API 5L SAW / GMAW pipes - longitudinal weld joint quality factor

[svi]

ASME B31.3 allows 0.95 (table 302.3.4) with examination as required by specification. RT examination is not required (table 24 API 5L). There is a note under table 302.3.4 saying that "It is not permitted to increase the joint quality factor by additional examination for joint 1 or 2." The joint method in API 5L not being one of them, it was thought that the factor could be increased to 1 by full length RT.

There is an interpretation, 21-06 of B31.3 2008 edition, which says, "Code does not address increasing the weld joint quality factor of API 5L SAW, GMAW"

Whereas per table 302.3.4, single or double BW with 100% RT is allowed to have factor of 1.

How would one read this? What will be joint factor?

 

[TWP]

There is no evidence in the ASME B31.3 that additional radiography increases factor Ej from 0,95 to 1,00 as far as I know. Regards, ThPl

 

[svi]

Can you please look at it in light of what I have said above. It does allow a higher factor for single and double BW with additional RT as in table 302.3.4. My question is why the same is not applied in the case of API 5L pipes.