Interpretations 24 B31.3

ASME 831.3 INTERPRETATIONS

ASME 831.3 INTERPRETATIONS VOLUME 24

Replies to Technical Inquiries April 30, 2012 through December 16, 2013

GENERAL INFORMATION

It has been agreed to publish interpretations issued by the B31 Committee concerning B31.3 as part of the update service to the Code. The interpretations have been assigned numbers in chronological order. Each interpretation applies to the Edition stated in the interpretation, or if none is stated, to the Edition in effect on the date of issuance of the interpretation. Subsequent revisions to the Code may have superseded the reply.

These replies are taken verbatim from the original letters, except for a few typographical and editorial corrections made for the purpose of improved clarity. In some instances, a review of the interpretation revealed a need for corrections of a technical nature. ln these cases, a revised reply bearing the original interpretation number with the suffix R is presented. ln the case where an interpretation is corrected by errata, the original interpretation number with the suffix Eis used.

ASME procedures provide for reconsideration of these interpretations when or if additional infom1ation is available which the inquirer believes might affect the interpretation. Further, persons aggrieved by an interpretation may appeal to the cognizant ASME committee or subcom-mittee. As stated in the Statement of Policy in the Code documents, ASME does not "approve," "certify," "rate," or "endorse" any item, construction, proprietary device, or activity.

For detailed instructions on preparation of technical inquiries to the 831 Committee, refer to Appendix Z.

NUMERICAL AND SUBJECT INDEXES

Numerical and Subject Indexes have been prepared to assist the user in locating interpretations by location or by subject matter in the Code. They cover interpretations issued from Volume 1 up to and including the present volume, and wiU be updated with each volume.

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831.3 Subject

Chapter IX, I ligh Pressure Piping (1331.3-2012) ..................... .... .... Fig. 323.2.28, Design Minimum Temperature According to ASME 631T

(631.3-2010) ... ........ . .. . ... ...... . . .. ... . ... .. .. .. .... . ... .. ... . .. Para. 302.3.6(a), Limits of Calculated Stresses Due to Occasional Loads

(831.3-2012) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................................. .. Para. 304.7.2, Pressure Design (1331.3-2010) ...... ...... .... ..... ..... ...... . . Para. 307.1.2, Qualification of Valve Pressure Design (831.3-2010) ... .... .. . Para. 322.6.3, Rclicl Devices (631.3-2012) . . ... .... .... ....... . . ....... . ..... Para. 323.3.5, Acceptance Criteria (631.3-2012) ...... . ................. . ..... . Para. 328.5.4 and Fig. 328.5.40, Welded Branch Connection (631.3-2010) . ..... . Para. 328.5.4, Welded Bra nch Connections (631.3-2010) . .. .. . . . ........ . . Paras. 328.5.4(d) and (e), Use of a Branch Connection Where the

Abutting Branch Pipe Is Not Welded to the Run (1331.3-2012) .............. . Para. 340.4(a), Owner's Inspectors (631.3-2010) ........ .. ..... . . ... .. .... . .. . Para. 341.3.l (a), NOE After PWHT for P-Nos. 3, 4, and 5 Materials

(631.3-2010) ..... .. ........ . .. ...... . ................................. . Para. 341.3.3, Defective Components and Workmanship (631.3-1996

Ed it ion Through 831.3-2012) .. ...... . .. . ... .... . .. ... .... . ........ . Para. 341.4.l(b), Sample Ex:1minat ions (631.3-2010) .. . .... . . ...... .. ........ . Para. 341.4.l(b)(l), Prequalification of Welds by Random Examination

(631.3-2012) ...... . .. .................. .. ... .... ................. .. ... . Paras. 344.2.1 and 342.1, Visual Examinaticm (631.3-2012) . ... ... .. .. ... . . .... . Para. 345, Pneumatic Leak Testing (631.3-2010) .... ..... .... ..... .... . . Para. 345.2.2(a), Examination During Leak Testing (631.3-1996 Edition Through

631.3-2010) ..... ..... .... ...... ..... .. . ....... .. . . ... ..... ..... . . .. ... . Para. 345.2.3(b), Flanged joints (631.3-2010) . .. ... . .. .. .. ... . .. . .. ... . .. .. . Para. 345.2.3(c), Closure Welds (631.3-2012) ...... . . .. ............ ... ...... Para. 1


Interpretation 24-01

Subject: Table 323.2.2, Notes (3) and (5), Impact Testing (831 .3-2010)

Date Issued: April 30, 2012

File: 12-57

Question: Jn accordance with ASME 831.3-2010, if a material meets the requirements of Table 323.2.2, Note (3) exception to impact testing requirements, does it matter what size specimen is obtainable as described in Note (5)?

