The car manufacturers have begun using a new refrigerant for our cars and trucks air conditioning systems. This new refrigerant, HFO-1234yf, is received by truck, stored as a liquified (pressurized) gas, and dispensed into the vehicles A/C unit. The piping associated with this storage and transfer of this refrigerant must meet…
ASME B31.3, Process Piping; NOT ASME B31.5, Refrigeration Piping and Heat Transfer Components as many have claimed. So what do I based my position on?
(emphasis by me)
300.1.1 Content and Coverage
(a) This Code prescribes requirements for materials and components, design, fabrication, assembly, erection, examination, inspection, and testing of piping.
(b) This Code applies to piping for all fluids, including:
(1) raw, intermediate, and finished chemicals
(2) petroleum products
(3) gas, steam, air, and water
(4) fluidized solids
(5) refrigerants
(6) cryogenic fluids
(c) See Fig. 300.1.1 for a diagram illustrating the application of B31.3 piping at equipment. The joint connecting piping to equipment is within the scope of B31.3.