Who has the responsibility of determining which

Code Section is applicable to piping installations,

i.e. B 31.1, B31.3 etc?
Owner
Inspector
Jurisdiction
Engineer
 
Who has the overall responsibility for compliance
with ASME B31.3?
Inspector
Owner
Engineer
Jurisdiction
The intent of ASME B 31.3 is to set forth
engineering requirements deemed necessary for
__________ and _____________of piping
installations.
A.Structural design, fabrication
B. Safe design, construction
C. Adequate fabrication, execution
D. Permananet existence, longevity
300.1.1 Content and Coverage
(a) This Code prescribes requirements for materials
and components, design, fabrication, assembly,
erection, examination, inspection, and testing of piping.
(b) This Code applies to piping for all fluids, including
(1) raw, intermediate, and finished chemicals
(2) petroleum products
(3) gas, steam, air, and water
(4) fluidized solids
(5) refrigerants
(6) cryogenic fluids
300.1.2 Packaged Equipment Piping. Also included
within the scope of this Code is piping which
interconnects pieces or stages within a packaged
equipment assembly.
300.1.3 Exclusions. This Code excludes the following:
(a) piping systems designed for internal gage
pressures at or above zero but less than 105 kPa (15
psi), provided the fluid handled is nonflammable,
nontoxic, and not damaging to human tissues as
defined in 300.2, and its design temperature is from
−29°C (−20°F) through 186°C (366°F)
(b) power boilers in accordance with BPV Code2
Section I and boiler external piping which is required
to conform to B31.1
(c) tubes, tube headers, crossovers, and manifolds of
fired heaters, which are internal to the heater
enclosure
(d) pressure vessels, heat exchangers, pumps,
compressors, and other fluid handling or processing
equipment, including internal piping and connections
for external piping
Compatibility of materials with the service and
hazards from instability of contained fluids :
Is covered extensively by ASME B 31.3
Are not within the scope of ASME B31.3
Is addressed on a limited basis by ASME B31.3
Is the main scope of ASME B31.3
ASME B31.3 applies to piping for all fluids except
for which of the below?
Tubes of fired heaters, plumbing and storm sewers
Raw, intermediate and finished chemicals
Petroleum products, fluidised solids and refrigerants
Gas, steam, air, and water
 
302.3.3 Casting Quality Factor, Ec

(a) General. The casting quality factors, Ec, defined

herein shall be used for cast components not having
pressure-temperature ratings established by
standards in Table 326.1.
(b) Basic Quality Factors. Castings of gray and
malleable iron, conforming to listed specifications, are
assigned a basic casting quality factor, Ec, of 1.00
Table 302.3.3D Acceptance Levels for
Castings
 What is the casting quality factor, Ec, of a A216
carbon steel casting that is not upgraded per B31.3
paragraph 302.3.3© and Table 302.3.3C?
0.85
0.80
0.75
0.60
Can you increase the quality factor ?, if yes , what the
maximum value of quality factor of A-216
302.3.4 Weld Joint Quality Factor, Ej
(a) Basic Quality Factors. The weld joint quality
factors, Ej, tabulated in Table A-1B are basic factors for
straight or spiral longitudinal welded joints for
pressure containing components as shown in Table
302.3.4.
(b) Increased Quality Factors. Table 302.3.4 also
indicates higher joint quality factors which may be
substituted for those in Table A-1B for certain kinds of
welds if additional examination is performed beyond
that required by the product specification.
What is the longitudinal weld joint factor, Ej, for API
5L ERW (Electric Resistance Welded) pipe?
1.00
0.95
0.85
0.60
The joint factor cannot be increased by additional
examination on which of the following longitudinal
pipe joint:
a. Electric fusion weld, single butt weld, straight or spiral,
without filler metal
b. Electric fusion weld, double butt weld, straight or spiral
c. Electric fusing weld, single butt weld, straight or spiral
with filler metal
d. Electric resistance weld, straight or spiral
PRESSURE DESIGN OF PIPING COMPONENTS
P(A) = σ (A'); or P(2*R*L) = σ (2*t*L), then canceling terms and solving
for the hoop stress, we have:
σ = P R / t ; where
P = internal pressure in cylinder; R = radius of cylinder, t = wall
thickness
 P(A) = σ (A'); or P(3.14 * R2) = σ (2 * 3.1416 * R * t), then canceling terms and solving
for the stress, we have:
σ = P R / 2 t ; where
P = internal pressure in cylinder; R = radius of cylinder, t = wall thickness
304.1.2 Straight Pipe Under Internal Pressure
(a) For t < D/6, the internal pressure design thickness
for straight pipe shall be not less than that calculated
in accordance with either eq. (3a) or eq. (3b):
D = outside diameter of pipe
d = inside diameter of pipe
E = quality factor from Table A-1A or A-1B
P = internal design gage pressure
S = stress value for material from Table A-1
T = pipe wall thickness (measured or minimum per
purchase specification)
t = pressure design thickness, as calculated in
accordance with para. 304.1.2 for internal pressure
Tm = minimum required thickness, including
mechanical, corrosion, and erosion allowances
W = weld joint strength reduction factor
Y = coefficient from Table 304.1.1, valid for t < D/6
 A NPS 10 pipe made from ASTM A106 Grade B
carbon steel is to be checked for minimum thickness
(tm). The pipe operated at 900 degrees F. The
existing thickness is 0.29”. Determine the coefficient
Y.
a. 0.4
b. 0.5
c. 0.6
d. 0.7
A NPS 10 pipe made from ASTM A53 Grade B carbon steel is to be checked for
thickness (t). The pipe operates at 975 degrees F. The existing thickness is .
29”. Determine the coefficient Y.
a. 0.4
b. 0.5
c. 0.6
d. 0.7
 

