B31.3 Impact & Hardness testing 1

[Jman69]

I have a vessle that the customer has asked for "NDE: Per Code- Impact & Hardness testing, No PWHT". Low temp Carbon Steel A350LF2 Class 1 flanges and A333 GR6 for the shell and nozzles. My question is: Per the code do I need to perform a Hardness test after fabrication?

Thanks
JM

 

[Jman69]

Should I be asking this question in a different way or different area?

JM

 

[metengr]

What is the code of construction - Section VIII or B31.3?

 

[Jman69]

B31.3

 

[metengr]

In B31.3, there is reference to hardness testing in accordance with 333.1.7., see below

331.1.7 Hardness Tests. Hardness tests of production
welds and of hot bent and hot formed piping are
intended to verify satisfactory heat treatment. The hardness
limit applies to the weld and to the heat affected
zone (HAZ) tested as close as practicable to the edge of
the weld.
(a) Where a hardness limit is specified in Table 331.1.1,
at least 10% of welds, hot bends, and hot formed components
in each furnace heat treated batch and 100% of
those locally heat treated shall be tested.
(b) When dissimilar metals are joined by welding,
the hardness limits specified for the base and welding
materials in Table 331.1.1 shall be met for each material.

As you can see, the hardness testing above is to verify either PWHT or post thermal treatment of bends is satisfactory.

 

[Jman69]

Thats what I understood, but what gets me is the PWHT. We are not performing this function so im not sure if this applies.

 

[metengr]

Jman69;
The hardness testing in this context is to verify "thermal treatment" from either post welding or post bending. If no forming or welding is being performed or cold bending is permitted why would one need to conduct a hardness test? NDT would only be required to ensure defect free bends on the extrados.

 

[Jman69]

Thank You
JM