Reply: No.


Subject: Table 341.3.2 and Paras. 341.4.1, 341.4.2, and M341.4, Radiography for Fillet Welds (831.3-2010)


File: 12-102

Question: ln accordance with ASME 831.3-2010, is it a requirement to perform radiography on fillet welds?

Reply: No.


Subject: Table 341.3.2, Acceptance Criteria (831.3-2010)


File: 12-241

Question: In accordance with ASME 831.3, if indications are detected in the base metal or a weld not required to be examined, are the indications required to be evaluated?

Reply: The Code does not specifically address this issue. However, the Introduction states that the owner is responsible for imposing requirements supplementary to those of the Code if necessary to assure safe piping for the proposed installation. Also see para. 300(c)(4).

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Subject: Fig. 323.2.26, Design Minimum Temperature According to ASME B31T (631.3-2010)

Date Issued: Apri I 30, 2012

File: 12-243

Question (1): In accordance with ASME 831.3-2010, may Fig. 323.2.28 be used for impact-tested materials in the same manner as described in the ASME 8PV Code rules?

Reply (1): No. See interpretation 20-13R.

Question (2): [n accordance with ASME 831.3-2010, is the use of ASME 831 T, Standa rd Toughness Requirements for Piping, mandatory?

Reply (2): No.

Question (3): In accordance with ASME 831.3-2010, does Fig. 323.2.28 apply to UNS 531803 (22Cr duplex)?

Reply (3): No.


Subject: Para. 340.4(a), Owner's Inspectors (631.3-2010)


File: 12--199

Background: An EPC (Engineering, Procu rement, and Construction) contractor has been awarded a contract to engineer, procure, construct, and install a pressure piping system.

Question (1): Does ASME 831.3 allow an EPC contractor to act as the owner's inspector until the piping system is complete and ready to be turned over to the owner?

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Does J\SME 831.3 allow the owner to designate in writing an employee of the EPC contractor to act as the owner's inspector until the piping system is complete and ready to be turned over to the owner?

Reply (2): No.

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Subject: Para. K328.2.1{b), Welding Qualifications (B31.3-2010)


File: 12-623

Question (1): In accordance with ASME 831.3-2010, is a separate qualification of the welding procedure required for each combination of base material specification(s) forming a joint in Chapter IX, 1-:!igh Pressure Piping, even if the material type or grade remains the same?

Reply (1): Yes; see para. K328.2.l(b).

Question (2): In accordance with ASME 831.3-2010, if a welded joint comprised of two different material spec ifications with the same type or grade in Chapter lX, High Pressure Piping, is qualified, does the welding procedure also qualify welding of each individual base material to itself?

Reply (2): No; see para. K328.2.1(b).

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ASME 831.J INTERPRETATIONS


Subject: Pa ra. 345.2.2(a), Exam ination During Leak Testing (631.3-1996 Edition Through 631 .3-2010)

Date Issued: October 5, 2012

File: 12-56, 12-666

Question (1): In accordance with ASME 631.3-1996 Edition through ASME 631.3-2010, para. 345.2.2(a), must examination for leaks be performed in accordance with the visual examination method in para. 344.2?

Reply {l): No.

Question (2): Other than sensitive lea k testing, do ASME 8 31.3-1996 Edition through ASME 831.3-2010, define leak testing examination requirements?

Reply (2): No.

Question (3): ln accordance with ASME 631.3-1996 Edition through ASME 831.3-2010, para. 345.2.2(a), must personnel performing the examination for leaks be qualified for visual examina-tion per paras. 342.1 or 344.2?

