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S&B Questions and Answers involving SPS 341, Boilers and Pressure Vessels Code 1. Do all new boilers in Wisconsin need to be registered and inspected? Even the boilers installed in one-and two-family homes?Answer: SPS 341.41 says the installation of any boiler or pressure vessel shall be registered with the state Department of Safety and Professional Services before the operation of the boiler or pressure vessel, except registration is not required for boilers and pressure vessels exempted from periodic inspections in SPS 341.18 and installations in cities of the first class (Milwaukee) if the registration has been filed with the city. Heating boilers located in private residences or in apartment buildings having fewer than three living units are one of the exemptions in SPS 341.18. See SPS 341. 2. Where can I find the Wisconsin requirements for heating boiler vent installations? Answer: SPS 323.14(3)(e), 323.14(3)(f) and NFPA-54-2002 7.8c apply. See SPS 323. 3. What kind of fire barrier separation is required for a boiler? Answer: If a boiler is 15 psi AND 10 horsepower, then the requirements in International Building Code Table 508.2 apply. Combustion air requirements provided by a mechanical air supply system are defined under the International Fuel Gas Code 304.9 through 304.16. 4. What code applies to air systems? Answer: Wisconsin has adopted no specific code unique to air systems, but encourages the use of ASME B31.1 Power Piping Code in this application. It is the owner’s responsibility to assure safe operation for public buildings and places of employment. The piping should be designed to a specific pressure and the system must be protected at the weakest Maximum Allowable Working Pressure. For example, if the air receiver is designed for a MAWP of 5000 psi, then no component contained in a system can have a MAWP greater than 5000 psi. 5. Is there any limit on the size of a boiler that fires with used oil? Answer: There are no limit requirements in SPS 341, Boilers and Pressure Vessels Code. Note there are requirements for storage of oil in Comm 10, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. The US EPA and the Wisconsin DNR may have rules related to boilers and used oil. 6. Where can I find information regarding where in Wisconsin the test is given for a National Board Commission? Answer: You may contact Mike Verhagen, Safety and Buildings Division Welding Consultant, 262-548-8617, mike.verhagen@wi.gov. 7. What Wisconsin codes apply to medical gas piping? Answer: Medical gas piping codes are enforced under NFPA-99 by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services (608-243-2069). The vessels that the gasses are contained in are regulated by the SPS 341, Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. 8. What are the general welding requirements in Wisconsin? Answer: Rather than think in terms of general requirements, fabricators must ensure that welding procedures comply with all of the details of the adopted standard that applies to that specific type of work being completed. Consult the applicable codes for the specific type of work: - Structural steel welding for buildings use SPS 362.2208, welding with the adoption of AWS D1.1 and D1.3. Credential requirements are in the SPS 305, Licensing, Certifications, and Registrations Code, specifically 305.34 and 305.35. Structural steel welders on job sites must have a valid wallet card issued by the Department of Safety and Professional Services, Safety and Buildings Division. - New boiler and pressure vessel construction welding requirements are contained in the SPS 341, Boilers and Pressure Vessels Code, which adopts ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Sections 1 through 12; the National Board Inspection Code, NB-23; ASME B31.1 Power Piping; and ASME B31.3 Process Piping - Refrigeration Systems: ASME B31.5 Refrigeration Piping Code; SPS 345, Mechanical Refrigeration Code - Gas Systems: SPS 340 Gas Systems Code; NFPA-54; NFPA-58 - Anhydrous Ammonia: SPS 343, Anhydrous Ammonia Code; ANSI K61.1; ASHREA Codes - Amusement Rides: SPS 334, Amusement Rides Code - Elevators: Comm 18, Elevators Code 9. What are the visual welding inspections requirements? Answer: Visual weld examination requirements differ based on the code that requires certain welding processes: - Power piping visual examination requirements are defined in ASME B31.1, and 1.36.3.1. - Personnel qualifications are specified in ASME B31.3 136.3.2 Qualifications of NDE Personnel. - Specific examinations per B31.1 136.4.2 - ASME B31.3 Process Piping Code, see 