ASME B31.3 Interpretations Imposed Displ

ASME 831.
3 INTERPRETATIONS
ASME 831.3
INTERPRETATIONS VOLUME 20
Replies to Technical Inquiries
November 1, 2003 through October 31, 2005
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revisions to the Code may have superseded the reply.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. In these cases, a revised
reply bearing the original interpretation number with the suffix R is presented. In 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
information 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 B31 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 will be updated with each volume.
Copyright 2007 by the American Society of Mechanical n g i n e e ~ s c!i?:l
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. ~
ASME 831.3 INTERPRETATIONS
831.3
Allowances With Owner's Approval .
Appendix A, Note (76) .
Appendix A, Table A-I, 321 Stainless Steel Stresses .
Applicability of Ultrasound Testing for Heavy Thick Piping .
Chapter VIII, Piping for Category M Fluid Service .
Chapter IX, Thickness Umitations .
Clarification of Seamless Pipe .
Combining Displacements .
Coverage of Ozone Gas .
Design Stress for Bolts. . . . .
Duration of Occasional Loads .
Examination and Quality Factor for Longitudinal Welds .
Fig. 323.2.2B .
Figs. 328.5.2B and 328.5.2C, Slip-On and Socket Welds .
Hydrostatic Testing .
Interpretation 17-10 .
Minimum Thickness for Test Blanks .
Para. 3OO(c)(3) .
Paras. 3OO.1.1(b), 300(c)(4), 3OO(c)(5), 345.1, and 345.8, Vacuum Box
Testing of Piping Field Welds .
Para. 301.1(c) and (d) .
Para. 302.2.4, Allowances for Pressure and Temperature Variations .
Para. 302.2.4 .
Para. 302.3 .
Para. 302.3.5, Umits on Calculated Stresses Due to Sustained Loads and
Displacement Strains .
Para. 304.7.2 .
Para. 304.7.2 .
Para. 314, Threaded Joints .
Para. 323.2.2, Lower Temperature Limits, Listed Materials .
Para. 323.2.2 .
Paras. 328.2.1 and 328.2.2 .
Para. 328.5.3, Seal Welds .
Para. 328.5.4, Welded Branch Connections .
Para. 331 .
Para. 340.4 .
Para. 345.2.2, Visual Examination of Fillet Weld .
Para. 345.2.2(a), Examination for Leaks .
Para. 345.2.3, Piping Subassemblies .
Para. 345.2.3(c), Testing of Closure Welds .
Paras. 345.2.6 and 345.9.1(b), Leak Testing and Examination of Welds .
Para. 345.3.1, Hydrostatic Testing of Pipe .
Para. K303, Use of B16.9 Buttwelding Fittings .
Paras. M314.2.2 and M335.3.3, and Fig. 335.3.3(a) .
Performing Digital Radiography .
PWHT Requirements .
Qualifying the Heat Input for Impact Testing . . . . . . .
Table 323.3.1, Welding Procedure Qualified Thickness Range and HAZ Impact
Location .
Table 341.3.2, Radiography Acceptance Criteria .
Table 341.3.2, Radiography Acceptance Criteria .
Table A326.1, Applicability of ASTM F 1281, F 1282, and F 1974 .
Use of Sh for Occasional Stress Evaluation .
Interpretation File No.
20-22 B31-05-45
20-29 B31-05-388
20-32 B31-05-405
20-09 B31-04-00497
20-23 B31-05-107
20-41 B31-05-1209
20-04 B31-04-00414
20-45 B31-05-1213
20-08 B31-04-00496
20-12 B31-04-01129
20-50 B31-05-1307
20-34 B31-05-455
20-13 B31-04-0113O
20-01 B31-03-01912
20-47 B31-05-1223
20-43 B31-05-1211
20-17 B31-04-01293
20-38 B31-05-1142
20-18 B31-04-01294
20-40 B31-05-1208
20-03 B31-04-00412
20-51 B31-05-1308
20-25 B31-05-179
20-02 B31-03-01915
20-26 B31-05-18O
20-37 B31-05-1141
20-48 B31-05-1305
20-15 B31-04-01207
20-31 B31-05-404
20-19 B31-03-1913
20-05 B31-04-00416
13-11E B31-94-037
20-39 B31-05-1147
20-33 B31-05-454
20-35 B31-05-477
20-46 B31-05-1222
20-11 B31-04-00499
20-24 B31-05-157,
B31-05-319
20-27 B31-05-328
20-07 B31-04-00438
20-06 B31-04-00417
20-28 B31-05-329
20-21 B31-05-34
20-36 B31-05-786
20-42 B31-05-1210
20-44 B31-05-1212
20-14 831-04-01131
20-10 831-04-00498
20-16 B31-04-0125O
20-20 B31-04-1250
20-30 B31-05-391
20-49 B31-05-1306
Copyright 2007 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME.
