VOL 30

Section I - Interpretations No. 30 1-92-01,1-92-02 Interpretation: 1-92-01

Subject: Section I, PG-73.2.2, Corrosion Resistant Coating

Date Issued: September 17, 1991

File: BOO-187

Question: Section I, PG-73.2.2 requires that springs for safety and safety relief valves shall be corrosion resistant material or have a corrosion resistant coating. Does corrosion resistant paint, appropriate for the service intended, meet the requirement for a corrosion resistant coating for safety and safety relief valve springs?

Reply: Yes.

interpretation: 1-92-02

Subject: Section I, Code Case for Use of Rupture Disks on Electric Superheaters


File: BC90-511

Question: May rupture disk devices permitted under the rules of ASME Section VIII, Div. 1, be provided for overpressure protection for boiler pressure vessels constructed in accordance with the rules of ASME Section I, Part PEB?

Reply: No. You may wish to contact the jurisdiction of the location of installation for special rules which may address your situation.

229

COPYRIGHT American Society of Mechanical EngineersLicensed by Information Handling ServicesCOPYRIGHT American Society of Mechanical EngineersLicensed by Information Handling Services

Scctim I - Intcrprstations No. 30

Interpretation: 1-92=03

Subject: Section I, PG-23.1, Revision to Nnte h


File: BC31-125

Question: Does Note h of Tablc PG-23.1 of Section TI prohibit the use of the stresses in lines referencing this note for superhcatcrs and reheater tubes nf power boilers?

Reply: No. The Committee has rcvicwcd your sugcstiun tn rcvise Note h and considers that such revision is unwarranted.

Interpretation: 1-92-04

Subject: Section I, PG-lCFJ? C:de Stamping c r f Prcssurc Piping

Date Issued: September 17. IWl

File: BC91-284

Question: Is Code stamping required prit!r tu shipmcnt on piping which ha$ undergnne bending, threading, or machining fbut not welding)?

Reply: No.


Section I - Interpretations No. 30 1-92-05, 1-92-06


Subject: Section I, PG-104, Material Certificate of Authorization


File: BC91-294

Question: Are material manufacturers who provide material for Section I construction required to have any type of ASME Certificate of Authorization?

Reply: No.


Subject: Section I, Upgrading Marking on Material


File: BC91-418

Question: May a boiler or part manufacturer re-identify pipe which is marked with SA-106, Grade B, and upgrade it to SA-106, Grade Cy if it is shown by means of a Mill Test Report that the pipe meets all the physical, chemical, and testing requirements of Grade C pipe and provided the rules of PG-10 are met?

Reply: Yes.

23 1


1-92-07,1-92-08 Section I - Intcrpretations No. 30 Interpretation: 1-92-07

Subject: Section I, PG-58, Outlets and External Piping


File: BCY1-422

Question: When the steam piping from two or more boilers is interconnected by supplementary service piping located beyond the boiler stop valves, do the rules of PG58.3.2 pertaining to two or more boilers connected to a common steam header apply?

Reply: Yes.


Subject: Section I, PFT-21, Definition of Waterleg

Date Issued: October 17, 1991

File: BC!I(r-867

Question: Is the annular space surrounding the combustinn chamber and the shell of vertical boiler considered to be a waterleg and subject to the rules of PFT-21?

Reply: Yes.

232


Section I - Interpretations No. 30


Subject: Section I, PW-28.5 and PW-28.1.3, Welding .Qualifications

Date Issued December 13,1991

1-92-09,1-92-10.

File: BC91-285

Question: Does the word piping as used in PW:28.5 -apply to all product forms which may be used for construction covered by PW-41?

Reply: Yes.


Subject: Section I, PW-40.1, Repair of Weld Defects

Date Issued December 13; 1991

File: , BC91-286

Question (1): Does PW-40.1 permit the acceptance of imperfections such as cracks, pinholes, and incomplete fusion detected visually or by leakage tests?

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Does PW-40.1 permit evaluation of imperfections ,detected. bythe examinations described in PW-ll?

Reply (2): Yes.

233


1-92-11,1-92-l2 Section I - Interpretations No. 30

Interpretation: 1-92-1 1

Subject: Section I, PG-112, Manufacturers, Data Report Forms

Date Issued: December 13, 1991

File: BC91-420

Question (1): Does PG-112 require Data Report.-Forms P-4 and P-4A, as appropriate, to be available before the components to which they relate are field assembled?

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Does A-302.11 of Appendix A-300 require a Manufacturer who accepts the work of another Certificate Holder via Data Report Forms P-4 and P-4A to describe in the manufacturers quality controI system the procedures for handling and maintaining these forms?

Reply (2): Yes.

Question (3): May the procedures referred to in Question (2) be included in the material control section of the quality control system?

RepIy (3):eYes.


