CSA B51 Issues and CRN Registration
September 2, 2025
Whether it is a fitting, pressure vessel, boiler, or piping system that you want to get CRN registration for, Cammar Corporation can help with the design and evaluation so it complies with the governing adopted codes, standards, and regulations. In other words, it needs to meet CRN requirements.
Unless a pressure equipment design is exempt from CRN 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. Cammar Corportation can help you do this.
To get a CRN number registration for pressure equipment, it can be challenging if you haven’t done it before, and the correct steps need to be followed. If you instead just want to do a CRN number lookup or CRN registration search so that you can just buy some equipment without registering any with a CRN, then beware and read this before you do anything else. For this article I’m going to assume that no exemptions to CRN registration requirements apply to your pressure equipment, that your company has an appropriate quality control program in place, and that your company wants to venture into the Canadian market.
Below the term ‘controlled document’ is used frequently, and it means a numbered document with a revision number.
The list below should give you a flavor of what is involved with getting a CRN number. Obviously all details can’t be included here and every situation is slightly different, but this primer is a good start if you haven’t obtained a CRN number registration. And even if you have, you might well pick up some good pointers about how to proceed. How to get a CRN does involve the application of engineering except in the very limited situations where a fully prescriptive standard is used. It’s not a paper pushing exercise.
Select an adopted code or referenced standard of construction for the design you want to get CRN registration for. This is not optional:
Decide on the code of construction or standard that you want your design to follow. As described in CSA B51, ASME codes and standards are the most common ones applicable to, and used by, Canadian regulators. All regulators refer to CSA B51; some adopt it without modification. Others publish documents that adjust its requirements for their jurisdiction.
The importance of properly selecting a code or standard of construction as the first step cannot be over emphasized. There are advantages and disadvantages to each code and standard.
The code or standard that you select is the very first thing that regulators will consider when reviewing your design for CRN registration. It must be stated on a controlled document included with the design. A good place to note the code of construction would be on the general arrangement drawing of interest. The year of the current edition must be noted on a controlled document; referring to the ‘current edition’ in a note is not specific enough.
Not all types of pressure equipment are always registered to the same code or standard. For example: if your equipment is a vessel, then ASME Section VIII-1 or ASME Section VIII-2 are options to consider. ASME Section VIII-1 is easier to use. Small vessels can occasionally be registered to ASME B31.3 requirements in some instances. Valves can be registered to ASME B16.34, and also ASME B31.3 or B31.1. Flanges can be registered to ASME B16.5, ASME B31.3 or Section VIII-1 Appendix 2. If your equipment is a pressure fitting, then common code options are ASME B31.3, ASME B31.1 and even ASME Section VIII-1. Etc. There are numerous possibilities. Referenced standards can also be used for fitting CRN designs and these are listed in Table 326.1 and Table 126.1 of the ASME B31.3 and ASME B31.1 code books. There are many standards to consider in each; some are not published by ASME though many are.
Make sure that the code or standard you choose is appropriate for your design, and that your design meets all of its requirements. Requirements from different codes or standards cannot be cherry picked; all requirements of a single chosen code or standard must be met for a proper CRN registration.
Unlisted standards and codes are often acceptable provided that all adopted codes and referenced standards, like those noted above, do not address your design requirements. If unlisted codes or standards are used, then they must follow the same engineering philosophy as detailed by the adopted codes listed in CSA B51 and the standards they reference.
Please note that whatever code or standard of construction is selected, it must address all aspects of the equipment design, construction, testing and examination else another, more encompassing standard or code must be referenced. For example,
Codes are generally less specific and prescriptive than standards, more inclusive than standards are, and always require the application of engineering judgement for proper use. Many standards are not particularly prescriptive either and thereby also need the application of engineering for proper use.
Select the maximum design pressure and coincident maximum temperature that the design will *ever* operate at, even with an operation excursion. This is not optional:
All design pressures and corresponding temperatures that the design will be subjected to should be noted on a controlled document included with the design.
If you selected a standard of construction that explicitly lists design pressure and design temperature pairs for a particular material, like the tables in ASME B16.5 or B16.34 for instance, then *all* design pressure and design temperature pairs for that pressure class and material should be explicitly noted on a controlled document included with the design. Explicit notes of the specific design pressures and design temperatures included with that standard are required; a reference to a standard alone is insufficient. Regulators do not want anyone that’s reading a drawing to need to go and search for a referenced standard in order to determine what the design temperature and pressure is supposed to be.
