Interpretation 18-12R Subject: B31.3-2014-B31.3-2016, Interpretation of Table 323.2.2 Column A (b)

Applicability to Longitudinally Welded Seam Components Date Issued: September 27, 2017 File: 17-1781 Question 1: In accordance with ASME B31.3a-2000 Addenda, may welded austenitic

stainless steel pipe and fittings, with carbon content less than or equal to 0.1% and furnished in the solution heat-treated condition, be used at temperatures equal to or warmer than those listed in the Minimum Temperature Column of Table A-I for the particular alloy in question without impact testing of the base metal?

Reply 1: Yes. Question 2: In accordance with ASME B31.3a-2000 Addenda, Table 323.2.2, does box A-

4(a) apply to austenitic stainless steel pipe and fittings? Reply 2: Yes. Question 3: In accordance with ASME B31.3a-2000 Addenda, Table 323.2.2, does box A-4

(b) apply only to welds performed on austenitic stainless steel piping by the fabricator?

Reply 3: Yes. Question 4: In accordance with ASME B31.3a-2000 Addenda, does para. 323.2.2(f) apply to

welds (with or without filler metal added) that are not subsequently solution heat treated?

Reply 4: Yes. Interpretation 22-15R Subject: ASME B31.3-2006, Process Piping, Paras. 345.2.3(a) and 345.8, Leak Testing Date Issued: October 13, 2016 File: 16-2465 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 20-24, 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 or a pneumatic leak test in accordance with para. 345.5 or a hydrostatic-pneumatic leak test in accordance with para. 345.6, is a sensitive leak test in accordance with para. 345.8 required?

Reply 2: No. Interpretation 23-07R Subject: B31.3-2008, Interpretation of Para. 304.7.2 Application of a Detailed Stress

Analysis Performed Using a Numerical Method Date Issued: April 27, 2016 File: 16-1009 Question: If the designer performs a finite element method evaluation of an unlisted

component that is accepted by the owner in accordance with para. 300(c)(3), is the designer required to perform the calculation to be substantiated in accordance with para. 304.7.2?

Reply: No. Interpretation 24-06R Subject: B31.3-2010, Interpretation of Para. K328.2.1(b), Welding Qualifications Date Issued: April 11, 2018 File: 18-911 Question 1: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2010, para. K328.2.1(b) is a separate

qualification of the welding procedure required for each combination of base material specification(s) forming a joint, even if the material type or grade remains the same?

Reply 1: Yes, unless para. K328.2.1(f) applies. Question 2: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2010, if a welded joint comprised of two

different material specifications with the same type or grade in Chapter lX, High Pressure Piping, is qualified, does the welding procedure also qualify welding of each individual base material to itself?

Reply 2: No; see para. K328.2.1(b). Interpretation 26-09R Subject: B31.3-2012, Interpretation of Table 341.3.2 Acceptance Criteria for Welds Notes

“K” Date Issued: April 20, 2017 File: 17-992 Question 1: Does ASME B31.3-2012 address evaluation or acceptance of the depth of root

surface concavity on a radiographic film through use of film density differential?

Reply 1: The Committee believes your question can be answered by previous Interpretations 6-04, Question (2) and Reply (2) and 16-07, copies of which are attached.

Question 2: Does ASME B31.3-2012, Table 341.3.2 address evaluation or acceptance of the

depth of root surface concavity or total joint thickness, including weld reinforcement, by visual examination?

Reply 2: Yes. Question 3: Does ASME B31.3-2012 address evaluation of the depth of root surface

concavity or total joint thickness, including weld reinforcement, by ultrasonic thickness measurements?

Reply 3: No. Interpretation 26-01 Subject: B31.3-2014, Interpretation of Para. 341.3.4(a) Progressive Sampling for

Examination Date Issued: April 27, 2016 File: 15-2246 Question 1: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2014 para. 341.3.4, when required spot

examination reveals a defect and progressive sampling is required, may “two additional samples of the same kind” allow two additional spot examinations of the same joint?

