ASME B31.

3 INTERPRETATIONS

ASME 831.3
INTERPRETATIONS VOLUME 23
Replies to Technical Inquiries
April 23, 2010 through September 27, 2011
GENERAL INFORMATION
It has been agreed to publish interpretations issued by the 831 Committee concerning 831 .3
as part of the update service to the Code. The interpretations have been assigned numbers in
chronological order. Each interpretation applies to the Edition stated in the interpretation, or if
none is stated, to the Edition in effect on the date of issuance of the interpretation. Subsequent
revisions to the Code may have superseded the reply.
These replies 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
reply bearing the original interpretation number with the suffix R is presented. In the case where
an interpretation is corrected by errata, the original interpretation number with the suffix E is used.
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.
For detailed instructions on preparation of technical inquiries to the 831 Committee, refer to
Appendix Z.

NUMERICAL AND SUBJECT INDEXES

Numerical and Subject Indexes have been prepared to assist the user in locating interpretations
by location or by subject matter in the Code. They cover interpretations issued from Volume 1
up to and including the present volume, and will be updated with each volume.

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Copyright 2013 by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
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ASM E B31.3 INTERPRETATI ONS

831.3
Interp retation
Para. 301.3.2, Fluid Temperature ..... . . . . .. .. ... . ............. .. . . ........ .
Para . 304.1, Wall Thickness . . . . . . . .
. . . . . .. . . . . . .... . ............. . . .
Para. 304.3.3, Reinforcement of Welded Branch Connections .... .
Para. 304.7.2, Application of a Detailed Stress Analysis Performed Using a
Numerical Method .
...........
. . . .......... .
Para. 304.7.2, Unlisted Components. . . . . . .
. .. . ....... . ... .. . . . .... .
Para. 319.4.3, Basic Assumptions and Requirements ... . . . . . . . . ........ . .. .
Para. 323.2.2, Reference to Table A-1 ........................... . .. .. . . . .. . .
Para. 323.2.2, Reference to Table A-1
.. . .. . .. .
Para. 323.2.2 and Fig. 323.2.2B, Lower Temperature Limits for Listed
Materials.
Para. 331, Review of Interpretations 20-39 and 21-46 ............ . .. . . .. .. . . . .
Para. 345, Leak Testing of Piping Components . . ...
Para. 345.1(b), Required Leak Test and Para. 304.7.2, Unlisted
Components. . . . .
. . .. .. .. . . . . .. ... ... . . . .... . . . ....... .
Para. 345.1(d), Pressure Test Exemption for Vents and Drains . ... . .. .. ....... .
Paras. 345.2.4 and 345.2.5, External Differential Pressure . ... .. .. . ..... . . . .... .
Para. 345.5.2, Pressure Relief Device ............. . ........ . ......... .
Para. 345.5.5, Pressure Testing ... . ... .. . ... ...... . ... .... . . . . . ... . .. . . ... . .
Table 302.3.3C, Casting Quality Factor ........... . . ... . .... . . .. .. .. . . .... . .
Table 323.2.2, Impact Testing .............. .. . .... . .. . . . . .. .. . ... . . .. . . . .. .
. .. . .... . .. .. . .. ... .. ... . .. . .. . .. . .
Table 323.2.2, Stress Ratio Figure. . . . .
Table 341.3.2, Partial Joint Penetration Welds . .. ... . . . . .. . . . . . . .. .
Tables A-1 and A-3, Allowable Stress Values ... .
Table A-lB, Electric Fusion Welded Tube

File No.

23-06
23-16
23-18

10-540
11-445
11-847

23-07
23-03
23-04
23-08
23-12

10-542
10-535
10-537
10-702
10-1503

20-13R
21-46R
23-14

11-448
11-16
11-17

23-05
23-20
23-17
23-11
23-15
23-10
23-13
23-01
23-02
23-19
23-09

10-538
11-1539
11-578
10-1502
11-444
10-1501
10-1560
10-533
10-534
11-1075
10-1500

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Copyright 2013 by the American Society of Mechan ical Engineers.
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ASME 831 .3 INTERPRETATIONS

