ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code SECTION VIII-1

INTERPRETATIONS Volume 44
The Interpretations to the Code will be issued twice a year (July and December) up to the publication of the 2001 Edition of the Code. The Interpretations for each individual Section are published separately and are part of the update service to that Section; Interpretations of Section III, Divisions 1 and 2, are part of the update service to Section III, Subsection NCA.

Interpretations Volumes 36 through 41 were included with the update service to the 1995 Edition of the Code; Volume 42 is the first Interpretations volume to be included with the update service to the 1998 Edition.

Section I II-A II-B II-C II-D III-NCA III-3 IV V VI VII VIII-1 VIII-2 VIII-3 IX X XI

Vol. 42 7 /98 7 /98 ... ... ... 7 /98 ... 7 /98 7 /98 ... ... 7 /98 7 /98 ... 7 /98 ... 7 /98

Vol. 43 12 /98 ... ... ... ... 12 /98 ... 12 /98 12 /98 ... ... 12 /98 12 /98 12 /98 12 /98 ... 12 /98

Vol. 44 7 /99 7 /99 ... ... ... 7 /99 ... 7 /99 7 /99 ... ... 7 /99 7 /99 ... 7 /99 ... 7 /99

Vol. 45

Vol. 46

Vol. 47

Copyright 1999 THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS All Rights Reserved

INTERPRETATIONS NO. 44 SECTION VIII-1

Replies to Technical Inquiries July 1, 1998, Through December 31, 1998

FOREWORD General Information This publication includes all written interpretations issued between the indicated dates by the ASME staff on behalf of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Committee in response to inquiries concerning interpretations of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. A contents is also included which lists subjects specific to the interpretations covered in the individual volume. These interpretations 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 interpretation is presented bearing the original Interpretation Number with the suffix R and the original file number with an asterisk. Following these revised interpretations, new interpretations and revisions to them issued during the indicated dates are assigned Interpretation Numbers in chronological order. Interpretations applying to more than one Code Section appear with the interpretations for each affected Section. 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. An interpretation applies either to the Edition and Addenda in effect on the date of issuance of the interpretation or the Edition and Addenda stated in the interpretation. Subsequent revisions to the Code may supersede the interpretation. For detailed instructions on preparation of technical inquiries to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Committee, refer to Appendix 16. Subject and Numerical Indexes Subject and numerical indexes have been prepared to assist the user in locating interpretations by subject matter or by location in the Code. They cover interpretations issued from Volume 12 up to and including the present volume, and will be updated with each volume.

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SECTION VIII-1
Subject Appendix M, M-7(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Code Case 2235 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Figs. UW-13.3 Sketch (a) and AA-1.1 Sketch (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Requirement for Performing Hydro Test After Welding End Closures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UCS-66(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UG-11(a)(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UG-16(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UG-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UG-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UG-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UG-77(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UG-84(i)(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UG-90(c)(1) (VIII-1) and AG-303 (VIII-2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UG-90(c)(1)(l) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UG-93(d)(3) and Fig. 2-4 Sketch (4a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UG-133(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UHA-51(g) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Use of SA-105 for Flat Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Use of SA-350 Material for Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UW-14(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UW-52(b)(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interpretation VIII-1-98-43 VIII-1-98-32 VIII-1-98-41 VIII-1-98-34 VIII-1-98-45 VIII-1-98-39 VIII-1-98-47 VIII-1-98-33 VIII-1-98-38 VIII-1-98-31 VIII-1-98-44 VIII-1-98-30 VIII-1-98-40 VIII-1-98-35 VIII-1-98-36 VIII-1-98-51 VIII-1-98-42 VIII-1-98-50 VIII-1-98-48 VIII-1-98-49 VIII-1-98-46 VIII-1-98-37 File No. BC98-178 BC98-177 BC98-327 BC98-225 BC98-245 BC98-286 BC98-286 BC98-180 BC98-176 BC98-174 BC98-242 BC97-405 BC98-227 BC98-229 BC98-241 BC98-288 BC97-266 BC98-425 BC98-333 BC98-334 BC98-293 BC98-246

