b31.3 Interpretations

8/11/2019 b31.3 Interpretations

1/442

ASME B31.3 INTERPRETATIONS

ASME B31.3INTERPRETATIONS VOLUME 21

Replies to Technical InquiriesNovember 1, 2005 through October 31, 2007

GENERAL INFORMATION

It has been agreed to publish interpretations issued by the B31 Committee concerning B31.3as part of the update service to the Code. The interpretations have been assigned numbers inchronological 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. Subsequentrevisions to the Code may have superseded the reply.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 revisedreply bearing the original interpretation number with the suffix R is presented. In the case wherean interpretation is correctedby errata, theoriginal interpretation number with thesuffix E is used.

ASME procedures provide for reconsideration of these interpretations when or if additionalinformation 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 toAppendix 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 1up to and including the present volume, and will be updated with each volume.

I-1

right ASME Internationalded by IHS under license with ASME Licensee=Larsen and toubro/5954522010

Not for Resale, 07/18/2010 07:01:08 MDTproduction or networking permitted without license from I HS

--` `

,` `

, ,`

, ,` `

, ,`

,`

, , , , , , ,` `

, ,` -` -`

, ,`

, ,`

,`

, ,` ---


2/442


B31.3Subject Interpretation File No.

Appendix M and Para. 301.3.1, Temperature Limits for Category D Fluid

Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-47 07-1482Duration of Occasional Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-08 06-379Fig. 323.2.2B, Reduction in Minimum Design Metal Temperature Without

Impact Testing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-40 07-1359Para. 300.1, Buried Piping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-07 06-377Para. 300.1.1, Content and Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-32 06-1197Para. 300.1.3(d), Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-22 06-1101Para. 300.2, Flammable Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-25 06-1104Para. 300.2, Inline Piping Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-24 06-1103Para. 302.2.4, Allowances for Pressure and Temperature Variations . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-45 07-1397Para. 302.3.4, Table 302.3.4, and Table A1-B, Weld Joint Quality Factor . . . . . . . . . 21-37 07-1356Para. 302.3.5(e) and Appendix A, Weld Joint Strength Reduction Factor,

W . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-35 07-505Para. 304.1.1(b), Pressure Design of Straight Pipe, Maximum and Nominal

Thread Depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-38 07-1357Paras. 304.1.2, Design of Straight Pipe Under Internal Pressure and 304.2.1,

Pipe Bends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-13 06-1091Para. 304.3.3, Reinforcement of Welded Branch Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-39 07-1358Para. 304.7.2, Pressure Design of Unlisted Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-34 07-504Paras. 304.7.2 and 328.5.4(d), Partial Penetration Welding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-02 06-297Para. 305.2.3, Material for Severe Cyclic Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-29 06-1191Para. 319.2.3, Displacement Stress Range. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-09 06-387Para. 319.3.1(b), Flexibility Analysis Thermal Expansion Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-16 06-1094Para. 319.3.2, Properties for Flexibility Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-26 06-1105Paras. 321.1.4(c) and 323.2.2(d), Piping Support Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-41 07-1360Para. 323.2.2; Fig. 323.2.2A; and Table A-1, Note (6); Lower Temperature

Limits for Impact Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-28 06-1185Paras. 323.3.1 and K323.3.1, and Table K323.3.1, Impact Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-18 06-1097Para. 328.6, Weld Repair and Table 331.1.1, Postweld Heat Treatment . . . . . . . . . . 21-19 06-1098Para. 331, Heat Treatment Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-46 07-1398Para. 335.2.3, Bolt Length of Flanged Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-14 06-1092

Para. 341, Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-17 06-1096Para. 341.3.1(a), Examinations and Postweld Heat Treatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-48 07-1483Para. 341.4, Extent of Required Examination for Category D Service . . . . . . . . . . . 21-23 06-1102Para. 341.4.1, Examination of Welds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-04 06-299Paras. 341.4.1(b)(1), 344.2.2, and 344.7.1, Examination Records. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-20 06-1099Paras. 342.1 and 342.2, Examination Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-05 06-374Para. 345.2.2, Leak Testing, Other Test Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-42 07-1361Para. 345.2.2(a), Duration of Leak Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-11 06-258,

06-295,06-296

Para. 345.2.3(c), Leak Testing of Closure Welds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-10 06-388Para. 345.2.3(c), Leak Testing of Closure Welds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-36 07-508Para. A302.2.4, Pressure Allowances for Nonmetallic Piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-33 07-502Para. A323.4.2, Fluid Service for Nonmetallic Piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-31 06-1196Para. A323.4.2(a)(3), Fluid Service Requirements for Nonmetallic

Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-30 06-1194Para. A328, Bonding Procedure Specification for Plastic Piping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-15 06-1093Paras. K323.1.5, Product Analysis and K346.2(b), Required Records. . . . . . . . . . . . 21-03 06-298Para. K323.3.5 and Table K323.3.5, Impact Testing for High Pressure

Piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-27 06-1184Paras. M319 and MA319, Piping Flexibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-21 06-1100Table 302.3.4, Weld Joint Quality Factor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-06 06-375Table 323.2.2, Low Temperature Toughness Tests and Table 323.3.1,

Impact Testing Required for Metals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-01 06-253Table 323.2.2, A-4(b), Impact Testing of Weld Metal and Heat Affected

Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-43 07-1362Table 331.1.1, Requirements for Heat Treatment of Carbon Steel Pipe . . . . . . . . . . 21-12 06-372Table 341.3.2, Acceptance Criteria for Welds Internal Protrusions . . . . . . . . . . . 21-44 07-1363

I-2



--` `

,` `

, ,`

, ,` `

, ,`

,`

, , , , , , ,` `

, ,` -` -`

, ,`

, ,`

,`

, ,` ---


3/442


Interpretation: 21-01

Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Table 323.2.2, Low Temperature Toughness Tests and Table 323.3.1,Impact Testing Required for Metals

Date Issued: March 29, 2006

File: 06-253

Question (1): In ASME B31.3, Table 323.3.1, does the term manufacturer in Column A refer tothe manufacturer of the piping component?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Does ASME B31.3 require additional impact testing of ASTM A 333 Grade 6material if the assigned minimum temperature is 46C (51F)?

Reply (2): Yes, unless the exemptions in Table 323.2.2, B-3 apply.

Question (3): Does ASME B31.3 require the manufacturer to perform impact testing at tempera-tures below the requirements described in the material specification?

Reply (3): ASME B31.3 does not address who should do the additional testing.

Question (4): Does ASME B31.3 require that the manufacturer, who as part of its manufactureutilizes girth welds to join ASTM A 333 Grade 6 pipe, perform impact testing if the minimumtemperature is 35C (31F)?

Reply (4): Yes, unless exemptions in Table 323.2.2, A-3(b) apply.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Paras. 304.7.2 and 328.5.4(d), Partial Penetration Welding


File: 06-297

Question (1): Does ASME B31.3-2004 permit partial penetration for branch connection groovewelds?

Reply (1): No; see para. 328.5.4(d).

Question (2): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2004, what is the effective weld throat thicknessrequired for a proprietary integrally reinforced branch connection fitting?

Reply (2): The thickness is as required by the design qualified in accordance with para. 304.7.2or MSS SP-97, and para. 328.5.4(d).


Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Paras. K323.1.5, Product Analysis and K346.2(b), Required Records


File: 06-298

Question: Does ASME B31.3-2004 require any Certified Material Test Reports (CMTR)?

Reply: No; however, see paras. K323.1.5 and K346.2(b).

I-3



- -

` `

, ` `

, ,

` , ,

` `

, ,

` ,

` , , , , , , ,

` `

, ,

` -

` -

` , ,

` , ,

` ,

` , ,

` - - -


4/442



Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Para. 341.4.1, Examination of Welds


File: 06-299

Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2004, para. 341.4.1(b)(1), must welds to be examined be selected to ensure that each welding process used by each welder or welding operator doingthe production welding is represented?

Reply: No.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Paras. 342.1 and 342.2, Examination Personnel


File: 06-374

Question (1): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2004, can the operator of an automatic weldingmachine also perform in-process examination of the production work?

Reply (1): No; see para. 342.2.

Question (2): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2004, can the operator of an automatic weldingmachine also perform examination of the production work other than in-process examination?

