LANL Engineering Standards Manual PD342

Chapter 17 Pressure Safety

Section D20-B31.3-G, ASME B31.3 Process Piping Guide

l)

335.1.1(a) -

Rev. 2, 3/10/09

Upon completion of installation, record the as-installed piping geometry to

within the tolerance as shown below:
i)

Vertical plane = + 1"

ii)

Horizontal plane = + 3"

Alignment (Piping Distortions)

Allowable misalignment and fit-up tolerances are provided in Appendix F.

335.1.1(c) -

Alignment (Flanged Joints)

The allowable flange gaps per B31.3 are provided in Appendix E. Allowable flange
rotations above those provided in the Code are provided in Appendix F.

335.2 -

Flanged Joints
Refer to Appendix E for guidance on the proper installation of flanged connections.

335.3 -

Threaded Joints
1)

Threaded components and threaded ends are examined before assembly for
cleanliness and continuity of threads and are in conformance with applicable
standards.

2)

Compound or lubricant used on threads is suitable for the service conditions and
shall not react unfavorably with either the service fluid or the piping material.

3)

Threaded joints to be seal welded are made up without thread compound or

lubricants.

4)

When design requires threaded piping to be seal welded, seal welds shall cover all
exposed threads.

5)

Installation of threaded joints involves the cutting of threads and assembly of the
joint. Cutting threads with a hand threader involves the following steps. Threads
may also be cut with a power threader.
a)

Select the proper size of die.

b)

Clean surface of pipe. Be sure the end is square and free of burrs. Tapering
the end of pipe is helpful starting the dies.

c)

Mount the threader on the pipe making sure that the taper is headed in the
forward direction.

d)

Use thread cutting oil.

e)

Pressure should be applied to start dies on pipe.

f)

The thread length is correct when the outer surface of die is even with the end
of the pipe.

g)

Remove die and clean threads with brush or rag.

h)

Apply joint compound or tape that has been approved by the Facility for the
application.

i)

Hand tighten fitting, then tighten to required degree of tightness with correct
wrench.

18

LANL Engineering Standards Manual PD342

Chapter 17 Pressure Safety

Section D20-B31.3-G, ASME B31.3 Process Piping Guide

335.6. -(a)

Rev. 2, 3/10/09

Expanded Joints and Special Joints

Special precautions should be taken for any piping system containing an expansion joint
assembly.

335.6. - (b)

1)

The manufacturer's and/or designer's special installation instructions shall be

followed.

2)

Expansion joint assemblies should be carefully unpacked and erected to avoid

mechanical damage to the assemblies while handling or rigging. Erection straps
or chains shall not be loaded against or connected to bellows elements, covers or
any assembly hardware during erection.

3)

Prior to connecting or installing an expansion joint assembly, the erector should

inspect the assembly to insure that all factory-installed shipping bars, brackets or
other locking devices are in place. No modification to or removal of these devices
shall be permitted until after the piping system closures are completed.

4)

The expansion joint assembly may be equipped with permanent tie rods or limit
rods, which are necessary for the functional operation of the joint assembly.
Where provided, these rods shall not be removed, nor their factory set lengths and
clearances modified, without approval by the designer.

5)

An expansion joint assembly shall not be exposed to hydrostatic test or pressure

flushing operations until all permanent anchors, guides and restraints are installed
on the piping system. Hydrostatic test or flushing pressure shall not be greater
than the manufacturer's recommended test pressure. All temporary shipping bars
or brackets should be removed prior to system pressurization.

Special Joint - Compression Fittings

Specialty fittings are considered as unlisted component but are acceptable for use where
identified in the attached Piping Specifications. The following guidance is essential for
the proper installation and maintenance of compression fittings. The following instructions
are applicable to Swagelok and Parker fittings.
1)

Ends must be cut square. The preferred method of cutting tubing is by hacksaw
with suitable guide for squareness. Tube cutters should not be used for stainless
steel due to work hardening.

