ASME 831.3 INTERPRETATIONS
ASME B31.3
INTERPRETATIONS VOLUME 22
Replies to Technical Inquiries
April 29, 2008 through October 5, 2009
GENERAL INFORMATION
It has been agreed to publish interpretations issued by the B31 Committee concerning B31.3
as part of the update service to the Code. The interpretations have been assigned numbers in
chronological 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. Subsequent
revisions to the Code may have superseded the reply.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 revised
reply bearing the original interpretation number with the suffix R is presented. In the case where
an interpretation is corrected by errata, the original interpretation number with the suffix E is used.
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.
For detailed instructions on preparation of technical inquiries to the B31 Committee, refer to
Appendix 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 1
up to and including the present volume, and will be updated with each volume.
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ASME 831.3 INTERPRETATIONS
Subject
File No.
Interpretation
831.3 Versus U-Stamp ....................................................
Code Case 181. Table 1 ...................................................
Code Case 181. Table 1. Use of Altemative Ultrasonic Examination Acceptance
Criteria ...............................................................
Code Case 181. Use of Altemative Ultrasonic Examination Acceptance
Criteria ...............................................................
Fig. 328.28 and Para. 300.2. Definitions .....................................
Flame Arrester ...........................................................
Para . 300.2. Definition of Piping Component ................................
Paras . 300.2 and 301.3. Category D Design Temperature ......................
Para . 302.2.4. Weld Joint Strength Reduction Factors .........................
Paras . 302.3.5(d) and P302.3.5(d), Allowable Stress Range and Allowable
Operating Stress Limit ..................................................
Para . 304.1.1. Pressure Thickness ...........................................
Paras . 304.3.5(e) and 319.3.6. Reinforcement Pad Thickness ...................
Para . 305.1. General Pipe ..................................................
Para . 322.6.3. System Pneumatic Leak Test Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Para . 323.2.2(d). Carbon Steel Materials Without Impact Testing ...............
Para . 323.2.2(d). Use of Carbon Steel Materials Without Impact Testing ........
Para . 323.2.2(f). Stainless Steel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Para . 323.3. Impact Testing Methods and Acceptance Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Para . 328.5.1@). Weld Map and Welder Sign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Para . 328.5.1(c). Tack Welding Welder Performance Qualifications .............
Para . 328.5.4(d). Welded Branch Connections ................................
Para . 331.1.3. Poshveld Heat Treatment (PWHT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Para . 341.3.3. Defective Components and Workmanship ......................
Para . 341.4.1. Examination Normally Required ..............................
Para . 344.5.1. Radiographic Examination ....................................
Paras. 345.1. 345.3.4. and 345.5.1. Leak Testing/Limits of Tested Piping ........
Para . 345.2.3(a). Leak Testing ..............................................
Paras. 345.2.3(a) and 345.8. Leak Testing ....................................
Para . 345.2.3(c). Closure Welds ............................................
Para . 345.3.1. Hydrotest ...................................................
Para . 345.3.1. Joints Exposed and Para . 326.3. Reference Documents ...........
Paras . 345.4 and 345.5. Leak Testing With Negative Pressure ..................
Pressure Design and Fatigue Cycles ........................................
Tables 302.3.4 and A-1B. Longitudinal Weld Joints in Pipes. Tubes. and
Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Table 302.3.5. General Note (b). Critical Temperatures ........................
Table 323.2.2, A4(a) and A-4(b); Paras . 323.2.2(f)(1) and (2); Use of
Austenitic Stainless Steel Materials at Low Temperatures ...................
Table 323.3.4. Charpy Impact Test Temperature Reduction ....................
Table 326.1 and Appendix A. Listed Components............................
Table 341.3.2, Acceptance Criteria for Welds ................................
Table A-1. Basic Allowable Stresses for Metals ..............................
Table A-1. Material 25Cr-20Ni Pipe ........................................
Table A-1. Prohibition of API 5LX Grade Materials at Temperatures Exceeding
400°F .................................................................
Table B-1. Nonmetallic Piping .............................................
Weld Repair Requirements ................................................
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ASME 831.3 INTERPRETATIONS
Interpretation: 22-01
Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Para. 323.3, Impact Testing Methods and Acceptance Criteria
Date Issued: April 29, 2008
File: 08-472
Question (1): If a welding procedure has been qualified by impact testing for service at a
temperature of -46°C in accordance with para. 323.3, but the base material and weld material
were impact tested at a warmer temperature in accordance with their respective material specifications, may the weld procedure be used for service at temperatures as low as -46"C?
