D. Bruce Hebb, P.Eng. serves as the V.P. Engineering at RPS Composites and is a key member of the Committee responsible for NM.2. We had the opportunity to get his insights on the implications of this new standard.
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Understanding ASME NM.2
The ASME NM.2 standard, specifically titled "Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Thermosetting-Resin Piping Systems," is one of three standards released for Nonmetallic Pressure Piping Systems (NPPS) by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
Reason Behind Its Creation
This standard was developed by an ASME Committee made up of end users, manufacturers, and various experts to define clear construction requirements for nonmetallic pressure piping and its components. Historically, there was no singular, definitive source for these guidelines, leading to a demand for a more understandable, uniform, and comprehensive set of regulations tailored to FRP piping systems.
Impact of NM.2 on the FRP Piping Market
This new standard aims to instill greater confidence in owners when sourcing their FRP piping systems, particularly for those requiring high levels of complexity and critical importance. Compliance with NM.2 will not only set manufacturers apart but may also distinguish product lines within the same organization.
This Standard establishes requirements for the design, materials, manufacture, fabrication, installation, examination, and testing of glass-fiber-reinforced thermosetting-resin (FRP) piping systems.
Choosing the appropriate piping standard falls to the owner based on the proposed installation. However, as NM.2 emerges as the gold standard, the expectations will rise, and some manufacturers may find it challenging to meet its stringent requirements. Owners might encounter claims of NM.2 compliance with exceptions, which technically do not equate to compliance.
The ASME NPPS Standards lay down necessary engineering requirements critical for the safe design and construction of nonmetallic pressure piping, detailing mandatory requirements, specific prohibitions, and non-mandatory guidelines for construction activities.
Broader Scope Beyond Pipe and Fittings
Concerned with the safe and reliable operation of FRP piping systems, the Committee extended the scope beyond just the pipes. For instance, sections addressing Piping Support have been included, noting that inadequate piping support, alongside installation mistakes, frequently leads to subpar performance in FRP piping systems.
Inclusion of Dual Laminate Piping
Currently, the standard does not encompass dual laminate piping, but there are plans to incorporate this in the future. Exclusions also apply to mortar piping, products using fibers other than glass, thermoset resins outside of PE, VE, and epoxy, high-pressure pipe, ducting, among others.
Repair Implications of NM.2-compliant Systems
No, the NM.2 standard does not cover the operations or maintenance of these systems.
Official Compliance Marking
Manufacturers are not mandated to be ASME certified to produce piping that complies with this standard, similar to the B31 piping codes, thus the piping will not carry an ASME stamp.
RPS Composites' Compliance Status
Yes, RPS Composites has several piping systems that comply with NM.2, including our HPPE P-150 corrosion-resistant FRP piping, HPPE A-150 corrosion/abrasion resistant FRP piping, as well as our HPPE H-150 and HPPE H-150-200 high-temperature corrosion-resistant FRP piping.
Further Information Resources
NM.2 is readily available in print from ASME. For additional guidance, readers may directly consult their NM.2-compliant manufacturers.
Interested in exploring more about FRP Composite Sand Pipe? Don't hesitate to contact us today for expert consultation!
These Standards prohibit designs and practices known to be unsafe and provide warnings where caution, rather than prohibition, is advisable.
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