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No further reproduction or distribution is permitted.
ASME B31.9-2020

design temperature: the temperature equal to or higher shielding may or may not be obtained from an externally
than the highest working temperature, used in deter- supplied gas or gas mixture.
mining the required wall thickness or component full fillet weld: a fillet weld whose size is equal to the thick-
rating. See para. 901.3. ness of the thinner member joined. See size of weld.
design thickness: the sum of the minimum thicknesses fusion: the melting together of filler and base material, or
required by the design conditions and corrosion, mechan- of base material only, that results in coalescence.
ical, and other allowances.
gas metal arc welding (GMAW): an arc welding process that
employer: the owner, manufacturer, fabricator, contractor, employs a continuous solid filler metal (consumable) elec-
assembler, or installer responsible for the welding, trode. Shielding is obtained entirely from an externally
brazing, and NDE performed by their organization, supplied gas or gas mixture. (Some methods of this
including procedure and performance qualifications. process have been called MIG or CO2 welding.)
engineer: the engineer as agent of the owner is the party gas pocket: see porosity, the preferred term.
responsible for design of piping systems to meet operating
and safety standards. gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW): an arc welding process
that employs a tungsten (nonconsumable) electrode.
engineering design: the detailed design for a piping instal- Shielding is obtained from a gas or gas mixture. Pressure
lation, developed from the building systems requirements may or may not be used and filler metal may or may not be
and conforming to Code requirements, including neces- used. (This process has sometimes been called TIG
sary drawings and specifications. welding.)
equipment connection: an integral part of equipment such gas welding: see oxyfuel gas welding.
as boilers, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and pumps
designed for attachment of piping. groove weld: a weld made in the groove between two
members.
erection: the complete installation of a piping system,
including field fabrication and assembly. header: see main.

d Record examination: any of a number of quality control operations heat-affected zone (HAZ): that portion of the base metal
that use visual or other methods to reveal imperfections that has not been melted but whose mechanical properties
(indications) and to evaluate their significance. or microstructure has been altered by the heat of welding,
brazing, soldering, forming, or cutting.
examiner: a person employed by the piping manufacturer,
fabricator, or erector who is competent to perform exam- heat fusion: a joining process in which melted surfaces of
inations. plastic pipe and fittings are engaged and held together
under moderate pressure until cool.
expansion joint: a component installed in a piping system

University of Toronto User.

for the purpose of absorbing dimensional changes, such as imperfection: an abnormality or indication found during
those caused by thermal expansion or contraction. examination or inspection that is not necessarily a cause
for rejection. See also defect.
fabrication: bending, forming, cutting, machining, and
joining of piping components into integral subassemblies inert gas: a gas that does not combine with or affect the
ready for erection. Fabrication may be performed in the base material or filler material.
shop or in the field. inert gas metal arc welding: see gas metal arc welding, the
face of weld: the exposed surface of a weld on the side from preferred term.
which the welding was done. inspection: any operation performed to assure the owner
filler metal (material): metal (material) to be added in that the materials, components, fabrication, and installa- Inspection, E
welding, brazing, braze welding, or soldering. tion are in accordance with the engineering design.
Inspection may include review of certifications,
fillet weld: a weld of approximately triangular cross welding procedure and welder qualifications, records
section joining two surfaces approximately at right angles. of examinations and testing, and any examination that
flammable liquid: a liquid having a closed cup flash point may be required by the engineering design.
below 100°F (38°C). inspector: the owner, or a person representing the owner
flux: material used to dissolve, to prevent accumulation of, (not employed by the manufacturer, fabricator, or erector
or to facilitate removal of oxides and other undesirable when different from the owner), who performs an inspec-
substances during welding, brazing, or soldering. tion.
flux-cored arc welding (FCAW): an arc welding process that joint design: the joint geometry together with the required
employs a continuous tubular filler metal (consumable) dimensions.
electrode having a core of flux for shielding. Added

4
 Copyrighted material licensed to University of Toronto by Techstreet LLC, subscriptions.techstreet.com, downloaded on 2021-03-13 18:47:09 +0000 by
No further reproduction or distribution is permitted.
ASME B31.9-2020