Reply (1): Yes, provided the essential variables, and supplemental essential variables in
ASME Section IX, are met.
Question (2): Is it required that the same brand and batch number of material, as used in weld
procedure qualification impact testing, be used for production welds?
Reply (2): No.
Interpretation: 22-02
Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Table 323.3.4, Charpy Impact Test Temperature Reduction
Date Issued: April 29, 2008
File: 08-476
Question: To qualify a material to -46"C, should a 5 mm Charpy impact specimen produced
from a 6.32 mm material thickness be tested at -50.1°C?
Reply: Yes; see para. 323.3.4(b).
Interpretation: 22-03
Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Table 323.2.2, A-4(a) and A-4(b); Paras. 323.2.2(f)(l) and (2); Use of
Austenitic Stainless Steel Materials at Low Temperatures
Date Issued: April 29, 2008
File: 08-477
Question: Does the Code permit austenitic stainless steel materials listed in Table A-1 to be
used to the minimum temperatures listed regardless if they are a seamless or welded product
form?
Reply: Yes, provided the requirements of Table 323.2.2, A-4(a) and applicable Notes in Table A-1
are followed.
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ASME 831.3 INTERPRETATIONS
Interpretation: 22-04
Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Pressure Design and Fatigue Cycles
Date Issued: April 29, 2008
File: 08-478
Question (1): Does ASME B31.3 address fatigue due to pressure cycling?
Reply (1): Yes; see paras. 301.10, 302.2.4(d), 304.1.2(b), and K304.8, and also paras. 300(c)(3)
and (5).
Question (2): Does para. 302.3.5 address pressure cycling?
Reply (2): No.
Interpretation: 22-05
Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Table 326.1 and Appendix A, Listed Components
Date Issued: April 29, 2008
File: 08-483
Question: Are piping and tube specifications listed in Appendix A considered to be listed
components and included as part of Table 326.1?
Reply: Yes. See Note (5) of Table 326.1.
Interpretation: 22-06
Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Paras. 300.2 and 301.3, Category D Design Temperature
Date Issued: April 29, 2008
File: 08-594
Question: Can a fluid service that is nonflammable, nontoxic, and not damaging to human
tissues, with a design gage pressure not exceeding 1035 kPa and a design temperature less than
-2g°C, be classified as a Category D fluid service?
Reply: No.
Interpretation: 22-07
Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Paras. 302.3.5(d) and P302.3.5(d), Allowable Stress Range and
Allowable Operating Stress Limit
Date Issued: April 29, 2008
File: 08-603
Question: Where the value of the stress range factor,f, is permitted to be greater than 1, does
the Code permit the allowable stress range, SA, for displacement stresses and the allowable
operating stress limit, SoA,to be the greater of
(a) the value computed with f = 1 and without the f, limitations on S, and Sh
(b) the value computed with f > 1 with the f, limitations on S, and Sh?
Reply: Yes.
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ASME 831.3 INTERPRETATIONS
Interpretation: 22-08
Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Para. 344.5.1, Radiographic Examination
Date Issued: April 30, 2008
File: 08-469
Question: Per para. 344.5.1, do the recommended values listed in ASME BPV Code Section V,
Article 2, para. T-274 for geometric unsharpness requirements need to be met by the manufacturer
under T-285?
Reply: No.
Interpretation: 22-09
Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Para. 345.3.1, Joints Exposed and Para. 326.3, Reference Documents
Date Issued: April 30, 2008
File: 08-471
Question: Do longitudinal weld joints in pipe meeting a standard listed in para. 326 have to
be exposed during leak testing in accordance with para. 345?
Reply: No; see para. 326.3.
Interpretation: 22-10
Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Tables 302.3.4 and A-lB, Longitudinal Weld Joints in Pipes, Tubes,
and Fittings
Date Issued: April 30, 2008
File: 08-480
Question (1):Does the Code permit an EFW pipe produced without filler metal to be upgraded
to a weld joint quality factor of 1.00 through radiography?
Reply (1): Yes; see Table 302.3.4.
Question (2): Do weld joint quality factors apply to circumferential welds?
Reply (2): No.