Reply 1: Yes. Question 2: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2014 para. 341.3.4, when required random

examination reveals a defective joint and progressive sampling is required, does “two additional samples of the same kind” mean two additional joints?

Reply 2: Yes. Interpretation 26-02 Subject: B31.3-2014, Interpretation of Para. 331 Weld between “Non Pressure Part” on

Heat Treatment Requirements Date Issued: April 27, 2016 File: 15-2767 Question: Do ASME B31.3, para. 331 postweld heat treatment requirements apply to that

portion of an integral attachment where a non-pressure containing component is welded to a non-pressure containing component?

Reply: No.

Interpretation 26-03 Subject: B31.3-2014, Interpretation of Code Case 180, Leak Testing of Subassemblies of

Jacketed Piping for Use in ASME B31.3 Piping Systems Date Issued: April 27, 2016 File: 16-577 Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2014, Code Case 180, is a leak test in

accordance with para. 345.1 required in addition to the Sensitive Leak Test? Reply: Yes. Interpretation 26-04 Subject: B31.3-2014, Interpretation of Para. 341.3.4 Progressive Sampling Date Issued: April 27, 2016 File: 16-843 Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2014, does para. 341.3.4 apply when welds are

made by more than one welder or welding process? Reply: Yes. Also see Interpretation #1-62. Interpretation 26-05 Subject: B31.3-2014, Interpretation of Para. 321 Piping Supports Date Issued: April 27, 2016 File: 16-892 Question 1: Paragraph 321.3 Structural Attachments states “External and internal

attachments to piping shall be designed”; does this mean that piping support elements must be designed in accordance with 304.7.2 if the items are not listed?

Reply 1: No. Question 2: Table 326.1 contains a reference to MSS SP 58; are other pipe support elements

required to be designed in accordance with 304.7.2? Reply 2: No. Interpretation 26-06 Subject: B31.3-2014, Interpretation of Para. 345.1 Testing Responsibility Date Issued: April 27, 2016

File: 16-907 Question: Does ASME B31.3-2012 address who is responsible for performing the leak test

required by para. 345.1? Reply: No. The Code requires that leak testing be performed. The Code does not

specify who is responsible for performing the leak test. Interpretation 26-07 Subject: B31.3-2014, Proposed Revision to Para. 345.1 Required Leak Test Date Issued: April 27, 2016 File: 16-951 Question: Does ASME B31.3-2014, para. 345.1, prohibit use of solids to displace a portion

of the test fluid during a leak test? Reply: No. Interpretation 26-08 Subject: B31.3-2002, Interpretation of Para. 345.2.3(c) Closure Welds Date Issued: October 13, 2016 File: 16-1130 Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2002, if a weld joint in a piping system that had

been successfully leak tested is subsequently completely removed and replaced with a new weld joint or joints, can that new weld joint or joints be treated as closure welds if all provisions of para. 345.2.3(c) are met?

Reply: Yes. Interpretation 26-09 Subject: B31.3-2012, Interpretation of Table 341.3.2 Acceptance Criteria for Welds Notes

“K” Date Issued: October 13, 2016 File: 16-1557 Question 1: Does ASME B31.3-2012 address evaluation or acceptance of weld root

concavity on a radiographic film through use of film density differential? Reply 1: The Committee believes your question can be answered by previous

Interpretations 6-04, Question and Reply (2) and 16-07, copies of which are attached.

Question 2: Does ASME B31.3-2012, Table 341.3.2 address evaluation or acceptance of weld root concavity or weld thickness (TW) by visual examination?

Reply 2: Yes. Question 3: Does ASME B31.3-2012 address evaluation of weld root concavity or weld

thickness (TW) by ultrasonic thickness measurements? Reply 3: The Code does not address this. Interpretation 26-10 Subject: B31.3-2014, Interpretation of Table 341.3.2 Reinforcement Allowed Date Issued: October 13, 2016 File: 16-1559 Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2014 Table 341.3.2, does Criterion Value Note

L allow the maximum external reinforcement plus the maximum internal protrusion as the total reinforcement for welds?