“S” is defined as the stress value for material from Table A-1 of ASME B31.3.
Pick the value of “S” when the material is ASTM A335 Grade P9 and the
temperature is 950 degrees F.
a. 11400 psi
b. 10600 psi
c. 7400 psi
d. 20000 psi
 An NPS 12 (12.75” o.d.) seamless pipe made
from ASTM A-53 Grade B material operates at 600
psi and 600 degrees F. The conditions require that a
corrosion allowance of 0.125” be maintained.
Calculate the minimum required thickness for these
conditions.
a. 0.218”
b. 0.346”
c. 0.330”
d. 0.436”
 An NPS 4(4.5” o.d.) seamless pipe made from ASTM
A-106 Grade A material operates at 300 psi and 400
degrees F. The pipe must cross a small ditch and it
must be capable of supporting itself without any
visible sag. A piping Engineer states that the pipe
must be at least 0.25” thick just to support itself and
the liquid product. He also states that a 0.10”
corrosion allowance must be included. Calculate the
thickness required for the pipe.
a. 0.292”
b. 0.392”
c. 0.350”
d. 0.142”
 What is the minimum thickness of a blank that is
made from A516-60 material (seamless) and is
17.375” I.D.? The pressure is 630 psi @ 6000F.
Corrosive product will be on both sides of the blank,
and the specified corrosion allowance is 1/8”.
a. 1.5”
b. 1.627”
c. 1.752”
d. 2.067”
 MATERIALS

323.1.1 listed materials

323.1.2 unlisted materials

323.1.3 unknown materials

323.2.2 Lower Temperature Limits, Listed Materials
(a) A listed material may be used at any temperature
not lower than the minimum shown in Table A-1,
provided that the base metal, weld deposits, and heat
affected zone (HAZ) are qualified as required by the
applicable entry in Column A of Table 323.2.2.
(b) For carbon steels with a letter designation in the
Min. Temp. column of Table A-1, the minimum
temperature is defined by the applicable curve and
Notes in Fig. 323.2.2A. If a design minimum metal
temperature thickness combination is on or above the
curve, impact testing is not required.
(c) A listed material may be used at a temperature
lower than the minimum shown in Table A-1 or Fig.
323.2.2A (including Notes), unless prohibited in Table
323.2.2, Table A-1, or elsewhere in the Code, and
provided that the base metal, weld deposits, and HAZ
are qualified as required by the applicable entry in
Column B of Table 323.2.2.
(d) Where the stress ratio defined in Fig. 323.2.2B is
less than one, Fig. 323.2.2B provides a further basis for
the use of carbon steels covered by paras. 323.2.2(a)
and (b), without impact testing.
An ASTM A53 Grade B pipe with a maximum wall
thickness of 0.75” is being considered for use in a cold
service. What
minimum temperature can it be used and not have an impact
test?
a. +20 degrees F
b. +15 degrees F
c. +10 degrees F
d. 0 degrees F
 
