FAQs
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What is a generic CRN design?
A generic CRN design describes variable dimensions, materials, and feature locations of pressure equipment. For example, a generic vessel CRN design can generally describe a variable shell length, all possible nozzle locations and sizes, together with proximities of nozzle groups etc.* For vessels, generic designs cannot vary the head shape, shell diameter, maximum pressure, maximum temperature, or minimum temperature. For generic fittings, many options are allowed, generally enabling you to register a whole series of fittings with one generic drawing specifying a range of dimensions, materials, and even design pressures.* *Each situation is somewhat unique and requires careful consideration. Other restrictions may apply subject to regulator acceptance. Read More... -
What is B31.3?
B31.3 is the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) code for process piping. This code outlines the requirements for materials, design, fabrication, assembly and erection of piping systems. The proper examination, inspection, and testing of piping is also covered by B31.3. The piping systems governed by this code include those that contain fluids. Typically, these piping systems are found in:- • Petroleum refineries
- • Chemical plants - applies to the piping of raw, intermediate, and finished chemicals
- • Pharmaceutical plants
- • Textile plants
- • Paper plants
- • Semiconductor plans
- • Cryogenic plants
- • Processing plants, etc.
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What is B31.1 piping?
B31.1 is the ASME code for power piping. B31.1 was developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and is used worldwide. This code outlines proper methods for the installation, inspection, and maintenance of power piping systems. ASME B31.1 also provides requirements for the operation, design, materials, fabrication, erection, and testing of piping systems. The piping systems governed by this code are commonly found in:- • Stations generating electric power
- • Industrial plants
- • Geothermal heating systems
- • Other heating and cooling systems
- • Manufacturers
- • Mechanical Engineers and Designers
- • Operators
- • Owners of piping systems, etc.
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What is the difference between ASME B31.1 and B31.3?
The biggest difference between ASME B31.1 and B31.3 is their requirements. In fact, although these codes are often used in conjunction, they vary significantly in their CRN registration requirements.
Some of the most common differences between ASME B31.1 and B31.3 include scope, allowable strengths, unlisted material specification, non-service hydro pressure testing, pneumatic pressure testing, service testing, alternatives to pressure testing, radiography and ultrasonic testing, minimum design metal temperature (MDMT) and impact testing requirements.
Although these codes differ extensively, equipment that meets ASME B31.1 and B31.3 requirements is possible to design and develop. Products that meet both standards can also receive CRN registration. The benefit of designing and registering equipment that meets all requirements is that it can be sold to a larger number of buyers. Read More... -
What is the difference between ASME vs API?
The difference between ASME vs API is that ASME standards hold more weight than API standards. That is, adherence to ASME standards is required for CRN registration. On the other hand, API specifications are only recommended practices. The ASME, or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, provides codes that govern the safety of mechanical equipment. These codes are meant to provide overarching specifications for mechanical engineering applications. The API, or the American Petroleum Institute, on the other hand, produces recommended guidelines. In most cases, these standards are simply intended to encourage safety. Most commonly, these guidelines are directed at offshore structures that are used by oil and gas companies. Read More... -
What is power piping vs process piping?
The difference between power piping vs process piping has to do with the type and quality of matter that each system transports.
Power piping refers to piping systems that are used to distribute high-pressure steam, high temperature and high-pressure water, compressed air etc. Typically these piping systems will be found in buildings that generate electric power, industrial plants, as well as heating and cooling systems.
On the other hand, process piping is used to distribute liquids, gasses and chemicals. Commonly, process piping is installed in petroleum refineries, chemical plants, pharmaceutical plants, textile plants, paper plants, semiconductor plants, and cryogenic plants, as well as other processing plants.
Regarding ASME codes, ASME B31.1 governs the design, development, installation, use and testing of power piping systems, while ASME B31.3 is intended to be applied to process piping systems. CRN training will further address these specifications. Read More... -
CRN training from Cammar Corp. Is there any available?
Is there CRN training available from Cammar Corp? Cammar Corporation can provide customized training for your staff, in relation to CRN registration and topics listed here, or others. We have the experience to prepare and deliver it. Training would typically occur over one or two days for select topics, to audiences of five or more persons that belong to your organization. There’s lots of information to consider and understand:- Regulations,
- Adopted codes,
- Referenced standards,
- CRN number registration design requirements
- The Canadian Registration Number process (CRN registration), and
- Registration harmonization issues.
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What is a CRN (Canadian Registration Number)?
