Access to older ASME IX interpretations

[XL83NL]

Im having a problem getting access to old(er) ASME IX interpretations, more specifically; IX-89-91 / IX-83-06 / IX-83-22 / IX-83-104 / IX-83-172.
Are older interpretations freely accessible through the ASME webs? I could only find links to later editions (I believe starting from 2004).

The question I'm having is on the use of consumable inserts in B31.3 pipe welding. Above mentioned interpretations may provide an answer, but they may also not as I dont know there content, so Ill take a shot.

Small bullets (round solid pieces of bar with the same chemistry as both base metals) are used as tack bridges in the root of GTAW welding, by positioning 4 at each quarter inside the V-groove (i.e. not on the top surface of the pipe) and tack welding them.
It's small dia piping, there's no welding from the inside. Later they're cut out so the root pass can be completed. Are such bullets to be considered as consumable inserts as defined in B31.3?

They're (obviously) not fully consumed/melted in the welding process, however a small part of the bullet is consumed in the V-groove due to the bridge tack weld.
My reasoning in a discussion, as I believe theyr'e consumable inserts, is that a (be it very) small part of the bullet is consumed/melted into the base metal, thereby allowing it to change the base metal properties.
Hence it should be demonstrated by a qyualified WPS [B31.3 para 328.2.1(e)] they're suitable.

 

[Kiwi2671]

XL83NL,
Checked interpretations IX 83-104/IX 83-172/IX 89-91 (Do not have anything prior to Volume 13) and they mention nothing even close to what you are querying.

As to your question "Are such bullets to be considered as consumable inserts as defined in B31.3?"
IMHO, definitely not.
Round bar "bullets" are base material - consumable inserts are filler material.
As long as the "bullets" are the same material as is being welded there is no issue.
If the diameter of round bar is chosen carefully to best fit the groove the dilution of the tack weld will be miniscule - even if there was quite a bit of dilution I cannot see how it could be detrimental to the completed joint.
If you have a qualified WPS for P8 (eg. 316L)then I cannot see why you couldn't use 4 x round bar with 4 x different heat numbers - as long as they were all 316L.
Cheers,
Kiwi

 

[metengr]

Please keep in mind interpretations are directly applicable to the edition and addendum of the code at the time of the Inquiry. As the code is revised, interpretations may no longer be directly applicable.

 

[XL83NL]

Thnx guys. I can understand some of the rationaly Kiwi mentioned. I also believe the dilution wont be detrimental in the example given by Kiwi, but isnt it the Code's intent to prove this (by means of a qualified WWPS)?
What if the situation would be for a CS to SS V-groove butt joint, with a 309 bullet in the middle? Or for another not standard connection?

 

[metengr]

Small bullets (round solid pieces of bar with the same chemistry as both base metals) are used as tack bridges in the root of GTAW welding, by positioning 4 at each quarter inside the V-groove (i.e. not on the top surface of the pipe) and tack welding them.
It's small dia piping, there's no welding from the inside. Later they're cut out so the root pass can be completed. Are such bullets to be considered as consumable inserts as defined in B31.3?

The above could be viewed as similar in function to backing straps or bars, which are subsequently removed after welding. They are what they are, backing for welding and are not consumed as part of the weld joint. Agree with the above they are not treated as consumable inserts.

 

[XL83NL]

Thanks for the answers. Ill see if it worhtwhile to write an interpretation on this.

PS: Are older interpretations freely accessible through the ASME webs?