Helicoil ASME approved?

[Mito57]

I need to repair a manway collar in a pressure vessel. Does anyone knows if Helicoils are ASME approved for this kind of repairs?. Can anyone give some reference? I know it will work but I also need to meet the code with this repair

 

[deanc]

Contact HeliCoil ask for Bulletin 1000. Also see Military Specification Sheet MS33537E. Submit your procedure to your AI.

 

[metengr]

Is this for an in-service pressure vessel? If so, mechanical repairs are not covered under any existing ASME code (which is a construction code and not a repair code) or the National Board Inspection Code (which is an in-service repair code). The bottom line is the owner of the vessel can engineer a mechanical fix.

 

[Mito57]

API 510 states that all repairs shall meet the original construction code. This is an in service pressure vessel constructed under ASME Section VII. The repair should meet this code. So my question is if Helicoils meet this requirement.

 

[metengr]

I don't have a copy of API 510 handy. Does “repair” specifically refer to only weld repairs in this standard? This is important because what you are performing is a mechanical repair. If ALL repairs are implied in this standard, an API 510 certified inspector needs to review and accept your repair plan. I would follow deanc’s advice.

HOWEVER, if you don't get resolution on this matter from the API 510 inspector, other options include over sizing the holes or plug welding the existing bolt boles in accordance with the original code of construction, drill and re-tap for use.

 

[Mito57]

I'm a certified API 510 inspector and this is the first time we are trying to use this method of repair. This is also considered a repair (a non weld repair in this case).There is no reference in API 510 or ASME Section VIII about thread inserts so I'm asking if somebody has used this before or has had this issue. I'm actually waiting for an answer from Helicoil. I've tried to locate the Bulletin 1000 referenced above but no luck yet. Also waiting for Helicoil manufacturer for this. If someone has it I will appreciate if he sends it to me.

 

[metengr]

There is one other option you may have on this matter. I believe the ASME Post Construction Committee has approved a standard called "Repair of Damaged Threads in Tapped Holes"
PCC-2. You might want to see if you can obtain this document. This could be your basis for acceptance of this repair.

 

[Mito57]

Metengr, where did you hear about this document? I can't find it in the ASME publications catalog. No refernces either in the ASME web site. Can you please give me further details?
Thanks.

 

[metengr]

The ASME has a Post Construction Committee that has and is in the process of developing various Standards that relate to post construction repair activities. I have been a reviewer of draft standards and the one that I believe has been approved is PCC-2.

http://cstools.asme.org/Charters.cfm?AboveCommittee=N10000000

 

[Mito57]

That's the place where I was looking for it. I think it's still being reviewed and not published yet. Would be a good thing to have this document but looks like we will have still to wait for it. I'm in contact with HeliCoil. I hope they will have an answer. Thanks for your help.

 

[metengr]

More information

http://cstools.asme.org/csconnect/CommitteePages.cfm?Committee=N10010300

 

[deanc]

http://www.emhart.com/products/helicoil.html?vid=1,10,10,10,0

Design your way into the use of the same. In SecVIII it would be U-2g.

 

[Mito57]

Metengr, I can't get that info. You need to log in as a member and I'm not.
Deanc, I think I could use that, but my boss wants some documentation showing this is somehow ASME approved. Thanks to both of you for trying to help me.

 

[metengr]

Mito57;
The fact that this PCC standard has been approved by the main committee, but not yet published, should not deter your use of the repair concept. Unfortunately, actual publishing of the PCC Standards to the public won’t occur until later this year.

 

[Mito57]

I understand what you are saying but if I don't have the standard I can't know if what i want to do is allowed. I need a copy of it.

 

[metengr]

Why don't you contact the Secretary of the PCC committee and see if they can provide you with an approved, final draft of the standard "Repair of Damaged Threads in Tapped Holes" ?

 

[Mito57]

Already did. Waiting for an answer.