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Section VIII-1 Interpretations No. 44

VIII-1-98-30, VIII-1-98-31

New Interpretations
Interpretation: VIII-1-98-30 Subject: Date Issued: File: Section VIII, Division 1 (1995 Edition, 1996 Addenda); UG-77(a) July 14, 1998 BC97-405

Question: A subcontractor cut and formed SA-240 Type 304 coil material into completed parts and transferred only the heat number. A review of the CMTR shows the chemical and mechanical properties of each piece is in compliance with the material specifications. Is the heat number sufficient as identification marking for pressure retaining components to meet the requirements of UG-77(a) in Section VIII, Division 1? Reply: Yes, if the control method to identify the material from the heat number is described in the Quality Control Manual.

Interpretation: VIII-1-98-31 Subject: Date Issued: File: Section VIII, Division 1 (1995 Edition, 1997 Addenda); UG-34 July 20, 1998 BC98-174

Question (1): Are the equations for rectangular bolted covers in UG-34 of Section VIII, Division 1 based on uniform support by bolts or studs? Reply (1): Yes. Question (2): Is the responsibility of the Manufacturer/Designer to determine if uneven or asymmetric bolting patterns provide uniform support in the design of rectangular bolted covers? Reply (2): Yes. Question (3): Shall U-2(g) be used in the design of rectangular bolted covers that are not supported uniformly? Reply (3): Yes.

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VIII-1-98-32, VIII-1-98-33, VIII-1-98-34

Section VIII-1 Interpretations No. 44

Interpretation: VIII-1-98-32 Subject: Date Issued: File: Section VIII, Division 1 (1995 Edition, 1997 Addenda); Appendix 24 July 20, 1998 BC98-177

Question: Is Appendix 24 in Section VIII, Division 1 applicable for the design of a clamp connection which is similar in geometry to those described in Appendix 24, but which employs a gasket design that is self-energized or has a low seating load feature? Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: VIII-1-98-33 Subject: Date Issued: File: Section VIII, Division 1 (1995 Edition, 1996 Addenda); UG-16(c) July 20, 1998 BC98-180

Question: Do the undertolerance provisions of UG-16(c) in Section VIII, Division 1 apply to plate, sheets, or strip materials when they are formed to make a cylinder and welded using the ERW process? Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: VIII-1-98-34 Subject: Section VIII, Division 1 (1995 Edition, 1996 Addenda); Figs. UW-13.3 Sketch (a) and AA-1.1 Sketch (b) July 20, 1998 BC98-225

Date Issued: File:

Question: A heat exchanger uses butt welded hubs for the attachment of the tubesheet to the shell and channel sections similar to that shown in Fig. UW-13.3 sketch (a) in Section VIII, Division 1. Does this type of configuration meet the integral type of tubesheet arrangement as shown in Fig. AA-1.1 sketch (b) of Appendix AA? Reply: Yes.

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Section VIII-1 Interpretations No. 44

VIII-1-98-35, VIII-1-98-36

Interpretation: VIII-1-98-35 Subject: Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2 (1995 Edition, 1997 Addenda); UG-90(c)(1) (VIII1) and AG-303 (VIII-2) July 21, 1998 BC98-229

Date Issued: File:

Question (1): Is it mandatory that the Authorized Inspector sign off for each of the operations that he is responsible to witness by subparagraphs UG-90(c)(1) and AG-303 in Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2, respectively? Reply (1): No. Question (2): Does the signing of the Manufacturers Data Report by the Authorized Inspector signify that he has witnessed and verified all operations listed in the UG-90(c)(1) and AG-303 of Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2, respectively? Reply (2): Yes. Note: This Interpretation also appears as VIII-2-98-08

Interpretation: VIII-1-98-36 Subject: Date Issued: File: Section VIII, Division 1 (1995 Edition, 1997 Addenda); UG-90(c)(1)(l) July 21, 1998 BC98-241

Question: In meeting the requirements of UG-90(c)(1)(l) in Section VIII, Division 1, would it be permissible for an Authorized Inspector to make the final internal inspection of a vessel prior to the completion of the internal fabrication of such vessel as long as conditions permit entry into the vessel prior to final closure? Reply: No. See UG-97.

