Knowing the
difference between Code, Standard and Specification is very important if
you are working in Oil & Gas Industries. In this post, I will explain you
about code, standard and specification. You will also learn the difference
between them. This difference is also applicable to piping.
What is Standard?
Standard
can define as a set of technical definitions and guidelines – or simply a “how
to” instructions for designers and manufacturers. It gives all the necessary
requirements for the product, service, and operation.
A
designer will use the standard to design the product, and a manufacturer will
use the standard for the manufacturing of the product.
Standard
serves as a common language for defining quality and establishing safety
criteria for the product. ASTM, API, ISO are some examples of the standard.
ASTM has more than 12000 standards they cover all most everything. If you
visit ASTM website, they said that they have a standard form toys to
aircraft.
Why standard required?
let’s
take an example of a mobile phone charger. If you are in the USA and traveling
to India, you need an adapter to use your charger. This is because both the
country follows the different standard for power sockets. But your USB cables
will work anywhere in the world because it is manufactured as per globally
accepted standard.
In the
case of process industry, piping components are sourced from around the world;
we want all these materials, irrespective of their country of origin should fit
perfectly with each other at the site. Standard help to achieve these;
§ By establishing common
engineering or technical requirements for products, practices, methods or
operations that manufacturer has to follow while manufacturing piping
components.
§ Standard Built confidence
about product quality in the users and
§ With standardization cost of
production will reduce as you can produce in bulk for global markets.
What is Code?
When
governmental bodies adopt the standard and become legally enforceable, or when
it has been incorporated into a business contract, the standard will become a
code.
ASME
Codes are legally enforceable in many US state. Whereas, in the other part
of the world they are not legally enforceable, but such countries have their
own similar codes.
Please
note that requirements mentioned in the code will only be mandatory
requirements if
§ The Code is adopted as law by
a regulatory body
§ It is a part of the business
contract
Otherwise,
Code will serve as generally accepted guidelines for design, fabrication,
construction, and installation,
However,
all most all process facility follows various American code and Standard in
addition to their national standard.
§ Examples of the codes are ASME
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, BS, DIN, etc.
Why Code required?
§ Code Provides a set of rules
that specify the minimum acceptable level of safety & Quality for
manufactured, fabricated or constructed goods.
§ Codes also refer out to
standards or specifications for the specific details on additional requirements
that are not specified in the Code
What is Specification?
Specifications
provide specific/additional requirements for the materials, components or
services that are beyond the code or standard requirements
§ For Example, if you want A106
Gr B pipe with Maximum carbon of 0.23% against standard requirements of 0.3%
Max, you have to specify your requirement in your specification or Purchase
Order.
§ Specification is generated by
private companies to address additional requirements applicable to a specific
product or application
Why Specification required?
§ It allows purchaser to include
special requirements as per design and service condition
§ It allows customizing your
product.
§ Please note requirement in
specification are Must meet requirements
§ Examples- Product
specification, Shell DEP & EIL Specification
Difference Between Code,
Standard and Specification in Piping.
|
CODE
|
STANDARD
|
SPECIFICATION
|
|
Enforceable
by Law or by contract
|
Globally
accepted “how to instruction”
|
Must
meet requirements by Contracts
|
|
Written
by government or government approved body
|
Written
by public organization or by government body
|
Written
by private companies
|
|
Guidelines
for design, fabrication, construction and installation
|
Set
of technical definitions and guidelines for manufacturing
|
Additional
requirements, beyond code & standard
|
|
ASME,
BS, IS, DIN
|
ASTM,
SAE, ISO
|
Shell
DEP, EIL Spec.
|
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