ASME B31.

3 - Substantive Changes in
the 2016 Edition
Friday, 17 June 2016
Don Frikken
Piping
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0 Comments
In addition to the many clarifications, updated references to codes and
standards, updates to basic allowable stresses, and added listed materials,
there are several substantive changes to the 2016 Edition of ASME B31.3,
Process Piping, which is scheduled to be issued on January 4, 2017. These
changes are:
Severe Cyclic Conditions
The definition for severe cyclic conditions was changed.
Old Definition: conditions applying to specific piping components or joints in
which SE computed in accordance with para. 319.4.4 exceeds 0.8SA (as defined
in para. 302.3.5), and the equivalent number of cycles (N in para. 302.3.5)
exceeds 7000; or other conditions that the designer determines will produce an
equivalent effect.
New Definition: conditions applying to specific piping components or joints for
which the owner or the designer determines that construction to better resist
fatigue loading is warranted
The new definition is expected to lead to a more appropriate application of
requirements for severe cyclic conditions.
MPa Allowable Stresses
Although MPa allowable stress values have appeared in the Code since the 2010
edition, these values have been for information only. That is, the Code required

us to use the psi values. In the 2016 edition, either the MPa or the psi values
may be used.
Expansion Joints
Specific B31.3 fatigue analysis requirements for expansion joints were deleted
in Appendix X because the latest edition of the EJMA standards included
incorporated appropriate safety margins in fatigue design. The fatigue curves
in EJMA previously provided average number of cycles to failure without any
safety margin.
Flange Joint Assembly
The 2016 edition added that assembly requirements for bolted flanged joints
and flanged joint assembler qualifications shall be considered in the engineering
design. It references ASME PCC-1 and the BPV Code, Section VIII, Division 1,
Appendix S for guidance.
Ultrasonic Examination Acceptance Criteria
Alternative ultrasonic examination fracture mechanics based acceptance criteria
were added as Appendix R. They provide criteria for ultrasonic techniques that
size the defects found, in contract to those that assess the amplitude of the
reflected signal (pulse-echo). These criteria may be used for Code piping in lieu
of those described in para. 344.6.
Category M Fluid Service Examination
The 2016 edition changed the radiographic or ultrasonic examination of
circumferential butt welds from 20% random examination to 100%.
Leak Testing of Instrument Connections
In earlier editions, the only connections exempted from leak testing were
flanged joints. In 2016, the Code also exempted threaded joints and tubing
joints used to connect instruments to previously leak tested piping.
Leak Testing of Vacuum Systems
The Code required externally pressurized systems to be leak tested by applying
an internal pressure. In 2016, the Code allows use of vacuum leak testing as an
alternate.

Leak Testing of Insulated Systems

The Code required that all joints be exposed during leak testing. In 2016, the
Code permits the owner to allow joints to be covered by insulation during the
leak testing of Category D fluid service piping. The Code requires that
consideration be given to increasing the test period to allow time for possible
leakage to pass through the insulation and weather sheathing.
Leak Testing of Assembled Piping
The Code allows joints to be assembled without testing. In 2016, guidance was
added describing the leak testing practice of many system operators:
consideration should be given to performing an additional leak test of the
assembled piping system prior to initial operation. The test fluid should be nonhazardous to the process and the people performing the examination.
Examination for leaks 2should be at all joints that have not been previously
examined for leaks, or that have been reassembled after being examined for
leaks
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