ASME B31.3 INTERPRETATIONS
Interpretation: n-l1E
Subject: ASME B31.3-1993 Edition, Para. 328.5.4, Welded Branch Connections
Date Issued: November 21, 1994
File: B31-94-037
Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-1993 Edition, Addenda a, what is the effective weld
throat thickness required for a proprietary integrally reinforced branch connection fitting?
Reply: The thickness is as required by the manufacturer's design qualified in accordance with
para. 304.7.2 or MSS SP-97 and para. 328.5.4(d)
Note: In the Reply, the cross-reference to MSS SP-97 has been corrected by errata.
Interpretation: 20-01
Subject: ASME B31.3-2002 Edition, Figs. 328.5.2B and 328.5.2C, Slip-On and Socket Welds
Date Issued: October 20, 2004
File: B31-03-01912
Question (1): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2oo2 Edition, is the Yt6 in. approximate gap
shown in Fig. 328.5.2B and Fig. 328.5.2C required to be present before any welding, including
tack welding?
Reply (1): Yes; also see interpretations 6-02, question (1); 10-19; and 16-06.
Question (2): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2002 Edition, can radiography be used to ascertain
the "Yt6 in. approximate gap before welding" shown in Fig. 328.5.2B and Fig. 328.5.2C?
Reply (2): The Code does not specify or restrict the methodology to determine this dimension.
Subject: ASME B31.3-2oo2 Edition, Para. 302.3.5, Limits on Calculated Stresses Due to Sustained
Loads and Displacement Strains
File: B31-o3-01915
Question (1): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2oo2 Edition, para. 302.3.5(c), shall sustained
load stresses be evaluated separately from the displacement stress ranges of para. 302.3.5(d)?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2002 Edition, para. 302.3.6(a), shall sustained
plus occasional load stresses be evaluated separately from the displacement stress ranges of para.
302.3.5(d)?
Reply (2): Yes.
C
Copyright 2007 by the American Society of ~ e h n i l Engineers diQ
Subject: ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, Para. 302.2.4, Allowances for Pressure and Temperature Varia-
tions
File: 831-04-00412
Question (1): In accordance with ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, does para. 302.2.4 apply to pressure
transients caused by water hammer?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): In a fluid transient due to water hammer, there can be many pressure cycles in
the piping response. In accordance with ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, must all cycles in which the
pressure exceeds the pressure rating or the calculated pressure stress exceeds the allowable stress
be considered with respect to the 1,000 cycle limit in para. 302.2.4(d)?
Reply (2): Yes.
Question (3): In accordance with ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, may the number of cycles of the
variation exceed 1,000 if justified by a more rigorous analysis in accordance with para. 3OO(c)(3)?
Reply (3): Yes.
Subject: ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, Clarification of Seamless Pipe
File: 831-04-00414
Question: In accordance with ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, can a seamless pipe that has been cut
longitudinally and reassembled by welding be considered as seamless pipe for the purpose of
determining the weld joint quality factor?
Reply: No.
Subject: ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, Para. 328.5.3, Seal Welds
File: 831-04-00416
Question: Does ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, para. 328.5.3, address sealing a threaded connection
by brazing?
Reply: No.
Copyright 2007 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. r.!i),;,
Subject: ASME B31.3-1999 Edition, Paras. 345.2.6 and 345.9.1(b), Leak Testing and Examination
of Welds
Date Issued: October 20,2004
File: B31-04-00417
Question: Does ASME B31.3-1999 Edition require 100% liquid penetrant or magnetic particle
examination of the seal welds applied at hydrostatic test vents and drains after the acceptance
of hydrostatic test results?
Reply: No.
Subject: ASME B31.3-2002 Edition, Para. 345.2.3(c), Testing of Closure Welds
File: B31-04-00438
Question (1): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2002 Edition, if piping subassemblies meet
the requirements specified in para. 345.2.3(c), are there any fluid service limitations to piping
subassemblies for which closure welds are performed?
