TYPE PRESSURE VESSELS

OF ASME SEC VIII, DIVISION 1: 2001 EDITION

DISCONTINUITY FULL RADIOGRAPHY SPOT RADIOGRAPHY

CRACKS NONE ALLOWED UW-51 NONE ALLOWED UW-52

INCOMPLETE
PENETRATION: NONE ALLOWED UW-51 NONE ALLOWED UW-52
ROOT PASS

INCOMPLETE
PENETRATION:
DUE TO HI/LO FIT-UP
NONE ALLOWED UW-51 NONE ALLOWED UW-52
OR CROSS PENETRATION

(IDP) OR (ICP)

INCOMPLETE FUSION:
NONE ALLOWED UW-51 NONE ALLOWED UW-52
ROOT PASS OR SURFACE
(IF)

INCOMPLETE FUSION:
SIDEWALL OR BETWEEN NONE ALLOWED UW-51 NONE ALLOWED UW-52
BEADS(COLD LAP) (IF)

NOT SPECIFICALLY COVERED NOT SPECIFICALLY COVERED

BURN THROUGH (BT) (See Elongated or Rounded (See Elongated or Rounded
Indications Below) Indications Below)

UW-51 UW-51

VT VT
Smoothly contoured concavity permitted if equal Smoothly contoured concavity permitted
INTERNAL CONCAVITY weld reinforcement is provided. if equal weld reinforcement is provided
(IC) UW-35, d UW-35, d
RT RT
See Elongated or Rounded indications below See Elongated or Rounded indications below
UW-51 UW-52
VT (UW-35) VT (UW-35)
The weld must be free of ripples, grooves, over- The weld must be free of ripples, grooves, overlap,
UNDERCUT: lap, abrupt ridges or valleys. Reduction in the abrupt ridges or valleys. Reduction in the
ROOT OR CAP PASS (UC) thickness from welding shall not exceed 1/32" thickness from welding shall not exceed 1/32"
or 10%t. RT or 10%t. RT
(See Elongated or Rounded Indications Below) (See Elongated or Rounded Indications Below)
UW-51 UW-52
Nominal Thickness Max Length Maximum lengh of 2/3t,with 3/4" Max. Maximun
GENERAL ELONGATED < 3/4" 1/4" total length is t in a length of 6t with 3/4"
INDICATIONS AND/OR 3/4" to 2 1/4" 1/3t maximum. If indications are aligned, the sum
SLAG INCLUSIONS: (SI) >2 1/4" 3/4" of the longest dimensions of all indications shall
Elongated Slag Inclusions(ESI) Aligned indications shall not exceed t in a length not exceed t in a length of 6t and the longest
Isolated Slag Inclusions(ISI) of 12t, unless the distance between successive indications are separated by at least 3L.
indications exceeds 6L. Any indication less than 1/4 " is acceptable.
 UW-51 UW-52

(See Note 4) (See Note 6) (See Note 4) (See Note 6)

Max. size of any indication shall be the Rounded indications are not a factor in the
smaller of 1/4" or 5/32". Isolated indications acceptability of welds not required to be
seperated from adjacent indications by 1" or fully radiographed.
more, may be the smaller of 1/3 t of 1/4".
POROSITY OR For thicknesses greater than 2" the max.
ROUNDED INDICATIONS permissible size of isolated indications is 3/8".
(P), (CP) & (HB) Aligned indications shall not exceed t in a
length of 12 t. Clusters shall not exceed the
lesser of 1" or 2t. If more than one cluster, the
sum of lengths shall not exceed 1" in a 6"
length weld.
UW-51 UW-52
(See Note 3) (See Note 4)

Cat. B & C Cat. B & C butt

NOM. THICKNESS Other Welds NOM. THICKNESS Other Welds
butt welds welds

less than 3/32" 3/32" 1/32" less than 3/32" 3/32" 1/32"
WELD REINFORCEMENT 3/32" to 3/16" incl. 1/8" 1/16" 3/32" to 3/16" incl. 1/8" 1/16"
(VT CRITERIA) Over 3/16" to 1/2" incl. 5/32" 3/32" Over 3/16" to 1/2" incl. 5/32" 3/32"
Over 1/2" to 1" incl. 3/16" 3/32" Over 1/2" to 1" incl. 3/16" 3/32"
Over 1" to 2" incl. 1/4" 1/8" Over 1" to 2" incl. 1/4" 1/8"
Over 2" to 3" incl. 1/4" 5/32" Over 2" to 3" incl. 1/4" 5/32"
Over 3" to 4" incl. 1/4" 7/32" Over 3" to 4" incl. 1/4" 7/32"
Over 4" to 5" incl. 1/4" 1/4" Over 4" to 5" incl. 1/4" 1/4"
Over 5" 5/16" 5/16" Over 5" 5/16" 5/16"

