The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section I, Power Boilers, includes rules and general requirements for all methods of construction of power, electric, and miniature boilers and high-temperature water boilers used in stationary service. It also includes power boilers used in locomotive, portable, and traction service.

The rules of Section I are applicable to boilers in which steam or other vapor is generated at a pressure more than 15 psig and high-temperature water boilers intended for operation at pressures exceeding 160 psig and/or temperatures exceeding 250 F. Superheaters, economizers, and other pressure parts connected directly to the boiler without intervening valves are considered as part of the scope of Section I (see Code Section I, Power Boilers Preamble).

References in this chapter are for Code Section I, Power Boilers.

The 1914 ASME Boiler Code was the original pressure vessel code, which now includes 11 sections. Section VIII, Division I, Pressure Vessel Code, is used to build more vessels than all the others combined. This book was written mainly for users of Section VIII, Division I. However, many engineers, fabricators, and inspectors must work with all sections of the Code.

Those who use the ASME Code, Section I, Power Boilers, regularly in construction and inspection may not have difficulty in finding the information needed. It is the engineer, fabricator, or inspector who consults it infrequently who may have difficulty.

A Quick Reference Guide (Fig. 9.1) illustrates some of the types of boiler construction which are provided for under Section I...