Yes, in compliance with the following minimum criteria:
a. The “R” Certificate Holder verifies (by calculations and other means)
that the re-rated item can be satisfactorily operated at the new service
conditions (e.g., stiffness, buckling, external mechanical loadings, etc.),
b. The pressure-retaining item is not used for lethal service,
c. The pressure-retaining item is not in high-cycle operation or fatigue
service (i.e., loadings other than primary membrane stress are
controlling design considerations.),
d. The pressure-retaining item was constructed to the 1968 Edition or
later edition/addenda of the original code of construction,
e. The pressure-retaining item is shown to comply with all relevant
requirements of the edition/addenda of the code of construction which
permits the higher allowable stress values (e.g., reinforcement,
toughness, examination, pressure testing, etc.),
f. The pressure-retaining item has a satisfactory operating history and
current inspection of the pressure-retaining item verifies that the item
exhibits no unrepaired damage (e.g., cracks, corrosion, erosion, etc.),
g. The re-rating is acceptable to the Inspector and, where required, the
jurisdiction,
h. All other requirements of Part RC are met, and
i. Use of this Interpretation is documented in the Remarks Section of
Form R2.
Taken from Question 4 of Interpretation 98-14(
-Christine