NOM. THICKNESS CIRCUM. JOINT LONG. JOINT NOM. THICKNESS CIRCUM. JOINT LONG. JOINT
1/2" 1/4t 1/4t 1/2" 1/4t 1/4t
>1/2" to 3/4" 1/4t 1/8" >1/2" to 3/4" 1/4t 1/8"
>3/4" to1 1/2" 3/16" 1/8" >3/4" to1 1/2" 3/16" 1/8"
MISALIGNMENT >1 1/2" to 2" 1/8t 1/8" >1 1/2" to 2" 1/8t 1/8"
(VT CRITERIA) over 2" lesser of 1/8t lesser of 1/16t over 2" lesser of 1/8t lesser of 1/16t
or 3/4" or 3/8" or 3/4" or 3/8"
(note 8) (note 8)
ACCUMULATIONS OF
NOT COVERED NOT COVERED
DISCONTINUITIES
For UT: See code case 2235-2, Appendix 12, For UT: See code case 2235-2, Appendix 12,
GENERAL NOTES AND UW-11(a) and UW-51(b). UW-11(a) and UW-51(b).
OTHER NDE

Note 1: Tw is the nominal wall thickness of the thinner of two components being joined by a butt weld.
Note 2: The height of reinforcement or internal protrusion in any plane through the weld shall be within the limits shown.
Note 3: Reference ASME Section VIII, Division 1 (Appendix 4).
Note 4: "t" is the thickness of the weld, excluding reinforcement. For butt welds, joining two members of different thicknesses at
the weld, (t) is the thinner of the two thicknesses.
 PROCESS PIPING
ASME B31.3, 1999 EDITION (See Note 7)
SEVERE CYCLIC CONDITIONS(100% RADIOGRAPHY)
NONE ALLOWED Table 341.3.2
NONE ALLOWED Table 341.3.2
NONE ALLOWED Table 341.3.2
NONE ALLOWED Table 341.3.2
NONE ALLOWED Table 341.3.2
NOT SPECIFICALLY COVERED
(See Elongated or Rounded
Indications Below)
Table 341.3.2
Internal concavity shall not reduce the total
thickness of the joint, including allowable
reinforcement, to less than the thickness of the
thinner of the components being joined.
Table 341.3.2
NONE ALLOWED Table 341.3.2
Maximum individual length: 1/3Tw
Maximum width: 1/3 Tw and 3/32"
Maximum Cumulative length: Tw in any 12 Tw of
weld length
Table 341.3.2
(See note 1)
NORMAL FLUID SERVICE(5% RADIOGRAPHY)
NONE ALLOWED Table 341.3.2
Maximum depth of 1/32" and 20% of wall thickness
Maximum length of 1.5" in 6" of weld
NONE ALLOWED IN LONGITUDINAL WELDS
Table 341.3.2
Maximum depth of 1/32" and 20% of wall thickness
Maximum length of 1.5" in 6" of weld
NONE ALLOWED IN LONGITUDINAL WELDS
Table 341.3.2
NONE ALLOWED Table 341.3.2
NONE ALLOWED Table 341.3.2
NOT SPECIFICALLY COVERED
(See Elongated or Rounded
Indications Below)
Table 341.3.2
Internal concavity shall not reduce the total
thickness of the joint, including allowable
reinforcement, to less than the thickness of the
thinner of the components being joined.
Table 341.3.2
VT ONLY: Maximum depth of 1/32" and 25%
of wall thickness.
NONE ALLOWED IN LONGITUDINAL WELDS
Table 341.3.2
Maximum individual length: 2Tw
Maximum width: 1/2 Tw and 1/8"
Maximum Cumulative length: 4Tw in any 6" of
weld length
Table 341.3.2
(See note 1)
PIPELINES
API STD. 1104, 19th EDITION
Linear Cracks NOT ALLOWED.
Shallow crater/star cracks 5/32" long are
acceptable (9.3.10)
Maximum of 1" length for individual
indication; Combined total of indications
maximum of 1" length in any continuous
12" of weld, or 8% of the weld length if less
than 12". (9.3.1)
IPD - Maximum individual length of 2".
Maximum aggregate length of 3" in12" of
continuous weld. ICP - Max. individual
length 2". Max. aggtregate lingth of 2" in
and 12" of continuous weld.
(9.3.2 and 9.3.3)
Maximum of 1" length for individual
indication; Combined total of indications
maximum of 1" length in any continuous
12" of weld, or 8% of the weld length if less
than 12". (9.3.2)
Maximum of 2" length for individual
indication; Combined total of indications
maximum of 2" length in any continuous
12" of weld, or 8% of the weld length if less
than 12". (9.3.5)
Maximum dimension shall not exceed1/4" or the
thinnest of the pipewall thicknesses being joined.
The sum of the maximum dimensions of separate
burn-thoughs shall not exceed 1/2" in any continuous
12" of weld, or the total weld length, whichever is
less. The density of any oportion or it's image
shall not exceed that of the thinnest adjacent
base metal. (9.3.7)
For an area exceeding the density of the
thinnest base metal, wee the criteria for
Burn-Through.
(9.3.6)
The total length of internal and external
undercut shall not exceed 2" in 12" of weld.
The total accumulative shall not exceed 1/6
of the weld length.
(9.3.11)
Max. width of ESI is 1/16". Max. combined length of
ISI indications shall not exceed 8% of weld length.
FOR PIPE OF <2.375"
Length of ESI indications shall not exceed 3 Tw.
Combined length of ISI indications shall not exceed
2 Tw and the width not to exceed 1/2 Tw.
FOR PIPE OF 2.375"
Length of ESI indications shall not exceed 2" in any
continuous 12" of weld. Combined length of ISI
indications shall not exceed 1/2" in any continuous
 12" weld. Max. width of ISI is 1/8". Max. of 4 ISI
indications with 1/8" width in any 12" of weld.
(9.3.8)
For thickness 1/4" see ASME Section VIII, Div 1: Spherical:
UW-51 (Appendix 4. Max. dimension 1/8" or 25% Tw (9.3.9.2)
For thickness >1/4", all dimensions in Appendix 4 Cluster:
are multiplied by 1.5(i.e. Maximum size of indications Max. 1/2" diameter with max. individual pore
shall be .375t or .234". dimension of 1/16". Max. combined length 1/2" in
any 12" of weld. (9.3.9.3)
(See ASME Section VIII, Div. 1, App4) Hollow Bead
Max length is 1/2". Combined length of indications
shall not exceed 2"in any continuous 12" of weld.
Table 341.3.2 Individual indication greater than 1/4" in length shall
be separated by 2". Max. combined length of
Table 341.3.2 indications 8% of weld length.
(See Note 3) (See Note 4) (9.3.9.4)
Tw Max. Height Tw Max. Height
1/4" 1/16" 1/4" 1/16"
>1/4" to 1/2" 1/8" >1/4" to 1/2" 1/8"
>1/2" to 1" 5/32" >1/2" to 1" 5/32"
Over 1" 3/16" Over 1" 3/16"
NOT COVERED
(See note 1 & 2) (See note 1 & 2)