Subject: Section I, PG-104, Certificate of Authorization


File: BC91-431

Question (1): May an organization which provides the specifications, the design, the calculations, and the drawings for the components of a boiler, but which has no manufacturing facilities, obtain a Certificate of Authorization to use the S symbol stamp?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): May the holder of a Certificate of Authorization to use the S symbol stamp subcontract any or all aspects of boiler construction so long as he retains Code responsibility for the completed boiler and his quality control system provides for those portions of the work which may be subcontracted?

Reply (2): Yes.

234


Section I - Interpretations No, 30 Interpretation: i-a-13 .

Subject: Section I, PG-36, PG-37, ant

Date Issued: ' December 13, 1991

File: BC91-531

d PG-52, Multiple Openings

Question:.For Section I construction, where the shell thickness has been determined by means of a ligament efficiency in accordance with PG-52, is it permissible to locate a fully reinforced connection within the ligament?

Reply: Yes.


Subject: Section I, PG-32.1.2 and PG-52, Openings. in a Definite Patte,m

Date Issued December 13, 1991

File: BC91-532

, .

Question: Where a shell has openings arranged in longitudinal rows staggered so as to create a diagonal ligament, may the shell thickness be based solely on the longitudinal ligament efficiency in accordance with Section I?

Reply: NQ.-,

235.


1-92-15,1-92-16 Section I - Interpretations No. 30


Subject: Section I, PG-60.1.1, Water Level Indicators

Date Issued: December 13,. 1991

.File: BC91-534 -

Question: Is the viewing of a gage glass via a system of mirrors considered direct reading of gage glass water level?

Reply: Yes:


Subject: Section I, PWT-14 and PWT-15, Welded Connections


File: BC91-535

Question: Do paragraphs PWT-14 and PWT-15 apply to dampers which allow secondary air to enter the firebox through a checkerboard and also allow air for purging?

. -

Reply: No.

236




Subject: Section I, PW-28.1.2, Welding Procedures


File: BC91-536

Question: Does PW-28.1.2@) apply to the automatic welding of pin studs to pressure parts when the function of the studs is to retain and/or cool refractory?

Reply: Yes.


Subject: Section I, PG-9, Use of Galvanized Material


File: BC91-577

Question: Is it permitted to use SA-53, galvanized material, for Section I construction?

Reply: No.

237


1-92-19


Subject: Section I, Form P - 3 4 Master Data Report Form

Date Issued December 16, 1991


File: BC91-533

Question (1): Is the Certificate of Field Assembly Inspection block on the P-3A Master Data Report Form required to be completed by the Authorized Inspector for field assembly prior to the Certification of Engineering Contractor block?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): May the master stamping nameplate with the Code symbol applied be attached to the boiler before completion of the field assembly inspection block on the P-3A Master Data Report FOG?

Reply (2): No.

Question (3): In addition to the master stamping nameplate for the completed boiler as described in PG-106.7, is it necessary to apply a facsimile of this stamping to the boiler or any of its parts?

Reply (3): No.

238


Section I - Interpretations No. 31 I-92-20,I-92-21 Interpretation: 1-92-20

Subject: Section I, Preamble

Date Issued: March 9, 1992

File: BC91-537

Question (1): If the main heat source of a Section I boiler is the exhaust from a combustion turbine, and a secondary fired heat source, e.g., a duct burner, is provided for intermittent use, is the boiler classified as a fired boiler?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Is a separate economizer or preheater, outside the limits of Boiler External Piping of the boiler, with water whose design pressure and temperature are below 160 psig and 250F within the scope of Section I?

Reply (2): No.

Question (3): When designing a boiler component to Section I, is a corrosion allowance required?

Reply (3): No.


Subject: Section I, PG-11.2, Miscellaneous Pressure Parts


File: BC91-541

Question: May tubular products having external fiis or internal ribs, or both, but otherwise meeting the requirements of one of the specifications listed in PG-9.1 or PG-9.2, and meeting the requirements of PG-11.2, be provided as miscellaneous pressure parts?

Reply: Yes.

243


1-92-22,1-92-23 Section I - Interpretations No. 31 Interpratation: 1-92-22

Subject: Section I, PW-51.4, Use of the Term Manufacturer


File: BC91-620

Question (1): Does the term Manufacturer as used in PW-51.4 and PW-52.2 refer to the Certificate of Authorization Holder who performed the welding?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): In Part PW, does the term Manufacturer refer to the assembler for those activities for which Code responsibility is assumed by the assembler?

Reply (2): Yes.


Subject: Section I, PW-39, Exemption From PWHT


File: BC91-622

Question: Is a weld attaching a flat head to the end of a pipe, such as is shown in Fig. PG-31, sketch (g), considered to be a circumferential weld as described in Table PW-39?

Reply: No.


Section I - Interpretations No. 31 1-92-24,1-92-25,1-92-26 Interpretation: 1-92-24

Subject: Section I, PG-5, Manway Assembly

Date Issued: March 9,1992

File: BC91-623

Question: Do the material requirements of PG-5 apply to the yoke, bolt, and nut that keep an internally seated manhole cover in place in a boiler, vessel, or pressure part subjected to internal pressure?