Reply: Yes. Interpretation 26-11 Subject: B31.3-2012, Interpretation of Table 323.2.2 Note 2 Impact Testing for Weld

Procedure Qualification Date Issued: October 13, 2016 File: 16-1680 Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2014 Edition, if impact tests that meet Table

323.3.1 were performed at -320°F as part of a weld procedure qualification, does that satisfy Table 323.2.2 Note 2 and allow use of this weld procedure for B31.3 piping systems with design minimum temperature down to -423°F without additional impact testing at the design minimum temperature?

Reply: No. See previous Interpretation 8-30, Question 3. Interpretation 26-12 Subject: B31.3-2014, Interpretation of Para. 302.2.2 List Components Not Having Specific

Ratings Date Issued: October 13, 2016 File: 16-1876 Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2014, may a listed component have its

pressure-temperature rating determined through one of the means in para. 304?

Reply: Yes, see para 303. Interpretation 26-13 Subject: B31.3-2014, Interpretation of Para. 331.1.1, 331.1.3, and Table 331.1.1 PWHT Date Issued: October 13, 2016 File: 16-2140 Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3, para. 330.1.1, shall the nominal thickness of a

hubless ring-type flange be considered for determining preheat on a full penetration groove weld through the thickness of the attached pipe?

Reply: Yes. See also para. 331.1.3(c). Interpretation 26-14 Subject: B31.3-2014, Interpretation of Para. 304.7.2 Flanges Date Issued: April 20, 2017 File: 16-2507 Question: Does ASME B31.3-2016 para. 304.7.2 (a) permit the use of a metallic flange

without performing additional flange thickness calculations when designs are checked for adequacy of mechanical strength as described in para. 302.5 and documentation showing qualification for pressure design in accordance with para. 304.7.2 is made available for the owner's approval?

Reply: Yes. Interpretation 26-15 Subject: B31.3-2014, Interpretation of Figure 328.5.4F Cover Fillet Date Issued: April 20, 2017 File: 16-2522 Question: Do ASME B31.3-2014, paragraph 328.5.4(i) and Figure 328.5.4F require the

cover fillet weld to be made with a single pass? Reply: No. Interpretation 26-16 Subject: B31.3-2012, Interpretation of Table 341.3.2 Determination of Tw for Note K Date Issued: April 20, 2017 File: 16-2661

Question: Does ASME B31.3-2012 address how to evaluate root concavity or total joint

thickness, including weld reinforcement, by radiography where visual access to the internal surface is not possible?

Reply: No. Interpretation 26-17 Subject: B31.3-2014, Interpretation of Para. 307.2.1 Bonnet Bolting Date Issued: April 20, 2017 File: 16-2989 Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2016, for fluid services other than Category D,

do quick opening closures need to have at least four bolts? Reply: The Code does not address this issue. Interpretation 26-18 Subject: B31.3-2014, Interpretation of Para. 301.3.2 Uninsulated Component Design

Temperature Date Issued: April 20, 2017 File: 16-3057 Question: Does the criteria in para. 301.3.2 (Uninsulated Components) that establish

component temperature apply to uninsulated components in a piping system that is otherwise insulated?

Reply: Yes. Interpretation 26-19 Subject: B31.3-2014, Interpretation of Paras. 345.1(c)(1)(a) and 345.1(c)(1)(b) Required

Leak Test Date Issued: April 20, 2017 File: 17-4 Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2014, do all of the requirements in paras.

345.1(c)(1)(a) through 345.1(c)(1)(d) have to be met for para. 345.1(c)(1) to apply?