342.1, 342.2, 344.2 and 344.2.2 - Refrigeration Piping, ASME B31.5, paragraphs 5.36.1, 5.36.2 and 5.36.4 10. Can someone replace the drum water level gauges with a "magnetic type" level indicator on a Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG). The HRSG is a three pressure level drum with high pressure operating at 2000 psi and 1050 F? Answer: Owners should consult with and obtain approval from their insurance company inspector of record, who would be familiar with the equipment and operations. Compliance with ASME Section I requirements are necessary per SPS 341. Review these sections: - ASME Section I, PG 60.1 Requirements for water level indicators. - ASME Section I, PG 60.2 Requirements for water columns - ASME Section I, PG 60.3 Requirements for connections 11. Are annual inspections required for compressed air tanks? Answer: Air tanks in commercial applications (must be ASME stamped per SPS 341.42) are registered and inspected every three years per SPS 341.17(2). There are exemptions from periodic inspection for smaller tanks in SPS 341.18(1), for example ....f, g, h or L (Measure the air tank diameter and length and see the cylinder volume table sheet.) Cylindrical Tank Conversion Tables, PDF file 12. Does Wisconsin have regulations which dictate the parameters of the ASME Code Sec. VIII Div. 1 U1 and therefore a pressure vessel with the limit data shown has to be designed and manufactured according to ASME? Shell side: Medium: water or mixture of water and ethylenglycol Tube side: Medium: exhaust gas Max. pressure 6 barg 0,1 barg Max. temperature 99°C 500°C These Exhaust Gas Heat Exchangers (EGHE) are usually designed according to the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED 97/23/EC), which is standard in the European markets., Can someone manufacture the EGHE according to PED if the operating parameters of the pressure vessel do not exceed the limit data which are listed? Answer: Wisconsin requires ASME construction and National Board registration of all boilers and pressure vessels per Comm 41.42. Each unit must have the ASME stamping and should have manufacturer's data U-1A report. Vessels below limit data in applicable ASME Section(s) need not be ASME stamped and shall be verified / shown exempt per specific applicable ASME code sections by the owner / user at installation, preferably with the assistance of the manufacturer. 13 Can DIN 11850 material for glycol and ST37/35 material for steam be used in place of ANSI/ASME B31.1, if there are material certification and calculations provided? Answer: Calculations, materials, and welding for steam piping that is 15 PSI or greater must be based on ANSI/ASME B31.1-2004 Edition, per SPS 341, Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. 14. How do someone convert MPa to PSI or PSI to MPa? Answer: 1 megapascal = 145.037738 pound-force/square inch (PSI) and 1 psi = 0.00689 MPa See http://www.chapelsteel.com/mpa-psi.html http://www.chapelsteel.com/psi-mpa.html http://www.bossard.com/techinfo/en/extdoc/TT_63-63.pdf (Conversion table from PSI to MPa) 15. What is the process for applying for and scheduling a National Board Examination? Answer: Exams are conducted on the first Wednesday and following Thursday in March, June, September and December each year. Location is the State Office Building, 141 NW Barstow St, 4th Floor, Waukesha, Wisconsin. The examination fee is $250. Mike Verhagen, S&B Chief Boiler Inspector, may be contacted for further details, 262-548-8617, mike.verhagen@wisconsin.gov. Sample exam application letter, PDF file. Application for the National Board Boiler Inspector Commission or Endorsement Examination, PDF file, SBD-37. See SPS 305.60 Boiler-pressure Vessel Inspectors in SPS 305, Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations Code 16. Will Wisconsin accept a re-rating of a direct fired cooker from 15 psig to 30 psig that was built to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code in 1960? The vessel was not stamped due to being a direct-fired vessel. This vessel would be re-rated using ASME Code Section VIII, Division 1. All ASME calculations support the re-rating with a design margin of 4. Answer: Yes, it is possible. SPS 341.42 requires all boilers and pressure vessels installed in Wisconsin be ASME stamped or be proven equivalent by petition for variance and issued a "Wisconsin Special" status in accordance with Comm 41.05 and 41.43. The 1956 Wisconsin Boiler Code section IND 41.50 required ASME construction or approval by the commission at the time. Therefore, on or about 1960, it is probable that special approval was necessary. So, documentation