Reply: No.


Subject: Section I, PMB-17, PEB-13.2, Automatic Low-Water Fuel Cutoff

Date Issued March 9,1992

File: BC91-624

Question: May a thermostat control measuring internal temperature of the boiler be installed in lieu of the automatic low-water fuel cutoff?

Reply: No. A device that senses a low-water condition must be installed.


Subject: Section I, PW-11.2, Ultrasonic Examination


File: BC92-015

Question: When it is impracticable to achieve radiographic parameters that will result in a geometric unsharpness of 0.07 in. or less, does PW-11.2.1 require ultrasonic examination in lieu of radiography?

Reply: Yes.

245




Subject: Section I, PG-59.4, Requirements for Drains

Date Issued: March 9, 1W92

File: BC92-016

Question: Do the drain requirements of PG-59.4 require an economizer or superheater to be drainable by gravity?

Reply: No. Alternative means of removing the water may be used.


Subject: Section I, PG-424.4, Flanges and Flanged Fittings

Date Issued: March 9,1992

File: BC92-@I8

Question: Does PG-42.4.4 prohibit the use of Limited Class or Special Class valves at the pressure-temperature rating established by AShWANSI B15.34?

Reply: No.

246


section I - Interpretations No. 31 fnterpretation: 1-92-29

Subject: Section I, PG-36, Reinforcement Calculations

Date Issued: June 22,1992

File: BC92-017A

1-92-29,1-92-30

Question (1): When a nozzle is. attached to a header and the inside nozzle diameter is larger than the opening in the header, may the diameter of the opening in the header be taken as d in the ligament efficiency calculation of PG-52?

Reply (1): Yes; also please. direct your attention to Interpretation 1-89-48.

Question (2): Is pospveld heat treatment required for a header with tubes welded to it?

Reply (2): Yes, except where noted o the rhe in Table PW-39.

Note: Please note that the remaining questions in your Inquiry are still under consideration by the Committee.


Subject: Section I, PG-112.2.5, Manufacturers Data Reports for Boiler Proper Piping and Boiler External Piping

Date Issued: June 23,1992

File: BC92-141

Question: May fabricated boiler proper piping constructed only by welding as covered by PW-41 and fabricated by a manufacturer or contractor in possessicm of the pressure piping symbol stamp be reported on a Manufacturers Data Report Form P-4A as called for in PG-112.25?

Reply: Yes; alternatively, a Form P-4 may be used. See PG-109.3.

247


I-9w1, 14242,142-33 section I - Interpretations No. 31 Interpretation: 1-92-31

Subject: Section I, PG-11.1.2, Miscellaneous Pressure Parts

Date Issued June 23,1992

File: BC91-421

Question: An instrument probe is inserted through ' a compression type fitting and extends through a coupling or boiler nozzle into the boiler proper. The compression fitting is within the scope of boiler external piping. Is the portion of the instrument probe extending into the boiler proper also considered to be a part of the boiler proper?

Reply: No.


Subject: Section I, PG-11.2, Miscellaneous Pressure Parts


File: BC91-538

Question: A part manufacturer supplies a non-standard pressure part, such as a flat head made from plate by thermal cutting and machining, to a boiler Manufacturer. Do the marking requirements of PG-11.2 apply to such parts?

Reply: Yes.


subject: Section I, PG-67, Safety and Safety Rebef Valve Requirements


File: BC92-139

Question: Is an economizer that can be shut off from the boiler required to have a safety valve, if the heating medium (turbine exhaust gas) maximum @mperature can not exceed the equivalent saturation temperature for the design pressure of the emnomizer coil?

248

Reply: Yes, see PG-67.2.


Section I - Interpretations No. 32 1-92-34,1-92-35


Subject: Section I, PG-36, PG-37, and PG-52, Multiple Openings


File: BC91-531R

Question: For Section I construction, where the shell thickness has been determined by means of a ligament efficiency in accordance with PG-52, is it permissible to locate a fully reinforced connection within the ligament?

Reply: Yes; however, t, used in the reinforcement calculation must be calculated using the ligament efficiency used to determine the shell thickness.


Subject: Section I, PW-41.1, Circumferential Joints in Pipes


File: BC91-549

Question (1): If the inside diameter of a socket-type fitting is chamfered to provide a partial penetration groove weld in addition to the fillet weld, will this permit reclassification to other than a socket- or Sleeve-type joint covered by the rules of PW-41.5?

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Would this construction allow its use in contact with furnace gases, as defined in PW-41.1.4.2?

Reply (2): No.

253


1-92-36, 1-92-37. 1-92-38 Section I - Interpretations No. 32


Subject: Section I, PW-33, Alignment Tolerance


File: BC91-558

Question: Does Section I require a tapered transition between the overlay material and the pressure boundary material of a composite tube?

Reply: No.




