November 18, 2010 Page 7

8 --- A C T I O N I T E M S --- F ASME Boilers & Pressure Vessel Code Proposals Members were asked to provide any comments or feedback to the Administrator. [All] F Agreements between Boiler & Gas Safety Disciplines on LPG Storage Vessels and Fuel Gas Piping Members were asked to provide comments or any issues and concerns to the Technical Advisor by no later than our next meeting. [All] F Proposed Amendment to PESR AR49/2006 PESR 38-1 Code Change Request update The Administrator will provide a presentation at the January 2011 meeting on the anticipated changes to the ASME Code. [Lau] F Boilers & Pressure Vessels Matrix b) Request for seat from EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) update The Chair will continue to review this and report back at a future meeting. [Robinson] F Possible Adoption of ISO The Technical Advisor will follow up to see if there are any potential administrative issues with adopting this ISO Standard and will report at the next meeting. [Hantelmann] F National Board Exams Being no further action, this item will be removed from the agenda. [Paches] MINUTES: Boilers & Pressure Vessels Technical Council Meeting November 18, 2010 Page 8

9 --- M O T I O N S --- C. Adoption of Agenda Dan Lindbeck / Brian Lade moved adoption of the agenda, as amended; CARRIED D. Adoption of Minutes Brian Lade / Dan Lindbeck moved adoption of the minutes of the September 3, 2010 meeting, as circulated; CARRIED J. Next Meeting Dan Lindbeck / T.J. Sheptycki moved that the meeting be adjourned; CARRIED MINUTES: Boilers & Pressure Vessels Technical Council Meeting November 18, 2010 Page 9