ASME B31.

1-2016

where required, shall be as per PG-104, PG-105, PG-109, welds to pressure retaining components are specified
PG-110, PG-111, and PG-112 of Section I of the ASME in Table 136.4. For welds other than those covered by
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Table 136.4, only visual examination is required. Welds
requiring nondestructive examination shall comply with
136.3 Examination the applicable acceptance standards for indications as
136.3.1 General. Examination denotes the func- specified in paras. 136.4.2 through 136.4.6. As a guide,
tions performed by the manufacturer, fabricator, erector, the detection capabilities for the examination method
or a party authorized by the owner that include nonde- are shown in Table 136.4.1. Welds not requiring examina-
structive examinations (NDE), such as visual, radiogra- tion (i.e., RT, UT, MT, or PT) by this Code or the engi-
phy, ultrasonic, eddy current, liquid penetrant, and neering design shall be judged acceptable if they meet
magnetic particle methods. The degree of examination the examination requirements of para. 136.4.2 and the
and the acceptance standards beyond the requirements pressure test requirements specified in para. 137. NDE
of this Code shall be a matter of prior agreement between for P-Nos. 3, 4, 5A, 5B, and 15E material welds shall be
the manufacturer, fabricator, or erector and the owner. performed after postweld heat treatment unless directed
otherwise by engineering design. Required NDE for
(16) 136.3.2 Qualification of NDE Personnel. Personnel welds in all other materials may be performed before
who perform nondestructive examination of welds shall
or after postweld heat treatment.
be qualified and certified for each examination method
in accordance with a program established by the 136.4.2 Visual Examination. Visual examination as (16)
employer of the personnel being certified, which shall defined in para. 100.2 shall be performed in accordance
be based on the following minimum requirements: with the requirements described in Section V, Article 9,
(A) instruction in the fundamentals of the nonde- of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Visual
structive examination method. examinations may be conducted, as necessary, during
(B) on-the-job training to familiarize the NDE person- the fabrication and erection of piping components to
nel with the appearance and interpretation of indica- provide verification that the design and WPS require-
tions of weld defects. The length of time for such training ments are being met. In addition, visual examination
shall be sufficient to ensure adequate assimilation of the shall be performed to verify that all completed welds
knowledge required. in pipe and piping components comply with the accept-
(C) an eye examination performed at least once each ance standards specified in (A) below or with the limita-
year to determine optical capability of NDE personnel tions on imperfections specified in the material
to perform the required examinations. specification under which the pipe or component was
(D) upon completion of (A) and (B) above, the NDE furnished.
personnel shall be given an oral or written examination (A) Acceptance Standards. The following indications
and performance examination by the employer to deter- are unacceptable:
mine if the NDE personnel are qualified to perform the (A.1) cracks external surface.
required examinations and interpretation of results. (A.2) undercut on the surface that is greater than
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(E) certified NDE personnel whose work has not 32 in. (1.0 mm) deep, or encroaches on the minimum
included performance of a specific examination method required section thickness.
for a period of 1 yr or more shall be recertified by success- (A.3) undercut on the surface of longitudinal butt
fully completing the examination of (D) above and also welds.
passing the visual examination of (C) above. Substantial (A.4) weld reinforcement greater than specified in
changes in procedures or equipment shall require recer- Table 127.4.2.
tification of the NDE personnel. (A.5) lack of fusion on surface.
As an alternative to the preceding program, the (A.6) incomplete penetration (applies only when
requirements of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel inside surface is readily accessible).
Code, Section V, Article 1 may be used for the qualifica- (A.7) any other linear indications greater than 316 in.
tion of NDE personnel. Personnel qualified to AWS QC1 (5.0 mm) long.
may be used for the visual examination of welds pro-
(A.8) surface porosity with rounded indications
vided they meet the annual eye examination require-
having dimensions greater than 316 in. (5.0 mm) or four
ment of (C) above and the J1 visual acuity requirement
or more rounded indications separated by 11 6 in.
of Section V, Article 9.
(2.0 mm) or less edge to edge in any direction. Rounded
136.4 Examination Methods of Welds indications are indications that are circular or elliptical
with their length less than three times their width.
136.4.1 Nondestructive Examination. Nondestruc-
tive examinations shall be performed in accordance with 136.4.3 Magnetic Particle Examination. Whenever (16)
the requirements of this Chapter. The types and extent required by this Chapter (see Table 136.4), magnetic
of mandatory examinations for pressure welds and particle examination shall be performed in accordance

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