File: BC92-017A

Question: May multiple openings (so spaced that their limits of compensation overlap) be calculated by either the reinforcement method (according to PG-38) or by the ligament efficiency method (according to PG-52)?

Reply: Yes.


Subject: Section I, PG-110, Safety Valve Stamping for Section I Boilers


File: BC92-324

Question: Must the safety valves required for a Section I boiler be V stamped?

Reply: Yes.

254




Subject: Section I, PG-104,' Certification Requirements for Boiler Piping


File: BC92-256

Question (1): May one or more ASME Certificate Holders furnish or install piping components in a complete boiler unit?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): May one or more ASME Certificate Holders certify the piping or components in a complete boiler unit?

Reply (2): Yes.

Question (3): May one ASME Certificate Holder accept material supplied by another ASME Certificate Holder as long as Code compliance is verified by the receiving ASME Certificate Holder?

Reply (3): Yes.

Question (4): May an Authorized Inspector accept valves, fittings, and flanges meeting the requirements of PG-42 without such valves, fittings, and flanges being identified on a Manufacturer's Data Report?

Reply (4): Yes.


Subject: Section I, PG-9.1, Pressure Containing Parts


File: BC92-258

Question: May SA-36 bar stock be used to fabricate a pressure containing fitting used for piping components and be in compliance with PG-9.1?

Reply: No.

255


1-92-41. 1-92-42 Section I - Interpretations No. 32


Subject: Section I, PW-5.6, Carbon Content in Low-Alloy Steel Welds


File: BC92-260

Question (1): Does PW-5.6 require a 3l/, in. O.D. or smaller circumferential butt weld in 2l/., CR-1 Mo material to have a carbon content greater than 0.05% when the design metal temperature is greater than 850F?

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Does PW-5.6 require all other pressure retaining welds (e.g., longitudinal welds, circumferential welds larger than 3V2 in. O.D., nozzle attachment welds, corner welds, welds in segmented heads, etc.) in 2/,, Cr-1 Mo material to have a carbon content greater than 0.05% when the design metal temperature is greater than 850F?

Reply (2): Yes.

Question (3): For design metal temperatures of 850F or less, does PW-5.6 require a minimum carbon content for welds in 2V4 Cr-1 Mo material?

Reply (3): No.

I, P7 JG-


Subject: Section 12.5, Safety


File: BC92-281

Valves

Question: May a Section VI11 W stamped safety valve be used on a Section I organic fluid vaporizer?

Reply: No, the overpressure used to determine relieving capacity and the blowdown requirements used for W valves differ from those Section I V stamped safety valves.

256


Section I - Interpretations No. 32 1-92-43, 1-92-44, 1-92-45


Subject: PG-106 and Part PMB, Miniature Boiler Built by S Certificate Holder


File: BC92-300

Question: Is it permissible to build a miniature boiler in accordance with Part PMB of Section I using an S stamp and a P-2 Manufacturers Data Report?

Reply: Yes.


Subject: Section I, PG-32.1.2 and PG-52, Openings in a Definite Pattern


File: BC91-532R

Question: Where a shell has openings arranged in longitudinal rows staggered so as to create a diagonal ligament, may the shell thickness be based on the longitudinal ligament efficiency in accordance with Section I?

Reply: Yes, provided that either: (a ) The equivalent longitudinal efficiency of the diagonal ligament as determined by Fig. PG-

52.1 or Fig. PG-52.6 is equal to or greater than the efficiency of the longitudinal ligament, or; (b) The diagonal ligament can be shown to be reinforced in accordance with paragraphs PG-

33.2, PG-36, and Fig. PG-33, and r, used in the reinforcement calculations is calculated using the ligament efficiency used to determine the shell thickness.




File: BC92-017A

Question (1): Does Section I provide rules to determine the wall thickness, t,,, for an elliptical manhole with the cover plate inside the drum?

Reply (1): No. See PG-100 or the second paragraph of the Preamble.

257




Subject: Section I, PG-106.8, Stamping of Boiler-Proper Piping


File: BC92-257

Question (1): May fabricated boiler-proper piping constructed only by welding as covered by PW-41, and fabricated by a manufacturer or contractor in possession of the pressure piping symbol stamp, be stamped in accordance with either PG-106.8 or PG-109.2?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): A manufacturer or contractor who is not the Manufacturer of the boiler fabricates a run of boiler-proper piping consisting of multiple spool pieces constructed only by welding as covered by PW-41. May only one spool piece be Code stamped, the remaining spool pieces be identification stamped, and all spool pieces for this run of piping be reported on one P-4A Data Report Form?

Reply (2): Yes.


Subject: Section I, PG-80, Use of Seamless Pipe for Boiler Shell


File: BC92-293

Question (1): Does PG-9.1 of Section I permit the use of seamless, hot-finished pipe for the shell of a drum if it is circular within a limit of 1% of the mean diameter as supplied by the material supplier, but exceeds the permissible variations in outside diameter permitted by the pipe specification?

