About the BPVC

Since its first issuance in 1914, ASME’s Boiler and PressureVessel Code (BPVC) has pioneered modern standards-development,maintaining a commitment to enhance public safety and technologicaladvancement to meet the needs of a changing world.  More than100,000 copies of the BPVC are in use in 100 countries around theworld. 

Click here for aprinter-friendly version of a brochure, which details all 12 BPVCSections, plus ASME’s portfolio of related BPVC offerings.

Product Scope / Abstract

This Section provides requirements for all methods ofconstruction of power, electric, and miniature boilers; hightemperature water boilers, heat recovery steam generators, andcertain fired pressure vessels to be used in stationary service;and power boilers used in locomotive, portable, and tractionservice.  Rules pertaining to use of the V, A, M, PP, S and EASME Product Certification Marks are also included.  The rulesare applicable to boilers in which steam or other vapor isgenerated at a pressures exceeding 15 psig, and high temperaturewater boilers intended for operation at pressures exceeding 160psig and/or temperatures exceeding 250 degree F. Superheaters, economizers, and other pressure parts connecteddirectly to the boiler without intervening valves are considered aspart of the scope of Section I.

Careful application of this Section will help users to complywith applicable regulations within their jurisdictions, whileachieving the operational, cost and safety benefits to be gainedfrom the many industry best-practices detailed within thesevolumes.

Key changes to this 2013 Edition include:

Part PR, Requirements for Boilers Fabricated by Rivets;Mandatory Appendix V, Additional Rules for Boilers Fabricated byRiveting; including Nonmandatory Appendices A-1 through A-6,Efficiency of Riveted Joints; and Nonmandatory Appendix A-75,Computations of Typical Nozzle Fittings Attached by Rivets.
Mandatory appendix added to address establishing governing Codeedition and addenda for new construction and for parts.Manufacturer's Data Reports are revised to provide for reportingthe governing edition and addenda.
Par. PEB-8.3 allowing the use of the rules in the new Section VIIIAppendix 41 to be used in the design of Electric Immersion HeaterElement Support Plates for Section I applications.
Addition of 1-1/4 NPS, 1-1/2 NPS, 2-1/2 NPS values to the table inPG-39.5.2.
Revision to PW-39, P-No. 3 to impose the carbon content limitationon pressure parts.
Addition of SA/GB 713 Grade Q345R material for Section Iapplication up to 800°F(427°C). 
Addition of SA-350 to PG-9.1.
New paragraph PG-60.1.2.1 on requirements for independent remotewater level indicators

All changes to this 2013 Edition are incorporated into theappropriate page and each affected area is identified with adesignator.  Each Section includes a Summary of Changes thatlists the material affected by the change, plus the nature of thechange.  There will no longer be Addenda service for this 2013Edition or for future Editions.

Intended for manufacturers, users,constructors, designers and others concerned with the design,fabrication, assembly, erection, examination, inspection andtesting of pressure vessels, plus all potential governingentities.

BPVC purchasers may wish to purchase a binder from ASME (BPVC Binder), but the publication will alsofit a standard three-ring binder.

For the