ASME BPVC Section V – 2023 defines the requirements for nondestructive examination (NDE) of materials, welds, and components in pressure-retaining systems. It ensures safety, reliability, and code compliance by detailing standardized inspection methods used during fabrication, installation, and in-service evaluations. This section is applicable across industries that manufacture or maintain boilers, pressure vessels, and related equipment.

Highlights:

• Covers radiographic, ultrasonic, magnetic particle, liquid penetrant, and visual examination
• Provides mandatory and nonmandatory appendices for technique-specific guidance
• Details examination procedures, calibration, documentation, and system accuracy
• Defines personnel qualification requirements aligned with ASNT SNT-TC-1A and CP-189
• Includes digital radiography, phased array UT, and time-of-flight diffraction (TOFD)
• Introduces updates for imaging systems, flaw sizing, and automation compatibility
• Defines essential variables for procedure qualification and process validation
• Supports both fabrication and in-service inspection activities across industries
• Fully integrates with Section II (Materials), Section IX (Welding), and Section XI (Inspection)

Who It’s For:
NDE technicians, engineers, code officials, and QA professionals responsible for verifying the quality and integrity of welded, cast, or formed pressure equipment. Enables compliant execution of ASME-regulated inspection and reporting protocols.

BPVC.V-2023

ASME BPVC Section VIII, Division 1 – 2023 sets the globally recognized requirements for the design, fabrication, inspection, testing, and certification of pressure vessels. This code applies to vessels operating at pressures exceeding 15 psig and is used extensively in industries including oil and gas, chemical processing, energy generation, and manufacturing.

Highlights:

• Defines mandatory design-by-rule construction requirements for pressure-retaining components
• Covers fabrication methods such as welding, forging, and brazing
• Specifies material selection, allowable stress values, and corrosion allowances
• Establishes NDE procedures including radiographic, ultrasonic, and penetrant testing
• Provides rules for design of heads, shells, nozzles, reinforcements, and closures
• Contains requirements for overpressure protection, pressure relief devices, and testing
• Includes guidance on inspection, marking, and certification documentation
• Features subsections for carbon steel (UCS), nonferrous (UNF), and other materials
• Fully integrates with other BPVC sections, notably Section II (Materials), Section V (NDE), and Section IX (Welding)
• Updated with clarified rules and revised appendices from previous editions

Who It’s For:
Pressure vessel designers, manufacturing engineers, code compliance personnel, and inspectors needing to ensure safe, code-compliant construction in accordance with ASME standards.

BPVC.VIII.1-2023

ASME BPVC Section XI, Division 2 – 2023 specifies comprehensive requirements for Reliability and Integrity Management (RIM) Programs used in the inservice inspection of nuclear reactor facility components. This code ensures the continued safe operation of nuclear systems through structured, data-driven evaluations of degradation, reliability, and performance monitoring.

It supports nuclear regulatory compliance by integrating probabilistic and deterministic evaluation methods, inspection protocols, and qualification processes tailored to reactor designs.

Highlights:

• Defines mandatory elements for establishing and implementing a RIM Program
• Provides methods for Degradation Mechanism Assessment (DMA) and reliability target allocation
• Outlines examination techniques, performance monitoring, and flaw acceptance criteria
• Includes Mandatory Appendices on PRA-based reliability derivation, monitoring/NDE qualification, and program documentation
• Covers RIM-specific procedures for Light Water Reactors (LWRs), High-Temperature Gas Reactors (HTGRs), Molten Salt Reactors, Fusion Machines, and more
• Supports compliance with inspection, documentation, and reporting requirements
• Coordinates with Division 1, Section XI, and Section III Class 1–3 component criteria

Who It’s For:
Nuclear engineers, reliability specialists, NDE personnel, plant operators, and regulatory bodies tasked with lifecycle integrity and inspection of nuclear systems. Enables performance-based, risk-informed maintenance planning and oversight across varying nuclear technologies.

BPVC.XI.2-2023

ASME BPVC Section XIII – 2023 outlines the rules for overpressure protection in pressure-retaining systems. This section establishes criteria for the design, manufacture, testing, and certification of pressure relief devices, including valves, rupture disks, and non-reclosing mechanisms. It integrates with other BPVC sections to ensure safe operation and system integrity across a range of industries including power generation, chemical processing, and transport.

Highlights:

• General requirements for pressure-relief systems and overpressure protection
• Detailed mechanical, material, inspection, and marking criteria for valves, rupture disks, and pin devices
• Specifications for testing, set pressure, overpressure limits, and device combinations
• Requirements for installation, maintenance, and quality control systems
• Certification protocols including ASME mark usage and capacity evaluation
• Appendices covering definitions, capacity conversions, conformance forms, and guidance on stop valves
• Compatibility with ASME Sections I, III, VIII, and XI to ensure comprehensive protection standards

Who It’s For:
Engineers, manufacturers, inspectors, and quality managers involved in the development, installation, or regulation of overpressure protection systems in pressure equipment. Ensures code-compliant performance and certification of safety relief devices.

BPVC.XIII-2023