Chapter VI
Inspection, Examination, and Testing

936 INSPECTION AND EXAMINATION 936.4.1 Visual Examination. Visual examination is

observation of the portions of materials, components,
Record 936.1 General joints, supports, and other piping elements that are or
can be exposed to view before, during, or after manufac-
Inspection applies to quality assurance functions
ture, fabrication, assembly, or erection. This examination
performed by the owner, or for the owner by persons
includes verification of Code and engineering design re-
other than the manufacturer, fabricator, or erector. Exam-
quirements for materials and components, dimensions,
ination applies to quality control functions performed by
joint preparation, alignment, joining practices, supports,
personnel employed by the manufacturer, fabricator, or
assembly, and erection.
erector of the piping.
936.1.1 Quality System Program. A quality system 936.5 Type and Extent of Required Examination
program is not required by this Code. If a system is Unless otherwise specified in the engineering design,
required by the engineering design, the program in the type of examination shall be visual examination in
Nonmandatory Appendix A or a similar program accept- accordance with the method in para. 936.4.1.
able to the owner may be used. If the degree of examination and inspection or the basis Degree of Exa
for rejection is to be more rigorous than required by this
936.2 Required Inspection
Code, it shall be a matter of prior agreement between the
Prior to initial operation, it is the owner’s responsibility fabricator or installer and the purchaser.
to verify that all required examination and testing have
been completed and to inspect the piping, or have it 936.6 Acceptance Criteria
inspected, to the extent necessary to satisfy the owner Imperfections or indications revealed by examination
that it conforms to all applicable requirements of this shall be evaluated in accordance with the criteria in
Code and the engineering design.

University of Toronto User.

paras. 936.6.1 through 936.6.10. They are acceptable
936.2.1 Access to the Work. The owner and the unless they exceed the specified limitations. Those that
owner’s representatives shall have access to any place exceed the stated limits are defects, and the work shall
where work concerned with the piping is being be repaired or replaced in accordance with the appro-
performed. This includes manufacture, fabrication, priate requirements in Chapter V.
assembly, erection, examination, and testing of the piping. 936.6.1 Girth Welds and Groove Welds. Limitations on
936.2.2 Rights of Owner. The owner and the owner’s imperfections are as follows:
Record
representatives shall have the right to audit any examina- (a) Cracks. None permitted.
tions, to inspect the piping using examination methods (b) Lack of Fusion. The length of unfused areas shall not
specified in the engineering design, and to review all certi- be more than 20% of the circumference of the pipe, or of
fications and records. the total length of the weld, and not more than 25% in any
6 in. (152 mm) of weld.
936.3 Responsibility for Examination (c) Incomplete Penetration. The total joint penetration
d Record shall not be less than the thickness of the thinner of the
Inspection does not relieve the manufacturer, fabri-
components being joined, except that incomplete root
cator, or erector of responsibility for performing all
penetration is acceptable if it does not exceed the
required examinations and preparing suitable records
lesser of 1∕32 in. (1 mm) or 20% of the required thickness,
for the owner’s use.
and its extent is not more than 25% in any 6 in. (152 mm)
936.4 Methods of Examination of weld.
(d) Undercut and Reinforcement. Undercut shall not
The methods described herein shall be performed by exceed the lesser of 1∕32 in. (1 mm) or 121∕2% of wall thick-
competent personnel. ness. Thickness of weld reinforcement shall not exceed 3∕16
in. (4.8 mm).

46
 Standard Operating Procedure
QC-101
ASME B31.9 Shop and Field Examination
For

Fabrication and Construction

 SOP # QC-101 Rev.1
Quality Control

Effective Date: Released By: Standard Operating Procedure

08/10/2023 J. Dunne ASME B31.9 Shop and Field Examination

1. PURPOSE

 To establish a standard procedure for Shop & Field Examinations and Testing.
 To ensure ACCO is meeting the expectations of this procedure when an authorized examiner discovers
non-compliant deficiencies they will report to the local QC lead and responsible supervisor to discuss
appropriate resolution. If required, the Construction Leadership Team will be notified to assist with any
further means to resolve non-compliant work activities.
 In the absence of specific written instructions from the client, this SOP shall be used. Client
specifications that limit or exceed those contained in this SOP, shall be agreed to in writing by the
Client and ACCO Engineered Systems.