Interpretation: 22-11
Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Paras. 345.4 and 345.5, Leak Testing With Negative Pressure
Date Issued: April 30, 2008
File: 08-481
Question: Does the Code permit externally pressurized piping to be pneumatically tested using
an internal vacuum?
Reply: No; see para. 345.2.4.
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ASME 831.3 INTERPRETATIONS
Interpretation: 22-12
Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Table A-1, Prohibition of API 5LX Grade Materials at Temperatures
Exceeding 400°F
Date Issued: April 30, 2008
File: 08-595
Question (1):Are API 5L Grades X52 and X56 listed materials?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): Can API 5L Grades X52 and X56 be used above 400°F?
Reply (2):No; see double bars (11) as defined in Note (7) and Note (55) of Table A-1.
Interpretation: 22-13
Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Code Case 181, Table 1
Date Issued: May 1, 2008
File: 08-474
Question: For wall thicknesses of less than 25 mm (1in.), must both the a/t and the t? limit in
Table 1 be satisfied?
Reply: Yes.
Interpretation: 22-14
Subject:ASME B31.3-2006, Paras. 345.1,345.3.4, and 345.5.1, Leak Testing/Limits of Tested Piping
Date Issued: May 1, 2008
File: 08-475
Question: Is it acceptable for a pneumatic leak test to be conducted with test medium continuously added to compensate for known leaks so that the test pressure is maintained?
Reply: Yes, recognizing the additional hazards associated with pneumatic testing. See para.
345.5.1.
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ASME B31.3 INTERPRETATIONS
Interpretation: 22-15
Subject: ASME 831.3-2006, Paras. 345.2.3(a) and 345.8, Leak Testing
Date Issued: May 1, 2008
File: 08-593
Question (1): To comply with section 345, must a piping system be leak tested at the factory
fully assembled, or can individual pipe spools and equipment be tested separately as suggested
in para. 345.2.3(a)?
Reply (1): The Committee believes your question can be answered by previous Interpretation
20-25, a copy of which is attached.
Question (2): If a piping system in Normal Fluid Service has passed a hydrostatic leak test in
accordance with para. 345.4, a pneumatic leak test in accordance with para. 345.5, or a hydrostaticpneumatic leak test in accordance with para. 345.6, is a sensitive leak test in accordance with
para. 345.8 required?
Reply (2): No.
Interpretation: 22-16
Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Para. 345.2.3(c), Closure Welds
Date Issued: May 1, 2008
File: 08-596
Question (1): Does the Code permit a piping system consisting of piping subassemblies and/or
components to have more than one closure weld?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): Does the Code permit the leak test requirement of para. 345 to be replaced by
100% radiographic or ultrasonic examination?
Reply (2): No.
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ASME 831.3 INTERPRETATIONS
Interpretation: 22-17
Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Para. 341.4.1, Examination Normally Required
Date Issued: May 1, 2008
File: 08-597
Question (1): Are the longitudinal welds made in accordance with material specifications listed
in Table A-1 or Table 326.1 required to be examined per para. 341.4.1@)(1)when intersecting a
circumferential weld that is being examined?
Reply (1): No; reference Table 341.3.2, Note (3).
Question (2): Are piping components fabricated with longitudinal welds made in accordance
with Chapter V that are intersected by a circumferential weld during fabrication, assembly, or
erection that is examined, required to also be examined per para. 341.4.1(b)(l)?
Reply (2):Yes.
Question (3): Are piping components fabricated with longitudinal welds made in accordance
with para. 302.2.3 that are intersected by a circumferential weld during fabrication, assembly, or
erection that is examined, required to also be examined per para. 341.4.1(b)(l)?
Reply (3): Yes.
Question (4): If specified in the engineering design or specifically authorized by the Inspector,
may in-process examination be substituted for radiographic examination required by para.
341.4.1(b)(l)on a weld-for-weld basis?
Reply (4): The Committee believes your question can be answered by previous Interpretation
11-15, a copy of which is attached.
Question (5): May ultrasonic examination be substituted for radiographic examination for
welds made with the addition of filler metal shown in Table 302.3.4, No. 3 and 4 if
(a) designer determines the ultrasonic examination technique employed and the acceptance
criteria used will meet the acceptance limits established for defects in Table 341.3.2 for radiography
(b) designer documents the technique and criteria in the engineering design and also acknowledges the Code Committee replies in Interpretation 11-05
(c) Owner accepts the validity of the technique and criteria and also acknowledges the Code
Committee replies in Interpretation 11-05
Reply (5): The Code does not specifically address this; see para. 300(c)(3).