would need to be provided to verify approval of previous or existing installation, or a petition of variance would need to be submitted proving ASME equivalency for possible issuance of a Wisconsin Special status. SPS 341.10(2)b adopts the NBIC- 2004 Section RC-3000. Alterations, specifically RC 3022, have minimal requirements for re-rating. (Need to complete the re-rating process and submit re-rate info with petition for variance, as noted above) SPS 341.71 and 341.72: Second hand vessels whether existing or out-of-state vessels as applicable: Provide inspection reports or registration number to prove vessel is existing and operating in this state or treat as a vessel from out of state. Include a legible MDR and any repair or alteration documents associated with the vessel. 17. Can the Safety and Buildings Division help tenants with heating complaint? Answer: The Safety and Buildings Division does not handle complaints from tenants about lack of heat in their unit or building. Callers are referred to Consumer Protection Division at the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, 800-422-7128. 18. Where can a company get boiler training/licensing for employees? Answer: Wisconsin Technical Colleges can be contacted and for outreach boiler operator training for plant personnel. Other training and licensing organizations: - American Society of Plant Engineers: www.asope.org - National Institute Uniform Licensing of Plant Engineers: www.niulpe.org - Training Online and Service Company ... Combustion Safety Inc: www.combustionsafety.com 19. What are requirements to become a commissioned Wisconsin boiler inspector? Answer: See S&B credential information. 20. Are combustion air louvers specifically engineered for a certain specified location allowed per Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 364.0304 (IFGC 304.8)? Answer: Calculations supporting the engineered louvers shall be submitted to the HVAC plan reviewer for verification that the engineered louvers provide sufficient combustion air for all components requiring combustion air within the defined room dimensions. 21. Can half-scale steam traction engines that were home-built in the early 1970’s receive a “Permit To Operate” in Wisconsin? Answer: Home-made half-scale boilers require a Wisconsin Special petition for variance prior to operating in the public domain. Through a variance, owners can verify fitness for service and that materials, welding, stays, nozzles, fittings etc. are proven equivalent to adopted ASME construction standards. Upon petition submittal, review, and approval, an owner must attach a permanent Wisconsin Special nameplate on the boiler for identification. Variance procedures are located in SPS 303, Administrative Procedures Code. 22. Do federal boilers or pressure vessels fall under SPS 341, Boilers and Pressure Vessels Code? Answer: No, those federal devices are exempted from state and local inspections. The federal government provides their own inspection criteria and adopted standards. 23. Does the Wisconsin accept the 2007 ASME Section I code with the 2009 addenda? If not, what is the latest ASME edition and addenda accepted? Answer: SPS 341.10, Adoption standards by reference, notes the current edition of the ASME code adopted by the state. Addenda are not adopted. 24 Where can I find information about Section IV, Tube sheet Ferules “O” rings with regards to making repairs? Answer: The only place ferules or "O" rings are mentioned for tube to tube sheet attachments is ASME Section IV, New Construction - HG 360.2. 25. A supplier's proposal includes the use of two non-ASME Section I materials in the high-temperature section of the boiler. The materials are: SA213 Type 310HCbN (modified Type 310 SS) 2. SUS304J1HTB (Japanese material - Modified Type 347 SS). Both these materials have been approved for use in high-temperature steam service in ASME Section I applications via Code Cases 2115-1 and 2328-1. Can those materials be used? Answer: Wisconsin will accept approved code case materials in the design or fabrication of ASME Section I boilers. 26. Does Wisconsin accept the current ASME Section VIII Div.1 Code Case 2429 (which accepts TEMA Tube sheet in lieu of using the new UHX section until the end of this year). Answer: All ASME constructed vessels shall be stamped and registered with the National Board per SPS 341.42. Although the state of Wisconsin adopts the 2007 edition of ASME, the department accepts more current ASME editions. Code cases may be acceptable if properly documented - the code case shall be indicated in the remarks of the registered MDR for the vessel. A copy of the code case shall be made available upon request of any Wisconsin Certified Boiler Inspector. 