Reply (3): No.

Question (4): In accordance with ASME 831.3-1996 Edition through ASME 631.3-2010, para. 345.2.2(a), must leak testing be performed in accordance with a written procedure for visual examination?

Reply (4): No.

Question (5): Other than sensitive leak testing, do ASME 631.3-1996 Edition through ASME 831.3-2010 require compliance with the requirements of ASME BPV Code Section V, Articles 9 or 10 for leak testing?

Reply (5): No.

Question (6): In accordance with ASME 631.3-1996 Edition through ASME 831.3-2010, during a hydrostatic lea k test, if the examiner is satisfi ed that the requirements of para. 345.2.2(a) are met, is a 100% visual examination (i.e., a visual examination of 360 deg of the pipe or joint surface) of each joint or connection required?

Reply (6): No.


Subject: Para. 341.4.l{b), Sample Examinations (831.3-2010)

Date lssued: October 5, 2012

File: 12-1071

Question: If one welder makes the tack welds in a circumferential butt weld and another welder welds the root pass and remainder of the weld, is it required that the welder who made the tack welds be represented in the sample examinations required by para. 341.4.1 (b) or the progressive sampling of para. 341.3.4?

Reply: No.

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ASME B31.3 IN'TfRPRETATIONS


Subject: Para . 304.7.2, Pressure Design (631.3-2010)


File: 12-1504

Question: In accordance with ASME 631.3-2010, para. 307.1.2, Unlisted Valves, if valve pressure-temperature ratings are established by the method set forth in ASME 616.34, Appendix B, is it necessary to qualify the pressure design in accordance with ASME 831.3, para. 304.7.2?

Reply: No.


Subject: Para. 328.5.4, Welded Branch Connections (831.3-2010)


File: 12-1584

Question: In ASME 831.3-2010, for the installation of instrument tap type branch connections, do the weld types specified in ASME Section VIII, Division 1, UW-15(b) (i.e., welds that require no strength calculations) and corresponding acceptable welding types shown in UW-16, which include not-fully-penetrated branch connection groove welds, comply with the acceptable welding details shown in ASME 631.3, para. 328.5.4?

Reply: No; however, see para. 300(c)(3).


Subject: Para. 345, Pneumatic Leak Testing (831.3-2010)


File: 12-1610

Question: Jn accordance with ASME 831.3-2010, para. 345.5.4(a), with or without the owner's approval, does the Code permit pneumatic testing in excess of 1.33 times the design pressure?

Reply: No; however, see para. 300(c)(3).

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Interpretation 24-1 2

Subject: Table 302.3.5, Weld Joint Strength Reduction Factor, W (631.3-2010)


File: 12-1728

Question (1): ln accordance with ASME 831.3-2010, Table 302.3.5, is the weld strength reduction factor, W, for P91 alloy steel material (CSEF subcritical) at 950F equal to 0.5?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): In accordance with ASME 831.3-2010, Table 302.3.5, should the weld strength reduction factor, W, for P91 alloy steel material be the same value as in ASME 831.1-2010?

Reply (2): The ASME 831.3 Committee is unable to provide the information you have requested. The Committee does not respond to requests for rationaJe. Code rules reflect not only technical data and safety criteria, but also the collective experience of the Committee members. interdepen-dence of rules in various Chapters also plays a part in any given requirement.

If you believe, however, that a particular Code rule or rules may benefit from consideration of new or additional data and approaches, the Committee welcomes your desire to contribute. We invite you to submit pertinent material for transmittaJ to the Code Section Committee involved.

If you desire, an invi tation can be extended for you to attend a meeting of the Committee at which the material will be discussed. We appreciate your interest.

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Subject: Chapter IX, High Pressure Piping (831.3-2012)


File: 12-1782

Question (1 ): Does ASME 831.3-2012 require compliance with Chapter IX, High Pressure Piping, under any circumstance other than when such compliance is specified by the owner?

Reply (1): No; see para. K300(a).

