340 INSPECTION (pg 112 – 121)

341.3.4 Progressive Sampling for Examination.

341.4 Extent of Required Examination

341.4.1 Examination — Normal Fluid Service.

Table 341.3.2 Acceptance Criteria for Welds — Visual and Radiographic Examination

341.4.2 Examination — Category D Fluid Service

341.4.3 Examination — Severe Cyclic Conditions

341.4.4 Examination — Elevated Temperature Fluid

Service.

344.6 Ultrasonic Examination

344.6.1 Method. Examination of castings is covered in
para. 302.3.3; other product forms are not covered. Ultrasonic
examination of welds shall be performed in accordance
with ASME BPVC, Section V, Article 4, except that the
alternative specified in (a) and (b) below is permitted for
basic calibration blocks specified in T-434.2.1 and T-
434.3.
(a) When the basic calibration blocks have not received
heat treatment in accordance with T-434.1.5, transfer
methods shall be used to correlate the responses from
the basic calibration block and the component. Transfer
is accomplished by noting the difference between
responses received from the same reference reflector
in the basic calibration block and in the component
and correcting for the difference.
(b) The reference reflector may be a V-notch (which
must subsequently be removed), an angle beam search
unit acting as a reflector, or any other reflector that
will aid in accomplishing the transfer.
(c) When the transfer method is chosen as an alternative,
it shall be used, at the minimum
(1) for sizes ≤DN 50 (NPS 2), once in each ten welded
joints examined
(2) for sizes >DN 50 and ≤DN 450 (NPS 18), once in
each 1.5 m (5 ft) of welding examined
(3) for sizes >DN 450, once for each welded joint
examined
(d) Each type of material and each size and wall thickness
shall be considered separately in applying the
transfer method. In addition, the transfer method shall
be used at least twice on each type of weld joint.
(e) The reference level for monitoring discontinuities
shall be modified to reflect the transfer correction when
the transfer method is used.
344.6.2 Acceptance Criteria. Acceptance criteria shall ð18Þ
be as described in (a) or (b).
(a) A linear-type discontinuity is unacceptable if the
amplitude of the indication exceeds the reference level
and its length exceeds
(1) 6 mm (1∕4 in.) for Tw 19mm (3∕4 in.)
(2) Tw/3 for 19 mm (3∕4 in.) <Tw 57mm (21∕4 in.)
(3) 19 mm (3∕4 in.) for Tw > 57mm (21∕4 in.)
(b) The fracture-mechanics-based ultrasonic examination
acceptance criteria in Appendix R may be used if all
requirements of Appendix R are met.

Chapter VIII - Piping for Category M Fluid Service

M340 INSPECTION (151-152)

M341.4 Extent of Required Examination

Paragraph 341.4.1 applies with the following exceptions:
(a) Visual Examination
(1) All fabrication shall be examined.
(2) All threaded, bolted, and other mechanical joints
shall be examined.

(b) Other Examination. The radiography/ultrasonic

examination requirements of para. 341.4.1(b)(1) apply,
except that 100% of circumferential butt and miter
welds and of fabricated lap and branch connection
welds comparable to those shown in Figure 328.5.4E;
Figure 328.5.4F; and Figure 328.5.5, illustrations (d)
and (e), shall be examined.

Chapter IX - High Pressure Piping

K340 INSPECTION (175 –

K341.3 Examination Requirements

K341.3.1 General. Prior to initial operation, each
piping installation, including components and workmanship,
shall be examined in accordance with para. K341.4
and the engineering design. If heat treatment is
performed, examination shall be conducted after its
completion.
K341.3.2 Acceptance Criteria. Acceptance criteria
shall be as stated in the engineering design and shall
at least meet the applicable requirements stated in (a)
and (b) below, and elsewhere in this Chapter.
(a) Table K341.3.2 states acceptance criteria (limits on
imperfections) for welds. See Figure 341.3.2 for typical
weld imperfections.

Table K341.3.2 Acceptance Criteria for Welds

K341.4.2 Radiographic and Ultrasonic Examination

(a) All girth, longitudinal, and branch connection welds
shall be 100% radiographically examined, except as
permitted in (b) below.
(b) When specified in the engineering design and with
the owner’s approval, ultrasonic examination of welds
may be substituted for radiographic examination
where Tw 13mm(1∕2 in.).
(c) In-process examination (see para. 344.7) shall not
be substituted for radiographic or ultrasonic examination
of welds.
K344.6 Ultrasonic Examination
K344.6.1 Castings. The method for ultrasonic examination
of castings shall be as specified in para. K302.3.3(c).
K344.6.2 Pipe and Tubing
(a) Method. Pipe and tubing, required or selected in
accordance with Table K305.1.2 to undergo ultrasonic
examination, shall pass a 100% examination for longitudinal
defects in accordance with ASTM E213, Ultrasonic
Testing of Metal Pipe and Tubing. Longitudinal (axial)
reference notches shall be introduced on the outer and
inner surfaces of the calibration (reference) standard
in accordance with Fig. 3(c) of ASTM E213 to a depth
not greater than the larger of 0.1 mm (0.004 in.) or
4% of specimen thickness and a length not more than
10 times the notch depth.
(b) Acceptance Criteria. Any indication greater than
that produced by the calibration notch represents a
defect; defective pipe and tubing shall be rejected.
(c) Records. For pipe and tubing that passes this examination,
a report shall be prepared that contains at least the
information specified in 15.2.1 through 15.2.6 of ASTM
E213.
K344.6.3 Welds
(a) Method. The method for ultrasonic examination of
welds shall be as specified in ASME BPVC, Section V, Article
4 for nominal thickness,Tw, greater than or equal to 13 mm
(1∕2 in.) but less than 25 mm (1 in.), and ASME BPVC,
Section VIII, Division 3, KE-301 and KE-302 for
nominal wall thickness, Tw, greater than or equal to 25
mm (1 in.).

(b) Acceptance Criteria. Cracks, lack of fusion, incomplete

penetration, or undercutting are unacceptable
regardless of size or length (see Table K341.3.2). In addition,
for an internal slag inclusion, tungsten inclusion, or
linear indication
(1) for nominal wall thickness, Tw, greater than or
equal to 13 mm (1∕2 in.) but less than 25 mm (1 in.),
the acceptance criterion for the thickness to be examined
specified in para. 344.6.2 applies.
(2) for nominal wall thickness, Tw, greater than or
equal to 25 mm (1 in.), the acceptance criteria specified
in ASME BPVC, Section VIII, Division 3, KE-333 for the
thickness to be examined apply.

Chapter X - High Purity Piping

U340 INSPECTION (183 –

APPENDIX R - USE OF ALTERNATIVE

ULTRASONIC ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
(508 - 510)