ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real-world challenges. Founded in 1880 as The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a nonprofit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing, and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, continuing education, and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world. ASME recently formed the International Society of Interdisciplinary Engineers (ISIE) LLC, a new for-profit subsidiary to house business ventures that will bring new and innovative products, services, and technologies to the engineering community.
ASME Stamps
With an ASME certificate or label, you can communicate your organization’s commitment to quality and safety to regulators, customers, and industries. It also shows that your products are reliable, safe, and of high quality. It is therefore recommended to register your product with the competent authority to avoid legal complications in the form of penalties.
ASME’s conformity assessment program is the leading, generally recognized, independent quality assurance (QA) program that certifies that manufacturing, power generation, stamped products, and parts meet the requirements of relevant ASME codes and standards. Certifies that stamped products meet ASME standards, including the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC), Bioprocessing Equipment (BPE) standard, and/or Reinforced Duroplast Plastic Corrosion-Resistant Equipment (RTP-1) standard.
The ASME Code is divided into separate sections for the different types of components (steam boilers, heating boilers, pressure vessels), fabrication and testing processes (welding, NDE), materials, etc. Additionally, there are Code Cases (special permits for designs or materials which are not covered by the Code), Interpretations (ASME issued explanations), reference standards (e.g. ASME B16.5 Flanges, ASME B16.9 Fittings), and further standards, such as those for piping (B31.3 Process Piping, B31.1 Power Piping).
Utilization of The Mark provides a way of complying with the laws and regulations in nearly all U.S. States and Canadian Provinces. According to ASME, over 100 countries accept the ASME BPVC to meet government safety regulations. Today, more than 7,000 companies in over 70 countries are currently certified by ASME. In countries where The Mark is not legally required, it is invaluable in providing users with confidence that stamped items conform to established safety standards.
ASME U Stamps
More than 100 countries worldwide adopt the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Act, or ASME BPVC, to meet government safety rules and regulations. The ASME U mark is an indication that pressure vessels comply with ASME guidelines, including design, manufacture, inspection, and testing. Used for certification and acceptance of pressure vessels. The appearance of the “U” symbol on a product ensures that it conforms to the latest edition of the Code. It also certifies that the ship was designed and built to ASME standards.
ASME R Stamp
The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Officials offers the R symbol stamp for modification and/or repair of pressure vessels, boilers, and other pressurized items after the establishment has passed on-site inspection. Due to legal regulations, the review can be done by a member of the state executive committee or its representative.
Vessel CRN
Vessel CRN stands for a Canadian registration number. Issued by an approved safety authority in every Canadian province and territory for pressure vessels, boilers, or other accessories operating at more than 15 pounds per square inch (psi). It’s pretty similar to the ASME standards, but a bit complicated. If you want your vehicle to be approved nationwide, you must meet the requirements in seven organizations or jurisdictions. Any pressure vessel manufactured in Canada outside of Canada must be registered by the National Board and CRN holders to use it.
Meaning and Requirements of ASME U Stamp on Pressure Vessels
The ASME BPVC Certification Program conforms to the rules governing the design, fabrication, assembly, and inspection of boiler and pressure vessel components during construction. In 1916, shortly after the first publication of the “Rules for the Construction of Stationary Boilers and Allowable Working Pressures” (known today as the ASME BPVC), ASME began offering certification to companies in the pressure equipment industry to certify their quality control systems comply. Products manufactured by ASME BPVC Certificate Holders are certified and stamped with the Certification Mark under the applicable ASME BPVC Section. Today there are more than 6,800 Certificate Holders in the ASME BPVC Certification Program.
The ASME U mark is an indication of the quality of the pressure vessel. Ensures that the design, manufacture, inspection, and testing of pressure vessels conform to ASME guidelines. ASME U stamp is provided on the body or the nameplates of the pressure vessels as a certification to meet ASME requirements. More than 100 countries around the world use the ASME BPVC code for the manufacture of pressure vessels, and U-Seal vessels meet the requirements of ASME Second VIII Div 1. For maximum protection of life and property, ASME has strict guidelines for pressure vessels. In many countries, the government has required the purchase of ASME marked ships.
ASME-U Stamp requirements and Confirmation Stages
Pressure vessels that are subject to the requirements of the ASME U stamp are specially tested by an authorized third-party provider. In addition to observing the ASME hydraulic test, the inspector must review and approve the calculations. These inspectors are appointed by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors. A full data report is submitted on the U-1 form with the signature of the authorized auditor. Manufacturers of such pressure vessels must be registered with the National Board for the manufacture of ASME U-marked pressure vessels. In addition, all pressure vessels must keep a permanent record of data. Manufacturers who wish to qualify as ASME certified must go through the following strict safety procedures:
Preparation phase: The manufacturer must meet all the requirements, complete all checklists.
Application stage: Submit a complete application together with the signed accreditation and certification agreement form and the required fee.
Assessment phase: The ASME review team reviews the applicant’s design, production, inspection, and quality system. Upon completion of the evaluation, the team will submit an evaluation report to the senior official.
Certification phase: As soon as the applicant has successfully demonstrated the implementation of quality programs at all stages of vessel manufacturing, he is entitled to receive an ASME certificate. After accreditation, the manufacturer may stamp the ASME mark on the surface of the container or the nameplates.
Products that need ASME U Stamp with examples
As mentioned before, the ASME U Stamp is an indication that the pressure vessels adhere to ASME’s guidelines including design, fabrication, inspection, and testing. It is used for the certification and acceptance of pressure vessels.
Any vessel carrying pressure over 15 PSI falls under the ASME Code and should be stamped or certified by the ASME. However, there are other factors as well.
YENA Engineering provides pressure vessels with a wide range of material grades and thicknesses. Our products are designed and fabricated according to ASME Sec. VIII Div.1 and are API Code certified. These include industrial pressure vessels, pressurized tanks, process tanks/vessels. We are able to produce vessels with the ASME U, UM, UV, and S code stamps. We use TIG/MIG/MAG/SAW/SMAW welding methods and work with welders which are certified by ASME and AWS.
For more information about, check out: ASME Stamp and Its Importance for Pressure Vessels
References:
https://www.asme.org/certification-accreditation
https://www.cis-inspector.com/asme-code-stamps.htm
https://www.asme.org/certification-accreditation/boiler-and-pressure-vessel-certification
https://whatispiping.com/asme-u-stamp/
ASME CA-1–2020 Conformity Assessment Requirements (Revision of ASME CA-1–2014)