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Does PG-80 of Section I permit the use of seamless, hot-finished pipe for the shell of a drum that had been supplied in accordance with the pipe material specification if it is circular within a limit of 1% of the mean diameter?

Reply (2): Yes.

258


Section I - Interpretations No. 32 1-92-48, 1-92-49,1-92-50


Subject: Section I, PG-104, Code Responsibility for Design Calculations


File: BC92-294

Question: May a Manufacturer certify that engineering and design calculations performed by others, not holding a Certificate of Authorization, but under contract to the Manufacturer, comply with all requirements of the Code?

Reply: Yes.


Subject: Section I, PG-10.1.1, Recertification of Materials


File: BC92-396

Question: May a supplier recertify pipe which is marked with SA-106, Grade B, and upgrade it to SA-106, Grade C, if it is shown by means of a Mill Test Report that the pipe meets all the physical, chemical, and testing requirements of Grade C pipe and provided the rules of PG-10.1.1 are met?

Reply: Yes.


Subject: Section I, PG-60.1.1, Lowest Permissible Water Level


File: BC92-397

Question: Does Section I provide a definition of the lowest permissible water Ievel as referenced in PG-60.1.1?

Reply: No. PG-60.1.1 requires the boiler Manufacturer to determine the lowest permissible water level.

259




Subject: Section I, PMB-13, PEB-13, Alternative to Water Gage


File: BC92-400

Question: May a nontransparent liquid level indicator device be used in lieu of the water gage required by PEB-13 or PMB-13 for determining the boiler water level?

Reply: No.


Subject: Section I, PG-99.4.2, Hydrostatic Test Using Remote Digital Pressure Gage


File: BC92-401

Question: May a pressure transmitter with a remote readout be used in lieu of a digital pressure gage provided the readings give the same or greater degree of accuracy as obtained with a dial pressure gage?

Reply: Yes, provided the remote pressure readout is visible to the operator controlling the pressure applied.


Subject: Section I, PG-13, Materials for Stays


File: BC92-402

Question: May stays be made of material specifications other than those listed in PG-13?

Reply: No.

260




Subject: Section I, PW-41.2.2 Concavity of the Weld Face

Date Issued: January 15, 1993

File: BC91-621

Question: Is it acceptable for the exterior surface of a single-welded circumferential butt joint to be beneath the surface of the adjoining base materials at any point?

Reply: No; see PW-35.1.


Subject: Section I, Mechanically Assembled Boiler External Piping

Date Issued: January 15, 1993

File: BC92-014

Question (1): When a Manufacturer furnishes a boiler which is completely shop assembled except for external piping, and such shop assembled boiler has been hydrostatically tested in the shop and properly stamped with the Manufacturer's "S" symbol, is the subsequent installation in the field of the external piping within the scope of Section I considered "field assembly of the boiler"?

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Does Section I require "proper Code certification" in the form of stamping and Data Reports for mechanically assembled boiler external pipifig?

Reply (2): No.

265


1-92-56, 1-92-57 Section I - Interpretations No. 33 Interpretation: 1-92-56

Subject: Section I, PG-99, Valve Leakage During Hydrostatic Tests

Date Issued January 15, 1993

File: BC92-398

Question (1): Is slight leakage through the seat of a closed valve during performance of the hydrostatic test required by PG-99 permitted?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question(2): May a pump be used to maintain the test pressure within the required limits during the hydrostatic test required by PG-99?

Reply (2): Yes.


Subject: Section I, PFT43, Inspection Openings

Date Issued March 10, 1993

File: BC92-442

Question: Does an opening in the side of the shell located above the furnace so as to allow washing of the top of the furnace meet the requirements of PFT-43.4 even if it does not provide direct visual sighting of the top of the furnace?

Reply: Yes.

266


Section I - Interpretations No. 33 1-92-58, 1-92-59 Interpretation: 1-92-58

Subject: Section I, A-350, Minimum Thickness to Be Listed in Data Report Forms


File: BC93-042

Question (1): Item 16 of the Data Report Guides A-352 and A-354 calls for the "minimum thickness of tubes." Is this minimum thickness the calculated minimum design thickness based upon the PG-27.2 formulas?

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Item 16 of the Data Report Guides A-352 and A-354 calls for the "minimum thickness of tubes." Is this minimum thickness the minimum wall thickness of the tubes as furnished by the Manufacturer?

Reply (2): Yes.

Question (3): Is the "minimum required thickness" of a water-tube based upon the Data Report entry or the PG-27.2 calculations?

Reply (3): The PG-27.2 calculations.


Subject: Section I, Section VI11 Pressure Vessels for Hot Water Boilers


File: BC93-043

Question (1): If an electric hot water boiler constructed to the rules of Part PEB of Section I utilizes a Section VIII, Division 1 pressure vessel, must that vessel meet the Section VIII, Division 1 rules for unfired steam boilers as mandated by PEB-3?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): May an electric hot water boiler constructed to Part PEB of Section I utilize a pressure vessel constructed to the rules of Section I?