Interpretation: 22-18
Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Para. 345.2.3(a),Leak Testing
Date Issued: October 13, 2008
File: 08-1241
Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2006 Edition, if flanged subassemblies of a piping
system have separately passed leak tests per para. 345.4, 345.5, or 345.6, does B31.3 require any
additional testing after assembly?
Reply: No.
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ASME B31.3 INTERPRETATIONS
Interpretation: 22-19
Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Para. 331.1.3, Postweld Heat Treatment (PWHT)
Date Issued: October 13, 2008
File: 08-1243
Question: If P-No. 1material of 19 mm thickness is welded to P-No. 1material that is nominally
25 mm but has been tapered bored to 19 mm at the weld joint, is PWHT required?
Reply: The Committee believes your question can be answered by previous Interpretation 17-21.
Interpretation: 22-20
Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Paras. 304.3.5(e) and 319.3.6, Reinforcement Pad Thickness
Date Issued: October 13, 2008
File: 08-1244
Question (1):Does the Code provide a maximum reinforcing pad thickness for pressure design?
Reply (1): No.
Question (2): Does the Code prohibit the use of more than one reinforcing pad, such as the
use of two 3-mm pads to provide 6-mm pad thickness?
Reply (2): No.
Question (3): Does the Code reference complete encirclement reinforcement?
Reply (3): Yes. See para. 304.3.5(e).
Question (4): Does the Code provide a specific SIF for complete encirclement reinforcement
on tees?
Reply (4): No.
Question (5): Does the Code permit the use of more applicable data to establish an SIF for
reinforced intersections?
Reply (5): Yes. See para. 319.3.6.
Interpretation: 22-21
Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Para. 304.1.1, Pressure Thickness
Date Issued: October 13, 2008
File: 08-1245
Question: Does ASME B31.3-2006 Edition permit the use of pipe supplied to a thickness less
than t, as defined in para. 304.1.1?
Reply: No. See also Interpretations 10-20 and 13-07.
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ASME 831.3 INTERPRETATIONS
Interpretation: 22-22
Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Para. 328.5.4(d),Welded Branch Connections
Date Issued: October 13,2008
File: 08-1246
Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2006 Edition, when para. 328.5.4(d) is applied to
proprietary integrally reinforced branch connection fittings, does the term@lly penetrated groove
weld describe a weld that fills to the manufacturer's weld line or to the top of the groove if no
weld line is present?
Reply: Yes; see definition of groove weld under size of weld in para. 300.2. See also Interpretation
13-11.
Interpretation: 22-23
Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Para. 323.2.2(f), Stainless Steel
Date Issued: October 13, 2008
File: 08-1438
Question: Do the temperature limitations specified in ASME B31.3-2006, para. 323.2.2(f) apply
to austenitic stainless steel pipe and fitting materials listed in Table A-1 or are they applicable
only to the circumferential welds when these components are joined by welding?
Reply: The Committee believes your question can be answered by previous Interpretation 18-12.
Interpretation: 22-24
Subject: ASME 831.3-2006, Weld Repair Requirements
Date Issued: October 13, 2008
File: 08-1439
Question (1): Does Interpretation 2-18 apply to the ASME B31.3-2006 Edition?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2006 Edition, does Interpretation 2-18 apply to
welds made by manufacturers of listed components?
Reply (2): No.
Question (3): If interpretation numbers are listed in the latest version of B31.3 (i.e., 2006), are
they still valid?
Reply (3): See general information published with interpretations.
1-10
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ASME 831.3 INTERPRETATIONS
Interpretation: 22-25
Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Para. 328.5.1(b), Weld Map and Welder Sign
Date Issued: October 13, 2008
File: 08-1440
Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2006 Edition, para. 328.5.1@), is it required that a
weld map be created to identify the work of each welder or welding operator if each weld or
adjacent area has been marked to identify the welder or welding operator?
Reply: No.
Interpretation: 22-26
Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Para. 323.2.2(d),Use of Carbon Steel Materials Without Impact Testing
Date Issued: April 6, 2009
File: 09-529
Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2006 Edition, if a material is exempted from impact
testing because the requirements of para. 323.2.2(d) are satisfied, are welds and heat affected
zones (including those of production welds) required to be impact tested per Table 323.2.2,
Column B (8-3)?
