: This foundational paper discusses the ASME B31.12 Hydrogen Piping and Pipeline Code Design Rules and their interaction with material issues, specifically focusing on hydrogen-tolerant materials for new infrastructure.
ASME B31.12 is part of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B31 Code for Pressure Piping. It is specifically engineered to address the unique challenges of both gaseous and liquid hydrogen service. The code provides requirements for:
The standard is intended for a wide range of professionals, including manufacturers, designers, operators, owners, and inspectors of hydrogen systems, as well as governing entities.
For hydrogen systems, the choice between B31.12 and other codes like B31.3 is a key decision. B31.12 is considered the most logical choice for pure hydrogen service in the absence of other overriding factors, as it is specifically designed to address hydrogen-related material degradation.
Ensuring systems are gastight, often using nitrogen/hydrogen mixtures for testing, rather than simple pneumatic tests. How to Acquire the ASME B31.12 PDF
B31.12 limits the use of certain materials and requires testing for susceptibility to embrittlement, particularly for high-pressure applications.
Understanding ASME B31.12: The Essential Guide to Hydrogen Piping and Pipelines
The standard is organized into three distinct parts, preceded by general requirements, to address different aspects of hydrogen infrastructure: 1. General Requirements (GR)
| Course | Level | Key Topics | |--------|-------|------------| | | Beginner | Code structure, scope, hydrogen properties, comparison with B31.3/B31.8 | | Advanced ASME B31.12 Hydrogen Piping and Pipelines | Advanced | Components, stress and flexibility, design, testing, pressure control, materials, welding |