Reply (2): Yes.

267


1-92-60, 1-92-61, 1-92-62



Subject: Section I, PW-41, Radiography Exemptions for Circumferential Welds


File: B93-05, BC93-045

Question: PW-41.1.4 states that the diameter and thickness limitations in PW-41.1.1, PW-41.1.2, and PW-41.1.3 shall apply independently. If-either the stated diameter or the stated wall thickness is exceeded, do the requirements for radiography apply?

Reply: Yes.


Subject: . Section I, Table PW-39, PWHT of Helical Fins on P-No.7, Group 1 and 2 Tubes


File: BC93-046

Question: Is PWHT required after high-frequency electric resistance welding of helical fin to tube of P-No. 7, Group 1 or 2?

Reply: Yes.


Subject: Section I, Table PW-39, PWHT of Helical Fins on P-No.5, Group 5 Tubes

Date Issued March 10, 1993

File: BC93-047

Question: Is PWHT required after high-frequency electric resistance welding of helical fh to tube of P-No. 5, Group 4?

Reply: Yes.

268




Subject: Section I, PG-60.1, Continuous Display of Remote Water Level Indication


File: BC93-132

Question: If a remote computer terminal is used as one of the two remote water level indicators required by PG-60.1.1, may that remote computer terminal display drum water level on demand rather than continuously, when the single gage glass is in service and readily visible to the operator in the area where immediate control actions are initiated?

Reply: Yes, provided the second remote level indicator is displayed continuously.


Subject: PFT-14, Use of SA-53 Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) Pipe for Plain Circular Furnaces


File: BC93-152

Question: Does PFT-14.1 of Section I prohibit the use of SA-53 Type E (Electric Resistance Welded) pipe for plain circular furnaces?

Reply: No.

269


1-92-65, 1-92-66


Subject: Section I, PG-32, Applicable Range of PG-32

Date Issued: June 8, 1993

File: BC93-381


Question: Is it permissible to apply the equation given in Fig. PG-32 with values of 0, less than lo?

Reply: Yes.


Subject: Section I, PG-60.1, Lowest Permissible Water Level


File: BC93-387

Question: Does PG-60.1.1 permit the lowest visible part of the water gage glass to be 1 in. above the lowest permissible water level, as determined by the boiler Manufacturer?

Reply: No.


Subj.ect: Section I, PG-55, Materials for Supports and Attachments


File: BC93-437

Question: May any material be used for nonpressure parts such as lugs and fin plates welded to pressure part material if it is of weldable quality?

Reply: Yes, provided all other requirements of Section I are met.

270




Subject: Section I, PFT-14.1, Radiography and Bend Tests of SA-53B Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) Pipe


File: BC93-152(a)

Question: A plain circular furnace under external pressure is made from SA-53B Type E (ERW) pipe. Must the weld seam of the pipe which has met the flattening test and NDE required by the SA-53 specification also satisfy either the bend test requirement of PW-53 or the radiographic requirement of PW-51, as specified in PFT-14.1?

Reply: No.


Subject: Section I, PG-60.1, Magnetic Level Indicator


File: BC93-382

Question: May a magnetic level indicator be used to provide an indirect reading of water level as permitted by PG-60.1.1?

Reply: Yes, provided all other requirements of this Section are met.

275


1-92-70.1-92-71 Section I - Interpretations No. 34 Interpretation: 1-92-70

Subject: Section I, PG-112.2.2 and A-352, Form P-3, Ligament Efficiency for Pipe Connec- tions


File: BC93-385

Question: Is the heading Tube Hole Efficiency in the last column of Item 6(a) on the P-3 Manufacturers Data Report Form a general term that could apply to openings for pipes, nozzles, or other connections, in addition to those for tubes?

Reply: Yes.


Subject: Section I, PW-15, Welded Connections


File: BC93-386

Question: Is a telltale hole required in a compensation plate that does not seal off the inside of the vessel?

Reply: No.

276




Subject: Section I, PG-109.2, Documentation of Boiler External Piping (BEP) NPS 2 and Smaller


File: BC93-389

Question: When a boiler Manufacturer furnishes BEP NPS 2 or smaller not requiring a Code stamp (PG-109.2), must it be recorded on the Data Report?

Reply: No; however, it must be traceable to the required Data Report.


Subject: Section I, PG-99, Hydrostatic Test of a Boiler With Mechanically Assembled Boiler External Piping (BEP)


File: BC93-390

Question: Flanged BEP manufactured by a stamp holder is attached to a boiler manufactured by a different stamp holder. The BEP and the boiler have been subjected to separate hydrostatic tests, each witnessed by an Authorized Inspector. Is an additional hydrostatic test required after the final flanged connection is made?

Reply: Yes.

277


Section I - Interpretations No. 34 Interpretation: 1-92-74

Subject: Section I, PG-99.4.2, Use of Dial Pressure Gages for Hydrostatic Test


File: BC93-395

Question: Does PG-99.4.2 restrict the maximum range of a dial pressure gage to double the intended maximum test pressure?

