(16) Table 136.

4 Mandatory Minimum Nondestructive Examinations for Pressure Welds or Welds to Pressure-Retaining Components
Piping Design Conditions and Nondestructive Examination
Temperatures Between 350°F (175°C)
and 750°F (400°C) Inclusive, With All
Temperatures Over 750°F Pressures Over 1,025 psig
Type Weld (400°C) and at All Pressures [7 100 kPa (gage)] All Others

Butt welds (girth and longitudi- Volumetric examination (RT or
nal) [Note (1)] UT) for over NPS 2 (DN 50).
MT or PT for NPS 2 (DN 50)
and less [Note (2)]
Volumetric examination (RT or UT) for Visual for all sizes and
over NPS 2 (DN 50) with thickness thicknesses
over 3⁄4 in. (19.0 mm). VT for all
sizes with thickness 3⁄4 in.
(19.0 mm) or less

Welded branch connections (size
indicated is branch size) [Notes
(3), (4), and (5)]
Volumetric examination (RT or
UT) for over NPS 4 (DN 100).
MT or PT for NPS 4 (DN 100)
and less [Note (2)]
Volumetric examination (RT or UT) for VT for all sizes and
branch over NPS 4 (DN 100) thicknesses
and thickness of branch over 3⁄4 in.
(19.0 mm)
MT or PT for branch NPS 4 (DN 100)
and less with thickness of
branch over 3⁄4 in. (19 mm)

ASME B31.1-2016
VT for all sizes with branch
thickness 3⁄4 in. (19.0 mm) or
less
108

Fillet, socket, attachment, PT or MT for all sizes and VT for all sizes and VT for all sizes and
and seal welds thicknesses [Note (6)] thicknesses thicknesses

GENERAL NOTES:
(a) All welds shall be given a visual examination in addition to the type of specific nondestructive examination specified.
(b) NPS — nominal pipe size; DN — diameter nominal.
(c) RT — radiographic examination; UT — ultrasonic examination; MT — magnetic particle examination; PT — liquid penetrant examination; VT — visual examination.
(d) For nondestructive examinations of the pressure retaining component, refer to the standards listed in Table 126.1 or manufacturing specifications.
(e) Acceptance standards for nondestructive examinations performed are as follows: MT — see para. 136.4.3; PT — see para. 136.4.4; VT — see para. 136.4.2; RT — see para. 136.4.5;
UT — see para. 136.4.6.
(f) All longitudinal welds and spiral welds in pipe intended for sustained operation in the creep range (see paras. 104.1.1 and 123.4, and Table 102.4.7) must receive and pass a
100% volumetric examination (RT or UT) per the applicable material specification or in accordance with para. 136.4.5 or 136.4.6.
NOTES:
(1) The thickness of butt welds is defined as the thicker of the two abutting ends after end preparation.
(2) RT may be used as an alternative to PT or MT when it is performed in accordance with para. 136.4.5.
(3) Volumetric examination (RT or UT) of branch welds shall be performed before any nonintegral reinforcing material is applied.
(4) In lieu of volumetric examination (RT, UT) of welded branch connections when required above, surface examination (PT, MT) is acceptable and, when used, shall be performed at the
lesser of one-half of the weld thickness or each 1⁄2 in. (12.5 mm) of weld thickness and all accessible final weld surfaces.
(5) Branch thickness is tnb as defined in para. 127.4.8, Fig. 127.4.8(D), and Fig. 127.4.8(E).
(6) Fillet welds not exceeding 1⁄4 in. (6 mm) throat thickness which are used for the permanent attachment of nonpressure retaining parts are exempt from the PT or MT requirements of
the above Table.