Question (2): Does ASME 631.3-2012 require that piping designed for a pressure in excess of that allowed by ASME 616.5, Class 2500 rating for the specified design temperature and material group be designed in accordance with Chapter IX if the piping system is not designated by the owner as being in High Pressure Fluid Service?

Reply (2): No; see para. K300(a).


Subject: Table 323.3.1, Impact Testing for Metals (831.3-2010)


File: 12-2057

Question (1 ): Do rows 4 through 7 of Table 323.3.l of ASME 831.3-2010 apply to welds used in the manufacture of piping components?

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Do rows 1 through 3 of Table 323.3.1 of ASME 831.3-2010 apply to welds used in the manufacture of piping components?

Reply (2): Yes.


Subject: Para. 328.5.4 and Fig. 328.5.40, Welded Branch Connection (831.3-2010)


File: 13-76

Question: Does ASME 831.3-2010 permit the use of a complete (full) encirclement split-tee as a branch connection, where a branch pipe is butt welded to the branch opening of the split-tee, if the requirements of paras. 303 and 304.7.2 are met?

Reply: Yes. Sec also paras. 300(c)(3) and 300(c)(4).


Subject: Para. 322.6.3, Relief Devices (831.3-2012)


File: 13-266

Question: Does ASME 831.3 require that all relief devices that meet para. 322.6.3 but not A Pl 526 be evaluated as unlisted components?

Reply: Yes; see para. 302.2.3.

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Subject: Para. K328.2.1(d), Welding Qualifications (831.3-2010)


File: 13-474

Question (1): In accordance with ASME 831.3-2010, para. K328.2.1(d), if transverse tensile testing is required for a full penetration groove weld test coupon for Welding Procedure Qualification in accordance with the ASME BPV Code, Section IX, shall yield strength be determined on the transverse tensile test coupon?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): In accordance with ASME 831.3-2010, para. K328.2.1(d), shall all-weld-metal tensile testing be conducted and the yield strength of the weld be determined if transverse tensile testing is required for a full penetration groove weld test coupon for Welding Procedure Qualification in accordance with the ASME BPV Code, Section fX?

Reply (2): No, unless the filler metal is not yet incorporated into Section IX (see para. K328.3.1).


Subject: P;.ua. 307.1.2, Qualification of Valve Pressure Design (631.3-2010)


File: 13-509

Question: Does para. 307.1.2 of ASME 831.3-2010 permit a valve manufactured from a material not listed in ASME 816.34 to have the pressure-temperature rating established i.n accordance with the method set forth in ASME 816.34?

Reply: Yes.


Subject: Para. 345.2.3(b), Flanged Joints (831.3-2010)


File: 13-620

Question (1): In accordance with ASME 631.3-2010, do components listed in Table 326.1 need to be leak tested in accordance with para. 345?

Reply (1): We believe your question can be answered by previous interpretation 23-14.

Question (2): Does the phrase "previously been tested" in para. 345.2.3(b) refer to leak testing in accordance with the requirements of ASME 631.3?

Reply (2): Yes.


Subject: Random Examination (831.3-2012)


File: 13-704

Question: Does ASME 831.3-2012 prohibit commencement of random examination prior to completion of all welds in a designated lot?

Reply: No.

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Subject: Paras. 344.2.l and 342.1, Visual Exam ination (B31 .3-2012)


File: 13-710

Question (1 ): Does ASME B31.3-2012 have any qualification requirements for visual examiners performing Code-required examinations?

Reply (1): Yes. See paras. 342.1 and 344.2.

Question (2): Does ASME B31.3-2012 require individuals that check the fit and alignment of weld joints during fabrication to be qualified for visual examination as described in paras. 342.1 and 344.2?

Reply (2): No.


Subject: Para. 341.4.l(b)(l), Prequalification of Welds by Random Examination (831.3-2012)


File: 13-786

Question: When ASME 831.3-2012, para . 341.4.l(b)(l) requires random exam ination of 5% of circumferential girth or miter groove welds by radiography or ultrasonk examination for Normal Fluid Service, must all welds in the lot be completed prior to the completion of the required examinations on the selected welds?

Reply: The Code does not address this issue. See previous interpretations 2-12 and 24-20.