2. SCOPE

 This procedure outlines code requirements for Examination and Testing of Shop/Field fabrication and
installations of piping systems and components on commercial projects. Examination and testing
criteria are in strict compliance with ASME B31.9, and related ACCO standards.

3. RESPONSIBILITIES

 Examinations, Testing and required documentation will be performed by/or witnessed by ACCO
authorized personnel. These quality control functions are mandatory and require a concerted effort of
shop and field personnel.

 Shop personnel may fulfill examination requirements for shop fabrication and assembly, while field
personnel may fulfill examination and testing requirements for field fabrication and installation.

 Shop and Field Examiners shall have training and experience commensurate with the needs of the
specific examinations. Examination shall be performed personnel other than personnel performing the
work. Shop and Field Examiners shall be approved by the Regional Quality Control Supervisor prior
to performing examinations.

 ACCO Shop and Field Examiner Log shall be maintained by ACCO QAQC and be kept current.

4. REFERENCES

 ASME Section IX

 ASME B31.9 Building Services

 ASTM B828 Standard Practice for Making Capillary Joints

 ASME B1.20.1 Pipe Threads, General Purpose, Inch

______________________________________________________________________________________
PROPERIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL
ACCO ENGINEERED SYSTEMS, INC.
Page 2 of 5
 SOP # QC-101 Rev.1
Quality Control

Effective Date: Released By: Standard Operating Procedure

08/10/2023 J. Dunne ASME B31.9 Shop and Field Examination

 ASTM B828 Standard Practice for Making Capillary Joints by Soldering of Copper and Copper Alloy
Tube and Fittings

 ACCO Pressure Test Report

 ACCO Welding Inspection Checklist

 ACCO Shop and Field Examiner Log

5. PROCEDURES

5.1 Visual Examination – Observation of the portions of materials, components, joints, supports, and other
piping elements that are or can be exposed to view before, during, or after manufacture, fabrication,
assembly, or erection. This examination includes verification of Code and engineering design
requirements for materials and components, dimensions, joint preparation, alignment, joining practices,
supports, assembly, and erection.

5.2 Pressure and Leak Testing

 Hydrostatic Pressure Testing:

Following the application of hydrostatic test pressure for at least 10 min., shop/field personnel shall
examine for leakage of the piping and at all joints and connections. If leaks are found, they shall be
eliminated by tightening, repair, or replacement, as appropriate, and the hydrostatic test repeated until
no leakage is found.
 Pneumatic Pressure Testing:
After the preliminary test, pressure shall be raised in stages of not more than 25% up to full pneumatic
test pressure, allowing time for equalization of strains and detection of major leaks at each stage.
Following the application of test pressure for at least 10 min, the pressure may be reduced to design
pressure and shop/field personnel shall examine for leakage of the piping. Leaks may be detected by
soap bubble, halogen gas, scented gas, test gage monitoring, ultrasonic, or other suitable means. If
leaks are found, pressure shall be vented, appropriate repair or replacement shall be made, and the
pneumatic test repeated until no leakage is found.
 Initial Service Leak Test:
For gases, and steam and condensate service not over 15 psig, and for nontoxic, noncombustible,
nonflammable liquids at pressures over 100 psig and temperatures not over 200° F, it is permissible to
conduct the system testing with the service fluid.
A preliminary test with air at low pressure may be used. In any event, the piping system shall be
brought up to operating pressure gradually with visual examination at a pressure between one-
half and two-thirds of operating pressure. A final examination shall be made at operating
pressure. If the piping system is free of leaks, it will have met the requirements for service
testing.

______________________________________________________________________________________
PROPERIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL
ACCO ENGINEERED SYSTEMS, INC.
Page 3 of 5
 SOP # QC-101 Rev.1
Quality Control

Effective Date: Released By: Standard Operating Procedure

08/10/2023 J. Dunne ASME B31.9 Shop and Field Examination

6. EXAMINATION

Perform random Visual Examinations of the various stages and elements of the fabrication and
installation process in accordance with section 5.1 above.
Perform Leak Testing of each installation in accordance with section 5.2 above and document each test.
7. Welded Fabrication

 Perform random material verification along with random fit-up examination.