So what is a CRN? CRN stands for Canadian Registration Number, as defined in CSA B51. Canadian Registration Numbers (CRN numbers) identify unique pressure equipment designs for use in Canada, and must meet requirements. Each design concept has a unique number. One Canadian Registration Number can represent millions of individual items, each with a different serial number, that all conform to the CRN design. Canadian provincial regulatory authorities have cooperated to help ensure CRN numbers are tracked nationwide, and identifiable across provincial boundaries. CRN numbers are required to be stamped on equipment or, in the case of very small fittings, trackable with other identification markings. CSA B51, the Canadian “Boiler, Pressure Vessel, and Pressure Piping Code”, describes the required rules of CRN use in detail. Part 1, Clause 4 specifies that pressure fittings, pressure vessels, and boilers are assigned CRN numbers with the acceptance of regulatory authorities in provinces where the equipment is to be used. Vessel and boiler CRN numbers never start with a “0”. Fitting CRN numbers always do. All CRN numbers have a decimal point that follows the prefix assigned by the regulatory authority. For fittings, the letter following the “0” in the prefix corresponds to CSA B51 Table 1, and is used by regulatory authorities at their discretion to categorize the fitting according to type: A – pipe fittings B – flanges C – line valves D – flexible connections E – strainers, filters, separators, traps F – instrumentation G – over pressure protection devices H – items not in categories A to G Subsequent characters in the prefix that precede the decimal, are sequentially assigned by the regulatory authority. For some fitting categories, five digits follow the letter noted above that precede the decimal. For vessels, an alphanumeric (unless the registration is really old) and four digital characters precede the decimal. Following the decimal, the geographical region in which the design was first registered is identified with a character listed in Clause 4.3.2.: 1 British Columbia 2 Alberta 3 Saskatchewan 4 Manitoba 5 Ontario 6 Quebec 7 New Brunswick 8 Nova Scotia 9 Prince Edward Island 0 Newfoundland Y Yukon The prefix, decimal, and character after the decimal identifies a unique design. To indicate all of Canada, the letter “C” is subsequently used. To indicate all regions in Canada which require registration, the “CL” is used. Subsequent digits identify other regions in which the design has been registered, in no particular order. Here are some examples of CRN numbers: 1. B1234.256 pressure vessel design initially registered in Alberta, and also registered in Quebec and Ontario 2. B1234.265 same CRN number as noted in 1 above despite reversal of “65” 3. B1234.465 pressure vessel design different from items 1 and 2, and registered first in Manitoba 4. 0B1234.265 flange design registered first in Alberta 5. 0B1234.165 flange design different from that identified in item 4, and registered first in British Columbia 6. 0B1234.2C flange design as noted in item 4, but registered in all Canadian regions 7. 0B1234.2CL flange design as noted in item 4 above, but registered in all Canadian regions except those where registration is not required Give Cammar Corporation a call to discuss any CRN requirement questions that you might have! Read More... -
How can CAMMAR help get a CRN Registration
Whatever pressure equipment you need a CRN registration for, whether it is a fitting, pressure vessel, boiler, or piping system component, CAMMAR can help with the design and evaluation so it complies with the governing adopted codes, standards, and regulations. In other words, we can help your design meet CRN requirements. Various types of companies and projects ask for CAMMAR's CRN assistance, ranging from huge international end users and manufacturers, to relatively local companies. Their needs are the same: quality design is needed so that CRN registration is as solid as possible, and so that owners can be best assured that they are fulfilling their regulated responsibilities. Though regulators accept designs for CRN registration, they do not take any ownership or responsibility for the design; so the owner needs to pay even more attention to design detail than the regulator does. Whether overseeing a large project that includes multiple pieces of pressure equipment, or the manufacture of a single small fitting, CAMMAR provides detailed expertise and direction as needed, to get the job done properly. CAMMAR Corporation assists clientele by providing comments, oversight, and appropriate insight pursuant to proper CRN registration in accordance with good engineering practice, applicable code, and regulation requirements. Tailored CRN training sessions can be tailored by CAMMAR to address your specific CRN topics, to help your company meet its needs. We can help you learn how to properly acquire CRN number registration, and to properly evaluate or redesign your pressure equipment. Remember, unless a pressure equipment design is exempt from legislation requirements, it needs to be properly registered with a CRN (Canadian Registration Number) before it can be legally operated. And to get it registered, it needs to comply with the related regulations and meet CRN requirements. We can help you do this. Read More… Read More...