Reply: No. If any of the requirements in (a) through (d) are met, then para. 345.1(c)(1)

applies. Interpretation 26-20

Subject: B31.3-2012 and B31.3-2014, Interpretation of Para. 331 Post Weld Heat

Treatment Date Issued: April 20, 2017 File: 17-24 Question 1: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2012 and B31.3-2014, is postweld heat

treatment required for P-No. 11C material? Reply 1: No, unless required by the WPS or the engineering design. Question 2: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2014, is postweld heat treatment required for

over 50 mm (2 in) thick P-No. 1 welded to P-No. 11C if the exemption requirements in Table 331.1.3 are met?

Reply 2: No, unless required by the WPS or the engineering design. Interpretation 26-21 Subject: B31.3-2014, Interpretation of Table A-1 Aluminum Casting Date Issued: April 20, 2017 File: 17-220 Question 1: In accordance with ASME B31.3 2014 Edition, is cast aluminum ASTM B26,

Grade A356.0, Temper T6, UNS A13560 a listed material? Reply 1: No. Question 2: In accordance with ASME B31.3 2014 Edition, is cast aluminum ASTM B26,

Grade 356.0, Temper T6, UNS A03560 a listed material? Reply 2: Yes. Question 3: In accordance with ASME B31.3 2014 Edition, may cast aluminum ASTM B26,

Grade A356.0, Temper T6, UNS A13560 that is dual marked and dual certified as grade 356.0/A356.0 use the Table A-1 or A-1M allowable stresses for grade 356.0?

Reply 3: Yes. Interpretation 26-22 Subject: B31.3-2016, Interpretation of Note 77 in Appendix A Date Issued: April 20, 2017 File: 17-562

Question 1: In accordance with ASME B31.3 2016 Edition, does Appendix A, Note (77) also include the P-number/Group number designation of API 5L grades of pipe to CSA Z245.1 grades of pipe?

Reply 1: Yes. Question 2: In accordance with ASME B31.3 2016 Edition, does Appendix A, Note (77) apply

to fittings in accordance with CSA Z245.11 or flanges in accordance with CSA Z245.12?

Reply 2: No. Interpretation 26-23 Subject: B31.3-2014, Interpretation of Para. K328.2 Welder Performance Qualification Date Issued: April 20, 2017 File: 17-866 Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2014, are the requirements in para. K328.2.1(b)

applicable to welder and welding operator performance qualifications? Reply: Yes. Interpretation 26-24 Subject: B31.3-2016, Interpretation of Para. 323.1.2 Use of SA-193-B8 Class 2B Bolts Date Issued: September 27, 2017 File: 17-1107 Question 1: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2016 Edition, may para. 323.1.2 Unlisted

Materials be used to qualify unlisted material ASTM A193 or ASME SA193, Grade B8, Class 2B bolting with diameter greater than 38 mm (1.5 inches) and less than or equal to 75 mm (3 inches) be used in B31.3 construction?

Reply 1: Yes. Question 2: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2016 Edition, are Tables A-2 and A-2M Notes

(15) and (60) applicable to a bolting material that is unlisted in Table A‐2 or A-2M, Design Stress Values for Bolting Materials?

Reply 2: The Code does not address this. Interpretation 26-25 Subject: B31.3-2014, Interpretation of Paras. 304.3.3 and 328.5.4 Complete Encirclement

Reinforcement Pad over a Longitudinal Welded Pipe Date Issued: September 27, 2017

File: 17-1793 Question 1: Does ASME B31.3-2014 prohibit installation of a complete encirclement

reinforcement pad over a longitudinal welded pipe? Reply 1: No. Question 2: Does ASME B31.3-2014 prohibit reinforcement pad fillet welds from crossing a

longitudinal pipe weld seam? Reply 2: No. Question 3: Does ASME B31.3-2014 provide requirements or guidance specific to fillet welds,

which cross a longitudinal pipe weld seams? Reply 3: No. Interpretation 26-26 Subject: B31.3-2014, Interpretation of Paras. 304.3.1 “General” (a)(2) Unlisted Branch

