r6155 said:
ASME V states for RT, MT, PT only that surface irregularities shall be removed prior to testing.
After testing you can do what you want as long as you do not reduce the actual wall thickness. (see ASME VIII Div 1 reference below)
T-222.2 Welds. The weld ripples or weld surface irregularities
on both the inside (where accessible) and
outside shall be removed by any suitable process to such
a degree that the images of surface irregularities cannot
mask or be confused with the image of any discontinuity
on the resulting radiograph
T-642 SURFACE PREPARATION
(a) In general, satisfactory results may be obtained
when the surface of the part is in the as-welded, as-rolled,
as-cast, or as-forged condition. Surface preparation by
grinding, machining, or other methods may be necessary
where surface irregularities could mask indications
T-741.1 Preparation.
(a) Satisfactory results are usually obtained when the
surfaces are in the as-welded, as-rolled, as-cast, or as forged
conditions. However, surface preparation by
grinding or machining may be necessary where surface irregularities
could mask indications due to discontinuities
UG-99 STANDARD HYDROSTATIC TEST
(a) A hydrostatic test shall be conducted on all vessels
after
(1) all fabrication has been completed, except for operations
that could not be performed prior to the test,
such as weld end preparation [see U-1(e)(1)(-a)], and
cosmetic
grinding on the base material that does not reduce
the actual thickness below the design thickness