ASME B31.3-2008 Radiographic Examination

By jperdigon Date 09-02-2009 01:35 Edited 09-02-2009 01:40

The ASME B31.3 - 2008 in paragraph K341.4.2 said:

K341.4.2 Radiographic Examination
a.- All, girth, longitudinal, and branch connection welds shall be 100% examined as specified in para K344.5 (K344.5 see below)
b.- Ultrasonic examination shall not be substituted for radiography, but may supplement it.
c.- In-process examination (see para 334.7) shall not be substituted for radiography

I do not understand the point b.-, because the point a.- said 100% examined by Radiographic Examination to all weld and the point b.- said the UT shall not be substituted for radiographic, but may supplement it.

Someone can help me understand this point?

K344.5 Radiographic Examination
The method for radiographic examination shall be as specified in
a.- paragraph K302.3.3(c) for castings
b.- BPV Code, Section V, Articule 2 for welds and other components

By kipman

Date 09-02-2009 12:52

The 100% RT is the code minimum required. If the designer deems it necessary he/she can also require that UT be performed as a supplement to the RT. The RT is required by code, UT is required if the spec requires it.
Mankenberg

By jperdigon Date 09-04-2009 02:46

Kip Mankenberg

Thanks for you information.

Now I found another information. See below.

Jorge Perdigon

Interpretation: 20-09
Subject: ASME B31.3-2002 Edition, Applicability of Ultrasound Testing for Heavy Thick Piping
Date Issued: October 20, 2004

Question (1): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2002 Edition, is ultrasonic examination an acceptable substitute for radiography for a piping system utilizing Class 2500 components that has been classified as high pressure piping in accordance with para. K300?

Reply (1): No; see para. K341.4.2(b).

Question (2): In accordance with ASME B31.3-2oo2 Edition, is ultrasonic examination an acceptable substitute for radiography for a piping system utilizing Class 2500 components if the system has not been classified as high pressure piping in accordance with para. K300?

Reply (2): Yes; see paras. 341.4.1(b)(1), 341.4.3(b), and M341.4(b)(1).