Reply (2): Yes, if qualified in accordance with para. 342.1.

Question (3): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2004, para. 341, may the examiner be employed by the contractor/manufacturer?

Reply (3): Yes.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Table 302.3.4, Weld Joint Quality Factor


File: 06-375

Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2004, can the weld joint quality factor of API 5LSAW, GMAW, or combined GMAW/SAW welded pipe be increased to 1.00 by 100% radiographyof the weld?

Reply: The Code does not address increasing the weld joint quality factor of API 5L SAW,GMAW, or combined GMAW/SAW welded pipe.

I-4



--` `

,` `

, ,`

, ,` `

, ,`

,`

, , , , , , ,` `

, ,` -` -`

, ,`

, ,`

,`

, ,` ---


5/442



Subject: ASME B31.3-2002, Para. 300.1, Buried Piping


File: 06-377

Question (1): Does ASME B31.3-2002 apply to buried piping?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Does ASME B31.3-2002 provide rules for design of buried piping for overburdenand surface live loads?

Reply (2): No.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Duration of Occasional Loads


File: 06-379

Question: Does ASME B31.3-2004 specify or provide guidelines for the duration of occasionalloads?

Reply: No.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Para. 319.2.3, Displacement Stress Range


File: 06-387

Question: Does ASME B31.3-2004 require that the duration of an operating cycle be consideredwhen evaluating displacement stress range in accordance with para. 319.2.3?

Reply: No.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Para. 345.2.3(c), Leak Testing of Closure Welds


File: 06-388

Question: Does ASME B31.3-2004 require the owners approval to apply the closure weldprovisions described in para. 345.2.3(c)?

Reply: No.

I-5



-- ,` ,, ,,` ,, , ,,,,,,,` ,, - - ,, ,, , ,, ---


6/442



Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Para. 345.2.2(a), Duration of Leak Test

Date Issued: September 20, 2006

File: 06-258, 06-295, 06-296

Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2004, does a pressure test of less than 10-minduration by the pipe manufacturer satisfy the requirements of the required leak test in para. 345?

Reply: No.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Table 331.1.1, Requirements for Heat Treatment of Carbon Steel Pipe


File: 06-372

Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2004, is PWHT required for circumferential jointsin API 5L X65 pipe when the thickness is greater than 19 mm ( 3 4 in.)?

Reply: Yes, unless the provisions of para. 331.2.2 are met.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Paras. 304.1.2, Design of Straight Pipe Under Internal Pressure and304.2.1, Pipe Bends


File: 06-1091

Question (1): ASME B31.3-2004, para. 304.1.2 provides two equations to calculate pressuredesign thickness for straight pipe, eq. (3a) and eq. (3b), the former using the outside diameterand the latter using the inside diameter. Do these two equations yield the same results?

Reply (1): Yes, when the corrosion allowance in para. 304.1.1 is applied to the inside diameterof the pipe.

Question (2): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2004, para. 304.2.1, may the minimum requiredthickness of the extrados of a bend, after bending, in its finished form, as calculated by eq. (3e), be less than as required for straight pipe by eq. (3a)?

Reply (2): Yes, provided the requirements of para. 304.2.1 are met.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Para. 335.2.3, Bolt Lengths of Flanged Joints


File: 06-1092

Question: Does the term bolt as used in ASME B31.3-2004, para. 335.2.3 include bolts, boltstuds, studs, and cap screws?

Reply: Yes; see para. 309. Also see Interpretation 17-20.

I-6




7/442



Subject: ASME B31.3-2002 and B31.3-2004, Para. A328, Bonding Procedure Specification for PlasticPiping


File: 06-1093

Question (1): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2002 and B31.3-2004, must all items in paras.A328.2.1(b)(1) through (9) and paras. A328.4(a) through (e) be specified in the bonding procedurespecifications (BPS)?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2002 and B31.3-2004, may a range be specifiedfor some of the items in paras. A328.2.1(b)(1) through (9) and paras. A328.4(a) through (e)?

Reply (2): Yes.

Question (3): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2002 and B31.3-2004, must the test assembly

required by para. A328.2.5(a) be tested within the ranges specified for some of the items required by paras. A328.2.1(b)(1) through (9), paras. A328.4(a) through (e), and any additional items inthe BPS?

Reply (3): Yes.

Question (4): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2002 and B31.3-2004, if the required items in aBPS per paras. A328.2.1(b)(1) through (9), A328.4(a) through (e), and any other items listed arespecified as a range, does Chapter VII set range limits for those items?

Reply (4): No.

Question (5): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2002 and B31.3-2004, for the items required byparas. A328.2.1(b)(1) through (9) and A328.4(a) through (e), are ranges required to be specifiedfor any of those items?

Reply (5): Yes.

Question (6): Does ASME B31.3 describe what information is required to be included in theprocedure qualification record (PQR) other than the dates and results of the bonding procedurespecification (BPS)?

Reply (6): No.

Question (7): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2002 and B31.3-2004, when items, in additionto those required by paras. A328.2.1(b)(1) through (9) and A328.4(a) through (e), are specified ina BPS, must all those items be followed when fabricating the BPS qualification test assembly?

Reply (7): Yes, if the additional requirements are applicable.

Question (8): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2002 and B31.3-2004, when making a BPS qualifi-cation test assembly in accordance with para. A328.2.5(c)(2), may three times the piping systemdesign pressure be used for PT in lieu of three times the manufacturers allowable pressure forthe components being joined?

Reply (8): No.

Question (9): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2002 and B31.3-2004, when performing a BPSqualification test for RTR or RPM materials, and the materials for the piping and the componenthave different specified manufacturers allowable pressures, can either the lower or higher of thetwo pressures be used for the calculation of PT ?

I-7



--` `

,` `

, ,`

, ,` `

, ,`

,`

, , , , , , ,` `

, ,`


8/442


Reply (9): The Code does not address this issue.

Question (10): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2002 and B31.3-2004, is it required to write aBPS for bonding each material formulation to other material formulations if a specific materiallisted in Chapter VII is manufactured to meet multiple chemical formulations?

Reply (10): No.Question (11): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2002 and B31.3-2004, is it required to perform

a BPS qualification test for bonding each material formulation to other material formulations if a specific material listed in Chapter VII is manufactured to multiple chemical formulations?

Reply (11): No.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2002, Para. 319.3.1(b), Flexibility Analysis Thermal Expansion Data


File: 06-1094

Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2002, para. 319.3.1(b), does the phrase at maximum(or minimum) temperature for the thermal cycle under analysis require the use of the highest(or lowest) anticipated metal temperature?

Reply: Yes.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Para. 341, Examination

Date Issued: September 20, 2006File: 06-1096

Question (1): Are WPS qualified in accordance with ASME BPV Section IX acceptable for usein ASME B31.3?

Reply (1): Yes, provided they were qualified in accordance with the applicable provisions of para. 328.2.1.

Question (2): Does ASME B31.3-2004 specify the mechanism for qualifying examination proce-dures and which results are required to be recorded?

Reply (2): Yes; see paras. 343 and 344.

Question (3): Does ASME B31.3-2004 require visual examination of the assembly of threaded, bolted, and other joints to satisfy the applicable requirements of paras. 335, A335, M335, MA335,and K335?

Reply (3): Yes; see paras. 341.4.1(a)(4), A341.4.1(a)(4), 341.4.3(a)(2), M341.4(a)(2), MA341.2(a)(2),and K341.4.1(a)(3).

Question (4): Does ASME B31.3-2004 require visual examination of fabrication (see para. 300.2for definition of fabrication)?

Reply(4): Yes. See paras. 341.1(a)(2),343.1(a)(1), A341.1(a)(2), M341.4(a)(1), K341(a)(2), and 344.2.

I-8



-- ,` ,, ,,` ,, , ,,,,,,,` ,, - - ,, ,, , ,, ---


9/442



Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Paras. 323.3.1 and K323.3.1, and Table K323.3.1, Impact Testing


File: 06-1097

Question: When performing impact tests to qualify a welding procedure, does the range of material thickness specified in Table 323.3.1 apply?