If your design is not meant to operate at all applicable pressures and temperatures as listed in the selected referenced standard of construction (see step 1) then, since the requirements of the standard are not met, then go back to step 1 since either another standard or (more likely) a code of construction needs to be selected in place of the standard.
Select the minimum design metal temperature (MDMT) that the design will ever be at when subjected to internal pressure. This is not optional. Canada has a cold climate, and even close to the border with the United States, temperatures of -40C are not uncommon in the winter.
Some codes and or standards require that a minimum design metal temperature be selected. Others, like ASME Section I for power boilers, do not; after all, water boilers don’t operate at temperatures below 0C. Regardless, in Canada where it can easily reach to -40C every year, brittle transition temperatures of metal need to be taken into account. It is good engineering practice to stipulate the minimum design metal temperature of a CRN design, to clarify the design limits and to avoid any misunderstandings. The MDMT should be noted on a controlled document included with the design.
Materials used to contain pressure must be carefully selected, accounting for their strengths at pressure and temperature, together with the requirements of the code or standard of construction that has been chosen.
Ideally, only materials explicitly listed in the chosen adopted code or referenced standard are selected. Allowable strengths are thereby often prescribed by the code or standard or, if not, a reference to another code or standard that includes the allowable strengths is often given.
Unlisted materials must be considered in accordance with each adopted code and referenced standard requirements. Standards often do not allow for unlisted materials to be used. Adopted codes vary in how unlisted materials can be considered.
For example: ASME Section VIII-1 basically only allows materials that it lists to be used and effectively does not allow unlisted materials to be used. ASME B31.3 and B31.1 allow unlisted materials, provided published specifications documenting the chemical and physical properties of the materials are available at ambient and design temperatures. ASME B31.1 requires written permission and acceptance from the end user to use unlisted materials.
Decide on how pressure parts are to be connected, to contain pressure.
Canadian regulators are interested in the details of all pressure parts, and this includes how they are connected together. A pressure part can be thought of as a component that, if removed from the design, will result in a reduction in strength of the pressure boundary. And of course, of interest is how all the pressure parts are connected together.
Are welds to be used? If so, make sure your welding procedure specification (WPS) and procedure qualification records (PQRs) comply with your quality program manual, the code or standard of construction, and with ASME Section IX requirements.
Dimensions of all welds connecting pressure parts need to be clearly noted on a controlled document.
Are threads used to connect the pressure parts? If so, the type of threads must be properly noted on a controlled document.
Various codes and standards have different rules about which threads can be used, when threads can be used, and how they can be used. Most common threads used in Canada will comply with either ASME B1.20.1 or ASME B1.1. If other threads are proposed, then dimensions and detailed drawings of the threads will likely be required.
Straight threads (non-tapered) will obviously need a gasket to effect a seal and, of course, the gasket detail needs to be noted on a controlled document.
Code and standards require that the minimum design metal temperatures proposed for the selected materials and welds are properly considered.
Various codes and standards have different impact testing requirements.
For example, ASME B31.3 and ASME Section VIII-1 set out clear parameters as to when and how materials and welds are to be impact tested, including the number of samples and the energy that must be absorbed at minimum temperature.
Referenced standards usually point to the referring code for guidance on what MDMT (minimum design metal temperature) is permissible beyond those that a standard lists. In some instances, the referring code does not permit the minimum design temperature proposed by the referenced standard, unless impact testing is performed. In other instances, colder temperatures than what is listed in a standard is desired.
If a standard does not include a proposed MDMT, the referring code should be used as the code of construction and the MDMT must be justified using code rules. Occasionally, impact testing should be specified even if codes and standards do not require it. See this for more.
Again, different codes and standards have different requirements. Make sure your design meets the requirements and acceptance criteria of the construction code or standard that your design follows. For example: ASME B31.3 designs require that 5% of circumferential welds are randomly radiographed or ultrasonically tested with satisfactory results meeting the acceptance criteria that the code describes. ASME Section VIII-1 has various options about how much non-destructive testing is required, and required thickness calculations are affected by it. Even some standards require non-destructive examination. For example, to achieve higher design pressures, ASME B16.34 requires radiographic or ultrasonic examination for valves pursuant to special class ratings.
In all cases, the amount of non-destructive examination to be used must be noted on a controlled document describing the design. If the design is exempt from non-destructive testing on the basis of code or standard requirements, then an exemption is to be noted instead.
For designs that use welding, the time and temperature of the pre and post weld heat treatment needs to be noted on a controlled document. Pre and post weld heat treatment is a design condition, and needs to be properly considered.
Code and standard requirements vary somewhat and, if weld heat treatment is not required by the code or standard of construction, then a note explaining what code based or standard based exemption rule that applies needs to be included on a controlled document.
Pressure boundary thickness requirements are governed by the referencing code, and the thickness selected requires justification. There are tpically three ways of design justification, in order of regulator preference: i) code design rules; ii) proof testing; and iii) FEA analyses. Regulators strongly prefer the use of code rules if applicable. There are few situations where code rules are inapplicable and if they truly are inapplicable, then with regulator permission, proof testing may be used. Proof testing is typically done in accordance with ASME Section VIII-1 paragraph UG-101. And as a last alternative, in the event that proof testing is infeasible or impossible for some reason acceptable to the regulator, then the regulator may grant permission to justify a design using an FEA model that is both verified and validated in accordance with CSA B51 Annex J.
Though you can apply to get a CRN number by documenting your CRN design and submitting the appropriate application forms to the regulator in the province or territory where the equipment will be used, regulators can simply reject your CRN design registration application if they are not satisfied that the design meets the requirements of the jurisdictional regulations, adopted codes, and referenced standards.
And, … though regulators must tell you why a design doesn’t meet their requirements, they cannot tell you how to fix a deficient CRN design, since that would put them in a conflicted position. Afterall, they can’t properly accept a CRN design that incorporates their own advice.
But that’s where we can help the most. We can assist you in revising your designs, pursuant to acquiring a CRN.
Though regulators control the CRN registration process, they don’t control your design. As the owner, you care about and control your design.
Each province and territory has rules in its jurisdiction, which must be met. If some jurisdictions have tougher requirements than others, it’s thereby best to apply to the toughest jurisdiction first. For more about how and why to get a CRN, read this.
We’re here to help. Give CAMMAR a call.
If your equipment requires a Canadian Registration Number, you must apply for the CRN before the pressure equipment can be installed and used in Canada. In fact, it is wise to complete your CRN registration before the pressure equipment is in the final stages of design (i.e. before the equipment is built). This will ensure that you follow CSA B51 and other regulations without issue.
In any case, to avoid unnecessary complications, make sure that your CRN registration is completed before any assembled equipment leaves the producer. If the equipment will not be assembled until after it leaves the manufacturer (e.g. the equipment must be assembled in the field), be sure the design has a Canadian Registration Number.
Determining the kind of CRN number you need is not simple!!
There are few underlying questions you’ll need to answer first, including:
Do you have questions? Ask away! We are here to help!
Give us a call.
Pressure equipment, including pressure vessels, boilers, piping and fittings, used in Canada requires a CRN registration. Equipment must be registered with a CRN before it is used.
In general, if pressure equipment operates at a pressure greater than 15 PSIG it will likely require a CRN registration. In fact, unless a particular exemption applies to the equipment, a Canadian Registration Number is needed.
Keep in mind, provincial and territorial governments have the authority to govern equipment safety in their region. Therefore, CRN registration requirements vary by province and territory. As a result, CRN exemptions are set out by provincial and territorial governments.
It’s the law, in Canada.
Canadian Registration Numbers (CRN numbers) identify unique pressure equipment design concepts for use in Canada, and must meet requirements, in accordance with Canadian statutes and regulations. Canadian law references CSA B51.
Each design concept has a unique CRN number. One Canadian Registration Number can represent millions of individual items, each with a different serial number, that all conform to the CRN design.
Though each provincial jurisdiction has responsibility for the safety of pressure equipment within its borders, 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:
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 (the originating jurisdiction) 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
O 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:
Fitting CRN registrations expire 10 years after the originating registration, and can be renewed before expiry. For example, if 0A.12345.132 was first registered in British Columbia on Jan 31, 2018, and then on in Alberta on March 23, 2019 and Saskatchewan on Aug 19, 2024, then the registration for all three jurisdictions will expire on Jan31, 2028 unless it is renewed in British Columbia before then. Renewal would need to occur in the originating jurisdiction (British Columbia) first and prior to February 1, 2028/ Other jurisidctions can renew the CRN after British Columbia, and not before.
Vessel CRN registations never need renewal.
If the code or regulations become more stringent after registration, then those that have care and control of the design and / or related equipment need to ensure that the registration is revised to meet the new requirements in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Give Cammar Corporation a call to discuss any CRN requirement questions that you might have!
Per ASME Section VIII-1 Appendix 3, MAWP (maximum allowable working pressure) is “the maximum gage pressure permissible at the top of a completed vessel in its normal operating position at the designated coincident temperature for that pressure. This pressure is the least of the values for the internal or external pressure to be determined by the rules of Division 1 for any of the pressure boundary parts, including static head thereon, using nominal thicknesses exclusive of allowances for corrosion and considering effects of any combination of loadings listed in the code that are likely to occur at the designated coincident temperature.“
Per ASME Section VIII-1 Appendix 3, design pressure is “the pressure used in the design of a vessel component together with the coincident design metal temperature, for the purpose of determining the minimum permissible thickness or physical characteristics of the different ones of the vessel. When applicable, the static head shall be added to the design pressure to determine the thickness of any specific zone of the vessel.”
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.
Alberta Regulation 49/2006 defines it as “a vessel in which steam or other vapour may be generated under pressure or in which a liquid may be put under pressure by the direct application of a heat source.” Other legislation and code define it in similar ways. CSA B51 Boiler, Pressure Vessel and Pressure Piping Code, defines it as “as a vessel under the Act”. By ‘Act’, CSA B51 refers to the governing statute in each provincial or territorial jurisdiction. For all boilers registered with a CRN in Canada, in the absence of a Variance issued by the jurisdictional regulatory authority, the requirements of ASME Section I must be met in its entirety.
Alberta Regulation 49/2006 defines it as “a vessel used for containing, storing, distributing, processing or otherwise handling an expansible fluid under pressure.” Other legislation and code define it in similar ways. CSA B51 defines it as “a closed vessel for containing, storing, distributing, transferring, distilling, processing, or otherwise handling a gas, vapour, or liquid.” In Canada, pressure vessels must be designed in accordance with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. For non-nuclear equipment, the ASME Rules for the Construction of Pressure Vessels must be met in their entirety. For all pressure vessels registered in Canada, in the absence of a Variance issued by the jurisdictional regulatory authority, either ASME Section VIII-1, Section VIII-2, or VIII-3 must be met. Unless explicitly permitted by regulators, mixing code requirements into a single design is not permitted.
CRN stands for Canadian Registration Number. It is assigned to pressure equipment in Canada by provincial regulatory jurisdictions. Unless exempt from CRN registration , all pressure equipment must be registered with a CRN before use in Canada. It is not the same as certification markings such as CSA, UL, FM, Intertek etc.
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:
ASME B31.3 is used in conjunction with ASME B31.1, and other B31 codes, to ensure the safety of piping systems. Adhering to these codes also helps the system to meet government regulations and receive a CRN.
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:
B31.1, along with B31.3 and other ASME B31 codes, is intended to ensure the safety of piping systems. These codes are essential for:
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.
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.
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.
It’s the law, in Canada.
Canadian Registration Numbers (CRN numbers) identify unique pressure equipment design concepts for use in Canada, and must meet requirements, in accordance with Canadian statutes and regulations. Canadian law references CSA B51.
Each design concept has a unique CRN number. One Canadian Registration Number can represent millions of individual items, each with a different serial number, that all conform to the CRN design.
Though each provincial jurisdiction has responsibility for the safety of pressure equipment within its borders, 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:
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 (the originating jurisdiction) 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
O 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:
Fitting CRN registrations expire 10 years after the originating registration, and can be renewed before expiry. For example, if 0A.12345.132 was first registered in British Columbia on Jan 31, 2018, and then on in Alberta on March 23, 2019 and Saskatchewan on Aug 19, 2024, then the registration for all three jurisdictions will expire on Jan31, 2028 unless it is renewed in British Columbia before then. Renewal would need to occur in the originating jurisdiction (British Columbia) first and prior to February 1, 2028/ Other jurisidctions can renew the CRN after British Columbia, and not before.
Vessel CRN registations never need renewal.
If the code or regulations become more stringent after registration, then those that have care and control of the design and / or related equipment need to ensure that the registration is revised to meet the new requirements in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Give Cammar Corporation a call to discuss any CRN requirement questions that you might have!
So what is a CRN? CRN stands for Canadian Registration Number, as defined in CSA B51.
The use of CRNs is a way for regulators to keep track of and document pressure equipment design concepts across jurisdictional boundaries in Canada, to help establish design ownership and responsibility.
Canadian Registration Numbers (CRN numbers) identify unique pressure equipment design concepts for use in Canada, and must meet regulatory 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. CRN’s are unique to Canada, and require an independant review of pressure equipment designs, pursuant to public safety.