Reply: No; however, the maximum range should preferably be about double the maximum test pressure.


Subject: Section I, PW-9.2 and PW-41.2.2, Complete Penetration of Butt Welds in Boiler Tubes


File: BC93-528, BC93-529

Question (1): Is it a requirement of Section I that all boiler tube buttwelded joints be complete joint penetration welds?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): When radiography is not required, and visual examination of the root is not practical, what demonstration in addition to the requirement of PW-41.2.2 and a successful hydrostatic test is necessary to accept circumferential butt welds covered by PW-41?

Reply (2): None.

Question (3): Is it a requirement of Section I that the Manufacturer be responsible for meeting the applicable requirements of Section I?

Reply (3): Yes. The Manufacturer is responsible for meeting the requirements of Section I and of his Quality Control Program.

278


Section I - Interpretations No. 34 1-92-76 1-92-77


Subject: Section I, PW-41.1.1, Exemption From Radiography


File: BC93-530

Question: A part to contain steam exceeds 15& in. wall thickness but does not exceed NPS 16. The part will not be in contact with furnace gases. Does PW-4.1.1 require radiography of circumferential joints in this part?

Reply: Yes.


Subject: Section I, Table PW-39, Exemption from PWHT


File: BC93-531

Question (1): Is a weld attaching an NPS 4 nozzle used as a master handhole in an N P S 10 header considered to be a circumferential weld as described in Table PW-39, Note (l)(a)?

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Is a weld attaching a 3 in. x 4'/* in. x 2 in. handhole insert in an NPS 10 header considered to be a circumferential weld as described in Table PW-39, Note (l)(a)?

Reply (2): No.

279




Subject: Section I, PW-28.4.1 and Form P-4A, Traceability of Weld Joints


File: BC93-535

Question: When a Manufacturer chooses to ensure traceability of the welded joints and the welder or welding operator used in making the joints by a method other than stamping (especially on thin wall tubing) as permitted in PW-28.4.1 (for joints not covered by PW-28.4.2 and PW-28.4.3), is it necessary for the Manufacturer to maintain such traceability after the signature of the P-4 (Partial Data Report) by the Authorized Inspector?

Reply: No.


Subject: PG-32, Opening With Inherent Compensation in Cylindrical Shells


File: BC93-384

Question: Per the note on the Fig, PG-32 chart, would an opening with a K factor of less than 0.5 be fully compensated by the provisions of PG-33 without taking the equation

d = 2.75[Dt(l - K)] into consideration?

Reply: Yes.




Subject: Section I, Effect of Relocation of Certificate Holder Facility


File: BC93-500

Question: May the permission granted to an assembler in accordance with Section I, PG-73.4.4 be transferred to a new location when the assembler relocates its facility within the same metro- politan area, provided that:

(a) ownership, personnel, and equipment are essentially unchanged, and; (b) two pressure relief valves per test medium are selected and satisfy the requirements of PG-

73.3.1?

Reply: Yes.


Subject: Section I, PG-73.2.2 and PG-73.3.4, Application of Corrosion Resistant Coating to Springs


File: BC93-538, BC93-559

Question: May an assembler for Section I pressure relief valves, prior to assembly in a new valve, coat or contract to have coated a valve spring with a specifiedrequired corrosion resistant coating?

Reply: No; Section I, PG-73.3.4 requires the use of original unmodified parts by the assembler.

281


I-!l2-82,I-!l2-83 Section I - Interpretations No. 34


Subject: Section I, PG-9 and PEB-5.2, Use of Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) Pipe


File: BC93-582

Question (1): May seamless pipe be used for the shell of an electric boiler if the pipe material is one of those permitted by PG-9.1?

Reply (1): Yes, subject to the 3/16 in. minimum shell plate thickness requirement of PEB-5.2.

Question (2): May ERW pipe be used for shell of an electric boiler?

Reply (2): Yes; when such pipe is used, the 3/,6 in. minimum shell plate thickness of PEB-5.2 would apply.


Subject: Section I, PG-55.2, Marking of Non-Pressure Parts


File: BC93-625

Question: If non-pressure parts, such as lugs, hangers, or brackets, are cut from weldable material (PG-55.2), is it a requirement of Section I that the product marking be transferred to each piece?

Reply: No.

282




Subject: Section I, PW-35.1, Maximum Reinforcement of Single-Welded Butt Joints


File: BC93-681

Question: Does the Table in PW-35.1 apply to bo1

Reply: Yes.

th sides of single-we :Ided butt joints?


Subject: Section I, Table PW-39, Note l(b), Nozzles Welded to Drums


File: BC93-708

Question (1): May a handhole ring or a manhole ring welded to a head or a drum with fillet welds not exceeding the limits of Table PW-39, Note 1 (b), be considered as a fitting?

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Does this attachment require postweld heat treatment?

