What is the primary purpose of the ASME code?

The primary purpose of the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) code is to provide safety guidelines for pressure vessels. This code establishes essential safety standards to ensure that pressure vessels are designed, constructed, inspected, and maintained in a manner that prevents catastrophic failures and ensures safe operation.

The ASME code outlines various requirements and practices for the fabrication and inspection of pressure vessels, making it crucial for engineers to adhere to these guidelines to protect both personnel and the environment. This includes defining the materials that can be used, the processes for design calculations, and the testing methods to validate the integrity of pressure vessels.

While the other options indicate relevant topics related to engineering practices, they do not fully capture the primary focus of the ASME code. The standardization of boiler designs, explaining maintenance practices, or regulating the heating industry are aspects that may fall under broader engineering principles but are not the core intention of the ASME code.