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VIII-1-98-37, VIII-1-98-38, VIII-1-98-39

Section VIII-1 Interpretations No. 44

Interpretation: VIII-1-98-37 Subject: Date Issued: File: Section VIII, Division 1 (1995 Edition, 1997 Addenda); UW-52(b)(2) July 21, 1998 BC98-246

Question: A weld joint accepted by spot radiography under the rules of UW-52 in Section VIII, Division 1 develops a pinhole leak during the hydrostatic pressure test. The leak is repaired, and the vessel is subjected to a repeat of the hydro test for final acceptance. Prior to repeating the pressure test, is it required to perform spot radiography to determine acceptability of the repair? Reply: No.

Interpretation: VIII-1-98-38 Subject: Date Issued: File: Section VIII, Division 1 (1995 Edition, 1997 Addenda); UG-33 July 29, 1998 BC98-176

Question: A vessel having dished heads butt welded to a cylindrical shell is to be designed for external pressure. The dished heads meet the minimum thickness requirements of UG-33 in Section VIII, Division 1. Must the thickness of the dished heads also meet the required thickness of the mating cylindrical shell? Reply: No, but any skirt supplied with the head shall meet the requirements of UG-33(i).

Interpretation: VIII-1-98-39 Subject: Date Issued: File: Section VIII, Division 1 (1995 Edition, 1997 Addenda); UCS-66(c) July 29, 1998 BC98-286

Question: May ferritic steel long weld neck flanges, including a barrel whose outside diameter does not exceed that limited by nut relief, that comply with the design and rating requirements of ASME B16.5 be used at a design metal temperature no colder than 20F without impact testing? Reply: Yes.

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Section VIII-1 Interpretations No. 44

VIII-1-98-40, VIII-1-98-41, VIII-1-98-42

Interpretation: VIII-1-98-40 Subject: Date Issued: File: Section VIII, Division 1 (1995 Edition, 1997 Addenda); UG-84(i)(1) August 19, 1998 BC98-227

Question: Does the phrase in addition to the requirements of (h) above, at the beginning of UG-84(i)(1) in Section VIII, Division 1, only mean that a properly qualified welding procedure with impact tests of the weld and HAZ is required to be used for the fabrication of the vessel and the vessel (production) impact test plates? Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: VIII-1-98-41 Subject: Date Issued: File: Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2 (1998 Edition); Code Case 2235 September 4, 1998 BC98-327

Question: Is it permissible to use the Ultrasonic Time-of-Flight-Diffraction (TOFD) Technique when implementing Code Case 2235? Reply: Yes. Note: This interpretation also appears as VIII-2-98-09

Interpretation: VIII-1-98-42 Subject: Date Issued: File: Section VIII, Division 1 (1995 Edition, 1997 Addenda); UG-133(c) October 7, 1998 BC97-266

Question: UG-133(c) in Section VIII, Division 1 allows treating several vessels connected together as a single unit in determining relieving capacity of pressure safety devices to be furnished. Is it permissible to treat more than one vessel as a single unit for determining the relieving capacity if there are intervening block valves that comply with the requirements and restrictions given in Nonmandatory Appendix M, M-5(a)? Reply: No.

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VIII-1-98-43, VIII-1-98-44, VIII-1-98-45

Section VIII-1 Interpretations No. 44

Interpretation: VIII-1-98-43 Subject: Date Issued: File: Section VIII, Division 1 (1995 Edition, 1997 Addenda); Appendix M, M-7(a) October 9, 1998 BC98-178

Question: When calculating the inlet pressure losses to a safety valve per Appendix M, M-7(a) of Section VIII, Division 1, for a combination of a safety valve and rupture disk, shall the losses due to the rupture disk be included in the pipeline calculation? Reply: Yes. See UG-135(b)(1).