Reply: Yes.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Para. 328.6, Weld Repair and Table 331.1.1, Postweld Heat Treatment


File: 06-1098

Question (1): Does ASME B31.3-2004 require heat treatment of weld repairs that are less thanor equal to 19 mm ( 3 4 in.) deep in a P-No. 1 material that was required to be heat treated inaccordance with Table 331.1.1 or the engineering design prior to examination?

Reply (1): Yes; see para. 328.6.

Question (2): Does ASME B31.3-2004 require heat treatment of weld repairs that are greaterthan 19 mm ( 3 4 in.) deep in a P-No. 1 material that was required to be heat treated in accordancewith Table 331.1.1 or the engineering design prior to examination?

Reply (2): Yes; see para. 328.6.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Paras. 341.4.1(b)(1), 344.2.2, and 344.7.1, Examination Records


File: 06-1099

Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2004, para. 341.4.1(b)(1), is it required, for eachweld for which in-process examination is substituted, that examination and acceptance of eachapplicable item in para. 344.7.1 be recorded?

Reply: Yes; see Interpretations 11-11 and 18-17, and para. 344.2.2.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Paras. M319 and MA319, Piping Flexibility


File: 06-1100

Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2004, may flexible hose be used in Category M FluidService?

Reply: Yes.

I-9



--` `

,` `

, ,`

, ,` `

, ,`

,`

, , , , , , ,` `

, ,` -` -`

, ,`

, ,`

,`

, ,` ---


10/442



Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Para. 300.1.3(d), Scope


File: 06-1101

Question (1): Does the scope of ASME B31.3-2004 include vacuum insulated piping, e.g.,cryogenic transfer line?

Reply (1): Yes. Refer to paras. 300.1.1(b)(6), 301.7.3, and 345.2.5.

Question (2): Does ASME B31.3 apply to thecryogenic piping interconnecting pressure vessel(s),while both the piping and the vessel(s) are enclosed within a pressure vessel?

Reply (2): No.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Para. 341.4, Extent of Required Examination for Category D ServiceDate Issued: September 20, 2006

File: 06-1102

Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2004, do the requirements of para. 341.4.1(b)(1)pertaining to radiography or ultrasonic examination apply to Category D fluid service?

Reply: No; see para. 341.4.2.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Para. 300.2, Inline Piping Components


File: 06-1103

Question (1): Does ASME B31.3-2004 require that the inline portions of instruments be designed,fabricated, examined, and tested in accordance with the rules of the Code?

Reply (1): Yes; see para. 300.2 (definition of piping components).

Question (2): Does ASME B31.3-2004 require that the portions of instruments that are not inline be designed, fabricated, examined, and tested in accordance with the rules of the Code?

Reply (2): The Code does not address this situation.

Question (3): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2004, may inline portions of an instrument notlisted in Table 326.1 be used?

Reply (3): Yes; see paras. 302.2.3 and 326.1.2.

I-10



-- ,` ,, ,,` ,, , ,,,,,,,` ,, - - ,, ,, , ,, ---


11/442



Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Para. 300.2, Flammable Service


File: 06-1104

Question (1): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2004, is a liquid that has a flash point of 38C(100F) considered to be flammable?

Reply (1): It may or may not be, depending upon the ambient or expected operating conditions;see the definition of flammable in para. 300.2.

Question (2): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2004, may a nontoxic liquid with a flash pointof 38C (100F) be used as an alternate test fluid per para. 345.4.1?

Reply (2): Yes if the fluid is not flammable, as defined for the purpose of this Code in para. 300.2.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Para. 319.3.2, Properties for Flexibility Analysis


File: 06-1105

Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2004, para. 319.3.2, can a value for modulus of elasticity used in the analysis differ from the value shown in Appendix C?

Reply: Yes, when more directly applicable data is available; see Note (1) of Table 300.4.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Para. K323.3.5 and Table K323.3.5, Impact Testing for High PressurePiping


File: 06-1184

Question: Does ASME B31.3-2004 require impact testing according to para. K323.3 for materialswhose product specifications require impact testing?

Reply: Yes.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Para. 323.2.2; Fig. 323.2.2A; and Table A-1, Note (6); Lower TemperatureLimits for Impact Tests


File: 06-1185

Question: Are materials, for which a temperature of 20F (29C) is listed in the MinimumTemperature column of Table A-1, exempt from impact testing for any combination of thicknessand temperature above 20F (29C)?

Reply: Yes.

I-11



-- ,` ,, ,,` ,, , ,,,,,,,` ,, - - ,, ,, , ,, ---


12/442



Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Para. 305.2.3, Material for Severe Cyclic Conditions


File: 06-1191

Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2004, may pipe material not listed in para. 305.2.3 be used under severe cyclic conditions?

Reply: No.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2002, Para. A323.4.2(a)(3), Fluid Service Requirements for Nonmetallic Mate-rials

Date Issued: September 20, 2006File: 06-1194

Question: Are PVC and CPVC products that are specifically designed for compressed air andinert gas service, which meet the material requirements of ASTM D 1784, acceptable for use incompressed gas service in B31.3 applications?

Reply: No; see para. A323.4.2(a)(3).


Subject: ASME B31.3-2002, Para A323.4.2, Fluid Service for Nonmetallic Piping


File: 06-1196

Question: Does the Code permit plastic products for use in compressed air or compressed gasservice in B31.3 applications?

Reply: Yes, except as noted in para. A323.4.2.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2002, Para. 300.1.1, Content and Coverage


File: 06-1197

Question: Does compliance of a piping component with the requirements of ASME B31.9 assurecompliance with the requirements of ASME B31.3?

Reply: No.

I-12




13/442



Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Para. A302.2.4, Pressure Allowances for Nonmetallic Piping

Date Issued: April 13, 2007

File: 07-502

Question: Does ASME B31.3-2004 provide an allowance for surge pressure above thehydrostaticdesign stress for thermoplastic piping?

Reply: No.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Para. 304.7.2, Pressure Design of Unlisted Components


File: 07-504

Question: Does ASME B31.3-2004 provide an approach for designing a hub clamp connector?

Reply: Yes. See either para. 318 or para. 300(c)(3).


Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Para. 302.3.5(e) and Appendix A, Weld Joint Strength ReductionFactor, W


File: 07-505

Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3, para. 302.3.5(e), may theweld joint strength reductionfactor, W , be taken as 1.0 when applicable testing shows the weld joint has creep-rupture strengththat is equal to or greater than the base material at the design temperature?

Reply: Yes.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Para. 345.2.3(c), Leak Testing of Closure Welds


File: 07-508

Question (1): If a piping system is divided into subassemblies with each subassembly testedin accordance with para. 345.1, and reassembled as a piping system, do the connecting weldsneed to be tested in accordance with para. 345.1?

Reply (1): See Interpretation 20-07.

Question (2): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2004, if an integrally reinforced branch connectionutilizes a threaded and socket weld outlet combination as an unvalved hydrostatic vent anddrain, and the piping system is tested in accordance with para. 345.1, does the socket weldingof the test plugs need to be tested in accordance with para. 345.1?

Reply (2): Yes, unless the provisions of para. 345.2.6 apply.

I-13



-- ,` ,, ,,` ,, , ,,,,,,,` ,, - - ,, ,, , ,, ---


14/442



Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Para. 302.3.4, Table 302.3.4, and Table A1-B, Weld Joint Quality Factor

Date Issued: October 2, 2007

File: 07-1356

Question: Is it acceptable to increase the joint quality factor of Table 302.3.4, No. 4, by additionalexamination (i.e., 100% radiography)?

Reply: No.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Para. 304.1.1(b), Pressure Design of Straight Pipe, Maximum andNominal Thread Depth


File: 07-1357

Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2006, when a threaded component in accordancewith ASME B1.20.1 is specified, should the value of 0.02 in. be added to the nominal value of hfor inclusion with factor c of para. 304.1.1, eq. (2)?

Reply: No.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Para. 304.3.3, Reinforcement of Welded Branch Connections


File: 07-1358

Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2006, para. 304.3.3(a), may T b for use in calculatingL4, d2, and A3 be based on the thickness of the reinforcing barrel if the thickness of the reinforcing barrel is not uniform within the L4 limit?

Reply: No; however, see paras. 304.3.1(c) and 300(c)(3).


Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Fig. 323.2.2B, Reduction in Minimum Design Metal TemperatureWithout Impact Testing


File: 07-1359

Question: Shall the pressures coincident with the metal temperatures under consideration beused in determining the stress ratio as defined in the General Notes of Fig. 323.2.2B?

