Code Vessel Anodizing

[TangoCleveland]

We have a new Code stamped aluminum vessel. Client wants to anodize it. Does anodizing require an R stamp? As far as I can tell, it's essentially an electrical coating process, has no heat to alter material properties. It does use lots of etching and rinsing, though. Any thoughts from the knowledge base here? Thanks in advance.

Larry

 

[QAFitz]

I believe coatings are outside the scope of The Code.
With any process that uses etching I'd want to know
that minimum thicknesses cannot be violated by the
process (easy to say, hard to prove).
All-in-all, your AI will have the final say. What's
his/her answer to this question ? I'd think this would
be a fair question for your AI even if after the signing
of the Data Report the client expressed the need for the
anodizing.

 

[metengr]

Anodizing does not require an R-Stamp on a completed vessel because the Scope of work under the National Board Inspection Code is welded repairs or alterations to metallic and non-metallic pressure retaining items. In this case, no welding is being performed.

The AI does not need to be involved.