What are pipeline engineering codes and standards?

Codes

A code refers to a standard officially embraced by governmental entities, carrying legal authority, or when it’s integrated into a commercial agreement.

• ASME B31.4 – Pipeline transportation systems for Liquid hydrocarbons and other liquids
• ASME B31.8 – Gas Transmission Distribution and Piping Systems
• ASME B31.3 – Process piping

Standards

A standard encompasses technical definitions and instructions guiding designers and manufacturers on “how to” proceed. These standards, ranging from concise paragraphs to extensive documents, are authored by specialists in the field. They are considered voluntary as they function as recommendations rather than legally binding regulations. ASME, for instance, releases its standards, accredits users to ensure their capacity to adhere to these standards in manufacturing, and issues stamps for products indicating compliance. However, ASME lacks the authority to compel adherence to its standards by manufacturers, inspectors, or installers; compliance remains voluntary.

Why do we need codes and standards?

To best address the answer, the following is quote from the Annual Report of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) in 1991:

Standards are a vehicle of communication for producers and users. They serve as a common language, defining quality and establishing safety criteria. Costs are lower if procedures are standardized; training is also simplified. And consumers accept products more readily when they can be judged on intrinsic merit.

ASME is among numerous professional and technical organizations collaborating to uphold the foundation of the contemporary world. Their accomplishments are best underscored by the general public’s unawareness of their efforts. The voluntary system of codes and standards has brought stability to essential aspects of modern life. For instance, when you attend a movie, the projector employs standardized components that seamlessly fit together and can be easily replaced. Whether it’s your mobile, TV, computer, hand tools, or sports equipment, nearly all modern devices for personal enhancement and entertainment adhere to one or more engineering standards. These standards are meticulously crafted and documented, continuously refined by engineers and colleagues in the field.

Important codes and standards in pipeline engineering

The following table highlights the international standards associated with each pipeline component: