CRN Design Consultation with Cammar Corportation

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.  Though regulators control the CRN registration process, they are not supposed to be, and cannot be, owners. 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...

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.  Though regulators control the CRN registration process, they are not supposed to be, and cannot be, owners.

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.

Alternatively, CAMMAR can assist you directly pursuant to getting a CRN. registration.

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.

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!! A Few Important CRN Questions For Us to Ask, First…. There are few underlying questions you’ll need to answer first, including: First and foremost, if you’re a seller, distributor, or manufacturer, where is your market?  If you’re an end user, where is the place that the equipment will be installed? In other words, where in Canada will the equipment be used? You need to know this, since Canada has 13 separate, distinct jurisdictions that govern pressure equipment.  Each one has their own legislation governing pressure equipment pursuant to public safety and, though all the jursidctions refer to CSA B51, CSA B52, ASME codes (ASME Section VIII-1, ASME Section I, ASMe B31.3, ASME B31.1, etc) and referenced standards (ASME B16.5, B16.9, B16.11, B16.34, MSS-SP-***, etc.., each jurisdiction has its own set of exemptions and/or directives.  If an exemption from CRN registration is applicable for where your market...

Determining the kind of CRN number you need is not simple!!

A Few Important CRN Questions For Us to Ask, First….

There are few underlying questions you’ll need to answer first, including:

1. First and foremost, if you’re a seller, distributor, or manufacturer, where is your market?  If you’re an end user, where is the place that the equipment will be installed?
   In other words, where in Canada will the equipment be used? You need to know this, since Canada has 13 separate, distinct jurisdictions that govern pressure equipment.  Each one has their own legislation governing pressure equipment pursuant to public safety and, though all the jursidctions refer to CSA B51, CSA B52, ASME codes (ASME Section VIII-1, ASME Section I, ASMe B31.3, ASME B31.1, etc) and referenced standards (ASME B16.5, B16.9, B16.11, B16.34, MSS-SP-***, etc.., each jurisdiction has its own set of exemptions and/or directives.  If an exemption from CRN registration is applicable for where your market or equipment installation will be, then CRN registration will not be required in that jurisdiction.  See questions 2 and 3 noted below for more.
2. Second, what type of pressure equipment are you considering?  Is it a pressure vessel, some fittings, a piping system, a thermal liquid heater, a thermal liquid heating system, a boiler part, or a boiler, etc.?  To determine what exemptions from CRN registration would apply if any, you’ll need to know the type of equipment referred to in the jurisdiction’s statutes and regulations.  Types of equipment are referred to in the statutes and regulations in accordance with the definitions they contain or refer to.
3. What are the design conditions of the equipment in relation to maximum pressure and temperature, inside diameter, and volume, etc?  This information is needed to compare with available exemptions that may apply and that depend on these things.

And a Few General Comments to Consider:

• Many regulations refer to something called an ‘expansible fluid’.  Though definitions for this differ slightly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, the gist of ‘expansible fluid’ means a substance that is a gas or vapour when exposed to atmospheric pressure or temperature.  For example, pressurized steam existing in a pipe as liquid that expands to vapor when suddenly exposed to atmospheric pressure, is an epansible fluid.  Similarly, liquid oxygen existing in a cryogenic tank at a very cold temperature that expands to a gas at atmospheric temperature, is an expansible fluid.  And all gases and vapours at ambient temperatures are expansible fluids.
• A pressure of 15psig is the line demarcating where jurisdictional pressure equipment regulations often kick in.  Expansible fluids above 15 psig are often subject to regulation requirements in the absence of any applicable exemptions.
• Boilers are somewhat unique in that some regulations don’t require a boiler pressure greater than 15 psig before CRN registration is required.
• Some jurisdictions refer to CSA B51 Part 1 Figure 1(a), and some do not.  In other words, for some regulators, 150F is a demarcation between where CRN registration is required or not.
• If no applicable exemption apply for the pressure equipment you’re considering, then it will need to have a CRN number before it can be pressurized.  Some jurisdictions require that a CRN numer is obtained before construction starts.
• Deciding on whether you need a CRN Number by solely considering whether your competitor has one or not, is not a good idea. Regulators are quite willing to fix whatever mistakes they may have made, and will not relieve you from CRN registration requirements eventhough our competitor did not register their equipment.
• Fitting registrations expire 10 years from when initially registered first by the originating jurisdiction.  Without renewal before expiry, a new CRN  number will be needed.
• Equipment in good condition that was manufactured in acordance with the CRN number requirements, with an acceptable quality control program while the CRN registration was current, is still registered even if it were to sit on a distributor’s shelf for more than ten years before use.

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.

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 and CRN Numbers CSA B51, the Canadian “Boiler, Pressure Vessel, and Pressure Piping Code”, describes the required rules of CRN...

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 and CRN Numbers

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.

CRN Formats

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:

1. Pipe fittings
2. Flanges line
3. Valves
4. Flexible connections
5. Strainers, filters, separators, traps
6. Instrumentation
7. Over pressure protection devices
8. 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 (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.

CRN Formating Examples

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

CRN Registration Rules per CSA B51

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, 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.”

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.

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 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.

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.

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.