Connections Date Issued: September 27, 2017 File: 17-1965 Question: ASME B31.3-2014 Para. 304.3.1, is the limitation of DN 80 (NPS 3) related to

only the coupling? Reply: Yes. Interpretation 26-27 Subject: B31.3-2014, Interpretation of Paras. 328.5.2 Weld Fitting to SO/SW Flange Date Issued: September 27, 2017 File: 17-2236 Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2014, does the Code prohibit welding a

buttwelding fitting to a slip-on or socket weld component? Reply: No. The Code is not a design handbook. Many decisions that must be made to

produce a sound piping installation are not specified in detail within this Code. The Code does not serve as a substitute for sound engineering judgments by the owner and the designer.

Interpretation 26-28 Subject: B31.3-2016, Interpretation of Para. 300(c)(3) Design and Acceptance of Code

Prohibitions Date Issued: April 11, 2018

File: 17-2465 Question: Does the Code permit para. 300(c)(3) to be used to accept a design that is

specifically not permitted elsewhere in the Code? Reply: Yes, provided the details of design, construction, examination, testing, and

calculations are consistent with the design criteria of this Code. Interpretation 26-29 Subject: B31.3-2016, Interpretation of Para. 335.2.5 Flanged Assembly Date Issued: April 11, 2018 File: 17-2704 Question: Does ASME B31.3 require that the BPV Code, Section VIII, Division 1, Appendix

2 be considered to determine bolt initial assembly stress? Reply: No. Interpretation 26-30 Subject: B31.3-2014, Interpretation of Table 323.2.2 Dissimilar Weld and Base Metal Date Issued: April 11, 2018 File: 17-3098 Question 1: In accordance with ASME B31.3 2016 Edition, Table 323.2.2 Box A-3(a), for

ASTM A333 Gr.6 base metal that is internally lined or clad with UNS N08825, is it required to perform additional impact tests on the base metal when used at a design minimum temperature warmer than the value in the Min. Temp. column in Table A-1/A-1M?

Reply 1: No, provided the lining or cladding process does not affect the metallurgy of the

base metal. Question 2: In accordance with ASME B31.3 2016 Edition, Table 323.2.2 Box A-3(b), for an

ASTM A333 Gr.6 base metal internally lined or clad with UNS N08825 and welded with ER NiCrMo-3 weld metal, is impact testing of the HAZ and weld metal required when used at a design minimum temperature colder than -29°C (-20°F) and warmer than the value in the Min. Temp. column in Table A-1/A-1M?

Reply 2: Yes. Interpretation 26-31 Subject: B31.3-2016, Interpretation of Para. 302.3 Allowable Stresses and Other Stress

Limits Date Issued: April 11, 2018

File: 17-3163 Question 1: Does ASME B31.3 prohibit the actual assembled bolt stress from exceeding the

listed Table A-2 bolt allowable stress? Reply 1: No. See para 304.5.1(e) and 335.2.5. Question 2: Does ASME B31.3 provide limits for stress of bolts in the actual assembled

condition? Reply 2: No. See para 304.5.1(e) and 335.2.5. Interpretation 26-32 Subject: B31.3-2016, Interpretation of Para. 304.1.1(b) Variable Definition Date Issued: April 11, 2018 File: 17-3206 Question 1: Does ASME B31.3-2016 include the mill tolerance on pipe wall thickness in the

variable “c” in Eqn. (2)? Reply 1: No. For mill tolerance, see 304.1.1(a). Question 2: Does ASME B31.3-2016 require inclusion of the tolerance on diameter in the

variables “d” and “D”? Reply 2: No. Interpretation 26-33 Subject: B31.3-2008, Interpretation of Table 341.3.2 / Figure 341.3.2 (c) Incomplete

Penetration Date Issued: April 11, 2018 File: 18-95 Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2008 for the purpose of evaluation of

incomplete penetration by radiography, would incomplete penetration also apply if there was a missed root edge but no misalignment in Figure 341.3.2(c)?

