Appendix 47 & Growing Reliance on PVP Technology

The pressure equipment design and analysis technology continues to grow rapidly. As of today, more tools and solutions are brought to the market to further expedite the design, analysis, and code validation of pressure vessels, piping systems, tanks, heat exchangers, and more. While tech offers more precision, efficiency, and compliance with evolving standards, like anything else, it must also be regulated to ensure safety.

So much so that regulatory standards are mandating proper use, training, and review when using PVP technology. For example, in 2021, a major code shift took place in ASME Section VIII, Division 1 citing the first inclusion of a "certifying engineer." Basically, Appendix 47 exists to mandate that managers and business owners have a process around the technology their employees use to design, build, and maintain pressure equipment.

So what does Appendix 47 mean for code compliance, designer qualification, and how our shops should be run? Let's break it down:

• Certifying Engineer Requirement: Contrary to common misconceptions, Appendix 47 does not mandate that all designs be sealed by a certifying engineer. It focuses on the qualifications necessary to be a responsible vessel designer (again ensuring adequate review processes are in place).
• Flexibility in Compliance: Companies without a full-time certifying engineer can still comply with the code through exemptions provided in section 47-3, leveraging industry experience.
• Software Training Necessity: Not all organizations require software training. This is primarily for those seeking compliance under specific conditions outlined in 47-5 and Table 47-5-1. However, using software for design calculations remains critical.

The Affordances of PVP Technology

While technology will always need a human entity to manage, regulate, and understand it's uses, the tools engineers have access to today can streamline production and even prevent against shutdowns.

To keep shops open, welders in check, and systems in order, specialized software training is crucial. Advanced PVP software not only aids in meeting current ASME code requirements but also prepares organizations for future updates. By investing in proper software training, companies can ensure meticulous documentation, maintain high standards, and seamlessly adapt to evolving regulations.

For more information about our latest training, visit https://info.thinkcei.com/advanced-pvp-engineering-training