Date Issued: File;

August 15, 1978 BC78-495

Question (1): In Section VIII, Division 1 , UG-135(e)(1), does the reference to "when stop valves are so constructed or positively, controlled in the Code include the use of chains and locks with the lock key under the control of an authorized person at the facility to assure that the block valve is locked open or closed as the case may be? Reply (1): UG-135(e)(1) covers the case where multiple relief devices are installed and one or more block valves may be closed at one time without reducing tile capacity of the unaffected devices below the required capacity. The use of chains and locks as described above on intervening stop valves between the vessel and its protective device or devices, or between the protective device or devices and the point of discharge is all acceptable means of positive control. Question (2): As stated in Section VIII, Division 1, UG-135(c)(2), are the provisions of UA-354(a), Appendix M, applicable as all alternative to UG-135(e)(1)? Reply (2): UA-354(a) of Appendix M states "A vessel, in which pressure can be generated because of service conditions, may have a full-area stop valve between it and its pressure relieving device for inspection and repair purposes only. When such a stop valve is provided, it shall be so arranged that it can be locked or sealed open, and it shall not be closed except by an authorized person who shall remain stationed there during that period of the vessel's operation within which the valve remains closed, and who shall again lock or seal the stop valve in the open position) before leaving the station." Since Appendix M is listed alternative in the body of the Code as stated in UG-135(e)(2), the provisions of UA354(a) satisfy the rules of Section III, Division 1.

Interpretation: VIII-78-119 Subject: Section VIII, Division 1, U-2(g), UG-11, and UG-101 Date Issued: August 18, 1978 File BC78-467 Question: What is the interpretation of Section VIII, Division 1 with regard to the rules applicable to a specially designed welded obround flange to be furnished for incorporation into such Code constructed pressure vessels? Reply: The rules of Section VIII, Division 1 do not cover the determination of the thickness of an obround flange. The following alternatives are acceptable: (1) As stated in U-2(g) in Section VIII. Division 1, the code rules do not contain rules to cover all details of design and construction. Under these paragraphs, your flanges could be furnished, subject to the inspectors acceptance. To satisfy these requirements, the boiler or pressure vessel Manufacturer would have to submit to the Inspector detailed design calculations and / or conduct a proof test under the provisions of UG-11(c) of Section VIII, Division 1. (2) As an alternative to (1), it is possible to carry out a number of proof tests and / or calculations covering a range of geometries and pressure-temperature ratings in order to develop a manufacturers standard as provided for in UG-11(c) of Section VIII, Division 1. In this instance, these flanges can be accepted by the Inspector of the boiler or pressure vessel for inclusion in Code construction, provided that the standard outlines the method for determining the rating and further, the calculation and / or proof test data are available for review by the Inspector for the vessel. We direct your attention to UG-101(e) in Section VIII, Division 1 which requires that proof tests to establish maximum allowable working pressure require the witness and acceptance of an Authorized Inspector.