344.3 Magnetic Particle Examination
Examination of castings is covered in para. 302.3.3.
Magnetic particle examination of welds and of components
other than castings shall be performed in accordance
with BPV Code, Section V, Article 7.
2 A designated lot is that quantity of piping to be considered in
applying the requirements for examination in this Code. The
quantity or extent of a designated lot should be established by
agreement between the contracting parties before the start of work.
More than one kind of designated lot may be established for
different kinds of piping work.
3 Random or spot examination will not ensure a fabrication product
of a prescribed quality level throughout. Items not examined in a
lot of piping represented by such examination may contain defects
which further examination could disclose. Specifically, if all radiographically
disclosable weld defects must be eliminated from a lot
of piping, 100% radiographic examination must be specified.
344.4 Liquid Penetrant Examination
Examination of castings is covered in para. 302.3.3.
Liquid penetrant examination of welds and of components
other than castings shall be performed in accordance
with BPV Code, Section V, Article 6.
344.5 Radiographic Examination
344.5.1 Method. Radiography of castings is covered
in para. 302.3.3. Radiography of welds and of components
other than castings shall be performed in accordance
with BPV Code, Section V, Article 2.
344.5.2 Extent of Radiography
(a) 100% Radiography. This applies only to girth and
miter groove welds and to fabricated branch connection
welds comparable to Fig. 328.5.4E, unless otherwise
specified in the engineering design.
(b) Random Radiography. This applies only to girth
and miter groove welds.
(c) Spot Radiography. This requires a single exposure
radiograph in accordance with para. 344.5.1 at a point
within a specified extent of welding. For girth, miter,
and branch groove welds the minimum requirement is:
(1) for sizes ≤DN 65 (NPS 21⁄2), a single elliptical
exposure encompassing the entire weld circumference;
(2) for sizes DN 65, the lesser of 25% of the
inside circumference or 152 mm (6 in.).
For longitudinal welds the minimum requirement is
152 mm (6 in.) of weld length.
344.6 Ultrasonic Examination
344.6.1 Method. Examination of castings is covered
in para. 302.3.3; other product forms are not covered.
Ultrasonic examination of welds shall be performed in
accordance with BPV Code, Section V, Article 5, except
that the alternative specified in (a) and (b) below is
permitted for basic calibration blocks specified in T-
542.2.1 and T-542.8.1.1.
(a) When the basic calibration blocks have not received
heat treatment in accordance with T-542.1.1(c)
and T-542.8.1.1, transfer methods shall be used to
correlate the responses from the basic calibration block
and the component. Transfer is accomplished by noting
the difference between responses received from the
same reference reflector in the basic calibration block
and in the component and correcting for the difference.
(b) The reference reflector may be a V-notch (which
must subsequently be removed), an angle beam search
unit acting as a reflector, or any other reflector which
will aid in accomplishing the transfer.
(c) When the transfer method is chosen as an alternative,
it shall be used, at the minimum:
(1) for sizes ≤DN 50 (NPS 2), once in each 10
welded joints examined;
(2) for sizes DN 50 and ≤DN 450 (NPS 18),
once in each 1.5 m (5 ft) of welding examined;
(3) for sizes DN 450, once for each welded
joint examined.
(d) Each type of material and each size and wall
thickness shall be considered separately in applying the
transfer method. In addition, the transfer method shall
be used at least twice on each type of weld joint.
(e) The reference level for monitoring discontinuities
shall be modified to reflect the transfer correction when
the transfer method is used.
344.6.2 Acceptance Criteria. A linear-type discontinuity
is unacceptable if the amplitude of the indication
exceeds the reference level and its length exceeds:
(a) 6 mm (1⁄4 in.) for Tw ≤19 mm (3⁄4 in.);
(b) Tw /3 for 19 mm Tw ≤57 mm (21⁄4 in.);
(c) 19 mm for Tw 57 mm.
344.7 In-Process Examination
344.7.1 Definition. In-process examination comprises
examination of the following, as applicable:
(a) joint preparation and cleanliness;
(b) preheating;
(c) fit-up, joint clearance, and internal alignment
prior to joining;
(d) variables specified by the joining procedure, including
filler material; and:
(1) (for welding) position and electrode;
(2) (for brazing) position, flux, brazing temperature,
proper wetting, and capillary action;
(e) (for welding) condition of the root pass after
cleaning — external and, where accessible, internal —
aided by liquid penetrant or magnetic particle examination
when specified in the engineering design;
(f) (for welding) slag removal and weld condition
between passes; and
(g) appearance of the finished joint.
344.7.2 Method. The examination is visual, in accordance
with para. 344.2, unless additional methods are
specified in the engineering design.