Interpretation 20-13R

Subject: ASME B31.3-2002 th rough B31.3-2010, Para. 323.2.2 and Fig. 323.2.2B, Lower Temperature
Limits for Listed Materials
Date Issued: April 12, 2011
File: 11-448
Question (1): Does ASME B31.3, Fig. 323.2.2B, provide a basis for the use of impact-tested
carbon steels at a minimum design metal temp erature (MDMT) colder than the impact test
temperature, provided the stress ratio defined in Fig. 323.2.2B is less than 1 but greater than 0.3,
and the MDMT is not colder than -48C (-55F)?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): Does ASME B31.3, Fig. 323.2.2B, provide a basis for the use of impact-tested
carbon steels at a minimum design metal temperature (MDMT) colder than the impact test
temperature, provided the stress ratio defined in Fig. 323.2.2B is less than 1 but greater than 0.3,
and the MDMT is colder than -48C (- 55F)?
Reply (2) : No.
Question (3) : Does ASME B31.3, Table 323.2.2, Note (3), provide a basis for the use of impacttested carbon steels at a minimum design metal temperature (MDMT) colder than the impact
test temperature, provided the stress ratio defined in Fig. 323.2.2B is equal to or less than 0.3
when the MDMT is colder than - 48C (-55F)?
Reply (3): Yes.
Question (4): Does ASME B31.3 permit Fig. 323.2.2B to be used to provide a basis for the use
of impact-tested duplex stainless steels, UNS S31803, impact tested at - 51 oc (-60F), in the same
manner as described in question (1)?
Reply (4): No.

Interpretation 21-46R

Subject: ASME B31.3-2008, Para. 331, Review of Interpretations 20-39 and 21-46
Date Issued: April 12, 2011
File: 11-16
Question (1): Does ASME B31.3 require both circumferential and longitudinal welds made by
the pipe manufacturer of API SL double submerged arc welded (DSAW) pipe to be heat trea ted
in accordance with para. 331?
Reply (1): No.
Question (2): Does ASME B31 .3 require both circumferential and longitudinal welds made by
the piping fabricator on API SL double submerged a rc welded (DSAW) marked pipe to be heat
treated in accordance with para. 331?
Reply (2): Yes.
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ASME 831.3 IN TERPRETATION S

Interpretation 23-01

Subject: ASME 831.3-2008, Table 323.2.2, Stress Ratio Figure

Date Issued: April 23, 2010
File: 10-533
Question (1): Does the Code provide rules for the use of duplex stainless steel material
(UNS S31803) with a lower design temperature than - 60F (-51 oq under certain conditions with
limitations?
Reply (1): Yes; see para. 323.2.2(c).
Question (2): Are the provisions described in Note (3) of Table 323.2.2 also applicable for duplex
stainless steel material?
Reply (2): Yes.

Interpretation 23-02

Subject: ASME 831.3-2008, Table 341.3.2, Partial Joint Penetration Welds

Date Issued: April 23, 2010
File: 10-534
Question: Does para. 300(c)(3) allow partial joint penetration welds if a more rigorous analysis
addressing the design, construction, examination, inspection, and testing details is documented
in the engineering design and accepted by the owner?
Reply: Yes. Note that requirements for Code rules that are not applicable as written to such
construction, such as examination and fatigue design, need to be addressed. See also Interpretation
16-12.

Interpretation 23-03

Subject: ASME 831.3-2008, Para. 304.7.2, Unlisted Components

Date Issued: April 23, 2010
File: 10-535
Question: Does para. 304.7.2(c) address product form and material type when proof testing in
accordance with ASME 816.9; MSS SP-97; or Section VIII, Division 1, UG-101?
Reply: No.

Interpretation 23-04

Subject: ASME 831.3-2008, Para. 319.4.3, Basic Assumptions and Requirements

Date Issued: April 23, 2010
File: 10-537
Question: Does the Code address how the effects of friction are to be included in earthquake
analyses?
Reply: No.
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ASME 831. 3 INTERPRETATIONS

Interpretation 23-05

Subject: ASME B31.3-2008, Para . 345.1(b), Required Leak Test and Para. 304.7.2, Unlisted
Components
Date Issued: April 23, 2010
File: 10-538
Question: Does the Code address alternate methods of proof testing other than those listed in
para. 304.7.2(c)?
Reply: No.

