ASME STP-PT-054-2012 PDF

Full title and description

ASME STP-PT-054:2012 — Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Codes and Standards Gap Analysis. A technical study that identifies safety‑related failure modes for leading concentrated solar power technologies, compares those modes with existing ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel (BPV) Code coverage, and provides recommendations to address gaps in codes and standards for CSP systems.

Abstract

This report reviews six leading concentrated solar power technologies, documents failure modes and effects that are relevant to pressure‑equipment and high‑temperature systems, compares those failure modes with rules in existing ASME BPV and related codes, and recommends actions (code changes, research, or practice guidance) to close identified gaps. The analysis focuses on where existing boiler, pressure‑vessel and piping requirements do or do not adequately address CSP-specific hazards and materials/operational conditions.

General information

• Status: Placed on stabilized maintenance; the 2012 report remains in effect and requests for change will be considered by ASME.
• Publication date: 2012 (published December 21, 2012 — edition year 2012).
• Publisher: ASME (The American Society of Mechanical Engineers).
• ICS / categories: 27.160 (Solar energy engineering) — relates to solar / CSP engineering and safety.
• Edition / version: STP‑PT‑054:2012 (2012 edition).
• Number of pages: 37 pages; ISBN 9780791868669.

Scope

The report examines the safety regulation needs of emerging CSP technologies and identifies differences between those needs and the coverage provided by existing ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel (BPV) Codes and related piping standards. It analyzes failure modes and effects for six leading CSP technology types and recommends specific actions (code development, research, or guidance) to close gaps that could affect safe design, fabrication, inspection and operation of CSP pressure‑containing and high‑temperature components.

Key topics and requirements

• Identification of CSP system types and their primary failure modes and hazards (thermal cycling, high‑temperature creep, corrosive or molten heat‑transfer media, concentrated flux effects on components).
• Comparison of CSP failure modes with existing ASME BPV and piping code provisions to locate gaps in coverage.
• Recommendations for code actions, including research needs, possible code additions or clarifications, and areas for development of guidance documents.
• Inspection, testing and monitoring considerations specific to CSP (e.g., radiative/concentrated‑heat effects, access‑port considerations, instrumentation and protective systems).
• Materials, joining and creep/temperature‑related design concerns for CSP pressure equipment and piping systems.

Typical use and users

Used by ASME standards committees, code authors, CSP plant designers and engineers, pressure‑equipment manufacturers, inspection and testing organizations, safety/regulatory authorities, and R&D groups working on solar thermal systems. The report supports decision‑making about when existing BPV/piping rules are adequate and where targeted code development is needed.

Related standards

Closely related to ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) provisions and ASME piping codes (e.g., B31 series for piping). Also relevant to other ASME STP/PT reports and criteria documents addressing pressure‑equipment reliability and design (see related STP‑PT reports). International solar / PV standards and technical specifications (ICS 27.160 family, IEC/ISO solar standards) provide complementary terminology and performance test context for CSP systems.

Keywords

Concentrated Solar Power, CSP, gap analysis, ASME, Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, BPV, pressure equipment, high temperature, creep, concentrated heat, solar thermal, parabolic trough, solar tower, linear Fresnel, dish/engine, concentrated photovoltaics, standards development, safety.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: STP‑PT‑054:2012 is an ASME Standards Technology/Procedure (STP) report titled "Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Codes and Standards Gap Analysis" that documents where CSP safety and reliability needs diverge from current ASME BPV and piping code coverage and recommends actions to address gaps.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers identification of CSP technologies and their safety‑relevant failure modes, comparison with existing ASME code rules, gap identification, and recommendations for research, guidance, or code changes to improve safety and regulatory coverage for CSP systems.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: ASME committee members, code developers, CSP plant and system engineers, equipment fabricators, inspection bodies, safety regulators, and researchers focused on solar thermal power technologies.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2012 report has been placed on stabilized maintenance by ASME and remains in effect; ASME will consider requests for changes submitted through the appropriate ASME channels. Users should check ASME publications or contact ASME for any later reaffirmation or revisions beyond the 2012 edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of ASME's STP‑PT (Standards Technology/Procedure — Pressure Technology) series of reports and studies that examine pressure‑equipment topics, reliability criteria and code development needs. Other STP‑PT reports address related pressure‑equipment and reliability criteria issues.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Concentrated Solar Power (CSP), gap analysis, ASME BPV, pressure vessels, high temperature, creep, solar thermal, parabolic trough, solar tower, linear Fresnel, standards development.