At CEI and Paulin Research Group, we understand how vital it is to stay current with the progressing ASME codes and are actively involved in the process. Regular participation in the ASME code committee meetings provides us with the opportunity to contribute directly to the standards that affect industries across the globe. Our representatives' proactive involvement in these key discussions, each quarter, ensures that our team remains well-informed and prepared for revisions to pressure equipment standards.

During the week of February 3rd through the 6th, 2025, our representatives engaged in several virtual ASME code committee meetings with some committees also offering hybrid in-person/online participation. These meetings addressed a wide range of topics, each offering valuable insights that will affect upcoming revisions to the codes. Below are the key activities and highlights from the meetings:

Section IX & Section VIII Code Meetings | February 2025

From February 3-6, our representatives Tiradej Bunyarattaphuantu, PE and Santiago Laris, EIT attended:

• Subgroup on Welding Qualifications
• Subgroup on General Requirements (IX) of which Tiradej Bunyarattaphantu is a member
• BPV Committee on Welding, Brazing, & Fusing
  
  

Section VIII Committee Meetings

• Working Group on Design by Analysis
• Subgroup on Design of which Santiago Laris is a member of the Research Development Group to Subgroup on Design
• Subgroup on General Requirements (VIII) 
• Subgroup on Heat Transfer Equipment of which Tiradej Bunyarattaphantu is the Secretary
• BPV Committee on Pressure Vessels 

Key Insights from the Q1 2025 Meetings

During these meetings, our representatives listened to prominent updates and ongoing projects that were discussed. Here are the key takeaways that pressure equipment engineers and designers should be aware of:

• ASME Reshape Project – Phase 1 Completion

  • Phase 1 has been completed, introducing numerous references directing users to Division 2 for specific formulas.
  • A new Subsection D will be added as part of the restructuring effort.

• ASME Reshape Project – Phase 2 Initiation

  • The next phase is now underway, with subgroups developing and implementing new code cases focused on high-temperature and cyclic service.

• Section IX – Tube-to-Tubesheet Test Revisions

  • A task group is rewriting the requirements of QW-193 to improve clarity for code users regarding tube-to-tubesheet tests.

• Heat Transfer Equipment – New Rules for Elliptical Heads

  • The Subgroup on Heat Transfer Equipment is working on rules governing elliptical heads welded to tubesheets, enhancing design clarity and compliance.

• BPV VIII – Design by Analysis Updates

  • The Working Group on Design by Analysis, reporting to the Subgroup on Design, is finalizing the rewrite of Part 5, aligning it with ASME FFS-1/API-579. PRG's NozzlePRO covers automatic analyses of nozzles and components in Part 5 and ASME FFS-1/API-579.

These developments will have direct implications for engineers working on pressure vessel design, welding procedures, and compliance, making it essential to stay informed about these evolving standards.

Upcoming ASME Code Events

• Q2 2025 – ASME BPV & National Board Combined Meeting
  📅 May 11–16, 2025 | Salt Lake City, UT
  • These are Code Committee meetings that bring together AIAs, Jurisdictions, Notified Bodies, and Chief Inspectors and provide a key networking opportunity beyond standard Code Committee meetings.
• Q3 2025 – ASME BPV Code Week
  📅 August 3–8, 2025 | Virtual (Zoom)
• Q4 2025 – ASME BPV Code Week
  📅 November 2–7, 2025 | Dallas, TX

Keep Your Compliance on Track

Remaining proactive in following industry changes is crucial for staying compliant with shifting codes and standards. To ensure you’re always prepared, we offer two comprehensive resources that provide insight on the latest revisions in ASME Section IX, BPV VIII, ASME B31, EN 13445, PD 5500, and more:

• Pressure Vessel and Piping Code Calendar of Events (CEI)
  
• Pressure Vessel and Piping Code Calendar (PRG)

These resources provide information about key code updates, regulatory shifts, and insights drawn from the latest committee discussions.

Additionally, you can explore ASME’s event calendar for more upcoming activities or visit our engineers’ blog for summaries of previous code changes.

About Our Code Experts

Our representatives, Tiradej Bunyarattaphantu, PE, and Santiago Laris, EIT, bring years of expertise to these ASME code committee meetings. Tiradej has a decade of experience with CEI and is an active member of several ASME subgroups, including his role as Secretary of the Subgroup on Heat Transfer Equipment. Santiago, with a degree from Texas A&M University, has been a valuable member of the Paulin Research Group support team since 2020 and is involved in various resource development initiatives within the code committees. 

We look forward to sharing more updates and insights from our experts as we continue to contribute to the development of industry-leading standards.