In 1996, Code Case 2235, which allows ultrasonic examination of welds in lieu of radiography for ASME Section VIII Division 1 and Division 2 vessels, was approved by the ASME B&PV Code Committee. This Code Case has been revised to incorporate: 1) a reduction in minimum usable thickness from 4″ (107.6 mm) to 0.5″ (12.7 mm), and 2) flaw acceptance criteria including rules on multiple flaws. A linear elastic fracture mechanics procedure has been used in developing the flaw acceptance criteria. This paper presents the technical basis for Code Case 2235.

Issue Section:
Technical Papers
Keywords:
ultrasonic materials testing, fracture mechanics, crack detection
Topics:
Acceptance criteria, Fracture (Materials), Ultrasonic testing, Vessels, Welded joints, Fracture (Process), Fracture mechanics
1.
Cowfer, C. D., 1994, “ASME Section VIII Pressure Vessel Code Case (Proposed) Ultrasonic in Lieu of Radiographic Examination Technical Basis,” June 20, PVP Conference Minneapolis, MN.
2.
WesDyne International, Inc, 1994, “Ultrasonic Examination of Heavy Section Test Blocks for Hydro-Processing Reactors Used by the Petroleum Industry,” (report distribution is restricted to PVRC Committee on NDE only).
3.
Deputat, J., Mazurek, J., and Pawlowski, Z., 1970, “Evaluation of Flaw Size and Flaw Characteristics in Thick Welds with Ultrasonics,” 6th International Conference on Nondestructive Testing, Hanover, NH, Report No. H 10.
4.
Cowfer
,
C. D.
, and
Hedden
,
O. F.
,
1991
, “
Overview of the ASME Section XI Code Relating to NDE and Ultrasonic Examination Performance Demonstration
,”
ASME J. Pressure Vessel Technol.
,
113
, pp.
170
–
173
.
5.
Buchanan, R. A., and Hedden, O. F., 1980, “Analysis of the Ultrasonic Examinations of PVRC Weld Specimens 155, 202, and 203 by Standard and Two-Point Coincidence Methods,” Weld. Res. Counc. Bull. 257.
6.
PISC-II Report No. 5, 1986 Evaluation of the PISC-II trial results, Sept. Program for the Inspection of Steel Components, OECD Nuclear Energy Agency, CSNI No. 121.
7.
Maccary, R. R., 1980, “Nondestructive Examination Standards—Technical Basis and Development of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section XI, Division 1,” Electric Power Research Institute, EPRI NP-1406-SR.
8.
Newman, J. C., and Raju, I. S., 1983, “Stress-Intensity Factor Equations for Cracks in Three-Dimensional Finite Bodies,” Fracture Mechanics: Fourteenth Symposium—Vol. 1: Theory and Analysis, ASTM STP 791, eds., J. C. Lewis and G. Sines, American Society for Testing Materials, West Conshohocken, PA, pp. I-238–I-265.
9.
PD:6493, 1991, “Guidance on Methods for Assessing the Acceptability of Flaws in Fussion Welded Structures,” British Standard Institute, London, UK, pp. 89.
10.
API 579, 1999, Draft, “Recommended Practice for Fitness-For-Service,” American Petroleum Institute, Washington, DC, pp. F-13.
11.
Gross, J. H., 1970, “Effect of Strength and Thickness on Notch Ductility,” ASTM STP 466, American Society for Testing and Materials, West Conshohocken, PA, pp. 21–52.
12.
Rolfe, S. T., and Barsom, J. M., 1977, Fracture and Fatigue Control in Structures, Application of Fracture Mechanics, Prentice-Hall Inc., Englewood Cliffs, NJ, p. 202.
13.
Irwin, G. R., et al., 1967, “Basic Aspects of Crack Growth and Fracture,” Naval Research Laboratory Report 6598, NTIS N. 663882, U.S. Department of Commerce, Springfield, VA, pp. 38, 50-53.
14.
Tobler, R. L., et al., 1975, “Low Temperature Fracture Behavior of Iron-Nickel Alloy Steels,” Properties of Materials for Liquefied Natural Gas Tankage, ASTM STP 579, American Society for Testing and Materials, West Conshohocken, PA, pp. 261–287.
Copyright © 2001
 by ASME
You do not currently have access to this content.