Reply: Yes. See also Fig. 341.3.2(d). Interpretation 26-34 Subject: B31.3-2016, Interpretation of Para. 328.2.2 Ownership of Welding Procedures Date Issued: April 11, 2018 File: 18-164

Question 1: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2016, may a contractor follow a WPS that has

been qualified by another company in accordance with the requirements of para. 328.2.2?

Reply 1: Yes. Question 2: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2016, does para. 328.2.2 take precedence over

the rules of ASME Section IX? Reply 2: Yes. Interpretation 26-35 Subject: B31.3-2016, Interpretation of Table 326.1 General Note (b) Evaluation of Unlisted

Materials Date Issued: April 11, 2018 File: 18-410 Question: Does the Code require materials used by standards listed in Table 326.1 to be

evaluated in accordance with para. 323.1.2? Reply: No. See para. 326.3. Interpretation 26-36 Subject: B31.3-2016, Interpretation of Paras. 301.2, 300.1.3, Fig 300.1.1 Packaged or

Process Equipment Date Issued: April 11, 2018 File: 18-621 Question: Does the Code require that multiple stage process equipment be defined as

packaged equipment? Reply: No. Interpretation 26-37 Subject: B31.3-2016, Interpretation of Para. 344.6.2 Acceptance Criteria for UT, Linear

Indication for Ultrasonics Date Issued: April 11, 2018 File: 18-662 Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2016, does the Code define a linear-type

discontinuity? Reply: No.

Interpretation 26-38 Subject: B31.3-2012-B31.3-2016, Intent Interpretation of Para. 328.6 Weld Repair Date Issued: June 22, 2018 File: 18-913 and 18-907 Question: Is it the intent of ASME B31.3 para. 328.6, 2012 through 2018, that only

Standard Welding Procedure Specifications described in paragraph 328.2.1 are permitted for weld repair?

Reply: No. Interpretation 26-39 Subject: B31.3-2008, Interpretation of Table 341.3.2/Symbol E Porosity Date Issued: September 26, 2018 File: 18-1018 Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2008, Table 341.3.2, symbol E (size and

distribution of internal porosity), do the acceptable limits apply to all configurations of porosity?

Reply: Yes. Interpretation 26-40 Subject: B31.3-2016, Interpretation of Note (55) of Table A-1/A-1M Heat Treatment of X

grades of API 5L Date Issued: September 26, 2018 File: 18-1051 Question 1: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2016 Edition, may X grades of API 5L pipe be

used? Reply 1: Yes. Question 2: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2016 Edition, are X grades of API 5L pipe made

of TMCP (Thermo-Mechanically Controlled Process) steel plates considered to be in the “as-rolled” condition in accordance with Table A-1/A-1M Note (55)?

Reply 2: The Code does not specifically address this issue. Interpretation 26-41

Subject: B31.3-2016, Interpretation of 328.4.2(a)(1) End Preparation on Surface Thermally Affected by Previous Welding and Cutting

Date Issued: September 26, 2018 File: 18-1311 Question 1: Does ASME B31.3-2016, para. 328.4.2(a)(1) prohibit end preparation on material

surfaces previously welded? Reply 1: No. Question 2: Does ASME B31.3-2016, para. 328.4.2(a)(1) provide requirements or guidance

about minimum length of material to be removed from previously welded surfaces?

Reply 2: No. Interpretation 26-42 Subject: B31.3-2016, Interpretation of Table 323.2.2 - Box A-3(b)B Impact Test

Requirements for Welding ASTM A333 Grade 6 Material Date Issued: September 26, 2018 File: 18-1529 Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3, Table 323.2.2, Box A-3(b) for welding ASTM

A333 grade 6 material with design minimum temperature between -29°C (-20°F) and -46°C (-50°F) is impact testing in accordance with paragraph 323.3 required for weld metal deposit and heat affected zone?

