When industry professionals refer to the "Pipeline Standards," they are almost invariably referring to the ASME B31 Code for Pressure Piping. This series is the heart of the compendium. It is segmented into specific sections to address the unique challenges posed by different fluids and operating environments.
Scope: Far more complex than B31.4, this code covers gathering lines, transmission lines, and distribution mains for natural gas and vapor-state fluids. It is the most cited code in pipeline safety regulations (e.g., 49 CFR 192 in the US).
Key Highlights:
Who uses it? Natural gas transmission companies (e.g., TC Energy, Kinder Morgan) and municipal gas utilities. asme pipeline standards compendium
While ASME B31.4 covers dense-phase CO2, the industry is pushing for a standalone B31.4X or an appendix in B31.12 for CO2 purity requirements (e.g., water content limits to avoid carbonic acid corrosion).
| Standard | Title | Application | |----------|-------|-------------| | ASME B31.4 | Pipeline Transportation Systems for Liquids and Slurries | Onshore & offshore liquid pipelines (crude, refined products, CO₂, slurries) | | ASME B31.8 | Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems | Onshore gas transmission, distribution, and gathering lines | | ASME B31.11 | Slurry Transportation Piping Systems | Cross-country slurry pipelines (coal, mineral concentrates) | | ASME B31.12 | Hydrogen Piping and Pipelines | Hydrogen service (gaseous & liquid), including blending with natural gas |
Note: B31.12 is increasingly important for hydrogen infrastructure. Who uses it
| Topic | ASME Standard | Complementary Non-ASME Standard | |-------|---------------|----------------------------------| | Hydrostatic test strength | B31.4 / B31.8 | API 1110 / API 1111 | | Defect assessment | B31G | API 579 (Fitness-for-Service) | | Valve specifications | B16.34 | API 6D (pipeline valves) | | Corrosion control | B31.8S (threat) | NACE SP0169 / SP0206 |
This compendium can be used as a reference guide for engineers, integrity managers, and regulatory compliance officers working with ASME pipeline standards. Would you like a downloadable table or a specific focus (e.g., only integrity or only materials)?
The ASME Pipeline Standards Compendium (PTB-9) is a technical guide that aligns ASME B31 pressure piping codes with U.S. federal safety regulations. It provides plain-language summaries and excerpts covering key standards such as B31.4 for liquid pipelines and B31.8 for gas pipelines, serving as a vital reference for compliance. For more details, visit The American Society of Mechanical Engineers - ASME PTB-9 - ASME Pipeline Standards Compendium Note: B31
The compendium is not static. Three major trends are reshaping ASME pipeline codes from 2025 to 2030:
For an engineering firm or pipeline operator, a static list of codes is insufficient. You need a living compendium that incorporates code editions, addenda, and jurisdictional requirements.
Gone are the days of three-ring binders. Modern compendiums are digital knowledge bases.