Reply: Yes.

I-14



-- ,` ,, ,,` ,, , ,,,,,,,` ,, - - ,, ,, , ,, ---


15/442



Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Paras. 321.1.4(c) and 323.2.2(d), Piping Support Materials


File: 07-1360

Question: Does ASME B31.3-2006 address specific impact test requirements for pipe supportingelements?

Reply: No. Seepara. 321.1.4(a), which requires materials to be suitable for the service conditions.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Para. 345.2.2, Leak Testing, Other Test Requirements


File: 07-1361

Question (1): Is it permissible to use a pump to maintain system test pressure during the testingperiod?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): How much pressure drop is acceptable during a hydrostatic leak test?

Reply (2): The Code does not address this issue.

Question (3): Is there a maximum test pressure allowed during the pressure testing period?

Reply (3): No; however, see paras. 345.2.1(a) and 345.4.2.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Table 323.2.2, A-4(b), Impact Testing of Weld Metal and HeatAffected Zone


File: 07-1362

Question: If one or more of the three exceptions for impact testing of weld metal deposits inaustenitic stainless steel, as stated in clause A-4(b) of Table 323.2.2, are satisfied, is impact testingof the weld metal and HAZ required for cases where the design minimum temperature is below29C (20F)?

Reply: No.

I-15



- -

` `

, ` `

, ,

` , ,

` `

, ,

` ,

` , , , , , , ,

` `

, ,

` -

` -

` , ,

` , ,

` ,

` , ,

` - - -


16/442



Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Table 341.3.2, Acceptance Criteria for Welds Internal Protrusions


File: 07-1363

Question (1): Does B31.3-2004 address the effect on process flow by internal protrusions ingroove welds?

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Does Table 341.3.2 define the imperfection where one edge of a groove is leftunconsumed at the root without internal misalignment as incomplete penetration?

Reply (2): No.

Question (3): In accordance with Criterion Value Notes for Table 341.3.2, Symbol E for T w > 6mm ( 1 4 in.), is the multiplication factor 1.5 applicable for aligned porosity length and clusteredporosity length?

Reply (3): Yes.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Para. 302.2.4, Allowances for Pressure and Temperature Variations


File: 07-1397

Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2006, does para. 302.2.4(f)(1)(b) apply when theoverpressure in a system in Normal Fluid Service is less than or equal to 20%?

Reply: Yes, provided the other requirements of para. 302.2.4 are met.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Para. 331, Heat Treatment Requirements


File: 07-1398

Question: For API 5L double submerged arc welded (DSAW) pipe with a wall thickness greaterthan 3 4 in., do all welds (e.g., circumferential and longitudinal) require postweld heat treatmentto meet the requirements of ASME B31.3?

Reply: Yes, except as provided for in para. 331.1.1.

I-16




17/442



Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Appendix M and Para. 301.3.1, Temperature Limits for Category DFluid Service


File: 07-1482

Question: Does ASME B31.3-2004 permit a fluid service that is nonflammable, nontoxic, non-damaging to human tissues, with a design gage pressure less than 1 035 kPa, and a designtemperature between 29C and 186C, to be classified as a Category D fluid service, if the designminimum temperature as defined in para. 301.3.1 is below 29C?

Reply: Yes.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Para. 341.3.1(a), Examinations and Postweld Heat Treatment

Date Issued: October 2, 2007File: 07-1483

Question: Does para. 341.3.1(a) require examinations be performed after thefinal heat treatment?

Reply: Yes.

I-17



- -

` `

, ` `

, ,

` , ,

` `

, ,

` ,

` , , , , , , ,

` `

, ,

` -

` -

` , ,

` , ,

` ,

` , ,

` - - -


18/442

ASME B31.3 CUMULATIVE INDEX INTERPRETATIONS VOLS. 121

NUMERICAL INDEX Code references are based on ASME B31.3-1990 or later editions. References in brackets are to previous editions

and addenda.

Reference Interpretation

Introduction 1-31-61-713-0420-08

300 7-108-1719-11

300(b) 1-261-324-085-038-0910-1113-14

300(c) 3-23-44-106-03R (Vol. 7)7-058-3013-0216-1218-0919-3119-4820-0320-2020-38

300(c) [300(e)] 1-31-61-7

300.1 7-108-179-0612-20

21-0721-32

300.1.1 1-471-522-263-14-196-018-019-0217-01

(a)


Fig. 300.1.1 1-81-192-267-108-17

300.1.3 [300.1.4] 1-81-161-191-26

3-215-09

300.1.3(d) 10-0521-22

300.2Category D Fluid 4-13

Service5-036-0119-34

Category M Fluid 1-40Service

1-736-01

8-099-02flammable 21-25notch-sensit ive 2-22owner 2-30piping components 3-2

8-0114-0317-2321-24

piping system 1-309-06

severe cyclic 5-12conditions

8-09Table 300.4 20-23301 5-11301.1 20-40301.2 2-3

7-01301.2.1 2-29

13-15301.3 2-3

17-07301.3.1 10-02

21-47


310.3.2 4-11301.5.3 4-07301.7.2 3-4302 1-32

19-03302.2 1-50302.2.1 16-18302.2.2 17-11

19-02302.2.3 19-19302.2.4 [302.2.3] 1-3

1-322-143-44-117-017-048-0414-0917-1220-0320-2220-5121-45

302.2.5 13-15302.3 20-25302.3.2 1-18

1-382-163-138-2511-0516-0419-3719-38

302.3.4 2-2017-14

Table 302.3.4 1-421-782-203-1120-3421-0621-37

302.3.5 1-201-502-142-15



--` `

,` `

, ,`

, ,` `

, ,`

,`

, , , , , , ,` `

, ,` -` -`

, ,`

, ,`

,`

, ,` ---


19/442



302.3.5 (Contd)2-243-44-104-12

6-03R (Vol. 7)6-077-047-058-1615-1516-1117-0417-1818-1620-0221-34

Table 302.3.5 16-10302.3.6 1-50

2-152-162-1719-1820-0220-4920-50

302.4 1-20303 6-05304.1.1 1-42

1-541-7013-0715-0615-1016-1421-38

304.1.2 1-421-571-681-702-1110-2021-13

304.2 15-14304.2.1 21-13304.2.2 18-06304.2.3 1-22

5-11Fig. 304.2.3 1-22304.3 1-21

1-465-016-09

304.3.1 19-33304.3.2 4-05304.3.3 4-03

7-028-068-37

(b)


304.3.3 (Contd)11-1012-0514-1015-05

17-2621-39Fig. 304.3.3 8-37304.3.4 1-21

1-371-551-752-27

Fig. 304.3.4 1-70304.3.5 12-13304.5 3-4

9-0710-1419-12

304.5.1 8-1820-12

304.5.1(b) 9-10304.7.2 1-51

3-24-055-055-116-0910-710-1110-1812-0913-02

13-0313-0513-1119-2920-2620-3721-0221-34

304.7.4 1-16305.2 3-8

3-9305.2.1 1-38305.2.3 6-01

7-0321-29

306.4 12-16306.4.2 11-03308.2.1 5-12308.2.4 5-12311.2.4 6-02

6-05311.2.5 10-04312 9-07314 20-48314.2.1 2-22


Table 314.2.1 8-3311-16

315.2 3-6315.3 3-6317.2 1-17

318 8-13318.2.2 19-45319.1.1 20-48319.2.1 2-17

20-45319.2.3 7-04

7-0512-0618-13

319.3.1 19-4021-09

319.3.1(b) 15-2421-16

319.3.2 21-26

319.3.5 4-10319.3.6 1-61-71-552-245-1513-05

Table 319.3.6 9-01319.4.1 1-33

13-14319.4.4 1-71

2-72-24

319.7 1-16

7-05321.1.1 6-07321.1.4 1-49

19-3621-41

322.3 17-24322.6.1 10-10

12-18322.6.3 1-32

2-212-297-0112-0414-09

323.1 19-28323.1.1 8-19

17-09R (Vol. 18)19-41

323.1.2 1-111-151-482-16-068-078-1911-03



--` `

,` `

, ,`

, ,` `

, ,`

,`

, , , , , , ,` `

, ,` -` -`

, ,`

, ,`

,`

, ,` ---


20/442



323.1.2 (Contd)15-0417-0117-0819-27

323.2 3-9323.2.1 1-13323.2.2 15-12

15-2519-0719-2119-3519-3919-4720-1520-31

Fig. 323.2.2 14-0820-1320-15

21-2821-40

Table 323.2.2 [Table 1-12323.2.1]

