Appendix 47 PIRC

Appendix 47 PIRC

Don't Let The New Regulations Stop You From Manufacturing

The 2021 Code Edition of ASME® Section VIII, Division 1, has new requirements for all “U” Stamp Certificate Holders. 

For manufacturers holding a ASME “U” Stamp (allowing them to design and fabricate pressure vessels), complying with Appendix 47 is mandatory. It ensures they have the necessary personnel with the expertise to design safe and code-compliant pressure vessels.

Appendix 47 PIRC refers to Appendix 47 of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC), specifically focusing on the “Person in Responsible Charge” (PIRC) for pressure vessel design activities.

  • Manufacturers holding a ASME "U" Stamp, complying with Appendix 47 is mandatory.
  • Appendix 47 limit who can perform and approve the design function for pressure vessels.
  • It ensures they have the necessary personnel with the expertise to design safe and code-compliant pressure vessels.

Does My Shop Need This?

Ensuring Qualified Personnel Are Involved In Pressure Vessel Design

The 2021 Code Edition of ASME® Section VIII, Division 1, has new requirements for all “U” Stamp Certificate Holders.

Prior to the 2021 Edition, Section VIII, Division 1 of the ASME® Code was largely mute concerning specific qualification requirements of those individuals involved in the design of pressure vessels. With the addition of Appendix 47 to the Code, this is no longer the case.

Smaller manufacturers who do not have a Certifying Engineer on staff may find the requirements of this new appendix impact their design operations and bottom line. Since this is a new appendix affecting all manufacturers of pressure vessels, revisions and/or clarifications to this Appendix, whether enacted with a new Edition of the Code or as an ASME® Code Committee interpretation, are likely.

The new provisions of Appendix 47 limit who can perform and approve the design function for pressure vessels. For manufacturers holding a ASME “U” Stamp (allowing them to design and fabricate pressure vessels), complying with Appendix 47 is mandatory. It ensures they have the necessary personnel with the expertise to design safe and code-compliant pressure vessels.

What Does "PIRC" Stand For?

Appendix 47 PIRC refers to Appendix 47 of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC), specifically focusing on the “Person in Responsible Charge” (PIRC) for pressure vessel design activities. 

PIRC stands for Person in Responsible Charge. As defined by Appendix 47 (referring to National Society of Professional Engineers Statement No. 1778), a PIRC has “direct control and personal supervision of engineering work.” In the context of Appendix 47, this refers to someone overseeing pressure vessel design activities.

By ensuring qualified personnel are involved in pressure vessel design, Appendix 47 aims to:

  • Enhance the safety and reliability of pressure vessels.
  • Promote consistent application of the BPVC design requirements.
  • Increase accountability in the design process.

Prior to the 2021 Edition, Section VIII, Division 1 of the ASME® Code was largely mute concerning specific qualification requirements of those individuals involved in the design of pressure vessels. With the addition of Appendix 47 to the Code, this is no longer the case. Smaller manufacturers who do not have a Certifying Engineer on staff may find the requirements of this new appendix impact their design operations and bottom line. Since this is a new appendix affecting all manufacturers of pressure vessels, revisions and/or clarifications to this Appendix, whether enacted with a new Edition of the Code or as an ASME® Code Committee interpretation, are likely.

J Lowry, LLC AP 47 compliance

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