ASME new steam locomotive boiler code

[Bill Reidy]

I imagine Jason and and the shop crew are aware of this, but I'm posting this link to the thread on rypn.org just in case:

http://rypn.sunserver.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=28659&sid=549965b7bdf53d8c2890c0f001610c84

"ANNOUNCEMENT A new Part for inclusion in Section I, covering construction of new steam locomotive boilers is to be considered by the Code Committee of American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

"The ASME has asked the National Board Inspection Code Committee (NBIC), Subgroup on Locomotive Boilers to begin the drafting process..."

- Bill

[Mike Fox]

Since the Boiler for #9 is complete and already stamped, This change should not apply. But this could affect #11. It will be interesting to follow as this develops.

[Bill Fortier]

Interesting, indeed. What brought this on?

[Keith Taylor]

It's about time....locomotives and stationary boilers operate under very different conditions. As an example, stationary boilers virtually never have their safety valves lift, yet on a locomotive it is prudent to test them every day. Not to mention it being more difficult to maintain pressure at an exact figure, when you are rocking and rolling down the mainline. Locomotive safety valves were virtually all top venting valves, but stationary safety valves are side venting and must have the exhaust plumbed vertically to keep from steam cleaning passers by.
And just my personal opinion....but that "S" just looks wrong inside the cloverleaf on the backhead. It is only within recent memory that they eliminated the "L" stamp. It is wise to have regulations that are formulated specifically for the boiler's actual service demands...and not something cobbled up to fit the standards for boilers that are cemented in place and never move an inch.
Keith

[Stephen Hussar]

Kelly Anderson from Strasburg wrote the following:

When steam locomotives were in widespread production, they had their own ASME boiler code. When they stopped being built, the locomotive code was dropped and ASME Section I for power boilers became the single rule for all new boilers. Over the course of time ASME Section I has evolved with new technology to the point that it is a poor fit for someone trying to design a locomotive boiler.
For example, dome throttles, which most steam locomotives use, are not allowed. ASME Section I allows higher staybolt stresses and a lower factor of safety than the FRA requires, meaning that a new ASME locomotive boiler can be designed and built which the FRA will not allow to operate at its designed pressure. I’m sure other issues are in the current code, and it will make life easier for steam railroaders if they are corrected.

The "National Board Inspection Code Committee (NBIC), Subgroup on Locomotive Boilers" is the "Engineering Standards Committee" of Part 230 fame, a.k.a The Gods of Steam. As I understand it, in their usual semi annual meetings they will start building the new locomotive boiler code using the parts of old and current codes that work with the needs of locomotive boilers, the FRA requirements, and today’s technology, and weeding out the parts of the current ASME Section I that are counterproductive with regard to locomotive boilers. That is where they need input from others with experience dealing with the ASME Code to be sure they cover all of the bases, and don’t miss anything.