Interpretation: VIII-1-98-44 Subject: Date Issued: File: Section VIII, Division 1 (1995 Edition, 1997 Addenda); UG-77 October 9, 1998 BC98-242

Question (1): Are the requirements of UG-77 in Section VIII, Division 1 applicable to pipe and tube material? Reply (1): Yes. Question (2): Is the Manufacturer required to ensure traceability of pipe material to all the original product marking requirements including the heat number and manufacturers name or brand? Reply (2): No.

Interpretation: VIII-1-98-45 Subject: Section VIII, Division 1 (1995 Edition, 1997 Addenda); Requirement for Performing Hydro Test After Welding End Closures October 9, 1998 BC98-245

Date Issued: File:

Question: Seamless, forged pressure vessels are constructed in accordance with Part UF and Appendix 22 of Section VIII, Division 1. Threaded end closure plugs are not welded to the vessel prior to performing the required hydrostatic test. The end closure plugs are seal welded to the vessel after the initial hydro. Is it required to conduct a second hydrostatic test, witnessed by the AI, after the seal welding is completed? Reply: Yes.

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Section VIII-1 Interpretations No. 44

VIII-1-98-46, VIII-1-98-47, VIII-1-98-48

Interpretation: VIII-1-98-46 Subject: Date Issued: File: Section VIII, Division 1 (1995 Edition, 1997 Addenda); UW-14(d) October 9, 1998 BC98-293

Question: Is a Category A, B, or C welded joint required to meet the radiographic requirements of UW-51 as stipulated in UW-14(d) of Section VIII, Division 1 if a single opening that meets the requirements of UG-36(c)(3) and UG-37 is to be placed closer than 12 in. from the edge of the weld joint for material 112 in. thick or less? Reply: No.

Interpretation: VIII-1-98-47 Subject: Date Issued: File: Section VIII, Division 1 (1995 Edition, 1996 Addenda); UG-11(a)(1) October 12, 1998 BC98-296

Question: In complying with the requirements of UG-11(a)(1) in Section VIII, Division 1, may pressure parts that are made to order by a parts Manufacturer, and which are described in his literature with the pressure-temperature ratings to be marked on the parts, be designated as standard pressure parts complying with a Manufacturers standard? Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: VIII-1-98-48 Subject: Date Issued: File: Section VIII, Division 1 (1998 Edition); Use of SA-105 for Flat Covers October 12, 1998 BC98-333

Question: A flat, bolted cover is designed in accordance with the rules of UG-34(c)(2). The cover contains multiple openings which are reinforced in accordance with UG-39(e)(1) or UG-39(e)(2). May the cover be constructed of SA-105 material? Reply: Yes.

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VIII-1-98-49, VIII-1-98-50, VIII-1-98-51

Section VIII-1 Interpretations No. 44

Interpretation: VIII-1-98-49 Subject: Date Issued: File: Section VIII, Division 1 (1998 Edition); Use of SA-350 Material for Covers October 12, 1998 BC98-334 Question: May SA-350 material be used in the construction of covers under Section VIII, Division 1? Reply: Yes.

Interpretation: VIII-1-98-50 Subject: Date Issued: File: Section VIII, Division 1 (1998 Edition, 1998 Addenda); UHA-51(g) October 12, 1998 BC98-425

Question (1): May vessel components fabricated from materials listed in Table UHA-23 of Section VIII, Division 1 be individually exempted from impact tests per UHA-51(g) provided impact testing is not required per UHA-51(c)? Reply (1): Yes. Question (2): If the reply to Question (1) is yes, are the requirements of UW-2(b)(1), (2), (3), and (4) applicable to the exempted vessel component when other components of the vessel are required to be impact tested? Reply (2): No.

Interpretation: VIII-1-98-51 Subject: Section VIII, Division 1 (1995 Edition, 1997 Addenda); UG-93(d)(3) and Fig. 2-4 Sketch (4a) November 10, 1998 BC98-288

Date Issued: File:

Question: Is nondestructive examination as required by UG-93(d)(3) of Section VIII, Division 1 required to be performed on a joint detail such as Fig. 2-4 sketch (4a)? Reply: No.

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