Visual inspection requirements for ASME B31.1

[JoeJersey]

We (as Owners/operators of Combined heating and cooling plants) are trying to identify the "necessary" visual requirements for ASME B31.1 on a Chilled water, condenser water and hot water systems. We interpret the Code to require 100% Visual on all welds period (Table 136.4 in 2001 version of B31.1). I have looked through the code to find anything else and cannot find a minimum requirement. They refer you to other Boiler and pressure vessel codes and those codes refer you back to B31.1 for requirements. Is this entirely up to the Owner? Will the system still be considered B31.1 if we only do spot checking for visual inspections?

 

[metengr]

JoeJersey;
The requirement for Visual Inspection (examination) is self explanatory. Spot checking is not permitted if you are using Table 136.4, period. The requirements for Visual examination (VI) are all spelled out in Section 136.4.2.

 

[JoeJersey]

Metengr,

So its 100% VT of all welds in the system? Do you know if we were to RT or UT 5% of the welds does this eliminate the 100% VT?

136.4.2 states as necessary, and then later on states all welds. We had an inspector for both on site and offsite fabrication any time they were welding pipe, we are looking for a less expensive way to stick to the code.

 

[eyec]

remember - the Code is the minimum required.
consequences of doing less usually end up costing more.
costs for inspections to meet Code should be included in your budgeting for this equipment.

looking for a less expensive way to stick to the code

is a sure formula for bad things to happen.

Steven C
Senior Member
ThirdPartyInspections.com

 

[kslee1000]

Anything that other than the purpose of simply to "position" the auxiliary components is "necessary" in view of safety.

 

[BUTCHCWIQAM]

and the 5% UT and RT does not release you from the 100% visual, as stated before there are reasons for these requirements I have never seen where the owner did not pay out the butt when he tried to save money on the inspection part of construction, I have been on several sites that ended up costing 3-4 times more because they did not do this correct the first time around.

 

[JoeJersey]

Thank all of you for your input, we initially interpreted the code to view all stages of the welding process. We now see that you only have to VT the final weld.

 

[eyec]

[quoteThank all of you for your input, we initially interpreted the code to view all stages of the welding process. We now see that you only have to VT the final weld. [/quote]

i see you have found an out for the original purpose of your question.

better to check with your AI/insurer before going any further.

Steven C
Senior Member
ThirdPartyInspections.com

 

[racookpe1978]

No. You MUST verify (check and approve) the "fitup" of the welds BEFORE going to the root pass and final welds. Otherwise, you're going to be welding up to bad dimensions or to a bad alignment.

A formal check-off and signature by NDE? Probably not.
A simple foreman's "Yep, dat weld's good." Good enough? Depends on your foreman, on every shift's workers.
A checkoff by an engineer? (Sometimes - depends on the experience of the engineer. And foreman.

 

[kslee1000]

racookpe:

I believe examination from fit-up till final is beyond the scope of an visual inspection. It requires NDE, and I would keep signed-off reports in record.

Both foreman and engineer can perform the visual inspection on the final product.