Using codes and standards...

[kamran]

I was wondering if a practical guide towards using codes and standards is available - for example, if someone wishes to carry out welding between two particular metals and needs to find the electrodes for them, can some text point him to open a particular standard and look for a particular heading or table and arrive at the right conclusion? This is not about 'knowing the right electrode'. Rather, it is about 'how to use codes and standards' based on the problems we routinely encounter.

[qaisarabbas]

Kamran,
I doubt, there would be any such document which can refer / interlink all the codes & standards. Best way is to use the catalog / index list of relevant code / standard family. I am attaching API catalog for example.

[kamran]

qaiserabbas,

Not really referring to the kind of document you have thought of. Basically, I am interested in having a simple guide developed for young engineers to help them with using codes and standards.

I have seen a similar text document for civil structural steels - it lists problems and then then guides to their solutions by referring to the relevant codes and standards and giving practical solutions. Such an approach is helpful both for the novice as well as an experienced engineer.

Kamran

[ben]

Kamran,
There are many handbooks and guides available specific for every code and standard which take a beginner through the whole code systematically.
Those handbooks and guides include explanations, background theory and much more.
For example you can look into CASTI handbooks / guides on ASME codes - they are very helpful for those who are not completely familiar with the code language.

If you want to have a reference of any guide book for specific code or standard, do let me know. I may be of some help to you.

[kamran]

Yes Ben,
I have, at some point, myself used these CASTI guides but I just couldn't recall them. They are pretty close to what I have been looking for.
Thank you very, very much!
Kamran

[octane]

I will take the example of welding guidelines / electrode selection from AWS / SFA standards.
There are quite a few handbooks released by AWS which take you through with the selection of electrodes / filler metals for different materials and welding processes. Another publication of AWS is PAPQV "The Professional's Advisor on Procedure Qualification Variables/Cross Reference - Tables for AWS D1.1, AWS D1.5, AWS B2.1, ASME IX, and API 1104" which is much helpful.

[Usman Amin]

Folks,

I feel there is some confusion going on for use of codes & standards. Basics are very simple. i.e

API: For equipments & machinery generally, it also address piping but not dominantly.
ASME B: For Piping of different applications i.e. ASSME B31.3 for process piping
ASME Section VIII: For pressure vessels
ASTM: For selection of material
NFPA: For fire protection related designing
NACE: For special material against corrosion
AWS: Particular for welding & selection of electrodes
Now, if you encounter a problem, first u decide the nature that is it about piping, welding etc then u point out the main group of codes as shown in above example. Afterward, you go online or refer to vendor provided documents that what was code used in the designing of the equipment. Then u go for your particular topic. There are so many situations which all can not be addressed with reference of particular code. If one code fails to address u strive for another. This is research work and needs complete involvement and time consumption. So I conclude that if u encounter some problem, know the nature of the problem then decide about the main stream and then spend some time to get the solution. Further, I have full collection of all the important codes. If u need some particular code u r more then welcome.

BR,
UA