 Perform weld examination and when required, document on Welding Inspection Checklist. Upload
checklist on to project Box folder.
 Acceptance Criteria - Girth and Groove Welds
Cracks - None Permitted
Lack of Fusion - The length of unfused areas shall not be more than 20% of the circumference of the
pipe, or of the total length of the weld, and not more than 25% in any 6 inches of weld.
Incomplete Penetration - The total joint penetration shall not be less than the thickness of the thinner of
the components being joined, except that incomplete root penetration is acceptable if it does not exceed
the lesser of 1∕32” or 20% of the required thickness, and its extent is not more than 25% in any 6” of
weld.
Undercut and Reinforcement - Undercut shall not exceed the lesser of 1/32” or 12-1/2% of wall
thickness. Thickness of weld reinforcement shall not exceed 3/16”.
Concave Root - Concavity of the root surface shall not reduce the total thickness of the joint, including
reinforcement, to less than the thickness of the thinner of the components being joined.
Excess Root Penetration - The excess shall not exceed the lesser of 1/8” or 5% of the inside diameter of
the pipe.
Weld Surfaces - There shall be no overlaps or abrupt ridges and valleys.

 Fillet, Socket & Seal Welds – Same as above for Cracks, Lack of Fusion, Undercut, and Weld
Surfaces.

8. Grooved and Rolled Fabrication – Verify groove & depth is per manufacture specifications.

9. Threaded Joints - There shall be no severe chipping or tearing of visible threads. No more than six
and no fewer than two threads shall be visible after makeup of the joint.

10. Flanged Joints - The flange faces shall be parallel with in 1 degree. Nuts and bolts shall be fully
engaged.

11. Flared, Flare-Less, and Compression Joints - There shall be no cracks in flare or tube ends. Tube ends
shall be cut square and be free of distortion or grooves that would hinder assembly or sealing. Negligible
force shall be required to align ends.

______________________________________________________________________________________
PROPERIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL
ACCO ENGINEERED SYSTEMS, INC.
Page 4 of 5
 SOP # QC-101 Rev.1
Quality Control

Effective Date: Released By: Standard Operating Procedure

08/10/2023 J. Dunne ASME B31.9 Shop and Field Examination

12. Copper Fabrication & Installation - Brazed and Soldered Joints – Verify materials, flux, solder &
brazing rod meets the job specifications and ACCO’s submittals. Verify all Copper Installers have been
CAT Trained.
o Acceptance Criteria: Penetration of filler metal inside the pipe shall not exceed 100% of the
wall thickness.
o There shall be no visible unfilled joint space.
o There shall be no visible evidence of excessive over-heating.

12.1 Copper Fabrication & Installation - Mechanical Press – Verify materials meets the job
specifications and ACCO’s submittals. Installers must be CAT Trained and have their Press
Certification.
 Be sure tube ends are square cut, de-burred, and clean prior to joining.
 Randomly verify insertion depth is being marked along with completion mark.
 Properly support tubing before heating to maintain alignment. Perform final examination. Document
results on the Daily Inspection Report. Imperfections in mechanical and proprietary joints shall be
within the limitations established by the manufacturer.

13. Solvent-Cemented, Adhesive, and Heat-Fusion Joints – Verify primer / cement are not expired, and
have been properly stored.
 Pipe ends must be cut square, de-burred and prepped per manufacturer instructions.
 Piping and valves must be properly supported. Internal protrusion shall not exceed 50% of wall
thickness for solvent-cemented and 25% for adhesive and heat-fusion joints.
 There shall be no visible unfilled or un-bonded areas.
 Excess cement/adhesive shall be wiped clean.

14. Document Control

 Verify Copper Logs and Pressure Test Reports are properly filled out and are being turned into
Warranty.
 When needed: Provide WPS & WPQ’s for special inspections.

End of Section

______________________________________________________________________________________
PROPERIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL
ACCO ENGINEERED SYSTEMS, INC.
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