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Introductions
Requirements for lethal service are scattered through VIII-1, the code cases and the interpretations.
ASME VIII-1 section UW-2 has most of the requirements for lethal service. Two definitions of lethal
service are provided in UW-2. The second definition is also duplicated in the end notes:
[A] vessel is to contain fluids of such a nature that a very small amount mixed or unmixed
with air is dangerous to life when inhaled[.]
By "lethal substances" are meant poisonous gases or liquids of such a nature that a very small
amount of the gas or of the vapour of the liquid mixed or unmixed with air is dangerous to-life
when inhaled. For purposes of this Division, this class includes substances of this nature which
are stored under pressure or may generate a pressure if stored in a closed vessel.
It is up to the user to determine if a service is lethal. We at Pressure Vessel Engineering do not
determine if the vessel service is lethal (but we might have opinions based on previous jobs).
ASME VIII-1 Lethal Service Code References
UW-2 Service Restrictions is a very important section for lethal service vessels and must be read in
its entirety. A few brief points from UW-2:
When it has been determined that a vessel is in Lethal Service, some of the following code sections will
apply. Other code sections might also be required. (List last updated June 16 2015 based on the ASME
2013 VIII-1 code edition.)
http://www.pveng.com/ASME/ASMEComment/LethalService/LethalService.php
3/18/2016
Lethal Service
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http://www.pveng.com/ASME/ASMEComment/LethalService/LethalService.php
3/18/2016
Lethal Service
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No slip on flanges
Code Cases
The following Code Cases refer to lethal service for VIII-1 vessels (2013 edition)
Interpretations
With interpretations now available on line at cstools.asme.org/Interpretation/SearchInterpretation.cfm it
is now easier to find relevant and up to date interpretations. A search for "BPV Section VIII Div 1"
keyword: "lethal" returns 44 records. The comments on the most interesting lethal service
interpretations are listed below. Refer to the actual interpretations for the actual text.
VIII-1-01-118 and VIII-1-83-77R - ERW pipe may only be used if the long seam is
radiographed
VIII-82-65 - volumetric examination of category D joints is not always required
VIII-1-01-42 and VIII-1-04-48 - cone >30 and and corner joints not permitted
VIII-1-86-84 and VIII-1-95-138 - prohibited flange attachments - Fig UW-13.2(m)
and Fig 2-4 sketches (7), (8), (8a), (8b), and (9)
VIII-1-92-112 - full radiography of category C and D butt welds is required except for
UW-11(a)(4)
VIII-1-92-194 - full penetration angle joints are not permitted
VIII-1-92-211 - Fig UW-13.2 attachments are not permissible
VIII-1-98-113 - permissible repad and flange pad arrangements
VIII-1-98-23 - Fig UW-16.1 (a) and (c) are permissible nozzle attachments, others are
not discussed
VIII-77-62 - "It is the intent of Section VIII, Division 1 that Category B and C butt welds
in nozzles and communicating chambers that neither exceed 10 in. nominal pipe size or
1-1/8 wall thickness are excluded from the provisions of radiography, even though the
vessel is in lethal service. This overrides the provisions of UW-2(a)."
VIII-80-02 - do not use corner joints from Fig UW-13.2 - redesign to create butt joints
that can be radiographed
VIII-80-111 - acceptable lap joint flanges include Fig. 2-4(1) and Fig. UW-13.3 and Fig.
2-4(5) and (6)
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational uses only. Only ASME can make code
interpretations.
2016 Pressure Vessel Engineering Ltd.
http://www.pveng.com/ASME/ASMEComment/LethalService/LethalService.php
3/18/2016