Interpretation 23-06

Subject: ASME B31.3-2008, Para. 301.3.2, Fluid Temperature

Date Issued: April 23, 2010
File: 10-540
Question (1): Does the Code define "fluid temperature" in para. 301.3.2 as" design temperature"?
Reply (1) : No.
Question (2): Does the Code permit "fluid temperature" in para. 301.3.2 to be understood as
"operating temperature"?
Reply (2): The Code does not define operating temperature.

Interpretation 23-07

Subject: ASME B31.3-2008, Para. 304.7.2, Application of a Detailed Stress Analysis Performed
Using a Numerical Method
Date Issued: April 23, 2010
File: 10-542
Question: If the designer performs a finite element method evaluation of an unlisted component
that is accepted by the owner in accordance with para. 300(c)(3), is the designer required to
perform the calculation to be substantiated in accordance with para. 304.7.2?
Reply: Yes.
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ASME 831.3 INTERPRETATIONS

Interpretation 23-08

Subject: ASME B31.3-2008, Para. 323.2.2, Reference to Table A-1

Date Issued: April 23, 2010
File: 10-702
Question (1): When a welding procedure specification (WPS) has been qualified, including
impact testing, for an austenitic stainless steel plate that has a design minimum temperature
below the minimum temperature given in Table A-1, does the Code require production welds
to be impact tested?
Reply (1): No .
Question (2): When a welding procedure specification (WPS) has been qualified, including
impact testing, for an austenitic stainless steel plate that has a design minimum temperature
below the minimum tempera ture given in Table A-1, does the Code require the plate material
to be impact tested?
Reply (2): Yes.

Interpretation 23-09

Subject: ASME B31.3-2008, Table A-lB, Electric Fusion Welded Tube

Date Issued: October 1, 2010
File: 10-1500
Question: May the valu es for longitudinal weld joint quality factor, Ei, listed in Table A-lB, with
fu rther supplemental radiography per Table 302.3.4, be used to d etermine design requirements for
electric fusion welded pipe, in which the weld is made with filler metal?
Reply: Yes.

Interpretation 23-10

Subject: ASME B31.3-2008, Table 302.3.3C, Casting Quality Factor

Date Issued: October 1, 2010
File: 10-1501
Question: If a fully machined exterior (250 rms or finer) and pull bored interior (125 rms or
finer) surfaced centrifugal cast tube section is fully liquid penetrant examined in accordance with
ASTM El65 and judged acceptable per Table 1 of MSS SP-53 using ASTM El25 as a reference
for surface flaws per Note (2) of ASME B31.3, Table 302.3.3C over its entire exterior surface and
up to one diameter on the interior surface of each end, does the Code permit the use of an
increased casting quality factor, E" of 0.90?
Reply: No. To increase the casting quality factor, all surfaces shall be examined; see N ote (2)(b)
of Table 302.3.3C.
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ASME 831 .3 INTERPRETATIONS

Interpretation 23-11

Subject: ASME 831.3-2008, Para. 345.5.2, Pressure Relief Device

Date Issued: October 1, 2010
File: 10-1502
Question: Does ASME 831.3-2008 require that the pressure relief device described in para. 345.5.2
comply with para . 322.6.3(a)?
Reply: No, unless the pressure relief device is a permanent component of the piping system
being tested.

Interpretation 23-12

Subject: ASME 831.3-2008, Para. 323.2.2 Reference to Table A-1

Date Issued: October 1, 2010
File: 10-1503
Question (1): Does ASME 831.3-2008 reference ASME 831E, Standard for the Seismic Design and
Retrofit of Above-Ground Piping Systems, as an alternative to the requirements in para. 302.3.6?
Reply (1): No.
Question (2): Does ASME 831.3-2008 allow an alternative to the requirements in para. 302.3.6
for seismic design of above-ground piping?
Reply (2): Yes; see para. 300(c)(3).