2)

Burrs must be removed inside and outside for proper entry into fitting and to
prevent system contamination and or restricted flow.

3)

Tube ends must be clean. Remove all filings, chips, and grit before attachment of
fittings.

4)

Tube line fabrication (bend angles and measured lengths) must be accurate so
that the tube end easily enters the fitting in proper alignment. Do not force an
improperly fitted tube line into the fittings.

5)

The tube end must be bottomed against the shoulder in the fitting body. This is
necessary to prevent movement of the tube while the nut forces the ferrule to grip
the tube, and to seal through any imperfections that may exist on the outside tube
surface.

6)

Never permit the fitting body to rotate during tube end make-up. Two wrenches
must be used. Assemble port connectors to components first and hold with
wrench while making up the tube joint. All types of union bodies must be held
while each of the tube ends is made up.

19

LANL Engineering Standards Manual PD342

Chapter 17 Pressure Safety

Rev. 2, 3/10/09

Section D20-B31.3-G, ASME B31.3 Process Piping Guide

7)

Never attempt to make up by torque or feel. Always turn the nut the prescribed
amount (listed below) regardless of the torque required.
Sizes 1/16 - 3/16
Sizes - 1

of a turn from finger tight

1 turns from finger tight

Note: Fitting end plugs require only turn from finger tight make up in all
sizes.

335.6. -(c)

Remaking an Existing Joint

Remaking an existing joint is as important as the initial installation. The following
instructions are provided for the remake of these joints.
1)

A disassembled joint can be remade simply by retightening the nut to the position
of the original make-up. For maximum number of remakes, mark the fitting and
nut before disassembly.

2)

Before retightening, make sure the components are clean and that the assembly
has been inserted into the fitting until the ferrule(s) seats in the fitting.

3)

Retighten the nut by hand. Rotate the nut with a wrench to the original position as
indicated by the previous marks lining up. A noticeable increase in mechanical
resistance will be felt indicating the ferrule is being re-sprung into sealing position.
Then snug the nut 1/12 turn ( hex flat) past the original position.

4)

Check ferrule orientation when applicable.

5)

Use gap gage when applicable.

VI - INSPECTION, EXAMINATION AND TESTING

340.4-

Qualification of the Owners Inspectors

Qualification of individuals performing the Owners Inspector Function shall meet the
requirements of this paragraph. Owners Inspectors are designated by the Site Chief
Engineer. Refer to the IFMP Training and Qualification Program ACP-T&Q-01 (future).

341.4 -

Extent of Required Examination

"Examination" is not limited to welds. Records, materials, fabrication, erection pressure
testing, as-built, must also be examined as specified by Code. Refer to Table 3 for a list
of examination attributes and the extent of required examination.
Table 3 - EXAMINATION OF MATERIALS, FABRICATION AND INSTALLATION
Extent of Required Examination

Category D
Normal
Category M
High Pressure
Severe Cyclic

Material

Fabrication

Fabrication of
Longitudinal
Welds

Mechanical
Joints

Erection

Complete
system Meets
Design (2)

Other
Examinations

Random
Random
Random
100%
Random

Random
5%(5)
100%
100%
100%

Random
100%
100%
100%
100%

Random
Random(1)
100%
100%
100%

Random
Random
Random
Random
100%

Random
Random
Random
Random
Random

Random (3)
5% Vol. (4)
20% Vol.
100% Rad.
100% Vol.

Notes:
(1) When pneumatic testing is to be used, 100% of mechanical joints shall
be examined.
(2) Includes any additional examination or testing required by engineering.
(3) Category D Systems require welds to be random visually examined.

(4) When brazed joints are used, 5% in-process examination is performed.

(5) Socket welds require 5% visual examination of final weld.
Note: Vol = Volumetric weld examination such as a radiograph or ultrasonic.
Rad = Radiography

20