27. When the stamping on a pressure-retaining item becomes indistinct or the nameplate is lost, illegible, or loose, but traceability to the original pressure-retaining item is still possible, can a new nameplate be made and attached to the existing boiler? Answer: Yes. All re-stamping must be done in accordance with the original code of construction. Requests for permission to re-stamp or replace nameplates must be made to the jurisdiction in which the pressure-retaining item is located. Application must be made on the Replacement of Stamped Data Form NB-136 (Appendix 5) and proof of the original stamping and other such data as is available shall be furnished with the request. The jurisdiction may grant such requests if satisfied with the information submitted. Permission from the jurisdiction is not required for the reattachment of nameplates that are loose or not fully attached. When traceability cannot be established, the jurisdiction must be contacted. 28: Does Wisconsin require conformance to NFPA 85 "Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Codes"? (NFPA 85 applies to industrial boiler-furnaces and associated ducts.) Answer: No, Wisconsin does not adopt or mandate NFPA 85, but it can used for the gas train installations. 29. What is the form needed for power piping installation in Wisconsin? Answer: SBD-5204 Power Piping/Welded Refrigeration Piping Installation Registration. Per SPS 341.16(2)d, an initial inspection is required. 30. Can the owner of a power boiler request an extension of time past the Permit to Operate due date for internal boiler inspection? Answer: Yes, owners can request extensions of period between inspections up to 6 months, with acceptance of the state-certified inspector. SPS 341.17(5). 31. Are yearly boiler inspections necessary, regardless of whether or not the boiler was operated? Answer: Inspections are necessary. Any boiler, even stand-by boilers connected for "occasional" operation in a system, must be in compliance with SPS 341.17, which requires internal inspection every 12 months, and SPS 341.24, which requires the owner to obtain and maintain a valid permit to operate. If the boiler is not to be operated, it should be completely disconnected electrically and mechanically with supply, return, feed, and fuel piping capped or blank flanged from the system. 32. I need to change the location of my boiler. What is required? Answer: A moved vessel is considered a secondhand vessel. Whether it is moved between states or moved on/in the same location it will fall under SPS 341.75(1) second-hand vessels, requiring a hydrostatic pressure test at 1-1/2 times the maximum allowable working pressure at its new point of installation location before being placed into operation. 33. Must new steam autoclaves be inspected by the state? Answer: Except as provided in par. (b), boilers and pressure vessels shall be inspected by a certified inspector before they are placed in operation (SPS 341.16(a)). Exemptions per SPS 341.18(1). 34. Does SPS 341 require all single family installations to include a low water cut-off as do commercial projects. Answer: Yes, in the Uniform Dwelling Code, SPS 323.04(3), it states boilers shall comply with SPS 341, the Boilers and Pressure Vessels Code. 35. Does Wisconsin allow automatic bottom blow down of low-pressure boilers? Answer: SPS 341 does not address this situation. S&B staff caution against the practice for safety reasons. 36. Are Canadian-built boilers allowed to be used in Wisconsin? Answer: Yes, as long as they meet the requirements of Canadian standard CSA B51. The Manufacturers Data Report (MDR) for that boiler should be reviewed. 37. I want to build my own boiler and use it to heat my business building and provide steam or hot water for my process. Can I build my own boiler and use it? Answer: No. SPS 341.42 requires that all boilers in Wisconsin be constructed to ASME Standards and registered with the National Board. For more information contact mike.verhagen@wi.gov, 262-548-8617. 38. Can someone build and operate a 2- inch scale hobby boiler in Wisconsin? Answer: No. SPS 341.42 requires ASME construction. For more information contact mike.verhagen@wi.gov, 262-548-8617. 