REFORMER

I'm not really sure what you are asking, but I can tell you that as an end user we have this argument quite often over what the steam piping falls under as we use it for both power and process. Typically, it is classified as process steam, so it goes under 31.3 is the rule that we have followed.

Could you look under the original material certifications and see what standard the mill certified the material with?

Considering that the reformer as a general rule falls under 31.3, I wouldn't be surprised if the designers had all of the steam system designed under 31.3. Are the requirements for 31.1 noticeably different from 31.3?

API 560 is related to Fired Heaters for General Refinery Services, and its connecting piping can be designed, fabricated, ... and tested in accordance with ASME B31.3.

ASME B31.3 rules for process piping systems inside a refinery or petrochemical plant can be applied to all piping for all fluids including gas, liquid, steam, ... etc. in according to the following Para. 300.1.1 of ASME B31.3:

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300.1.1 Content and Coverage

(a) This Code prescribes requirements for materials and components, design, fabrication, assembly, erection, examination, inspection, and testing of piping.

(b) This Code applies to piping for all fluids, including

(1) raw, intermediate, and finished chemicals

(2) petroleum products

(3) gas, steam, air, and water

(4) fluidized solids

(5) refrigerants

(6) cryogenic fluids

(c) See Fig. 300.1.1 for a diagram illustrating the application of B31.3 piping at equipment. The joint connecting piping to equipment is within the scope of B31.3.

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The API rp560 is for the heater in general. This includes controls, burners and piping. Since a reformer is also a power boiler, then those tubes in the reformer that make high pressure steam must be built under powe boiler stds. The convection is low temperature lines and they can be built under 31.3

To sum it up, all the standards are optional in a privately owned facility and the ownwer operator can select whatever standard he wants. Its in the preamble of all the standards. You should read the first 25 pages with all those names and such sometime.