Ultrasonic Test for Nozzle to Shell Joint

[PEHasan]

Can we carry out Ultrasonic Test for Nozzle Pipe to Vessel Shell weld? Please give ASME Code references while answering the question.

 

[TGS4]

The answer depends on the nozzle detail - please describe which nozzle detail (from Figure UW-16.1) you are using.

 

[PEHasan]

Thanks TGS4.

There are 3 different types of nozzle connections on different vessels.

Mentioned below are the details of nozzle connections: -

ACCUMULATOR VESSEL SHELL
2" (with RF pad) & 6" (with RF pad) - FIG. UW-16.1 (c) of ASME Section VIII Division 1 (with RF pad).

ACCUMULATOR VESSEL DISHED HEAD
1" (without RF pad) - FIG. UW-16.1 (c) of ASME Section VIII Division 1. The connection is similar to FIG. L-7.7.1 of ASME Section VIII Division 1. The only difference is that in our case the nozzle connection is SET-IN whereas this figure shows SET-ON connection.

3" (without RF pad) - FIG. UW-16.1 (c) of ASME Section VIII Division 1.

DESANDER VESSEL SHELL
6" (without RF pad) - FIG. UW-16.1 (c) of ASME Section VIII Division 1.

DESANDER VESSEL DISHED HEAD
3" (without RF pad) & 6" (without RF pad) - FIG. UW-16.1 (c) of ASME Section VIII Division 1.

1" (without RF pad) & 2" (without RF pad) - FIG. UW-16.1 (c) of ASME Section VIII Division 1. These connections are similar to FIG. L-7.7.1 of ASME Section VIII Division 1. The only difference is that in our case the nozzle connection is SET-IN whereas this figure shows SET-ON connection.

Regards,

PEHasan

 

[PEHasan]

Nozzle-to-shell welds are Category D, as defined by UW-3 according to their location. However, the type of joint is a groove weld, not a butt weld, and hence Ultrasonic Testing is not required by ASME Section VIII Div 1 for this type of weld.

 

[jodipedro]

If you ever need to proceed an examination of nozzle weld, I could suggest :

ASME section V, Article 4 :
Non-Mandatory Appendices,
Appendix A - Layout of vessel reference points
A-443 Nozzle-to-Vessel Welds
Appendix F - Nozzle Examination