Reply (1): No.
Question (2): Does ASME B31.3-2002 Edition permit a completed piping system, consisting of
piping subassemblies, to have more than one closure weld if all subassemblies have been tested
in accordance with para. 345.2.3 and all closure welds are examined in accordance with para.
345.2.3(c)?
Reply (2): Yes.
Subject: ASME B31.3-2oo2 Edition, Coverage of Ozone Gas
File: B31-04-00496
Question: Does ASME B31.3-2002 Edition provide coverage for ozone gas piping?
Reply: Yes; see the Introduction of ASME 831.3.
Subject: ASME B31.3-2002 Edition, Applicability of Ultrasound Testing for Heavy Thick Piping
File: B31-04-00497
Question (1): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2oo2 Edition, is ultrasonic examination an accept-
able substitute for radiography for a piping system utilizing Class 2500 components that has
been classified as high pressure piping in accordance with para. K300?
Reply (1): No; see para. K341.4.2(b).
Question (2): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2oo2 Edition, is ultrasonic examination an accept-
able substitute for radiography for a piping system utilizing Class 2500 components if the system
has not been classified as high pressure piping in accordance with para. K300?
Reply (2): Yes; see paras. 341.4.1(b)(1), 341.4.3(b), and M341.4(b)(1).
Copyright 2007 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers r.li).;,
Subject: ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, Table 323.3.1, Welding Procedure Qualified Thickness Range
and HAZ Impact Location
File: 831-04-00498
Question (1): In accordance with ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, when a material with a pipe wall
thickness of in. requires impact testing per the requirements of para. 323.3, is the qualified
base metal thickness range for production welding, per A-5(a) of Table 323.3.1, to %in.?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2002 Edition, may the one required set of three
HAZ (CVN) impact specimens, per the requirements of A-4, A-5, and 6 of Table 323.3.1, be taken
at any depth location of the pipe wall thickness?
Reply (2): Yes.
Subject: ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, Para. 345.2.3, Piping Subassemblies
File: B31-04-00499
Question: In accordance with ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, para. 345.2.3, maya component be
considered a piping subassembly?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, Design Stress for Bolts
File: B31-04-01129
Question: Does ASME B31.3-2oo2 Edition specify what loads to consider when calculating a
bolt stress to compare to the design stress values for bolting materials?
Reply: No, except for flanges; see para. 304.5.1.
C
Copyright 2007 by the Amcrican Societ; of Mcchanical Engincers, di>.:.
No reproduction may be made o[this material without written consent of ASME. C(G
Subject: ASME B31.3-2002 Edition, Fig. 323.2.2B
File: B31-04-01130
Question (1): Does ASME B31.3, Fig. 323.2.2B, provide a basis for the use of impact-tested
carbon steels at a Minimum Design Metal Temperature (MDMT) colder than the impact test
temperature, provided the stress ratio defined in Fig. 323.2.2B is less than 1 and the MDMT is
not colder than -104C (-155F)?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): Does ASME B31.3 permit Fig. 323.2.2B to be used to provide a basis for the use
of impact-tested duplex stainless steels, UN5 531803, impact tested at -46C (-50F), in the same
manner as described in question (1)?
Reply (2): No.
Subject: ASME B31.3-2oo2 Edition, Qualifying the Heat Input for Impact Testing
File: B31-04-01131
Question: Does ASME B31.3-2002 Edition require that all the requirements of ASME BPV Code,
Section IX, be complied with for a WPS requiring impact testing?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: ASME B31.3-2002 Edition, Para. 323.2.2, Lower Temperature Limits, Listed Materials
File: B31-04-01207
Question: Does ASME B31.3 permit a temperature reduction calculated in accordance with Fig.
323.2.2B to be applied for carbon steels covered in 323.2.2(a) that have a minimum temperature
listed in Table A-1?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: ASME B31.3-2oo2 Edition, Table 341.3.2, Radiography Acceptance Criteria
File: B31-04-01250
Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2002 Edition, when 100% radiographic examination
and no further acceptance criteria are specified for Normal Fluid Service, is it required that
the acceptance criteria for severe cyclic conditions as noted in Table 341.3.2 be applied to the
examination?
Reply: No, the requirements of Normal Fluid Service apply.
(
Subject: ASME B31.3-2002 Edition, Minimum Thickness for Test Blanks
File: B31-04-01293
Question (1): Does ASME B31.3-2002 Edition address required thickness for blanks or closures
installed only for a pneumatic or hydrostatic leak test?