1-481-651-762-193-84-014-1514-1215-1115-16

17-09R (Vol. 18)18-1220-3121-0121-43

323.2.4 6-06323.3 1-76

5-1320-14

Table 323.3.1 [Table 1-12323.3.2]

1-764-175-19

5-218-2910-0211-1215-2320-1020-3121-18

323.3.2 11-12323.3.4 8-30323.3.5 2-9

(c)


Table 323.3.5 5-14323.4 15-03323.4.2 10-01

10-19Table 326.1 1-11

1-512-38-078-3419-14

328 7-0212-1220-39

328.1 12-07328.2 [327.5] 1-66

11-0914-1320-19

328.2.1 [327.5.1, 327.5.2] 1-76

4-178-2919-2220-1920-43

328.2.2 20-19328.2.2(g) 14-05328.2.2(i) 19-26328.2.3 15-19

18-08328.4 13-01328.4.2 and Fig. 328.4.2 12-10328.4.3 14-04Fig. 328.4.4 8-28

9-08328.5 [327.4] 5-09328.5.1 [327.4.1] 5-17328.5.2 [327.4.2] 5-12

16-0619-20

Fig. 328.5.2 [Fig. 327.4.2] 1-285-126-026-058-2715-0819-1620-01

328.5.3 20-05328.5.4 [327.4.4] 1-59

1-742-104-034-147-088-1310-0413-1121-02


Fig. 328.5.4 [Fig. 327.4.4] 1-591-744-034-167-08

328.6 2-18330 8-21330.1 8-23Table 330.1.1 9-05331 8-12

20-3921-46

331.1.1 8-089-0514-0119-15

Table 331.1.1 [Table 1-69331.3.1]

2-2

5-068-249-0312-1414-1617-0120-4421-1221-19

331.1.2 8-05331.1.3 [331.3.6] 1-39

1-594-065-06

9-0311-0614-0115-1817-1317-2118-0219-24

331.1.4 [331.1.2] 5-08331.1.6 [331.3.4] 5-08

16-09331.1.7 [331.3.2] 1-78

8-22331.2 18-04331.2.2 [331.1.1] 1-39

1-78331.3.4 8-05331.3.7 8-05332.1 8-03

19-04332.2 [329.1] 1-23

1-534-028-20

332.2.2 16-08




21/442



332.4 [329.3, 330.2] 2-219-04

332.4.2 11-0315-17

335.1.1 15-07

17-25335.2 2-5335.2.3 17-20

21-14Fig. 335.3.3(a) 20-36340.2 [336.1.2] 1-26340.3 [336.3] 1-10

10-03340.4 [336.2] 1-31

17-1520-33

341 10-1615-1319-4921-17

341.1.4.1 21-20341.2 [336.1.1, 336.1.3] 1-10

1-261-272-2810-03

341.3.1 [336.5] 1-642-419-1521-48

341.3.2 8-3221-44

Fig. 341.3.2 [Fig. 327.4.1] 5-0913-16

Table 341.3.2 14-0214-0714-1516-0717-0317-2218-0720-1620-2020-34

[Table 327.4.1A] 1-11-9

1-141-412-85-045-135-165-175-185-206-047-06

(d)


[Table 341.3.2A] 8-328-389-0411-0811-14

12-2213-16341.3.3 14-14341.3.4 [336.5, 336.5.4] 1-62

2-252-323-53-1410-0910-1211-0211-0413-1216-01

16-0216-0518-01

341.4 [336.5] 1-241-453-125-2011-0121-23

341.4.1 [336.5.1] 1-101-261-271-602-12

2-283-73-124-125-108-028-108-2610-0310-1711-1111-1411-1518-1419-0519-4220-0920-3421-04

341.4.2 8-38341.4.3 8-10

20-09341.5 8-38341.5.1 [336.6.1] 1-5

3-1220-34


342 15-21342.1 [336.4.1] 2-28

21-05343 [336.4.1] 2-28344 [336.4] 5-09

16-1318-1120-42

344.1 13-12344.2 [336.4.2] 2-28

8-108-2611-1115-2118-17

344.2.1 19-17344.2.2 21-20344.5 [336.4.5] 1-10

1-60

2-12344.5.1 20-3420-41

344.6 [336.4.6] 1-60344.6.2 10-17344.7 [336.4.7] 2-28

3-1412-0119-17

344.7.1 11-1121-20

345 [337] 1-21-722-31

3-38-3116-0317-3019-2319-3019-4920-1721-11

345.1 [337.1] 1-41-304-046-088-1512-2120-2421-36

345.2.2 8-3120-4618-1020-4721-42

345.2.3 20-0720-1120-2420-27



- -

` `

, ` `

, ,

` , ,

` `

, ,

` ,

` , , , , , , ,

` `

, ,

` -

` -

` , ,

` , ,

` ,

` , ,

` - - -


22/442



345.2.3(c) 21-10345.2.3(i) 17-28

20-37345.2.4 [337.4.3] 1-35345.2.5 19-44

345.2.6 [337.1] 1-25-2219-2320-06

345.3 [337.3] 2-63-105-0212-03

345.3.1 20-28345.4 8-04

19-25345.4.1 12-19345.4.2 [337.4.1] 1-35

1-61

1-632-234-049-0913-1318-0319-1020-46

345.4.3 [337.4.2] 1-63345.5 [337.4.4] 1-35

1-436-0811-0713-06

19-32345.5.2 11-19345.5.4 12-02

20-46345.7 [337.5.2] 1-36345.8 [337.6] 1-25

3-1017-0219-0620-18

345.9 [337.5.1] 4-095-076-088-1510-1512-0112-2115-0217-0517-1018-1520-18

345.9.1 20-0620-43

A302.2.3 20-30A302.2.4 21-33

(e)


A304 8-14A304.1.1 14-17

14-18A304.5.1 1-67A304.7.2 13-08

A305 11-17A314 8-33A322.6 17-29A323.4.2 10-06

11-1821-3021-31

Table A326.1 20-30A327.2.4 7-09A328 21-15A328.2(a) 10-8A328.2.1 8-14

18-05A328.2.5 17-06

A328.5 8-1410-0813-08

K300 20-09K300(a) 17-16K303 20-21K304.1.2 11-21

14-11K314.2 17-19K315 7-07K322.3 7-07K323.1.2 19-09K323.1.5 21-03Table K323.3.1 20-41

21-18K323.3.5 21-27Table K326.1 20-21K328.2.1(a) 17-27Fig. K328.5.4 8-37K341.4.2 20-09K346.2(b) 21-03M305.1 12-15M307.2 8-35M313 21-21M314.2.2 20-36M322.3 2-13

3-6M323.1.3 3-7M326 2-13M335.3.3 20-36M335.4 [M335.5, M335.6] 3-6M341.4 [M336.5] 1-24

1-4520-09

M341.4.1 [M336.5.1] 2-283-7

M345 20-47M345.1 6-08MA306.5 9-02MA313 21-21


MA323.4 9-0219-08

MA323.4.2 8-35Appendix A Notes (no 2-20

equivalent) [(14)]

Note (17) 4-18Note (20) [(30)] 1-77Note (57) [(2)] 1-58Appendix ATable A-1 [Table 1] 1-13

1-181-291-381-481-772-13-83-93-13

4-124-136-016-067-038-118-188-258-348-3611-1312-0915-0119-4319-4620-2920-3221-28

Table A-1B [Table 1] 1-782-204-187-03

Appendix B 19-13Appendix D 1-6

1-71-341-461-551-561-712-72-244-165-015-156-0612-0812-1112-1713-05



--` `

,` `

, ,`

, ,` `

, ,`

,`

, , , , , , ,` `

, ,` -` -`

, ,`

, ,`

,`

, ,` ---


23/442



Appendix D (Contd)18-18

Appendix E 1-44[Appendix K]