Interpretation 23-13

Subject: ASME 831.3-2008, Table 323.2.2, Impact Testing

Date Issued: October 1, 2010
File: 10-1560
Question (1): Do Table 323.2.2 boxes A-3(b) and A-4(b) exclude HAZ impact testing?
Reply (1): No.
Question (2): Does the code permit the weld deposit impact testing exemptions of Table 323.2.2
box A-3(b) for joining ASTM A333, A334, A350, A352, and A420?
Reply (2): No.

Interpretation 23-14

Subject: ASME 831.3-2008, Para. 345, Leak Testing of Piping Components

Date Issued: April 12, 2011
File: 11-17
Question: Does ASME 831.3-2008 require listed piping components, including valves, to be
leak tested in accordance with para. 345?
Reply: No. See para. 326.3.
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ASME 831.3 INTERPRETATIONS

Interpretation 23-15

Subject: ASME 831 .3-2008, Para. 345.5.5, Pressure Testing

Date Issued: April 12, 2011
File: 11-444
Question: Does ASME 831.3 require that a pneumatic leak test be maintained at the test pressure
for at least 10 min?
Reply: Yes. See para. 345.2.2(a).

Interpretation 23-16

Subject: ASME 831.3-2008, Para. 304.1, Wall Thickness

Date Issued: April 12, 2011
File: 11-445
Question: Does ASME 831.3-2008 have an equation for pressure design thickness with straight
pipe where t equals or exceeds one-sixth of the outside diameter of the pipe (D I 6)?
Reply: No, except as provided in Chapter IX.

Interpretation 23-17

Subject: ASME 831.3-2008, Paras. 345.2.4 and 345.2.5, External Differential Pressure
Date Issued: April 12, 2011
File: 11-578
Question (1): In para. 345.2.4, Externally Pressured Piping, does the term "external differential
pressure" mean maximum differential pressure between any coincident internal pressure and
external pressure?
Reply (1): Yes. See para. 301.2.1(d).
Question (2): Does para. 345.2.5, Jacketed Piping, require separate leak tests for both internal
line and jacket?
Reply (2): Yes.

Interpretation 23-18

Subject: ASME 831.3-2010, Para. 304.3.3, Reinforcement of Welded Branch Connections

Date Issued: September 27, 2011
File: 11-847
Question: In accordance with ASME 831.3-2010, do the equations for A 3 and A 4 in para. 304.3.3(c)
apply to branch connections other than the configuration shown in Fig. 304.3.3?
Reply: No; however, see para. 304.3.1.
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ASME 631.3 INTERPR ETATION S

Interpretation 23-19

Subject: ASME B31.3-2010, Tables A-1 and A-3, Allowable Stress Values
Date Issued: September 27, 2011
File: 11-1075
Question (1): Does ASME B31.3-2010 require the use of allowable stresses shown in Table A-1?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): Does ASME B31.3-2010 require the use of allowable stresses shown in Table A-3?
Reply (2): No. See Appendix A, General Note (c).
Question (3): Based on ASME B31.3-2010, para. 302.3.2, Bases for Design Stresses, footnote 2,
may the designer use the stress values in ASME BPV Code Section II, Part D, Tables 2A, 2B, and
3 for stresses at temperatures below the creep range instead of the allowable stresses in
ASME B31.3-2010, Tables A-1, A-2, and A-3, respectively?
Reply (3): No.
Question (4): Based on ASME B31.3-2010, para. 302.3.2, footnote 2, may the designer use the
stress values in ASME BPV Code Section II, Part D, Tables 1A and 1B for stresses at temperatures
in the creep range instead of the allowable stresses in ASME B31.3-2010, Tables A-1, A-2, and
A-3, respectively?
Reply (4): No.

Interpretation 23-20

Subject: ASME B31.3-2010, Para. 345.1(d), Pressure Test Exemption for Vents and Drains
Date Issued: September 27, 2011
File: 11-1539
Question (1): For Normal Fluid Service or Category D Fluid Service, does ASME B31.3-2010,
para. 345.1(d), exempt leak testing for all drain or vent lines open to the atmosphere?
Reply (1): Yes, unless otherwise specified in the engineering design.
Question (2): Does the statement in ASME B31.3-2010, para. 345.1(d), of "such as vents or
drains downstream of the last shutoff valve" mean that this is the only configuration open to
the atmosphere exempt from leak testing by this paragraph?
Reply (2): No.

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