Transport/Shipping Damage in B31.3 2

[AdamvsMaximvs]

Hey Everyone,

I'm trying to find in ASME B31.3 Process piping the allowances for damage to piping (specifically sidewall).

IIRC, scratches and nicks were permissible as long as they were less than 10% of wall thickness, but I can't remember with 100% certainty.

Anyone know where in code it details this?

Thanks much,
Adam

 

[metengr]

I don't recall seeing this type of guidance specifically in B31.3. Most likely, you will need to evaluate the damaged locations on your own using good engineering practices.

For example - a visual inspection should be documented with photos and maps.

Once this is completed, you need to perform surface NDT to evaluate if any defects were introduced - like cracks or tears.

Next, an assessment needs to be made regarding significance of stress intensification based on the sharpness of the damaged location. Blend grinding may be required to remove any sharp corners.

Once this is completed and documented, you need to evaluate remaining thickness and determine if the remaining thickness still meets the minimum thickness requirements for service based on B31.3.

 

[david339933]

Check "Workmanship, Finish and Appearance" of the specified material in Sec. II. For example SA-106-B states that "surface imperfections that penetrate more than 12.5% of the nominal wall thickness......

 

[Duwe6]

You are in the wrong Code, sorry. ASME B31.3 only is for new design and fabrication. That is why there are no "degradation and/or damage evaluation" rules.

If you will go to API-570, you will find everything you need. And BTW, sharp-bottomed scratches/tool marks are not acceptable. They will have to be 'buffed out' to a 3:1 minimum taper angle. Depending on the Line Spec versus the Design Conditions, I have seen a 60% wall loss deemed acceptable.

 

[AdamvsMaximvs]

Thanks for the tips so far guys. I was arguing with our Project Eng about this yesterday (I'm trying to tell him we can't just say it's ok unless we find the specific reference in code).

I know 31.3 is for new construction, but tracking down where I can get an exact answer has been a lot of work.

Reuwe6
Thanks for the tip, I'm not very familiar with the API codes (I normally work on z662 pipelines, which seem so simple in comparison to plant sites). While the buffing makes sense to get rid of drag/catch points and ridges, I'm surprised that it would be often allowed as I've had client side inspectors go balistic over any loss of wall thickness.

Thanks again everyone, hopefully I'll track down some solid answers on this soon since we have a 14" A333 line and a 36" HDPE line that came from the client in pretty ugly shape.

 

[metengr]

After reviewing your post further, I am afraid that this is going to come down to contract or engineering specification finger pointing. Sure API 570 could be used so could API 579. However, is this really the best way to go?

If I was the client and dinged up pipe arrived on my property - either perform a detailed engineering evaluation for acceptance AND require a knock-off the price because of acceptance of pipe that did not meet original engineering specification (B31.3) workmanship or reject it.

 

[Duwe6]

I can't disagree with metengr. You didn't get what you paid for. You are owed money by either the fabricator or the shipper.

 

[DSB123]

I would have thought the use of API 570 and API 579 is for existing plant. From the OP I beleive this is new pipework which has been damaged in transit. Therefore contact the shippers insurers and do not accept damaged goods. You paid for "perfect" goods so you should receive "perfect" goods.