ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code

SECTION IV

INTERPRETATIONS
Volume 57
Interpretations of the Code are distributed annually in July with the issuance of the edition and
subsequent addenda. Interpretations posted in January at www.cstools.asme.org/interpretations are
included in the July distribution. Interpretations of Section III, Divisions 1 and 2, are part of the update
service to Section III, Subsection NCA.

Interpretations Volumes 54 through 56 were included with the update service to the 2004 Edition of
the Code; Volume 57 is the first Interpretations volume to be included with the update service to the
2007 Edition.

Section Vol. 57 Vol. 58 Vol. 59

I 7 /07
II-A 7 /07
II-B ...
II-C ...
II-D (Customary) 7 /07
II-D (Metric) ...
III-NCA 7 /07
III-3 7 /07
IV 7 /07
V 7 /07
VI ...
VII ...
VIII-1 7 /07
VIII-2 7 /07
VIII-3 7 /07
IX 7 /07
X ...
XI 7 /07
XII ...

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Copyright © 2007
THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS
All rights reserved

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 SECTION IV — INTERPRETATIONS VOL. 57

INTERPRETATIONS
VOLUME 57 — SECTION IV
Replies to Technical Inquiries
January 1, 2006 Through December 31, 2006

FOREWORD
This publication includes all written interpretations issued between the indicated dates by the ASME Staff
on behalf of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Committee in response to inquiries concerning interpreta-
tions of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. A contents is also included which lists subjects specific
to the interpretations covered in the individual volume.
These interpretations 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 interpretation is presented
bearing the original interpretation number with the suffix R and the original file number with an asterisk.
Following these revised interpretations, new interpretations and revisions to them issued during the indicated
dates are assigned interpretation number in chronological order. Interpretations applying to more than one
Code Section appear with the interpretations for each affected Section.
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 subcommittee. 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.

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An interpretation applies either to the Edition and Addenda in effect on the date of issuance of the
interpretation or the Edition and Addenda stated in the interpretation. Subsequent revisions to the Code may
supersede the interpretation.
For detailed instructions on preparation of technical inquiries to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel
Committee, refer to Appendix B.

279
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 SECTION IV — INTERPRETATIONS VOL. 57

SECTION IV

Subject Interpretation File No.

Clarification Request for HG-709.2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV-07-01 BC06-526

Clarification Request for Pressure Relief Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IV-04-15 BC06-157

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 SECTION IV — INTERPRETATIONS VOL. 57

Interpretation: IV-04-15

Subject: Clarification Request for Pressure Relief Devices

Date Issued: February 21, 2006
File: BC06-157

Question (1): Does a utility-closed loop, heating or cooling water system that contains air separators, heat
exchangers, and expansion tanks that are ASME Section VIII, Division 1 stamped with MAWP greater than
15 psi at temperatures greater than 250°F fall within the scope of ASME Section IV?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Does ASME Section IV cover a utility-closed loop, heating or cooling water system that
contains air separators, heat exchangers, and expansion tanks that are ASME Section VIII stamped that
operate at temperatures greater than 250°F at pressures greater than 15 psi?
Reply (2): No.

Interpretation: IV-07-01

Subject: Clarification Request for HG-709.2

Date Issued: August 20, 2006
File: BC06-526

Question (1): Is the expansion tank required by HG-709.2 for a boiler designed for a MAWP of 30 psi
required to be constructed in accordance with ASME Section VII, Division 1 or Section X?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Is an expansion tank constructed in accordance with ASME Section VIII, Division 1 or
Section X required for a heating system with a boiler designed for a MAWP of 50 psi?
Reply (2): Yes. See HG-709.2.

Question (3): Is an expansion tank constructed in accordance with ASME Section VIII, Division 1 or
Section X required when a boiler constructed to a design pressure greater than 30 psi is installed regardless
of system operating pressure?
Reply (3): Yes.

281
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282
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