Reply (2): Yes.

Question (3): May a nozzle made with pipe or a pipe used as a downcomer welded to a drum with fillet welds not exceeding the limits of Table PW-39, Note 1 (b), be considered as a fitting?

Reply (3): No.

Question (4): Does this attachment require postweld heat treatment?

Reply (4): Yes.

283


I-92-86,1-92-87 Section I - Interpretations No. 34


Subject: Section I, PW-16, Welded Connections With Single Fillet Welds


File: BC93-709

Question (1): Does Section I permit attachment of a nozzle by a single fillet weld only, applied from inside the vessel?

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Does Section I permit attachment of a nozzle by a single fillet weld only, applied from outside the vessel?

Reply (2): No.


Subject: Section I, Master Data Report, Multiple Pressure Unit


File: BC93-774

Question: Does Section I, PG-112, prohibit the certification/documentation of a multiple pressure unit on a single Master Data Report?

Reply: No.

284


Section I - Interpretations No. 35 1-92-88? 1-92-89


Subject: Section I, PG-29.3, Compensation for Welded Manhole Openings in Ellipsoidal Heads


File: BC94-015

Question: May compensation for welded manholes or access openings in an ellipsoidal head be provided by only increasing the head thickness by 15% in accordance with PG-29.3, and with no consideration of the rules of PG-32 through PG-39?

Reply: No,


Subject: Section I, PG-39.5.1, Minimum Thread Engagement


File: BC94-016

Question: May a boiler pressure vessel stamped with a U stamp in accordance with PEB-3 utilize the thread engagement minimum thickness rules of Section I in lieu of those in Section VIII?

Reply: No.

289


I-92-90,1-92-91



Subject: Section I, PG-58.3.2, Common Header With Pressure Reducing Valves


File: BC94-019

Question: Does the presence of pressure reducing valves in a common steam header waive the requirements of PG-58.3.2 for two stop valves having an ample free blow drain between them?

Reply: No.


Subject: Section I, PG-105.4 and A- 300; Section VIII, Division 1, UG-l17(e) and Appendix 10; and Section VIII, Division 2, AS-204 and Appendix 18

Date Issued: April 11, 1994

File: BC94-059

Question: May a Code-accepted Quality Control Manual be revised to restructure the format to be compatible with IS0 9000 as well as the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code?

Reply: Yes.

Note: This interpretation also appears as VIII-1-92-203 and VIII-2-92-16.

290




Subject: Section I, PG-104, Completion of ASME Section I Construction


File: BC94-199

Reply: Yes.


Subject: Section I, Appendix A-22, Bursting Tests


File: BC93-562

Question (1): When using the average actual tensile strength of test specimens Sa to calculate the maximum allowable working pressure per the formula provided in A-22.6.3.2, may tensile strength testing of the bursting test specimen be conducted either prior to or after bursting testing?

Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): If tensile strength testing is to be conducted prior to the bursting test, may the tensile test results as reported on a certified mill test report for the test specimens be used for Sa in the formula provided in A-22.6.3.2.1?

Reply (2): No.

291


1-92-94,1-9295 Section I - Interpretations No. 35


Subject: Section I, PW-33, Alignment Tolerance


File: BC93-707

Question: Does PW-33 prohibit making a circumferential butt weld between a 2 in. O.D. X 0.150 min. wall tube and a 2 in. O.D. X 0.200 min. wall tube, provided means are used to make the transition 3:l or less?

Reply: No.

' Interpretation: 1-92-95

Subject: Section I, PW-16.1, Attachment of Nozzle to Headers


File: BC94-194

Question: Is it acceptable to use a welded nozzle meeting all of the dimensional requirements of Fig. PW-16.1, sketch (z), with a through-hole in the header equal to the outer diameter of the nozzle?

Reply: Yes. Note, the nozzle shall extend into the hole a minimum of 1/16 in. beyond the machined weld groove.

292




Subject: Section I, PG-60.2, Magnetic Level Gage as Remote Level Indicator


File: BC94-196

Question (1): Is a magnetic level gage which provides a local, indirect visual indication of the boiler drum water level considered to be a gage glass as required by PG-60.1.1?

Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Do PG-60.1.1 and PG-60.2.6 permit the installation of a magnetic level gage on the piping between a water column and a gage glass, regardless of boiler maximum allowable working pressure?

Reply (2): Yes.


Subject: Section I, PG-11 and PG-42, Acceptability of Fittings Made to ASME/ANSI Stan- dards Accepted by Reference in PG-42


File: BC94-300

Question: May SA-403 austenitic fittings made to ASME/ANSI standards accepted by reference in PG-42 be used for Section I steam service?

Reply: Yes.

293


1-92-98



Subject: Section I, PG-9, Material Requirements After Manufacturers Fabrication


File: BC94-301

Question: Do the materials listed in PG-9 for Section I construction have to comply with the individual specification requirements after the Manufacturer has performed fabrication on the material?

Reply: No.

294


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