Reply: No.
Interpretation: 22-27
Subject: ASME 831.3-2006, Para. 345.3.1, Hydrotest
Date Issued: April 7, 2009
File: 08-1669
Question: Does ASME B31.3-2006 Edition permit hydrostatic leak testing of metallic pipe after
the internal nonmetallic coating is applied?
Reply: Yes.
Interpretation: 22-28
Subject: ASME 831.3-2008, Table A-1, Basic Allowable Stresses for Metals
Date Issued: April 10, 2009
File: 08-1608
Question: In accordance with ASME 831.3-2008 Edition, may the Table A-1 basic allowable
stresses in tension above 1000°F for ASTM A 182, Grade F316L forging be applied for ASTM
A 182, Grade F316 forging having a carbon content less than 0.04%?
Reply: Yes.
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ASME B31.3 INTERPRETATIONS
Interpretation: 22-29
Subject: ASME 831.3-2006, Code Case 181, Use of Alternative Ultrasonic Examination Acceptance
Criteria
Date Issued: April 10, 2009
File: 08-1611
Question: Does Code Case 181 have a limitation for the minimum thickness of material for
its use?
Reply: No.
Interpretation: 22-30
Subject: ASME B31.3-2008, Para. 322.6.3, System Pneumatic Leak Test Pressure
Date Issued: April 10, 2009
File: 09-247
Question (1):In accordance with ASME B31.3-2008 Edition, during relieving events with system
relief devices per para. 322.6.3, may the pressure in the piping system during the event exceed
the system pneumatic leak test pressure?
Reply (1): No. See para. 302.2.4(e).
Question (2):When establishing the maximum allowable relieving pressure permitted in accordance with para. 322.6.3(c), may the test pressure used in accordance with para. 345 be exceeded?
Reply (2): The Code does not explicitly address this situation.
Interpretation: 22-31
Subject: Code Case 181, Table 1, Use of Alternative Ultrasonic Examination Acceptance Criteria
Date Issued: April 10, 2009
File: 09-424
Question: In Code Case 181, Table 1, must both the a/t and e criteria be satisfied for acceptance?
Reply: Yes. See revised Code Case 181, new para. (i)(4)(d)for alternate acceptance criteria.
Interpretation: 22-32
Subject: ASME B31.3-2004, Fig. 328.2B and Para. 300.2, Definitions
Date Issued: April 10, 2009
File: 09-497
Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2004 Edition, if the fabricator failed to meet the
minimum weld sizes described in para. 328.5.2, does para. 300(c)(3)allow the designer to perform
an analysis after fabrication, document it in the engineering design, and have the validity accepted
by the owner, to show that the existing fillet weld sizes are adequate?
Reply: Yes.
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ASME 831.3 INTERPRETATIONS
Interpretation: 22-33
Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Para. 341.3.3, Defective Components and Workmanship
Date Issued: October 5, 2009
File: 08-473
Question: For a weld repair to a portion of a circumferentialweld that was completely examined,
does ASME B31.3-2004, para. 341.3.3 require that only the repair weld area be reexamined after
the repair?
Reply: Yes, unless the materials are P-Nos. 3, 4, or 5 and heat treatment is required; then the
entire weld must be reexamined after completion of any heat treatment [see para. 328.6, para. 331.1,
Table 331.1.1, and para. 341.3.1(a)].
Interpretation: 22-34
Subject: ASME 831.3-2008, B31.3 Versus U-Stamp
Date Issued: October 5, 2009
File: 09-1002
Question (1): Are heat exchangers within the scope of ASME B31.3?
Reply (1): No. Refer to para. 300.1.3(d) and Fig. 300.1.1. However, applicable design standards
may be as agreed between purchaser and manufacturer.
Question (2): Does ASME 831.3 have a certification and code stamp requirement?
Reply (2): No.
Question (3): Are there any advantages to designing to ASME B31.3 instead of ASME Section VIII?
Reply (3): We cannot respond to your request, since ASME does not provide consulting assistance. We regret that we cannot serve you in this instance, and suggest that you contact a reputable
consulting organization experienced in 831 piping applications.
Interpretation: 22-35
Subject: ASME 831.3-2008, Para. 328.5.1(c),Tack Welding Welder Performance Qualifications
Date Issued: October 5, 2009
File: 09-1003
Question (1): Does ASME B31.3, para. 328.5.1(c) require that tack welds, whether they are to
be incorporated into the final weld or be removed, be made by a qualified welder?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): Does ASME B31.3, para. 328.5.1(c)require that tack welds be made to a qualified
WPS for that joint?
