Fluid Service (piping)

As defined in ASME B31.3, fluid service is a general term concerning the application of a piping system,
considering the combination of fluid properties, operating conditions, and other factors, which establish
the basis for design of the piping system.
1. Category D Fluid Service: A fluid service in which all the following apply: (a) the fluid handled is
nonflammable, nontoxic, and not damaging to human tissues (see definition below). (b) The design gage
pressure does not exceed 1035 kPA (150 psi). (c) The design temperature is from -29C (-20F) through
186C (366F).
2. Category M Fluid Service: A fluid service in which the potential for personnel exposure is judged to be
significant and in which a single exposure to a very small quantity of a toxic fluid caused by leakage can
produce serious irreversible harm to persons upon breathing or bodily contact, even when prompt
restorative measures are taken.
3. High Pressure Fluid Service: A fluid service for which the owner specifies the use of chapter IX (High
Pressure Piping) for piping design and construction.
4. Normal Fluid Service: A fluid service pertaining to most piping covered by ASME B31.3, i.e., not subject
to the rules for Category D, Category M, or High Pressure Fluid Service, and not subject to severe cyclic
conditions.

B31.1 Fluid Services

Applies to all fluids where steam vapor is generated at 15 psig or higher. Steam condensate
(liquids) where water is 160 psig or temperatures exceed 250F.

B31.3 Fluid Services

Category D Fluid Service

Fluid is not flammable, not toxic or otherwise harmful to human tissues. Harmful means
exposure that can harm skin, eyes or mucous membranes that irreversible damage may
result unless immediate action is taken.
Design Gauge pressure is below 150 psi (1,035 kPa)

Design Temperature is between -20F to 366F (-29C to 186C)

An example of Category D fluid might be utility water in a plant or low pressure steam
condensate.

Category M Fluid Service

Category M service is a fluid where the potential for personnel exposure is considered to be
significant and where a single exposure to a very small amount can cause serious irreversible
harm to people. This could be death, respiratory failure, blindness, etc. Design for Category M
Fluid service should also meet the requirements of Chapter VIII of B31.3.

An example of Category M fluid could be Hydrogen Sulfide gas, high concentrations of

HydroChloric Acid or high pressure steam.

High Pressure Fluid Service

High Pressure Fluid Service is one the pressures are in excess of ANSI Class 2500. It is
important to note that B31.3 notes that there are no specified pressure limitations for the
application of the High Pressure Piping Rules. Design for High Pressure Fluid service should
also meet the requirements of Chapter IX of B31.3.

Normal Fluid Service

Fluid service that is covered by 31.3 but not subject to the rules for Category D, Category M or
High Pressure Fluid definitions.