THE PATHWAY TO ASME PCC-1 2013 APPENDIX A COMPLIANCE AND IT'S CRITICAL IMPORTANCE: Bolted Flange Integrity Management

摘要

In November 2013, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) released its updated PCC-1 guidelines for pressure boundary bolted flange joint assemblies (BFJAs). Contained within the document is Appendix A, which represents a major change from the previous 2010 release and is considered to be one of the most critically important changes for BFJA technicians, operators, and other industry professionals. Appendix A contains significant guidance for the levels of training and experience required for technicians working on BFJAs. In the past, BFJAs were not as highly regulated as welded joints, despite the fact that both types of assemblies carry the same risk and are often securing the same process at the same pressures and temperatures. In fact, as documented by the Society of Petroleum Engineers in its paper number SPE 164981, about 60% of leaks have been associated with manual human intervention in process systems. The most common activities involved with associated leaks include: 1. Incorrect fitting of flanges, gaskets or bolts during maintenance; 2. Valves in incorrect position after maintenance; 3. Breakdown of the isolation system during maintenance.