5-10

19-20Appendix F [F323.2] 1-29Appendix F, F323 20-20Appendix F, FA323.4 20-30

(f)


Appendix G 5-12

Appendix H 8-06

11-10

Appendix J 1-28

1-541-75

5-04


Appendix M 6-018-0920-23

Appendix V 17-17Appendix X, X3.1.3 12-23Appendix X, X3.2.2 13-09

Appendix X, X302.2.3 15-22Case 137 3-1Case 141 1-51



-- ,` ,, ,,` ,, , ,,,,,,,` ,, - - ,, ,, , ,, ---


24/442


SUBJECT INDEX

Interpre-Subject tation

Acceptance Criteriapressure tests 1-2weld 1-1

1-91-141-412-85-095-135-175-18

5-206-047-068-3212-2213-1614-0214-07

Allowable Loads 14-06

Allowable Stresses 4-12 bases for 1-18

3-138-118-2510-1315-01

for ASTM A 312 1-29for ASTM A 351 11-13for ASTM A 387 8-25for ASTM A 464 8-11for ASTM A 570 1-38for ASTM A 587 1-13for ASTM A 671 1-48for austenit ic stainless 3-13

steels

for unlisted alloy steel 19-09pipe

Alterations of Piping 13-04

Alternative Tests (see Leak Tests )

Authorized Inspector (see OwnersInspector )

Bellows 13-09

(g)


Bending 4-028-0315-1716-08

Bendscorrugated 1-23miter (see Miter Bends)reduction of outside 8-20

diameter

Bolting Materials 4-1517-2020-1221-14

Bonding Qualification Testhot gas welded 8-14minimum burst pressure 7-09

8-14procedure specifications 10-08

for plastic piping21-15

requirements 18-05solvent cement 8-14

Bondsheat fusion 8-14hot gas welded 8-14test assembly 7-09

Branch Connectionscouplings 19-33extruded outlets 1-37

2-276-09

flexibility analysis 9-01integrally reinforced fitting 4-05

11-10projection into run pipe 8-28

9-03reinforcement 8-06

8-3712-0512-1314-1015-0521-39

weld requirements 2-104-034-14


Branch Connections (Contd)weld requirements (Contd)

7-027-0810-0413-1117-26

Brazed Jointsfor flammable service 1-17

Buckles 1-231-53

Cast Ironsspeci fic requirements 10-01

Category D Fluid Servicealternative pressure test for 1-36limitations 4-13

5-0321-47

radiographic examination 8-3821-23

Category M Fluid Serviceclarification of term 1-73

9-0220-23

double contained piping 8-35fittings 20-36leak test 6-08liquid oxygen 8-09piping flexibility 21-21requirements 8-35

9-0212-15

tubing size limitat ions 2-13very small quant ity 1-40

Code CoverageB31.3 versus B31.4 1-47

7-10B31.3 versus B31.9 21-32 buried piping 21-07cryogenic piping 21-22fired heaters 15-09general hydrocarbon 6-01

serviceinl ine sensing devices 8-01

21-24



- -

` `

, ` `

, ,

` , ,

` `

, ,

` ,

` , , , , , , ,

` `

, ,

` -

` -

` , ,

` , ,

` ,

` , ,

` -

- -


25/442



Code Coverage (Contd)intent 16-12later editions 19-01new and replacement 5-22

piping12-2119-49

offshore platform 8-17oil heating system 4-19radioactive fluids 12-20synfuel plant piping 1-52

2-26tobacco plant piping 3-1

Components (see also Fittings, Flanges,Standard Components, Unlisted, and Valves )

certification 1-263-7

5-1013-10

defining 17-2320-11

design conditions 2-3fabricated or flared flaps 11-03

12-16inline sensing devices 8-01

21-24listed 20-25metric size 19-29referenced st andards 1-44

5-10

Compressorsinternal piping 1-8

Corrugated Bends 1-23

Cyclic Loading 5-1217-04

Design (see also Pressure Design )additional design 12-13

considerationscalculations 20-26

21-13conditions 2-3for st ainless bellows 12-23

Lame theory 1-57minimum temperature 10-02qualification 20-38

20-40

Displacement Strain 20-45

Displacement Stress 2-142-2412-0618-1321-09

(h)


Earthquake (see Seismic )

Empty Systemtransportation 9-06

Examinationacceptance criteria 16-07extent of 1-24

5-1811-0121-0421-23

in-process 3-1411-15

liquid penetrant (see LiquidPenetrant Examination)

personnel 21-05postweld heat treatment 21-48progressive (see Progressive

Examination)radiographic (see

Radiographic Examination)random 1-27

1-451-622-122-324-1211-15

records 11-1121-20

required 1-241-606-0411-1411-1515-1315-2118-1421-17

severe cyclic conditions 10-1711-14

spot 1-62types 16-13

18-11

ultrasonic (see UltrasonicExamination)

visual (see VisualExamination)

Exclusionsfor compressors and 1-8

internal pipingfor interconnecting piping 1-19

21-22listed in scope 10-5


Expansion Joints 1-1612-2313-09

Extruded Outletpressure design of 1-21

1-70tees considered as 1-55

Extruded Welded Tee 5-01

Fatigue 18-09

Fillet Weldinternal, slip-on flange 8-27pressure containing 8-13size 1-74use 10-4

FittingsB16.9 1-7

5-0119-1420-21

conforming to two grades 8-18flared, flareless, or 3-6

compression types12-16

MSS SP-75 1-11

Flammable Service 1-1721-25

Flangesassembly 2-5design 1-67

3-49-7

general 9-10long welding neck 4-05slip-on 5-12

8-27use of aluminum 1-51

use of raised and flat face 9-07metallic

Flexibility Analysis branch connections 9-01exemptions from 1-33modulus of elasticity 21-26qualification 13-05

13-14thermal expansion data 15-24

21-16



--` `

,` `

, ,`

, ,` `

, ,`

,`

, , , , , , ,` `

, ,` -` -`

, ,`

, ,`

,`

, ,` ---


26/442



Flexibility Characteristiceffect of branch to run 1-56

diametersfor a tee 1-55

1-565-01

for components not listed 1-55in Appendix D

2-24

Flexibility Factors basis for 1-56for B16.9 tee 1-7

12-0812-17

for fabricated intersections 1-64-165-15

for pressure piping 13-05

componentsfor welded elbows 1-6

Fluid Servicedefinition 19-34

20-23general hydrocarbon 6-01requirements, metallic 11-16

12-1512-1615-03

requirements, nonmetallic 11-1711-1821-3021-31

responsibility for 4-08categorizing8-09

Graphitizationtemperature relative to 1-58

onset

Hardnesslimitations on 2-2records 8-22testing 15-20

Heat Fusion Joints 13-08

Heat Treatment

cooling rate 1-69for austenitic stainless steel 1-65for bending and forming 2-2

19-04for carbon st eel pipe 21-12for flared laps 11-03for valve parts 8-12governing thickness 1-39

1-594-065-0611-06

(i)


Heat Treatment (Contd)heating rate 1-69local 5-08

8-05

monitoring 5-088-05postweld 20-39

20-44requirements 8-08

8-218-238-249-039-0512-1414-0114-1615-18

18-0421-4621-48

SP-1 through SP-5 8-24when radiography is 1-64

required2-4

Hydrostatic Tests (see Leak Tests )

Impact Tests

absorbed energy data 2-9alternative methods 8-30 base metal 4-01

11-1218-1220-10

exclusions from 1-765-148-30

heat treatment required 5-19in qualifying procedures 8-29of aluminum filler metals 2-19of austenitic stainless steel 1-65of bolting materials 4-15of duplex stainless steel 20-13of heat-affect ed zone 1-76

