Which ASME section governs the design and construction of power boilers?

• A. ASME Section I
• B. ASME Section VIII Division 1
• C. ASME Section IX
• D. ASME B31.3

Answer: (A)

Power boilers are steam-generating units designed for high pressure and temperature, and their design, fabrication, and inspection are governed by ASME Section I. This section lays out the specific rules for boiler design, material requirements, allowable stress values, design calculations, and the fabrication and erection processes, along with the required hydrostatic testing and ASME stamping. Welding qualifications used during construction are coordinated with the related requirements in Section IX, but the overall code governing the boiler itself is Section I. Other sections cover different equipment, such as Section VIII Division 1 for general pressure vessels and B31.3 for process piping, so for a power boiler, Section I is the appropriate code.