Reply (2): Yes; see para. 328.5.1(a).
Question (3): Does ASME 831.3, para. 328.5.1(c)allow tack welds on a groove weld joint to be
made by a welder qualified on a fillet weld test?
Reply (3): No. See ASME BPV Code Section IX, para. 303.2.
1-13
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ASME B31.3 INTERPRETATIONS
Interpretation: 22-36
Subject: ASME B31.3-2008, Table 302.3.5, General Note (b), Critical Temperatures
Date Issued: October 5, 2009
File: 09-1066
Question (1):In accordance with ASME B31.3-2008 Edition, when determining critical temperature of welded pipe, and when ASME BPV Code Section 11, Part D, Table 1A does not have a
time-dependent Note associated with the material, shall the designer use the time-dependent
Note associated with the base material of which the pipe is constructed?
Reply (1): Yes; see General Note (b) in Table 302.3.5.
Question (2): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2008 Edition, when determining critical temperature and when ASME BPV Code Section 11, Part D, Table 1A does not have a time-dependent
Note associated with the material, shall the designer treat the material as a material not listed
in Section 11, Part D for the purpose of determining critical temperatures?
Reply (2): Yes; see General Note (b) in Table 302.3.5.
Question (3): In accordance with ASME 831.3-2008 Edition, when a material has multiple
listings in ASME BPV Code Section 11, Part D that have different time-dependent Notes associated
with them, and the designer does not have sufficient information to determine the original product
form from which a component has been manufactured, is the designer required to use the
minimum calculated critical temperature based upon all listings for the product form in ASME
BPV Code Section 11, Part D?
Reply (3):We cannot respond to your request, since ASME does not provide consulting assistance. We regret that we cannot serve you in this instance, and suggest that you contact a reputable
consulting organization experienced in B31 piping applications.
Question (4): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2008 Edition, when a designer has specified a
dual certified material, may the designer use the time-dependent Notes associated with any of
the product forms to which the material complies when determining the critical temperature?
Reply (4):We cannot respond to your request, since ASME does not provide consulting assistance. We regret that we cannot serve you in this instance, and suggest that you contact a reputable
consulting organization experienced in B31 piping applications.
Question (5): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2008 Edition, when a material does not appear
in ASME BPV Code Section 11, Part D, Table 1A but does appear in Table lB, shall the designer
use the same methodology for determining critical temperature as for materials listed in Table lA?
Reply (5): This matter is not addressed by the Code.
Question (6):In accordance with ASME 831.3-2008Edition, may a designer treat a listed material
as an unlisted material, establish allowable stresses in accordance with para. 302.3.2, and then
calculate the critical temperature in accordance with Table 302.3.5, General Note (b)?
Reply (6): No.
Copyright @ 201 1 by the Amcrican Society of Mechanical Bnginccrs.
No reproduction may be made of this matcrial without writtcn consent of ASMB.
ASME B31.3 INTERPRETATIONS
Interpretation: 22-37
Subject: ASME B31.3-2008, Para. 302.2.4, Weld Joint Strength Reduction Factors
Date Issued: October 5, 2009
File: 09-1067
Question (1): Where carbon steel is used at design temperatures below 800°F, does ASME
B31.3-2008 require that a weld joint strength reduction factor, W, of 1.0 be used?
Reply (1): The Code does not provide a weld joint strength reduction factor for carbon steel.
Question (2): Where carbon steel requires a design temperature above 800°F to allow for a
short-term upset condition that falls outside the scope of para. 302.2.4, does ASME B31.3-2008
require the use of a weld joint strength reduction factor, W, other than 1.0?
Reply (2): The Code does not provide a weld joint strength reduction factor for carbon steel.
Interpretation: 22-38
Subject: ASME B31.3-2008, Table B-1, Nonmetallic Piping
Date Issued: October 5, 2009
File: 09-1068
Question (1): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2008, when Table B-1 materials without a maximum recommended temperature limit are to be used at temperatures greater than 23"C, is the
designer responsible for demonstrating the validity of the allowable stresses and other limits in
accordance with para. A323.2.4?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2008, when Table B-1 materials without a maximum recommended temperature limit are to be used at temperatures greater than 23"C, is the
designer permitted to use published manufacturer's data for material properties without verifying
the manufacturer's methodology, calculations, and test results for development of the data?