Reply (1): No.
Question (2): Does ASME B31.3-2002 Edition address required thickness for permanent blanks
and closures?
Reply (2): Yes.
Subject: ASME B31.3-1996 Edition, Paras. 300.1.1(b), 300(c)(4), 300(c)(5), 345.1, and 345.8, Vacuum
Box Testing of Piping Field Welds
File: B31-04-01294
Question (1): Does ASME B31.3-1996 Edition permit performing the Alternative Leak Test
method in accordance with para. 345.9 in lieu of hydrostatic or pneumatic testing for Normal
Fluid Service piping that does not satisfy the conditions of para. 345.1(c)?
Reply (1): No.
Question (2): In accordance with ASME B31.3-1996 Edition, para. 345.8, is it acceptable to
perform a leak test in accordance with BPV Code, Section V, Article 10, Appendix II, Bubble
Test - Vacuum Box Technique?
Reply (2): Yes, provided it has a demonstrated sensitivity of not less than 10-
3
atm-ml/sec.
Question (3): In accordance with ASME B31.3-1996 Edition, para. 345.8, if leak testing in
accordance with BPV Code, Section V, Article 10, Appendix II, Bubble Test - Vacuum Box
Technique, is it acceptable to test piping with a 60 psig or greater design pressure at less than
15 psi differential pressure?
Reply (3): No.
(
Copyright 2007 by the American Society of Mechanical Engmcers r:<ib
_No reproduction may bc made of this material without written consent of ASME
Subject: ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, Paras. 328.2.1 and 328.2.2
Date Issued: May 20, 2005
File: 831-03-1913
Question (1): Does ASME B31.3-2002 Edition, para. 328.2.1, by referencing BPV Code Section
IX, permit the use of Standard Welding Procedure Specifications, compliant with the requirements
of BPV Code, Section IX, Article V, in ASME B31.3 applications?
Reply (1): Yes, if they satisfy all the requirements of ASME B31.3, including the qualification
requirements in para. 328.2.
Question (2): Does ASME B31.3-2oo2 Edition, para. 328.2.2 apply to Standard Welding Procedure
Specifications compliant with the requirements of 8PV Code, Section IX, Article V?
Reply (2): No.
Question (3): In accordance with ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, do the rules of "discreet demonstra-
tion" of 8PV Code, Section IX, Article V comply with the requirements of para. 328.2.2(i)?
Reply (3): No.
Interpretation: 2020
Subject: ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, Table 341.3.2, Radiography Acceptance Criteria
File: B31-04-1250
Question: Does ASME B31.3-2oo2 Edition require more stringent examination acceptance criteria
for sour and hydrogen service designated as Normal Fluid Service than for other services desig-
nated as Normal Fluid Service?
Reply: No. See paras. 300(c)(5) and F323.
Subject: ASME B31.3-2oo2 Edition, Para. K303, Use of B16.9 8uttwelding Fittings
File: 831-05-34
Question: In accordance with ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, mayan ASME 816.9 fitting for which
the design pressure has been established by proof testing in accordance with ASME 816.9 be
used in Chapter IX service?
Reply: Yes, provided the requirements of Table K326.1, Note (2) are met.
Copyright :!007 by the American Society of Mechanical Englfleers
Subject: Allowances With Owner's Approval
File: B31-0S-4S
Question (1): With the owner's approval, as described in ASME B31.3-1999 Edition, para.
302.2.4(f)(1), is it permissible to exceed the pressure rating or the allowable stress for pressure
design at temperature as described in para. 302.2.4(f)(1)(a) when the variation is self-limiting
(e.g., due to a pressure relieving event)?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): Does ASME B31.3-1999 Edition, para. 302.2.4(f)(2), permit exceeding the pressure
rating or the allowable stress for pressure design at the temperature at the increased condition
without owner's approval?
Reply (2): Yes.
Subject: ASME B31.3-2002 Edition, Chapter VIII, Piping for Category M Fluid Service
File: B31-0S-107
Question (1): If an ASME BPV Code Section VIII vessel has been determined to be in "lethal
substance" service, must the attached B31.3 piping system be classified as Category M Fluid
Service?
Reply (1): No; see para. 300(b)(1).
Question (2): Is Appendix M of B31.3 mandatory?
Reply (2): No; see Table 300.4. However, see the definition of fluid service in para. 300.2.