5-21of high pressure piping 21-27of weldments 1-12

1-651-765-2119-2121-19

requirements 15-2317-0920-3121-18


Impact Tests (Contd)temperature l imitation 5-14

8-3014-12

19-0719-4321-0121-2821-43

Imperfections (see also AcceptanceCriteria )

concave root surface 1-16-04

determination of 8-32lack of fusion 5-09porosity 1-9

5-13

5-165-20slag inclusion 5-20tungsten inclusions 1-9

5-17undercutting 1-14

2-86-04

Installed Piping 1-30

Instrument Piping 7-078-01

Internal Piping, Equipment 1-8

Joint Factorsfor ASTM A 234, ASTM A 2-20

312, ASTM A 403for branch connect ions 8-06for circumferential welds 1-42for longitudinal and spiral 1-78

welds3-118-0617-1420-34

Jointsalignment 15-07

17-25circumferent ial bends 5-11exposed during test 2-6

3-10instrument tubing 7-07special 8-13tapered pipe thread 16-15threaded 11-16

17-1920-48



--` `

,` `

, ,`

, ,` `

, ,`

,`

, , , , , , ,` `

, ,` -` -`

, ,`

, ,`

,`

, ,` ---


27/442



Lateral Fittings 1-6

Leak Testsacceptance criteria 1-2

15-22

16-03alternative 4-095-076-088-1512-0112-2117-0517-1018-1520-18

as nondestructive 8-31examination

external design pressure 19-44for Category D fluid 1-36

servicefor Category M fluid 20-47

servicefor system designed for 0 2-31

psiisolat ion of t est pump 1-2leakage 1-4minimum hydrostatic test 2-23

pressure4-04

minor repairs and 1-2additions

of discharge piping 1-72of joints 20-28of newly constructed 1-4

systems5-025-228-1520-24

of piping and vessel 1-63of piping connecting 3-3

equipmentof replacement piping 5-22

12-21painting before test 2-6

3-105-23

personnel qualification 8-31pneumatic test 11-07

11-1912-0213-0619-2319-3019-3220-17

preparation for 2-63-105-025-2312-03

(j)


Leak Tests (Contd)reduced pressure 1-61

(hydrostatic test)2-2313-1320-17

requirements 8-1513-13

sensitive 1-2517-0219-0619-23

temperature correction for 1-351-43

test fluid 12-19test pressure 12-04

19-10time 20-46

21-1121-42welds 20-06

20-0720-3521-1021-36

Lethal Substance 1-73

Limitationson hardness 2-2on imperfections (see

Imperfections)

on tubing size 2-133-6

Liquid Penetrant Examinationrequirements 11-14

Low Temperature Requirements (seeImpact Tests )

MaterialsAPI 5L 1-78

2-43-93-116-016-06

API 5LX 2-411-05

ASTM A 234 2-20ASTM A 312 1-29

1-772-20

ASTM A 350 19-07ASTM A 351 11-13ASTM A 387 8-25


Materials (Contd)ASTM A 403 1-77

2-20ASTM A 487 8-07

ASTM A 537 2-1ASTM A 570 1-38ASTM A 587 1-13ASTM A 633 1-11ASTM A 658 3-8ASTM A 671 1-48ASTM B 241 2-19ASTM B 337 4-18ASTM B 464 8-11austenitic stainless steels 3-13 bases for design stresses 11-05carbon steel 19-39certification 5-10

8-0213-1021-03

conforming to two grades 8-188-34

listed 17-09R(Vol.18)

17-11notch sensitive 2-22notes 20-29reidentification 8-19toughness requirements 5-19traceability 19-28unlisted material 11-05

11-2015-0417-0117-0819-27

Mechanical Interlock 19-45

Miter Bendspressure design of 1-22

5-11

Near Straight Sawtooth Runsexplanation of 1-33

Nomenclatured 1-54T 1-28T W 5-04

5-16tn 1-75



-- ,` ,, ,,` ,, , ,,,,,,,` ,, - - ,, ,, , ,, ---


28/442



Nonmetallic Piping fluid service requirements 11-17

11-18in Category M Fluid 8-35

Service joint requirements 7-098-14

materials 19-0820-3021-3021-31

pressure design 14-1714-1821-33

Notch Sensitivematerials 2-22

Occasional Variations 1-3(Pressure/Temperature Allowances)

2-144-11

loads 1-502-152-162-1719-1820-4920-5021-08

Owner responsibilities 1-26

2-305-2219-11

Owners Inspector qualifications of 1-31

20-33responsibilities of 1-26

Pipealterations of existing pipe 13-04

20-04curved and mitered 15-14

segments18-06

elbowless 8-03in corroded condit ion 2-15instrument 17-24made from plate 1-48

8-36of noncircular cross section 3-2pressure design 13-07

14-09pressure testing 9-09

(k)


Pipe (Contd)spiral welded 7-03straight, under internal 10-20

pressure11-2114-11

types 20-27

Pipe Supportsconfigurations 6-07longitudinal stress effects 7-05materials 19-36

21-41use of plastic 1-49

Plasticlined pipe use of 8-33

screwed flangespipe supports 1-49

Pneumatic Tests (see Leak Tests )

Positionsqualification of welding 1-66

Postweld Heat Treatment (see Heat Treatment )

Preheat (see Heat Treatment )

Pressure Designallowance 17-12

20-0320-51

21-3321-45for elevated temperatures 3-4in the high pressure range 1-68

17-16of extruded headers 1-21

1-70of flanges and blanks 10-14

13-1519-12

of miter bends 1-21of nonmetallic piping 14-17

components14-18

of pipe 1-421-541-571-681-702-1111-2113-0715-0615-1017-0621-38


Pipe (Contd)of listed components 16-14

16-18of unlisted components 13-02

13-0313-0521-34

of valves 8-0413-15

Pressure Rating components 19-02valve 8-04variations 4-11

20-22

Pressure Relief Devicesacceptable devices 2-21

2-2919-41

and test pressure 11-0711-1912-0414-0918-03

pressure reducing station 19-31requirements 17-29setting 1-32

7-0112-04

stop valves 10-1012-18

Pressure Surgesloads due to 1-50

Pressure-Temperature 5-05Rating

8-34

Pressure Test (see Leak Test )

Progressive Examination 1-51-623-510-09

10-1010-1211-0211-0413-1216-0116-0216-0518-01

Published Specification 1-15



- -

` `

, ` `

, ,

` , ,

` `

, ,

` ,

` , , , , , , ,

` `

, ,

` -

` -

` , ,

` , ,

` ,

` , ,

` - - -


29/442



Radiographic Examination100% 5-09

20-17as supplementary 8-38

examinationdigital radiography 20-42normal fluid service 20-20random radiography 1-27

1-451-622-122-323-12

records 1-10requirements 6-04

11-0111-0512-03

select ion of welds for 2-25examinationspot radiography 1-62

3-12survey plugs 19-48when PWHT is required 1-64

2-4

Recordscertification 5-10

8-0210-0321-03

for radiographic 1-10examination

of examinations 11-1121-20

of hardness tests 8-22retention of 1-10

Reinforcement, Branchattachment weld 4-03

7-08clarification of terms 1-37

11-10limits of 2-27

9-04

Repairsto welds 2-18

Responsibility designer 10-11rights of owners 10-03

inspection17-15

Safeguarding 5-12

Scope (see Code Coverage )

(l)


Seismic Loads 4-07stresses due to 2-17

Severe Cyclic Conditions

cyclic loading 5-12large rapid temperature 8-09change

material 21-29spiral welded pipe 7-03

Simplified Flexibility 1-33 Analysis

Standard Componentsmanufacturers markings 3-7

8-02valves 5-05

8-048-07

Standardscompliance 5-10superseded 1-44

Stresses (see also Allowable Stresses )allowable 19-37

19-3819-4620-32

displacement stress range 7-0412-0620-02

due to cold spring 8-16due to occasional loads 2-16due to pressure surges 1-50due to seismic loads 2-17due to sustained loads 15-15

16-0416-1120-02

due to thermal gradients 3-4hydrostatic design 19-13longitudinal 1-20

1-502-152-244-104-126-03R

(Vol.7)

6-077-058-1617-1818-16

reduction factors 16-1021-34


Stress Intensification Factorsapplication of 1-34

2-246-03R

(Vol.7) basis for 1-56 branch connections 2-7for B16.9 tees 1-7for fabricated intersections 1-6

5-15for tees 1-46

1-551-715-0112-0812-17

for unlisted components 13-05

for welded elbows 1-612-11

Temperaturesallowance 17-12

20-03 bending 16-08design minimum 10-02

temperature14-0814-1215-1115-1617-0719-35

large changes 8-09limitations 4-13

5-1415-1215-2519-47

maximum metal 19-40temperature

reduction 4-1120-15

variation in elevated 17-17temperature service

verification 16-09

Thermoplastic Piping neat fusion joints 13-08solvent cemented joints 10-8speci fic requirements 10-06