39. Why does a state employed inspector inspect a boiler, and later in the same month, an insurance inspector may inspect the same boiler? Answer: Wisconsin allows certain specific insurance companies (Service Agents) to conduct inspections on behalf of the state, and issue the Permit To Operate (PTO) or issue orders to get that boiler in compliance with the code. A state inspector may conduct the inspection of a boiler, and bill accordingly, if the PTO has been expired 30 days or longer. Once the Department of Safety and professional Services sends an owner a Notice of Inspection (NOI), usually 60 days before the PTO expires, an owner should contact the inspector of record, which will usually be a insurance company, and make an appointment to get that boiler inspected. The contact information for a state-employed inspector or the service agent is on the NOI. 40. A company has two boilers - a Johnston with two safety relief valves rated at 200 psi, and a Nebraska with one safety valve rated at 160 psi and the other at 165 psi. The boilers are tied to a common header, but only one boiler is in service at a time. Do both boilers have to have safety valves rated at the same psi? Answer: National Board Inspection Code – 2007 Edition, Part2, Section 2.5.5.1a says if boilers are piped together with maximum allowable working pressure differing by more than six percent, additional protective devices may be required on the lower pressure units to protect them from overpressure from the higher pressure unit. 41. What are the licensing requirements in the state of Wisconsin for boiler operators? Answer: Wisconsin does not require boiler operator licenses. These requirements are administered locally by city and/or county governments. Call the city or county you will be operating the boiler in and ask if they have any licensing requirements. 42. What are the requirements for pressure vessels in Wisconsin? Answer: Code requirements for Pressure Vessels Comm 41.16 Initial inspections. (1) BOILER AND PRESSURE VESSEL INSPECTIONS. (a) Except as provided in par. (b), boilers and pressure vessels shall be inspected by a certified inspector before they are placed in operation. Note: See SPS 341.41 for installation registration requirements. (b) The inspections specified in par. (a) are not required for boilers and pressure vessels exempted from periodic inspections in SPS 341.18. (c) Where the boilers or pressure vessels specified in par. (a) are installed in a city of the first class and inspections are made by the city, the city shall keep a record of the inspections and shall submit a copy to the department. (d) Where the inspections specified in par. (a) are performed by a certified inspector other than a department inspector, the certified inspector shall file an inspection report with the department and shall affix the Wisconsin registration number as required in SPS 341.36. The inspection report shall be filed with the department within 30 calendar days after completion of the boiler or pressure vessel installation. If the report is not filed within the 30−day period, the department shall perform the inspection. SPS 341.18 Exemptions from periodic inspections. (1) EXEMPTED EQUIPMENT. Except as provided in sub. (2), periodic inspections are not required for: (a) Boilers or pressure vessels which receive regular inspections by United States government inspectors; (b) Heating boilers located in private residences or in apartment buildings having less than three living units; (c) Expansion tanks for hot water heating boilers; (d) Boilers used exclusively for agricultural purposes; (e) Pressure vessels having an inside diameter not exceeding 6 inches with no limit on pressure; (f) Pressure vessels having a volume of less than 5 cubic feet and an operating pressure of less than 250 psig; (g) Pressure vessels with a volume of less than 1−1/2 cubic feet with no limit on pressure; (h) Pressure vessels having an internal or external operating pressure of not more than 15 psig with no limitations on size; (i) Hot water supply boilers and water heaters, and hot water storage tanks in which the temperature does not exceed 210 F; (j) Vessels used for the storage or processing of cold water, including those with air cushions; (k) Pressure vessels which are used in accordance with the regulations of the United States department of transportation; (L) Air receivers having a volume of less than 12 cubic feet and an operating pressure of less than 250 psig; and (m) Pressure vessels used in processing and storing of fermented beverages at temperatures not exceeding 140 F. (n) Any pressure vessel used as an integral part of an electrical circuit breaker. (2) EXCEPTIONS. In individual cases, the boilers and pressure vessels exempted in sub. (1) shall be subject to inspection by or on order of the department upon the complaint of any person or upon the initiative of the department when there is reasonable cause