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Introduction
Requirements for lethal service are scattered through VIII-1, the code cases and the
interpretations. ASME VIII-1 section UW-2 has most of the requirements for lethal service.
Two definitions of lethal service are provided in UW-2. The second definition is also
duplicated in the end notes:
[A] vessel is to contain uids of such a nature that a very small amount
mixed or unmixed with air is dangerous to life when inhaled[.]
By lethal substances are meant poisonous gases or liquids of such a nature
that a very small amount of the gas or of the vapour of the liquid mixed or
unmixed with air is dangerous to-life when inhaled. For purposes of this
Division, this class includes substances of this nature which are stored
under pressure or may generate a pressure if stored in a closed vessel.
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only (butt welded). No slip on flanges! No Figure UW-13.2 Flange or Head to Shell attachments
Interpretation VIII-I-98-23 Category D welds (typically nozzles) shall be full penetration.
UW-2(a)(1)(c) Category C joints for stub ends have a long list of requirements
UW-2(a)(2 and 3) Heat exchangers have a long list of requirements
Read all of UW-2 for more restrictions
When it has been determined that a vessel is in Lethal Service, some of the following code
sections will apply. Other code sections might also be required. (List last updated June 16
2015 based on the ASME 2013 VIII-1 code edition.)
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Special lap joint stub end for lethal service see also Fig All partial penetration
UW-13.3 and Fig 2-4(5) and (6)
Code Cases
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The following Code Cases refer to lethal service for VIII-1 vessels (2013 edition):
Interpretations
With interpretations now available on line at
cstools.asme.org/Interpretation/SearchInterpretation.cfm it is now easier to find relevant and up to
date interpretations. A search for BPV Section VIII Div 1 keyword: lethal returns
many records. The comments on the most interesting lethal service interpretations are
listed below. Refer to the actual interpretations for the full text.
VIII-1-01-118 and VIII-1-83-77R ERW pipe may only be used if the long seam is radiographed
VIII-82-65 volumetric examination of category D joints is not always required
VIII-1-01-42 and VIII-1-04-48 cone >30 and and corner joints not permitted
VIII-1-86-84 and VIII-1-95-138 prohibited flange attachments Fig UW-13.2(m) and Fig 2-4
sketches (7), (8), (8a), (8b), and (9)
VIII-1-92-112 full radiography of category C and D butt welds is required except for UW-11(a)
(4)
VIII-1-92-194 full penetration angle joints are not permitted
VIII-1-92-211 Fig UW-13.2 attachments are not permissible
VIII-1-98-113 permissible repad and flange pad arrangements
VIII-1-98-23 Fig UW-16.1 (a) and (c) are permissible nozzle attachments, others are not
discussed
VIII-77-62 It is the intent of Section VIII, Division 1 that Category B and C butt welds in
nozzles and communicating chambers that neither exceed 10 in. nominal pipe size or 1-1/8 wall
thick ness are excluded from the provisions of radiography, even though the vessel is in lethal
service. This overrides the provisions of UW-2(a).
VIII-80-02 do not use corner joints from Fig UW-13.2 redesign to create butt joints that can
be radiographed
VIII-80-111 acceptable lap joint flanges include Fig. 2-4(1) and Fig. UW-13.3 and Fig. 2-4(5)
and (6)
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PTB-4
ASME Section VIII Division 1 Example Problem Manual PTB-4-2013 provides illustrative
example for the use of VIII-1 rules.
E7.1 RT-1 radiography on a vessel to meet the requirements of lethal service. Required
radiography to meet RT-1 and the appropriate weld efficiencies are illustrated and commented
on. The sample illustrates items like sumps and nozzles that can be exempt from radiography
based on size and still maintain the RT-1 rating for the vessel.
E4.16.1 and E4.16.2 maximum allowed flange bolt spacing for lethal service per App 2-5(d)
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational uses only. Only ASME can mak e code
interpretations.
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