Thickness Allowancesgoverning 17-13

17-2118-02

in stress calculat ions 1-20welding tee 18-18



--` `

,` `

, ,`

, ,` `

, ,`

,`

, , , , , , ,` `

, ,` -` -`

, ,`

, ,`

,`

, ,` ---


30/442



Thickness Requirements 20-1720-41

Tubing category M fluid service 16-17

joints 7-07limitations 2-13

3-6

Ultrasonic Examinationin place of radiography 11-05

20-0920-42

requirements 10-17

Unlistedcomponents 1-6

1-513-64-055-058-710-1810-0710-1112-0913-0213-0313-0519-0319-1920-2520-3721-34

materials (see Materials)

ValvesCategory M Fluid Service 8-35Flanged Ball Valves 16-16materials 8-07

15-26pressure buildup 8-04ratings 5-05

Visual Examinationinternal 8-10

8-2613-16

requirements 2-2810-0313-1618-17

(m)


Washers, Use of 2-5

Weldacceptable criteria 17-03

17-2218-0721-44

bevels 12-10configuration 19-16definition 14-03

19-05examination of welds 10-15

11-0111-1413-1614-1414-1515-02

19-1719-4220-0620-43

fillet size 1-7410-1916-0620-01

final 19-15for branch connect ions 2-10

4-034-148-3711-1019-25

imperfections (see also 21-02 Acceptable Criteria)

joint quality factor 21-0621-37

joint strength reduction 21-35factor

longitudinal 2-203-114-18

of valves 12-12preparation for welding 13-01

14-04qualification of position 1-66


Weld (Contd)reinforcement 7-08

11-08repair 2-18

21-19socket 6-02

6-0510-1915-0816-0619-20

spacing of 7-02types 20-05

20-07

Welder Qualification

by others 15-1918-0819-26

requirements 17-27

Welding Procedurequalification of 1-12

1-651-661-764-178-238-2911-0914-0514-1319-22

responsibility 12-0712-12

specification 8-218-2220-1420-1920-31



--` `

,` `

, ,`

, ,` `

, ,`

,`

, , , , , , ,` `

, ,` -` -`

,


31/442


ASME B31.3INTERPRETATIONS VOLUME 20

Replies to Technical InquiriesNovember 1, 2003 through October 31, 2005

GENERAL INFORMATION

It has been agreed to publish interpretations issued by the B31 Committee concerning B31.3as part of the update service to the Code. The interpretations have been assigned numbers inchronological 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. Subsequentrevisions 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 revisedreply bearing the original interpretation number with the suffix R is presented. In the case wherean interpretation is correctedby errata, theoriginal interpretation number with thesuffix E is used.

ASME procedures provide for reconsideration of these interpretations when or if additionalinformation 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 toAppendix 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 1up to and including the present volume, and will be updated with each volume.

I-1



--` `

,` `

, ,`

, ,` `

, ,`

,`

, , , , , , ,` `

, ,` -` -`

, ,`

, ,`

,`

, ,` ---


32/442


B31.3Subject Interpretation File No.

Allowances With Owners Approval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-22 B31-05-45Appendix A, Note (76) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-29 B31-05-388Appendix A, Table A-1, 321 Stainless Steel Stresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-32 B31-05-405Applicability of Ultrasound Testing for Heavy Thick Piping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-09 B31-04-00497Chapter VIII, Piping for Category M Fluid Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-23 B31-05-107Chapter IX, Thickness Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-41 B31-05-1209Clarification of Seamless Pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-04 B31-04-00414Combining Displacements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-45 B31-05-1213Coverage of Ozone Gas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-08 B31-04-00496Design Stress for Bolts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-12 B31-04-01129Duration of Occasional Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-50 B31-05-1307Examination and Quality Factor for Longitudinal Welds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-34 B31-05-455Fig. 323.2.2B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-13 B31-04-01130Figs. 328.5.2B and 328.5.2C, Slip-On and Socket Welds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-01 B31-03-01912Hydrostatic Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-47 B31-05-1223

Interpretation 17-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-43 B31-05-1211Minimum Thickness for Test Blanks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-17 B31-04-01293Para. 300(c)(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-38 B31-05-1142Paras. 300.1.1(b), 300(c)(4), 300(c)(5), 345.1, and 345.8, Vacuum Box

Testing of Piping Field Welds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-18 B31-04-01294Para. 301.1(c) and (d). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-40 B31-05-1208Para. 302.2.4, Allowances for Pressure and Temperature Variations . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-03 B31-04-00412Para. 302.2.4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-51 B31-05-1308Para. 302.3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-25 B31-05-179Para. 302.3.5, Limits on Calculated Stresses Due to Sustained Loads and

Displacement Strains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-02 B31-03-01915Para. 304.7.2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-26 B31-05-180Para. 304.7.2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-37 B31-05-1141Para. 314, Threaded Joints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-48 B31-05-1305Para. 323.2.2, Lower Temperature Limits, Listed Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-15 B31-04-01207

Para. 323.2.2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-31 B31-05-404Paras. 328.2.1 and 328.2.2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-19 B31-03-1913Para. 328.5.3, Seal Welds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-05 B31-04-00416Para. 328.5.4, Welded Branch Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-11E B31-94-037Para. 331. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-39 B31-05-1147Para. 340.4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-33 B31-05-454Para. 345.2.2, Visual Examination of Fillet Weld . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-35 B31-05-477Para. 345.2.2(a), Examination for Leaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-46 B31-05-1222Para. 345.2.3, Piping Subassemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-11 B31-04-00499Para. 345.2.3, Piping Subassemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-24 B31-05-157,

B31-05-319Para. 345.2.3, Piping Subassemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-27 B31-05-328Para. 345.2.3(c), Testing of Closure Welds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-07 B31-04-00438Paras. 345.2.6 and 345.9.1(b), Leak Testing and Examination of Welds. . . . . . . . . . 20-06 B31-04-00417

Para. 345.3.1, Hydrostatic Testing of Pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-28 B31-05-329Para. K303, Use of B16.9 Buttwelding Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21 B31-05-34Paras. M314.2.2 and M335.3.3, and Fig. 335.3.3(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-36 B31-05-786Performing Digital Radiography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-42 B31-05-1210PWHT Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-44 B31-05-1212Qualifying the Heat Input for Impact Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-14 B31-04-01131Table 323.3.1, Welding Procedure Qualified Thickness Range and HAZ Impact

Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-10 B31-04-00498Table 341.3.2, Radiography Acceptance Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-16 B31-04-01250Table 341.3.2, Radiography Acceptance Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-20 B31-04-1250Table A326.1, Applicability of ASTM F 1281, F 1282, and F 1974. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-30 B31-05-391Use of Sh for Occasional Stress Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-49 B31-05-1306

I-2



-- ,` ,, ,,` ,, , ,,,,,,,` ,, - - ,, ,, , ,, ---


33/442


Interpretation: 13-11E

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 weldthroat thickness required for a proprietary integrally reinforced branch connection fitting?

Reply: The thickness is as required by the manufacturers design qualified in accordance withpara. 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.


Subject: ASME B31.3-2002 Edition, Figs. 328.5.2B and 328.5.2C, Slip-On and Socket Welds


File: B31-03-01912

Question (1): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2002 Edition, is the 1 16 in. approximate gapshown in Fig. 328.5.2B and Fig. 328.5.2C required to be present before any welding, includingtack welding?

Reply (1): Yes; also see interpretations 6-02, question (1); 10-19; and 16-06.

Question (2): In accordance withASME B31.3-2002 Edition, can radiography be used to ascertainthe 1 16 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 B31.3-2002 Edition, Para. 302.3.5, Limits on Calculated Stresses Due to SustainedLoads and Displacement Strains


File: B31-03-01915

Question (1): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2002 Edition, para. 302.3.5(c), shall sustainedload 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 sustainedplus occasional load stresses be evaluated separately from the displacement stress ranges of para.302.3.5(d)?

Reply (2): Yes.

I-3


Not for Resale, 07/18/2010 07:01:08 MDTproduction o

Documents

b31.3 Interpretations