What is the ASME U Stamp?

Introduction
We at Sure Flow stress the fact that our custom products are designed and
manufactured to ASME Section VIII, Division 1, Current Edition. Why? This
write-up provides a history and the most important sections to Sure Flow as a
manufacturer.

Sample of Sure Flow Equipment Inc. nameplate

ASME U STAMP
ASME is the acronym for American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Founded in 1880, ASME is a professional organization focused on technical,
education and research issues in the engineering and technology community.
ASME develops and maintains internationally recognized industrial and
manufacturing codes and standards that enhance public safety.
In 1911, ASME formed a committee with the objective of formulating a

collection of standards to govern the manufacture of steam boilers and other

pressure vessels. This need became apparent shortly after the invention of the
steam engine in the late 18th century. In the 19th century there were literally
thousands of boiler explosions around the world, some of which resulted in
many deaths. The committee is named the Boiler and Pressure Vessel
Committee. It is currently responsible for establishing rules of safety governing
the design, fabrication and inspection during construction of pressure vessels,
and to interpret these rules when questions arise regarding their content.
The rules are compiled and published as the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessels
Code. The Code is divided into 12 sections. These sections cover topics
ranging from the construction of boilers, pressure vessels, transport tanks and
nuclear power plant components, to the in-service inspection for pressure
integrity of nuclear components and transport tanks. The most important
sections to Sure Flow as a manufacturer of strainers are Section VIII Division 1,
Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels; Section II, Materials; Section V,
Nondestructive Examination; and Section IX, Welding and Brazing
Qualifications.
Since 1916, ASME has accredited companies in the pressure vessel industry to
certify that their products, services and quality system comply with the ASME
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. When dealing with strainers, this acceptance
and certification is symbolized by the U Stamp for pressure vessels and UM

Stamp for miniature pressure vessels. Sure Flow is authorized by ASME to use
the U or UM Code Symbols, as applicable, on strainers built in strict accordance
with the provisions of the Code. The Symbol on a vessel is used to confirm the
stamped item is in conformance to the latest edition of the Code.
Using the ASME Code Symbol Stamp is a way of complying with the laws and
regulations in all the provinces of Canada and all 50 states in the U.S.A. In
addition, it has been estimated that over 100 countries accept the ASME Boiler
and Pressure Vessel Code as a means of meeting their government safety
regulations.
The requirements of applying a U or UM Code Symbol to a strainer encompass
the whole process from design to purchasing to production and testing.
Starting right with the design, there are rules to be followed. Parameters such as
wall thicknesses, materials, flange ratings, welding details, and extent of
nondestructive examination are determined by design conditionssuch as
pressure, temperature, corrosion allowance, fluid running through the strainer,
and any specific requests from the customer. Based on these conditions a
comprehensive set of calculations are prepared. They are reviewed and
approved by the ASME Inspector.
Once the design has been approved, the materials can be purchased. Materials
used must comply with the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, in particular

Section II Parts A through D. Material Test Reports are required for all
materials. These reports include such things as chemical analysis, heat treatment
performed (as applicable) and any NDE testing results. Review of the reports
will determine if the material is in compliance with the Code requirements. The
reports are supplied by the vendor with the material. All material must be
clearly identified to trace it to the applicable Material Test Report. The ASME
Inspector will check the material and review the Material Test Reports to ensure
their conformity to the Code.
Before production can begin, the Inspector will verify that the weld procedure to
be used has been qualified and the welders performing the welding are certified.
This is in accordance with Section IX. At the same time, the Inspector will
inform us of the extent of his inspection on the fabrication part of the job.
Usually, he will want to see the strainer fit-up, that is the unit just before the
welding is performed. The next step is to review the unit after fabrication is
complete to ensure welding was performed to Code requirements. At the same
time, he will review any nondestructive testing results. Then he will witness a
hydrostatic test performed in accordance with the requirements of Section VIII
Division 1. The final step is the application of the nameplate. This is also
witnessed by the Inspector. The nameplate will be marked with relevant design
conditions and the U or UM Code Symbol.

ASME and SURE FLOW

Manufacturing in accordance with ASME standards provides you with Sure
Flow products of the highest quality, reliability and integrity. Plus, Sure Flow is
ISO 9001:2000 Certified and holds an ISO 9001:2000 Certificate of Registration
from the Global Certification Network so you can be assured we provide the
perfect product.