Reply: Yes. See also Table 323.3.1, Box 6. Interpretation 26-43 Subject: B31.3-2016, Interpretation of Para. 304.7.2 Proof Testing Requirements Date Issued: September 26, 2018 File: 18-1572 Question 1: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2016, para. 304.7.2(c), are the proof test

requirements of the selected referenced code to be followed? Reply 1: Yes. Question 2: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2016, para. 304.7.2(c), must an unlisted piping

component being proof tested meet the overall scope description of the selected referenced code (MSS SP-97, ASME B16.9, or ASME BPVC Section VIII, Div. 1)?

Reply 2: No.

Interpretation 26-44 Subject: B31.3-2016, Interpretation of Para. 301.2.2 Required Pressure Containment or

Relief Date Issued: September 26, 2018 File: 18-1598 Question: Does ASME B31.3 2016 Edition, para. 301.2.2(a), define the highest expected

pressure during service? Reply: No. Interpretation 26-45 Subject: B31.3-2012, Interpretation of Para. 341.3.4 Progressive Sampling for

Examination Date Issued: September 26, 2018 File: 18-1624 Question: Two weld joints in a designated lot require progressive sampling (10% random

examination requirement by engineering design) and both joints reveal a defective weld. In accordance with para. 341.3.4(a), are four additional samples (two for each of the defective welds) from the original designated lot required to be given the same type of examination?

Reply: Yes. Interpretation 26-46 Subject: B31.3-2016, Interpretation of Paras. 341.4.4, 344.1.2, 344.6.2, Appendix R

Ultrasonic Examination Date Issued: September 26, 2018 File: 18-1808 Question 1: In accordance with ASME B31.3–2016, when ultrasonic examination is

performed in accordance with para. 341.4.4(b)(1) for Elevated Temperature Fluid Services that requires 100% ultrasonic examination, does the code prohibit use of ultrasonic shear-wave or automated or semi-automated ultrasonic examination with computer-based ultrasonic data acquisition?

Reply 1: No. Question 2: In accordance with ASME B31.3–2016, are automated or semi-automated

ultrasonic examinations with computer-based ultrasonic data acquisition classified as Special Methods in accordance with para. 344.1.2?

Reply 2: No.

Question 3: In accordance with ASME B31.3–2016, may automated or semi-automated

ultrasonic examination with computer-based ultrasonic data acquisition be used to satisfy para. 344.6.2(a)?

Reply 3: Yes. Question 4: In accordance with ASME B31.3–2016, may automated or semi-automated

ultrasonic examination with computer-based ultrasonic data acquisition be used outside the requirements of Appendix R to satisfy the requirements of para. 341.4.4(b)(1)?

Reply 4: Yes. Interpretation 26-47 Subject: B31.3-2016, Interpretation of Table 323.2.2 and Figure 323.2.2A Use of Curve D

for Normalized Carbon Steel Materials Date Issued: September 26, 2018 File: 18-2198 Question 1: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2016 Edition, does Figure 323.2.2A Note (3)

permit ASTM A671 and ASTM A672 pipe made from ASTM A516 normalized plate to use curve D for determining impact test exemption if the pipe is not normalized after forming and welding?

Reply 1: No. Question 2: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2016 Edition, does Column A of Table 323.2.2

apply to Curve D materials determined by Figure 323.2.2A, Note (3)? Reply 2: Yes. Interpretation 26-48 Subject: B31.3-2012, Interpretation of Paragraph 341.3.1(a), Defective Components and

Workmanship Date Issued: April 23, 2019 File: 18-2669 Question 1: For a weld repair to a portion of a circumferential weld that was completely

examined, does ASME B31.3-2012, para.341.3.3 require only the repair weld area to be reexamined after the repair?

Reply 1: 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. 341.3.1(a).

Question 2: For a weld repair to a portion of a circumferential weld that was completely examined, does ASME B31.3-2016, para.341.3.1(a) require only the repair weld area be reexamined after the repair and additional heat treatment?