Reply (2): No.
Question (3): Does ASME B31.3-2008 establish maximum temperature limits for nonmetallic
materials listed in Appendix B?
Reply (3): No. See para. A323.2.1@).
Question (4):When Table 8-1explicitly states thicknesses of pipe/tubing, does ASME B31.3-2008
require the use of the hydrostatic design stresses listed for determining other thicknesses of the
same material?
Reply (4): The Code does not address this issue.
Question (5): For materials listed in Table B-1, are the hydrostatic design stresses listed in
ASME B31.3-2008 applicable for all design pressures?
Reply (5): Yes.
Question (6): When Table B-1 materials with a minimum recommended temperature limit of
23°C are to be used at temperatures less than 23"C, does ASME B31.3-2008 require the designer
to specify toughness testing at or below the lowest expected service temperature?
Reply (6): Yes.
1-15
Copyright @ 201 1 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
No reprodiiction may be made of this matcrial without u~ittenconsent of ASMB.
@)
ASME B31.3 INTERPRETATIONS
Interpretation: 22-39
Subject: ASME B31.3-2008, Flame Arrester
Date Issued: October 5, 2009
File: 09-1069
Question: Shall in-line pressure-retaining portions of a flame arrester be designed, fabricated,
examined, and tested in accordance with ASME B31.3?
Reply: Yes. See definitions of piping and piping components in ASME B31.3, para. 300.2. See also
para. 300.1.1.
Interpretation: 22-40
Subject: ASME B31.3-2008, Table 341.3.2, Acceptance Criteria for Welds
Date Issued: October 5, 2009
File: 09-1444
Question (1): Does ASME B31.3-2008 require the use of the undercut criteria in Table 341.3.2
to evaluate metal removal from the toe of a weld by mechanical means?
Reply (1): The Code does not address this issue.
Question (2): Does ASME B31.3-2008 allow for the repair of excessive undercutting by any
means other than adding weld metal to bring the metal to an acceptable plane?
Reply (2):Yes, provided the criteria in Table 341.3.2 and the requirements of para. 304 are met.
Interpretation: 22-41
Subject: ASME B31.3-2008, Para. 300.2, Definition of Piping Component
Date Issued: October 5, 2009
File: 09-1445
Question: Are non-inline instruments (e.g.,pressure transmitter) connected to piping considered
piping components as defined in para. 300.2?
Reply: No.
Interpretation: 22-42
Subject: ASME 831.3-2008, Table A-1, Material 25Cr-20Ni Pipe
Date Issued: October 5,2009
File: 09-1446
Question: Does ASME B31.3 permit the values listed in Table A-1 including Note (35) for
material 25Cr-20Ni pipe, ASTM A 312 Grade TP310 to be used to determine design requirements
for Grade TP310H?
Reply: Yes.
1-16
Copyright @ 201 1 by the American Society of Mechanical Enginccrs.
No rcproduction may be made of this matcrial without nrittcn conscnt of ASME.
@)
ASME B31.3 INTERPRETATIONS
Interpretation: 22-43
Subject: ASME B31.3-2008, Para. 305.1, General Pipe
Date Issued: October 5, 2009
File: 09-1489
Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3, may API 5L Grades A and B spiral seam welded
pipe be used for Normal Fluid Service and Category M Fluid Service piping?
Reply: Yes.
Interpretation: 22-44
Subject: ASME 831.3-2006, Para. 323.2.2(d),Carbon Steel Materials Without Impact Testing
Date Issued: October 5, 2009
File: 09-1605
Question (1): Does ASME B31.3 permit the application of para. 345.2.3(c) for a piping system
that is exempt from impact testing in accordance with para. 323.2.2(d) except for the closure
weld, which is qualified according to Table 323.2.2, Column A?
Reply (1): No.
Question (2): Does ASME B31.3 permit the application of para. 345.2.3(c) for a piping system
that is exempt from impact testing in accordance with para. 323.2.2(d) except for the closure
weld, which is qualified according to Table 323.2.2, Column B?
Reply (2): Yes.
Copyright @ 201 1 by the Amcrican Society of Mechanical Bnginccrs.
No reproduction may be made of this matcrial without written consent of ASMB.
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