Hardness Requirements

[Angsi]

For a A516 Gr 70 vessel designed to ASME Div 1, is there any specific (manatory) requirement to test the WPS for hardness of the HAZ? And if so, what is the required hardness value (BHN, RC).

For a 316L cladded vessel with a base 516 70 material as above, does the same requirement apply and the BHN/RC value?

Thanks.

Regards,
Santhuru

 

[metengr]

For fabrication under ASME Section VIII, Div 1, Parts UG and UCS, the answer is no hardness testing is required.

The only time I have seen hardness testing is for qualification of temper bead weld repair procedures that are permitted under Section VIII, Div 1. The hardness testing is now referenced in the 2004 Edition of ASME Section IX as an essential welding variable for qualification of the temper bead weld procedure.

The hardness requirements for weld procedure qualification would be based either on the Design Specification, Construction Code (which under Section VIII, Div 1, there are no requirements) or no specified maximum hardness is required. In this case, the hardness test results are still reported on the PQR.

 

[Angsi]

Thanks

 

[JStephen]

I've seen hardness testing requirements (customer-specified) on atmospheric tanks that were designed for sour crude service (IE, hydrogen sulfide exposure). I suppose you might run into this with some other products as well.