Reply 2: Yes. Interpretation 26-49 Subject: B31.3-2012, Interpretation of Paragraph 341.3.1(a), Consideration of

Interpretation 22-33 Date Issued: April 23, 2019 File: 18-2671 Question: Does Interpretation 22-33 apply to the ASME B31.3-2012 Edition? Reply: Yes. Interpretation 26-50 Subject: B31.3-2012, Interpretation of Table 341.3.2, Cross Penetration Date Issued: April 23, 2019 File: 18-2839 Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2016, Table 341.3.2 for the purpose of

radiography, should the term ‘inadequate cross penetration’ as used in API 1104 and is similar to AWS A3.0 Figure B.26 sketch (E), be subject to the same acceptance criteria as incomplete penetration?

Reply: Yes. All forms of incomplete penetration fall under the same acceptance criteria

of Table 341.3.2. The Code does not address the term 'inadequate cross penetration'.

Interpretation 26-51 Subject: B31.3-2010, Interpretation of Para. 328.5.1(b), Temporary Attachments Date Issued: April 23, 2019 File: 19-216 Question: Does ASME B31.3-2010 address temporary welds for the purpose of leak

testing? Reply: No. Interpretation 26-52 Subject: B31.3-2016, Interpretation of Para. 340.2, Inspector Performing Examination

Date Issued: April 23, 2019 File: 19-339 Question 1: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2016, para. 340.4 if the owner is also the

manufacturer, fabricator, or erector, may the examiner and Inspector be the same person?

Reply 1: The Code does not address this. Question 2: If the owner’s Inspector performs examination, do they take on the examination

responsibilities in accordance with para. 341? Reply 2: No. See para. 341.2. Interpretation 26-53 Subject: B31.3-2016, Interpretation of Paras. 302.2.5 and 301.2.2, Relief Device Date Issued: April 23, 2019 File: 19-495 Question 1: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2016, does a lower pressure system connected

to a higher pressure system in accordance with para. 302.2.5 require a relief device in accordance with para. 301.2.2 to protect the lower pressure system?

Reply 1: No. Question 2: Does ASME B31.3-2016 require a lower pressure system connected to a higher

pressure system in accordance with para. 302.2.5 that is not protected by a relief device in accordance with para. 301.2.2 be designed for at least the highest expected pressure?

Reply 2: Yes. Interpretation 26-54 Subject: B31.3-2016, Interpretation of Para. 341.2, Responsibility for Examination Date Issued: April 23, 2019 File: 19-673 Question: In accordance with ASME B31.3-2016 para. 341, may a construction

management company that is not the owner and that oversees one or more manufacturers, fabricators, or erectors perform examination functions?

Reply: Yes. However, the responsibility for the examination remains with the

manufacturer, fabricator, or erector. See para. 341.2. Interpretation 26-55

Subject: B31.3-2016, Interpretation of Para. 302.3.5(d), Allowable Displacement Stress

Range Date Issued: April 23, 2019 File: 19-873 Question: Does ASME B31.3-2016 para. 302.3.5(d) require any further reduction in the

basic allowable stress, Sc or Sh, other than the 138 MPa (20 ksi) maximum value when calculating the allowable displacement stress range, SA, and Sc or Sh is above 138 MPa (20 ksi)?

Reply: No. Interpretation 26-56 Subject: B31.3-2016, Interpretation of Para. 341.3.2, Figure (c), Incomplete Penetration Date Issued: April 23, 2019 File: 19-895 Question: ASME B31.3-2016, Fig. 341.3.2 sketch (c) depicts incomplete penetration with

internal misalignment. Does the Code consider it to be incomplete penetration if the same missed joint edge occurred without internal misalignment?

Reply: Yes. Interpretation 26-57 Subject: B31.3-2016, Interpretation of Para. 345, Sealing Method for Hydrostatic Testing Date Issued: April 23, 2019 File: 19-1001 Question: Does ASME B31.3-2016 define requirements for temporary piping components

or assemblies used to obtain internal or external seals for the purpose of leak testing?

Reply: No.