Question (3): Is the Code user responsible for considering applicable items in Appendix M?
Reply (3): Yes; see Note (2) of Table 300.4.
Subject: ASME B31.3-1998 Addenda to 1996 Edition, and B31.3-2002 Edition, Para. 345.2.3, Piping
Subassemblies
File: B31-oS-1S7 and B31-oS-319
Question (1): Does ASME B31.3-2002 Edition define "subassemblies" the same way as it defines
"piping components"?
Reply (1): No.
Question (2): In accordance with ASME B31.3c-1998 Addenda and ASME B31.3-2002 Edition,
does para. 34S.2.3(a) allow piping components to be independently tested as required by para.
345.1, and then assembled and placed into service with no additional leak testing?
Reply (2): No, unless the system is assembled with flanged joints or closure welds as described
in paras. 34S.2.3(b) and (c).
Copyright 2007 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Subject: ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, Para. 302.3
File: 831-05-179
Question: Does ASME 831.3-2002 Edition establish a preference in the selection of listed versus
unlisted components?
Reply: No.
Subject: ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, Para. 304.7.2
File: 831-05-180
Question: Does ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, para. 304.7.2, require calculations consistent with
the design criteria of the Code be performed and that these calculations be substantiated by
means of (a), (b), (c), or (d)?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, Para. 345.2.3, Piping Subassemblies
File: 831-05-328
Question: Does the ASME 831.3-2002 Edition definition of a piping subassembly require that
it be in the installed position?
Reply: No.
Subject: ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, Para. 345.3.1, Hydrostatic Testing of Pipe
File: 831-05-329
Question: In accordance with ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, can buried pipe be leak tested without
visual examination of joints?
Reply: No, unless the joints have been previously tested. See para. 345.3.1.
Subject: ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, Appendix A, Note (76)
File: 831-05-388
Question: Does Note (76) apply only to the materials for which Note (76) is specified in
Table A-I?
Reply: Yes.
Copyright 2007 by the Amcrican Society of Mcchanical Engincers
No reproduction may be made of this matcrial without written consent of ASME
Subject: ASME B31.3-2002 Edition, Table A326.1, Applicability of ASTM F 1281, F 1282, and F 1974
File: 831-05-391
Question: Does ASME B31.3-2002 Edition allow the use of products meeting ASTM F 1281, F
1282, and F 1974 in compressed gas service?
Reply: Yes. See para. A302.2.3 and Appendix F, para. FA323.4(b).
Subject: ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, Para. 323.2.2
File: B31..Q5-404
Question (1): For welded (with filler metal added) austenitic stainless steel pipe or fitting
material intended for service with a minimum design metal temperature that is warmer than
the minimum temperature allowed by Table A-I but colder than -20F, do the requirements of
block A-4(b) of Table 323.2.2 apply?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): If it is required that the stainless steel pipe or fitting manufacturer conduct impact
tests of the weld metal deposits, may the provisions of Note (2) of Table 323.2.2, allowing impact
tests performed as part of the weld procedure qualification, be used to fully satisfy all the impact
test requirements of para. 323.2.2?
Reply (2): Yes.
Question (3): If the stainless steel pipe or fitting manufacturer uses the impact tests performed
as part of the weld procedure qualification to satisfy all the provisions of para. 323.2.2, do the
provisions of block A-I of Table 323.3.1 apply?
Reply (3): No.
Question (4): For austenitic stainless steel applications in ASME 831.3, are manufacturer's
welding procedure specifications and procedure qualifications necessary for any specifications
welded with filler metal?
Reply (4): No.
Question (5): When welding procedure specifications and procedure qualifications that include
qualification of the welding procedure by impact testing are produced by the manufacturer when
producing austenitic stainless steel weld pipe or fittings, may those procedure specifications and
qualifications be used to satisfy the requirements of Table 323.2.2?
Reply (5): Yes.
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. C(IS2
Subject: ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, Appendix A, Table A-I, 321 Stainless Steel Stresses
File: 831-05-405
Question (1): Should the allowable stress for A 403 WP321 fittings conforming to ASME 816.9,
such as elbows and tees, be per A 312 TP321 pipe?
Reply (1): No.
Question (2): Should the wall thickness for seamless fittings conforming to ASME 816.9, manu-
factured to A 403 WP321, be calculated based on the allowable stress value for A 403 WP321
material?
Reply (2): Yes.