Subject: Paras. 328.5.4(d) and (e), Use of a Branch Connection Where the Abutting Branch Pipe Is Not Welded to the Run (B31.3-2012)


File: 13-789

Question: Under the rules of ASME B3l.3-2012, may a branch connection be added to a piping run using branch attachment details other than specified by para. 328.5.4(d), which require fully penetrated groove welds to the run pipe, or para. 328.5.4(e)?

Reply: No, unless qualified in accordance with paras. 300(c)(3), 300(c)(4), and 304.7.2.

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Subject: Para. 302.3.6(a), Limits of Calculated Stresses Due to Occasional Loads (831.3-2012)


Pile: 13-1331

Question (1): Is the final paragraph in para. 302.3.6(a) applicable to castings only?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Does ASME 831.3 permit the occasional stress of austenitic steel piping to rise above yield?

Reply (2): Yes; however, see para. 302.3.2(e).


Subject: Para. 345.2.3{c), Closure Welds (831.3-2012)


File: 13-1499

Question: lf a pipe is bent in accordance with para. 306.2, can it be installed using closure welds without being leak tested in accordance with para. 345?

Reply: No.


Subject: Para. 323.3.5, Acceptance Criteria (831.3-2012)


File: 13-1508

Question (1): In accordance with ASME 831.3-2012, para. 323.3.S(a), do the acceptance criteria for minimum energy requirements apply to carbon and low alloy steels having specified minimum tensile strengths equal to or greater than 656 MPa (95 ksi) or for high alloy steels (P-Nos. 6, 7, and 8)?

Reply {l): No. Sec para. 323.3.S(b) for acceptance criteria for these materials.

Question (2): In accordance with ASME 831.3-2012, para. 323.3.5(c), are the acceptance criteria for weld impact test requirements applicable for clad-pipe to clad-pipe welds?

Reply (2): No. See paras. 323.3.S{a) and 323.3.5{b).

Question (3): In accordance with ASME 831.3-2012, para. 323.3.S{c), when dissimilar base metals (e.g., Pl and P8) are joined by welding and the weld metal has a tensile strength most closely matching that of the P8 base material, shall the acceptance criteria for impact tests conform to the lateral expansion requirements of para. 323.3.S(b)?

Reply (3): Yes.

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Subject: Table 323.2.2, Low Temperature Toughness Tests for Metals (B31.3-2008)


File: 13-1548

Question: In accordance with ASME 631.3-2008, when ASTM 8423 N08825 base metal is welded by SFA-5.14 ERNiCrMo-3 N06625 filler metal, do the rules of Table 323.2.2, Box A-6(b) require that testing in accordance with Box B-6 be performed?

Reply: Yes.


Subject: Table 323.3.1, Impact Testing Requirements for Metals (631.3-2008)


File: 13-1549

Question: In accordance with ASME 831.3-2008, Table 323.3.1, box A-5, is the qualified thickness range T / 2 to T + 6 mm (!'4 in.)?

Reply: Yes. Also see previous Interpretation 4-17.


Subject: Para. 341.3.3, Defective Components and Workmanship (831.3-1996 Edition Through 831 .3-2012)

Date Issued: December 12, 2013

File: 13-709

Question: ls it the intent of ASME 631.3-1996 Edition through ASME 831.3-2012, para. 341.3.3 to allow replacement welds for rejected welds to be examined by any nondestructive (NOE) method that is allowed for the original welds, as it is for high pressure piping system welds in K341.3.3, rather than requiring the same NDE method as used on the original defective welds?

Reply: Yes.


Subject: Para. 341.3.l(a), NOE After PWHT for P-Nos. 3, 4, and 5 Materials (831.3-2010)

Date Issued: December 16, 2013

File: 11-1769

Question: A piping assembly made of P-No. 5 material consisting of severa l welds is furnace heat treated and radiographed. One of those welds is defective and repaired. The assembly is then heat treated again. ls it the intent of para. 341.3.l(a) that all of the welds in that piping assembly be radiographcd again?

Reply: No.

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Interpretations 24 B31.3

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Transcript of Interpretations 24 B31.3