to suspect that the construction, installation, maintenance or operation of the vessel is not in keeping with the general purpose and intent of this chapter. Comm 41.28 Safety Rules. (1) MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE WORKING PRESSURE. No boiler or pressure vessel may be operated at a pressure in excess of the maximum allowable working pressure stated on its current permit to operate. (2) ALTERATION TO SAFETY DEVICES. No unauthorized person may remove or tamper with any connected safety device. (3) INSTALLATION LOCATION. Boilers and pressure vessels shall be so installed that there will be sufficient room between the vessel and any ceiling, wall, partition or floor to facilitate the connection and operation of valves, pipes and other appurtenances, and shall be installed in a manner that will not block any inspection opening. Comm 41.32 Pressure gages for air receivers. (1) GAGE LOCATION. Air receivers shall be equipped with an indicating pressure gage so located as to be readily visible. (2) GAGE DIAL. The dial of the pressure gage shall be graduated to approximately double the pressure at which the safety valve is set, but may not be less than one and one-half times that pressure. Comm 41.37 Maintenance. (1) CORROSION PREVENTION. All boilers and pressure vessels shall be installed and maintained in such a manner as to prevent excessive corrosion and deterioration. Comm 41.41 Installation registration. (1) BOILER OR PRESSURE VESSEL INSTALLATION REGISTRATION. (a) Except as provided in par. (b), the installation of any boiler or pressure vessel shall be registered with the department by the installer before the operation of the boiler or pressure vessel. Registration shall be in writing on form SBD−6314. Note: Copies of form SBD−6314 are available at no charge from the Safety and Buildings Division, P.O. Box 2509, Madison, WI 53701−2509, telephone 608/266−1818. (b) Registration with the department is not required for: 1. Boilers and pressure vessels exempted from periodic inspections in SPS 341.18; and 2. Installations in cities of the first class if an installation registration form has been filed with the appropriate city official. SPS 341.42 ASME code vessels. (1) ASME CODE COMPLIANCE. Except as provided in SPS 341.43, 441.44 and 441.45, boilers and pressure vessels shall be constructed and installed in accordance with the ASME code. Boilers and pressure vessels designed to other national or international standards may be approved if the design has been accepted by a nationally recognized independent third party. Note: The department will recognize the applicable case interpretations of the ASME boiler and pressure vessel code as being acceptable. Note: The ASME code specifies that persons installing boiler external piping by welding are required to possess the appropriate ASME credentials. (2) REGISTERING WITH NATIONAL BOARD. (a) Except as provided in par. (b), boilers and pressure vessels constructed and installed in accordance with the ASME code shall have the manufacturer’s data report registered with the National Board and shall bear a National Board number. Copies of the registration shall be provided to the department when requested From ASME Section VII Division 1 PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES UG−125 GENERAL (a) All pressure vessels within the Scope of this Division, irrespective of size or pressure, shall be provided with pressure relief devices in accordance with the requirements of UG−125 through UG−137. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that the required pressure relief devices are properly installed prior to initial operation. UG−134 PRESSURE SETTING OF PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES (a) When a single pressure relief device is used, the set pressure marked on the device shall not exceed the maximum allowable working pressure of the vessel. When the required capacity is provided in more than one pressure relief device, only one pressure relief device need be set at or below the maximum allowable working pressure, and the additional pressure relief devices may be set to open at higher pressures but in no case at a pressure higher than 105% of the maximum allowable working pressure. County Web sites || City/Town/Village Web sites || State Portal || Build Your Business The Department of Safety and Professional Services Safety and Buildings Division is an equal opportunity service provider and employer. If you need assistance to access services or need material in an alternate format, please contact us, 608-266-3151, TDD Relay dial 711 in Wisconsin or 800-947-3529. |