The inside diameter of components at ends to be The inside diameter of components at ends to be Maximum of 1/8". Greater offset caused by
joined must be aligned within the engineering design joined must be aligned within the engineering design dimensional variations shall be equally distributed
and weld proceedure. If external surfaces of the two and weld proceedure. If external surfaces of the two arounr the circumference of the pipe.
components are not aligned, the weld shall be tapered components are not aligned, the weld shall be tapered
between the two surfaces. between the two surfaces.
320.4.3 320.4.3
(7.2)

Maximum of 2"in any 12" or 8% of weld length

NOT COVERED NOT COVERED
excluding high-lo condition.
Ultrasonicacceptance criteria is given in Ultrasonicacceptance criteria is given in The company may reject any weld that appears to
para. 344.6.2 para. 344.6.2 meet these standards, if in it's opinion, the flaw
For Category M service this column applies but could be detrimental.
the coverage is 20% RT. For UT: Acceptance Criteria 9.6.1
Note 6: "L" is the length of the longest indication under consideration.
Note 7: B31.3 ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA- Where two limiting values are separated by "and", the lesser of the values determines acceptance.
Where the two sets of values are separated by "or", the lager of the values is acceptable.
Note 8: Any misalignment within these tolerances shall be faired at a 3:1 taper or re-aligned.
Note 9: (for B31.1) tm = whichever is applicable: 1) as defined in Para. 104.1.2(A) 2) the min. wall thicknessof the component or fitting
(or the thinner of the two) when the joint is between two compoments.
 STORAGE TANKS BOILERS POWER PIPING
API STD. 650, TENTH EDITION ASME Section I, 2001 EDITION ASME B31.1, 2001 EDITION