There are 13 independent jurisdictions in Canada, each with their own set of statutes and regulations that govern pressure equipment. 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, in accordance with MSS-SP-25.
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
4-5 characters in the prefix precede the decimal, are sequentially assigned by the regulatory authority.
For vessels, an alphanumeric (unless the registration is really old) starts the CRN, 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
T Northwest Territories
U Nunavut
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
For more information about CRNs, check this out!
Give Cammar Corporation a call to discuss any CRN requirement questions that you might have!
Canadian jurisdictions have enacted laws to protect the public where there is danger. And pressure equipment is potentially extremely dangerous. Even a small air receiver, with an internal pressure of just 230 psig, has the explosive energy of about 1 lb of dynamite.
It’s defined somewhat differently across Canada, but Alberta has some pressure equipment definitions that are good benchmarks to consider. The most common types of pressure equipment are classified as:
• boilers,
• pressure vessels,
• pressure fittings, and
• pressure piping systems.
Though there are some exceptions, 15 psig (101kPag) is frequently the threshold at which the provisions of legislation kick in. But danger exists at lower thresholds too.
Consider ordinary, improperly used oil drums. With a diameter of about 22.5 inches, an oil drum pressurized with air to just 10 psig would exert an internal force in the order of 4000 lbs on it’s flat end. Dangerous indeed.
What is an “expansible fluid”? It means “((i) a vapour or gaseous fluid, or (ii) a liquid under pressure and at a temperature at which the liquid changes to a gas or vapour when the pressure is reduced to atmospheric pressure or when the temperature is increased to ambient temperature.” (AR 49/2006 1(1)(l))
The term “boiler” means “a vessel in which steam or other vapour may be generated under pressure or in which a liquid may be put under pressure by the direct application of a heat source.” (AR 49/2006 1(1)(f)) The term “pressure vessel” means “a vessel used for containing, storing, distributing, processing or otherwise handling an expansible fluid under pressure.” (AR 49/2006 1(1)(cc))
Canadian jurisdictions have enacted laws to protect the public where there is danger. But danger exists at lower thresholds too. The term “fitting” means “a valve, gauge, regulating or controlling device, flange, pipe fitting or any other appurtenance that is attached to, or forms part of, a boiler, pressure vessel, or fired-heater pressure coil, thermal liquid heating system or pressure piping system.” (AR 49/2006 1(1)(n))
The term “pressure piping system” means “pipes, tubes, conduits, fittings, gaskets, bolting and other components that make up a system for the conveyance of an expansible fluid under pressure and may also control the flow of that fluid.” (AR 49/2006 1(1)(aa)) All pressure equipment, not exempted from registration requirements, needs to be registered with a CRN before it can be legally operated in Canada. Why are there CRN requirements?
It’s about public safety. Call Cammar Corporation for more information about the CRN registration process.
To help you, we’ll being by getting to know you and your CRN registration situation better, what your challenges are, what CRN registrations you want to acquire, and which equipment if any that you need to get CRN numbers for. CRN numbers aren’t required in every situation. Sometimes, your client, purchasing departments or a project manager do not know what the requirements are. And there’s no value in incurring unnecessary expenses, time, and effort to get a CRN registration, if you don’t need to get one. And if you do need CRN registration, we’ll go through what you need to have in hand, before you go any deeper.
Many companies want to put a non-disclosure agreement in place before divulging any details, and that’s totally fine with us… as long as the NDA only relates to non-disclosure of proprietary information! You’d be surprised at how many NDA’s try to include a bunch of other stuff and, out of frustration, we put together a blog about NDA’s and what they should include, and what they shouldn’t. For example, if we were to engage with your company to assist you in acquiring a CRN, as a professional engineering corporation, CAMMAR has a professional practice management plan that we adhere to, in accordance with statutory requirements. We obviously cannot agree to do anything illegal, against our professional associations’ ethics.
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, as referenced in CSA B51 and jurisdicitional regulations.
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.
Cammar Corporation is the combination of engineering experiences extending back to 1989. It’s Director, Cameron Sterling, MSc, PEng, worked on staff at ABSA, the CRN regulatory authority in Alberta, as a Safety Codes Officer evaluating CRN designs. The company has a solid foundation based on honesty, service, unyielding perseverance of quality and safety, proficient regulatory and technical expertise, thoroughness and practical experience. Cammar is licensed to practise professional engineering in Alberta, Saskatchewan, & Ontario.