Subject: ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, Para. 340.4
File: 831-05-454
Question (1): In accordance with ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, para. 340.4, do the qualification
requirements of the owner's inspector apply to the individual designated as the owner's inspector?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): In accordance with ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, para. 340.4(b), do the qualification
requirements of the owner's inspector apply to the organization employing the inspector?
Reply (2): No.
Subject: ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, Examination and Quality Factor for Longitudinal Welds
File: 831-05-455
Question (1): In accordance with ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, if single butt longitudinal welds
made as part of pipe fabrication are visually examined per para. 341.4.1(a)(3) and examined per
para. 341.4.1(b), does a joint factor, E
j
, of 0.80 apply?
Reply (1): Yes; see Table 302.3.4.
made as part of pipe fabrication are visually examined per para. 341.4.1(a)(3), examined per para.
341.4.1(b), and radiographed per para 341.5.1(a), does a joint factor, E
j
, of 0.90 apply?
made as part of pipe fabrication are visually examined per para. 341.4.1(a)(3) and 100% radio-
graphed per para. 344.5.1 and Table 341.3.2, does a joint factor, E
j
, of 1.00 apply?
Subject: ASME B31.3-2002 Edition, Para. 345.2.2, Visual Examination of Fillet Weld
File: B31-05-477
Question: Does ASME B31.3-2oo2 Edition require, when a structural attachment is fillet welded
on one side, that the opposite side of the structural attachment be left exposed for examination
during leak testing?
Reply: No. See also interpretation 19-23.
Subject: ASME B31.3-2004 Edition, Paras. M314.2.2 and M335.3.3, and Fig. 335.3.3(a)
File: B31-05-786
Question (1): In accordance with ASME B31-3-2004 Edition, may straight thread, O-ring style
connection fittings be used in Category M fluid service?
Reply (1): Yes, provided that they meet the requirements of the Code, including para. M314.2.2
and para. M335.3.3.
Question (2): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2004 Edition, is demonstrating leak tightness
sufficient to qualify use of fittings such as those shown in Fig. 335.3.3(a) for use in Category M
Fluid Service?
Reply (2): No.
Subject: ASME B31.3-2004 Edition, Para. 304.7.2
File: B31-05-1141
Question (1): When qualifying unlisted components for pressure design using ASME B31.3-2004
Edition, para. 304.7.2(d), using the rules of BPVC Section VIII-I, UG-101, may the designer make
analogies among related materials in accordance with para. 304.7.2(e)?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): Does ASME B31.3-2004 Edition define related materials as used in para. 304.7.2(e)?
Reply (2): No.
Subject: ASME B31.3-2004 Edition, Para. 300(c)(3)
File: B31-05-1142
Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2oo4 Edition, maya designer apply a more rigorous
analysis to qualify a design that deviates from specific requirements of the Code?
Reply: Yes. See para. 300(c)(3).
C
Copyright 2007 by the American o i e ~ of Mechanical Engineers. 6i>-,
Subject: ASME B31.3-2oo4 Edition, Para. 331
File: 831-05-1147
Question (1): In accordance with ASME 831.3-2004 Edition, are the longitudinal seams of
welded seam pipe and seams in welded seam fittings subject to the postweld heat treatment
requirements of para. 331?
Reply (1): Yes, provided the welds are made in accordance with para. 328.
Question (2): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2004 Edition, do the postweld heat treatment
requirements of para. 331 apply to listed components?
Reply (2): No, unless otherwise required by the notes for Appendix A or specified in the
engineering design.
Subject: ASME B31.3-2002 Edition, Paras. 301.1(c) and (d)
File: B31-05-1208
Question (1): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2oo2 Edition, does the successful completion of
an engineering program that is equivalent to 2 years of full-time study meet the engineering
associate's degree requirement of para. 301.1(c)?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): Does the "experience in the design of related pressure piping" requirement in
para. 301.1(d) differ from the requirements in paras. 301.1(a), (b), and (c)?
Reply (2): No.
Question (3): Does ASME 831.3-2002 Edition address the initiation of experience in para. 301.1?
Reply (3): No.
Subject: ASME B31.3-2002 Edition, Chapter IX, Thickness Limitations
File: 831-05-1209
Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2oo2 Edition, when qualifying a welding procedure
for High Pressure Fluid Service, does the range of material thicknesses specified in Table K323.3.1
apply to determine the number of impact test pieces required?
Reply: Yes.
