344.

2 Visual Examination
ð18Þ 344.2.1 Definition. Visual examination is the direct
observation of the external and internal portions of
components, joints, and other piping elements that are
readily accessible or can be exposed to view before,
during, or after manufacture, fabrication, assembly, erection, examination, or testing. This examination
includes
verification of Code and engineering design requirements
for materials, components, dimensions, joint preparation,
alignment, welding, bonding, brazing, bolting, threading,
or other joining method, supports, assembly, and erection.
ð18Þ 344.2.2 Method. Visual examination shall be
performed in accordance with ASME BPVC, Section V,
Article 9. Examination shall be by the direct visual technique. The use of a remote visual technique and
the acceptance criteria beyond the requirements of this Code shall
be a matter of agreement between contracting parties
prior to the start of fabrication.
Records of individual visual examinations are not
required except for those of in-process examinations
as specified in para. 344.7.
344.3 Magnetic Particle Examination
344.3.1 Method. 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 ASME BPVC, Section V, Article 7.
344.3.2 Acceptance Criteria. Magnetic particle indications are caused by the attraction of the test media
to
surface or near-surface discontinuities in the area
under test. However, all such indications are not necessarily imperfections, since excessive roughness,
magnetic
permeability variations, etc., may produce nonrelevant
indications. Inadvertent accumulation of particles not
related to magnetic attraction is classified as a false indication. Indications shall be verified as being
relevant,
nonrelevant, or false. Additional surface preparation
and/or other test methods may be used as needed to
verify the relevance of an indication.
An indication of an imperfection may be larger than the
imperfection that causes it; however, the size of the indication is the basis for acceptance evaluation. Only
indications that have any dimension greater than 1.5 mm (1∕16
in.) shall be considered relevant.
(a) Indications