NONE ALLOWED NONE ALLOWED NONE ALLOWED

(See ASME Section VIII, Div 1, UW-51) PW-51 136.4.5

NONE ALLOWED NONE ALLOWED NONE ALLOWED

(5.3.2.1) PW-51 136.4.5

NONE ALLOWED NONE ALLOWED NONE ALLOWED

(5.3.2.1) PW-51 136.4.5

NONE ALLOWED NONE ALLOWED NONE ALLOWED

(5.3.2.1) PW-51 136.4.5

NONE ALLOWED NONE ALLOWED NONE ALLOWED

(5.3.2.1) PW-51 136.4.5

NOT SPECIFICALLY COVERED NOT SPECIFICALLY COVERED (Same as ASME Section 1)

(See elongated or rounded indications below) (See elongated or rounded indications below) 136.4.5

Smoothly contoured concavity permitted if Root concacvity not allowed

(See ASME Section VIII, Div 1, UW-51) equal weld reinforcement is provided. when there is an abrupt
density change
PW-35.1

VT VT (PW-35)
Verticle Butt Joints: 1/64" Maximum The weld must be free of ripples, groves, overlaps,
Horizontal Butt Joints: 1/32" Maximum abrupt ridges or valleys. Reduction in the thickness (Same as ASME Section 1)
Attachment welds: 1/64" Maximum from welding shall not exceed 1/32" or 10%t. 136.4.5
RT
RT (See elongated or rounded indications below)
(See ASME Section VIII, Div 1, UW-51) PW-51
Nominal Thickness Max Length
< 3/4" 1/4"
3/4" to 2 1/4" 1/3t
>2 1/4" 3/4" (Same as ASME Section 1)
Aligned indications shall not exceed t in a length 136.4.5
(See ASME Section VIII, Div 1, UW-51) of 12t, unless the distance between successive
indications exceeds 6L.
 PW-51

(See Note 4) (See Note 6)

Max. size of any indication shall be the
smaller of 1/4" or 5/32". Isolated indications
seperated from adjacent indications by 1" or
more, may be the smaller of 1/3 t of 1/4".
For thicknesses greater than 2" the max. (Same as ASME Section 1)
(See ASME Section VIII, Div 1, UW-51) permissible size of isolated indications is 3/8". 136.4.5
Aligned indications shall not exceed t in a
length of 12 t. Clusters shall not exceed the
lesser of 1" or 2t. If more than one cluster, the
sum of lengths shall not exceed 1" in a 6"
length weld.
PW-51
(See Note 3) (See Note 4)
Maximum Reinforcement, in.
Plate thickness Max Reinforcement
NOM. THICKNESS CIRCUM. JOINT OTHER WELDS The greater of (tm + 0.15") or 1.15tm
<1/8" 3/32" 3/32" when ordered on a minimum wall basis.
1/2" 1/16" >1/8 TO 3/16" 1/8" 3/32"
>1/2" to 1" 3/32" >3/16" TO 1/2" 5/32" 3/32" The greater of (tm + 0.15") or 1.10t
>1" 1/8" >1/2" TO 1" 3/16" 3/32" when ordered on a nominal wall basis.
>1" TO 2" 1/8"
>2" TO 3" The greater of 5/32"
Note: These parameters are from the RT criteria in >3" TO 4" 1/4" or 1/8 times 7/32" 127.4.2
Para. 6.1.3.4. For general requirements see >4" TO 5" the width of the 1/4"
Para. 5.2.1.5. Over 5" weld, in inches. 5/16"
(See Note 9)
VERT. MISALIGNMENT HORIZ. MISALIGNMENT NOM. THICKNESS CIRCUM. JOINT LONG. JOINT
Thickness Maximum Thickness Maximum 1/2" 1/4t 1/4t
5/8" 1/16" 5/16" max. 1/16" >1/2" to 3/4" 1/4t 1/8"
>3/4" to1 1/2" 3/16" 1/8" 1/16"
> 5/8" lesser of > 5/16" 20% of >1 1/2" to 2" 1/8t 1/8" 127.3
10%t or upper over 2" lesser of 1/8t lesser of 1/16t
1/8" plate. Max or 3/4" or 3/8"
1/8" (note 8)

NOT COVERED NOT COVERED NOT COVERED

For UT: The acceptance criteria shall be agreed upon For UT: See PW-52 For UT: See PW-52
by the purchaser and manufacturer. RT
Para. 6.3 Geometric Unsharpness may not exceed
.07"