  NPS 12, Sch 80(17.45mm) and Sch 160
(33.32mm)pipes (M.O.C = A 106 gr B) are to be
used at –10º C. Determine whether,
a. Both pipes require impact testing
b. Only Sch 160 will require impact test but Sch 80
would be exempt.
c. Both would be exempt
d. Sch 80 would require but Sch 160 will be
exempt.
 A carbon steel ASTM A 53 Grade B material is
being impact tested. What is the minimum energy
requirement for this material (average for 3
specimens-fully deoxidized steel)?
a. 7 ft-lbs
b. 10 ft-lbs
c. 13 ft-lbs
d. 15 ft-lbs
Fabrication , assembly and erection
330 PREHEATING
330.1 General
Preheating is used, along with heat treatment, to
minimize the detrimental effects of high
temperature and severe thermal gradients
inherent in welding. The necessity for preheating
and the temperature to be used shall be specified
in the engineering design and demonstrated by
procedure qualification. The requirements and
recommendations herein apply to all types of
welding including tack welds, repair welds, and
seal welds of threaded joints.
330.1.1 Requirements and Recommendations.
Required and recommended minimum preheat
temperatures for materials of various P-Numbers
are given in Table 330.1.1. If the ambient
temperature is below 0°C (32°F), the
recommendations in Table 330.1.1 become
requirements. The thickness intended in Table
330.1.1 is that of the thicker component measured
at the joint.
 A NPS 8 Schedule 40 (0.322” wall), ASTM A 106
Grade B, is to be welded. The weather is clear. The
sun is shining. The temperature is 30 degrees F.
What preheat temperature, if any, is required.
a. None
b. 250F
c. 500F
d. 1750F
The zone for preheat shall extend:
a. at least ½” beyond each edge of the weld
b. at least 1” beyond each edge of the weld
c. over only the weld itself
d. at a minimum 2” each side of the weld
See 330.1.4
 An ASME A 106 Grade B, NPS 8, Schedule 40
(0.322” wall) pipe is to be welded to an ASME A335
Grade P9, NPS 8, Schedule 40 (0.322” wall) pipe.
What preheat temperature is required?
a. 500F
b. 1750F
c. 3000F
d. 3500F

See 330.2.3
331 .HEAT TREATMENT

331.1.1 Heat Treatment Requirements

(a) Heat treatment shall be in accordance
with the material groupings and thickness
ranges in Table 331.1.1 except as provided in
paras. 331.2.1 and 331.2.2
 When components of a piping system are joined by
welding, the thickness to be used in applying the heat
treatment provisions of ASME B 31.3, Table 331.1.1 shall
be:
a. that of the thinner component measured at the joint, except
for certain exclusions.
b. that of the thicker component measured at the joint, except
for certain exclusions.
c. that of the average thickness of the two components,
except for certain exclusions
d. that of the thinner component measured in the thinner pipe
except exclusions.
See 331.1.3
 An ASME A335 Grade P9, NPS 8, Schedule
40(0.322” wall) pipe is to be welded to an ASME
A335 Grade P9, NPS 8, Schedule 40 (0.322” wall)
pipe. What Brinell Hardness is required after post
weld heat treatment?
a. 200
b. 225
c. 241
d. 250
 An NPS 4 Schedule 40 (0.237” wall) branch
connection is welded into a NPS 6 Schedule 40
(0.0.280” wall) header. A ¼” reinforcing pad is used
around the branch connection. The branch
connection is inserted into the header. The material
of the branch and the header is ASTM A 106 Grade
B. What thickness would be used to determine
whether heat treatment of this connection is
required ? (Express answer to nearest hundredth.)
a. 0.80”
b. 0.77”
c. 0.70”
d. 0.60”
 An ASME A335 Grade P11, NPS 8, Schedule 120 (0.718”
wall) pipe is to be welded to an ASME A 335 Grade P9, NPS
8, Schedule 80 (0.500” wall ) pipe. What Brinell Hardness
number is required after post weld heat treatment?
a. The Grade P11 material is the controls; thus, the BHN number
must be  225.
b. The average of both material must give a BHN number of 
233.
c. The grade P9 material only requires checking; its BHN number
must be  241.
d. The grade P11 material must be 225 and the Grade p9
material must be  241.
See 331.1.1(b)
Inspection, Examination, and Testing
1.A piping is to be pneumatically tested at test
pr = 80 psig. What will the pressure at which
a preliminary leak check shall be performed?
 
a. 40 psig
b. 20 psig
c. 25 psig
d. 80 psig

See 345.2.1(c)
1.Pneumatic test is to be conducted using
ASME 31.3 methodology on piping having
Design pr = 200 psig. Which of the
following meet the methodology of ASME
B 31.3 as regards test pr, inspection pr,
and safety valve pressure respectively:
 
a. 250 psig, 200 psig, 275 psig respectively
b. 220 psig, 200 psig, 240 psig respectively
c. 220 psig, 220 psig, 242 psig respectively
d. None of the above
If stresses produced during hydrostatic test are
likely to exceed the yield stress of material,
hydrostatic test pressure shall be:
 
1.5 times the design pr multiplied by stress ratio
The pressure limited by yield strength of material
The lower of a and b
Higher of a and b

See 345.2.1
  Code B 31.3 requires standard mill
tolerance to be added to calculated pipe
thickness. The standard negative mill -
tolerance as percentage of nominal
thickness is:

a. 10%
b. 15%
c. 12½%
d. None of these
 
 15. For 8” ND Sch 40 and 8” ND Sch
80 pipes,

a. ID for both pipes will be same
b. OD for both pipes will be same
c. IDs and ODs for both pipes will be different
d. Average pipe diameters for both will be same
 Where the design temperature of the system is the
same as the hydrostatic test temperature, the
hydrostatic test pressure shall be not less than:
a. that calculated according to B31.3
b. 1.1 times the design pressure
c. 1.25 times the operating pressure
d. 1.5 times the design pressure