Copyright :!007 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. r.!i?:I
No reproduction may be made of this material without written consent of ASME. I'lilZ
Subject: ASME B31.3-2004 Edition, Performing Digital Radiography
File: 831-05-1210
Question: In accordance with ASME 831.3-2004 Edition, para. 344, is the use of digital radiogra-
phy permitted?
Reply: Yes, provided the methodology meets the requirements of para. 344.5.1.
Subject: ASME 831.3, Interpretation 17-10
File: 831-05-1211
Question: In accordance with ASME 831.3-2002 Edition, has the Code been changed to supersede
the response to inquiry 17-107
Reply: Interpretation 17-10 applies to ASME 831.3-1997 Edition, Addendum b. Subsequently,
the Code was revised to reflect the present wording.
Subject: ASME 831.3-2004 Edition, PWHT Requirements
File: 831-05-1212
Question: In accordance with ASME 831.3-2004 Edition, Table 331.1.1, for P-No. 1 material,
can a weld procedure qualified to ASME Section IX that has a weld joint thickness range from
0.0625 in. to 2.00 in. be used without postweld heat treatment for a butt groove weld joint with
a thickness greater than 74 in.?
Reply: No; see para. 328.2.1(c).
Subject: ASME 831.3-2004 Edition, Combining Displacements
File: 831-05-1213
Question (1): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2004 Edition, are strains caused by cyclic support
displacements during seismic events considered to be externally imposed displacements in accor-
dance with para. 319.2.1(c)?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2004 Edition, shall externally imposed displace-
ment strains, excluding single cycle events, be considered in conjunction with thermal displace-
ment strains?
Reply (2): Yes; see para. 319.2.1(d).
(- Copyright 2007 by the American Socie; of Mechanical Engineers
may be made of this material without written consent of ASME.
Subject: ASME 631.3-2002 Edition, Para. 345.2.2(a), Examination for Leaks
File: 631-05-1222
Question: In accordance with ASME 631.3-2002 Edition, does the 10 min minimum hold time
referenced in para. 345.2.2 apply to both hydrostatic leak test in accordance with para. 345.4.2
and pneumatic leak test in accordance with para. 345.5.4?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: ASME 631.3-2004 Edition, Hydrostatic Testing
File: 631-05-1223
Question: In accordance with ASME 631.3-2004 Edition, are both a sensitive leak test and a
hydrostatic, pneumatic, or hydrostatic-pneumatic leak test required for Category M piping?
Reply: Yes; see para. M345.
Subject: ASME 631.3-2004 Edition, Para. 314, Threaded Joints
File: 631-05-1305
Question (1): Does ASME 631.3-2004 Edition advise against using the relative motion of threaded
connections (i.e., to screw and unscrew some fraction of a tum) to provide flexibility for thermal
expansion?
Reply (1): Yes. See para. 314.1(c).
Question (2): Does ASME 631.3-2004 Edition prohibit the practice of using the relative motion
of threaded connections to provide flexibility for thermal expansion?
Reply (2): No, provided the relative motion does not cause leakage at the joint, as required by
para. 319.1.1.
Subject: ASME 631.3-2004 Edition, Use of Sh for Occasional Stress Evaluation
File: 631-05-1306
Question: In accordance with ASME 631.3-2004 Edition, when a piping system operates at
multiple sets of coincident operating temperatures and pressures, and the system may at any
random moment be loaded with an occasional load such as earthquake, wind, or pressure relief,
should all coincident operating pressures and temperatures expected during operation be consid-
ered and shall the basic allowable stress used in para. 302.3.6 be based on the applicable tempera-
ture for each condition?
Reply: Yes.
Copyright 2007 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers r.!il:t
Subject: ASME B31.3-2002 Edition, Duration of Occasional Loads
File: B31-05-1307
Question: Does ASME B31.3-2002 Edition address the duration of a load in qualifying the load
as being occasional in para. 302.3.6?
Reply: No.
Subject: ASME B31.3-2004 Edition, Para. 302.2.4
File: B31-05-1308
Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2oo4 Edition, para. 302.2.4(f)(1)(a), is the 33% over-
pressure allowance for no more than 10 hr at anyone time and no more than 100 hr/yr applicable
to pressure relieving events?
Reply: Yes, provided all other applicable requirements of para. 302.2.4 are met.
- _ _.._--.Id..8.-_.__ __.._ _ _
Copyright 2007 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers

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