Hi jte,
It's Friday and I'm down to my fifth pint of beer, so forgive me if I am incoherent.
I love these healthy discussions, especially when experts and experienced people like you and metengr are involved. Since I've joined Eng-Tips back in 2006, I have valued the technical insights and opinions from both of you. (For those who are new to the forum, check out who the top 2 MVP's in the forum are.
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jte said:
If one could legally perform this weld in the field, then why on earth would it not be ok to do in a shop, either before or after the U stamping ceremony? doct was indicating he felt there would be a distinction;
jte, I strongly believe there should be a distinction. It all boils down to
accountability. I believe that after a vessel is completed, stamped and got out of the vessel shop...anything unfortunate that happens to it as a result of alterations/modifications or as a result of stupidity done by others, the damage done to the vessel is no longer the responsibility of the original Code of Construction and the vessel manufacturer. In my line of work in the vessel drafting/designing, we call it CYA...cover your ass. (I first heard the term from a Parsons/ex-Fluor vessel engineer back in the 90's when I was a fresh grad)
The footnote #3 in U-1(e)(2) still befuddles me. I didn't find it in ASME VIII-Div.2 or other codes. I believe that footnote can only be found in ASME VIII-Div.1. I have a different interpretation to the sentence, "Pads and standoffs are permitted and the scope can terminate at the next welded or mechanical joint." For example, we have a platform clip
with a repad. In my opinion, the scope of ASME and the responsibility of the vessel manufacturer is up to the clip. The bolting and the platform that attaches to the clip are outside the scope of ASME. If you say the scope of ASME is just up to the weld of the clip, then who is responsible for sizing the clip and the weld? The structural engineer who stamps my L&P drawings does not want to be responsible for the vessel clips and welds, whether they are on the vessel or on the repads.
Going back to the OP, it was not mentioned what type of supports are welded on the repads.
1. To
jte & Duwe6, allow me to pose this scenario and let me know your interpretations:
Put yourselves in the shoes of the AI. If
Ijas wants to weld support saddles or support lugs on the repads of the vessel after the hydrotest, would you allow it and would you sign the Manufacturer's Data Report and certify that to the best of your knowledge and belief, the Manufacturer has constructed the vessel in accordance with ASME BPV Code? (By support saddles and lugs, I mean the structural supports that hold the vessel in place.)
2. To
Ijas, since you were gracious enough for informing us that the AI rejected your request to weld the supports after hydro...can you share why the AI rejected it?. When you mentioned "supports" in your OP, what type of supports are they?
Thanks,
doct