ASME STS-1-2021 PDF

Full title and description

ASME STS-1-2021 — Steel Stacks. A technical standard that establishes minimum requirements for the design, materials, fabrication, inspection and maintenance of steel stacks (chimneys) where the primary supporting shell is made of steel. The standard addresses single- and multiple-walled stacks (lined or unlined), guyed stacks, certain tower-stack elements, and stacks supported on foundations or other structures. It also includes requirements for access, lighting and lightning protection, and for controlling wind- and seismic-induced vibration.

Abstract

STS-1-2021 provides comprehensive guidance and mandatory requirements for structural and mechanical aspects of steel stacks used to convey combustion and other gases at low internal pressures. Topics include material selection, structural design and analysis, linings and coatings, fabrication and erection practices, inspection and maintenance procedures, and safety provisions for climbing/access. Supplemental design requirements cover lighting, lightning protection, and mitigation of wind- and seismic-induced vibration. The standard is intended primarily for stacks carrying nonflammable gases but may be adapted for other applications by qualified engineers.

General information

• Status: Active — placed on stabilized maintenance.
• Publication date: 2022 (designated STS-1:2021; implemented mid‑2022).
• Publisher: The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
• ICS / categories: 91.060.40 (Chimneys, shafts, ducts); commonly associated with 27.060.30 (Boilers and heat exchangers) and building/structural design categories.
• Edition / version: STS-1:2021 (current edition).
• Number of pages: 116 pages (ASME published edition).

Scope

This Standard applies to steel stacks whose primary supporting shell is steel. It covers both single- and multiple-walled configurations (lined or unlined), guyed stacks, and selected aspects of tower stacks. The scope includes mechanical and structural design, material selection, linings and coatings, fabrication and erection, inspection, maintenance, and safety-related access. Also addressed are supplemental requirements such as lighting, lightning protection, and design measures for wind- and seismic-induced vibration. The standard is intended primarily for stacks conveying nonflammable gases at low internal pressure but can be adapted for other services by qualified personnel.

Key topics and requirements

• Structural and mechanical design principles for steel stack shells and supports.
• Material selection criteria for steel, linings and protective coatings.
• Design and detailing for single- and multiple-walled stacks, including liners.
• Requirements for foundations, attachments, guying, and support conditions.
• Assessment and mitigation of wind- and seismic-induced vibrations (dynamic effects and damping measures).
• Lighting, lightning protection, and related electrical/safety considerations.
• OSHA-based climbing, access, and fall-protection provisions for inspection/maintenance.
• Inspection, testing, maintenance schedules, and acceptance criteria for in-service stacks.
• Guidance on applying the standard to stacks containing flammable gases (requires engineer modification).

Typical use and users

Used by structural and mechanical engineers, stack and chimney designers, fabricators and erectors of steel stacks, plant owners and operators (power plants, refineries, chemical plants, industrial boilers), maintenance and inspection teams, safety and compliance officers, and regulatory/code officials. Typical applications include new stack design, modification/retrofit of existing stacks, acceptance criteria for fabrication and erection, and routine inspection/maintenance planning.

Related standards

Commonly used alongside earlier and related documents such as the previous edition ASME STS-1:2016, national/regional chimney design standards (for example EN 13384 series), structural design codes (for example Eurocode 3 / EN 1993 where applicable), and general loading standards such as ASCE/SEI 7 for wind and seismic design. Other related guidance includes occupational safety regulations for ladders/access and lightning protection standards.

Keywords

steel stacks, chimneys, structural design, wind vibration, seismic vibration, linings, coatings, inspection, maintenance, access, lightning protection, ASME STS-1

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASME STS-1-2021 (designated STS-1:2021) is ASME’s technical standard for steel stacks (chimneys), defining requirements for design, materials, fabrication, inspection and maintenance.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers mechanical and structural design of single- and multiple-walled steel stacks (lined or unlined), material selection, linings and coatings, fabrication/erection practices, inspection and maintenance requirements, lighting and lightning protection, OSHA-based access provisions, and design considerations for wind- and seismic-induced vibration.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Structural and mechanical engineers, stack designers, fabricators, plant owners/operators, inspection and maintenance personnel, and code/regulatory reviewers use this standard when designing, building, modifying or inspecting steel stacks.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The current designation is STS-1:2021 (ASME publication published/implemented in 2022). It supersedes the prior edition (STS-1:2016) and is listed as active and on stabilized maintenance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: STS-1 is the primary ASME standard for steel stacks; related documents include previous STS-1 editions and other regional or international chimney/stack standards and structural design codes that are used together with STS-1 for complete project compliance.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Steel stacks, chimneys, structural design, linings, coatings, inspection, maintenance, wind-induced vibration, seismic-induced vibration, lightning protection, access and safety.