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ASME BPVC.I-2015

ROUNDED INDICATION CHARTS Table A-250.3.2

A-250 ACCEPTANCE STANDARD FOR Maximum Permissible Size of Rounded
RADIOGRAPHICALLY DETERMINED Indication
ROUNDED INDICATIONS IN WELDS (Examples Only)
A-250.1 Applicability of These Standards. These U.S. Customary Units
standards are applicable to ferritic, austenitic, and non- Maximum Size of Acceptable Maximum
ferrous materials. Rounded Indication, in. Size of
Nonrevelant
A-250.2 Terminology. Thickness t, in. Random Isolated Indication, in.
A-250.2.1 Rounded Indications. Indications with a Less than 1/8 1
/4t 1
/3t 1
/10t
maximum length of three times the width or less on the 1
/8 0.031 0.042 0.015
radiograph are defined as rounded indications. These in- 3
/16 0.047 0.063 0.015
1
dications may be circular, elliptical, conical, or irregular in /4 0.063 0.083 0.015
5
shape and may have tails. When evaluating the size of an /16 0.078 0.104 0.031
3
indication, the tail shall be included. The indication may /8 0.091 0.125 0.031
7
/16 0.109 0.146 0.031
be from any imperfection in the weld, such as porosity, 1
/2 0.125 0.168 0.031
slag, or tungsten. 9
/16 0.142 0.188 0.031
5
A-250.2.2 Aligned Indications. A sequence of four /8 0.156 0.210 0.031
11
/16 0.156 0.230 0.031
or more rounded indications shall be considered to be 3
/4 to 2 incl. 0.156 0.250 0.031
aligned when they touch a line parallel to the length of Over 2 0.156 0.375 0.063
the weld drawn through the center of the two outer
rounded indications. SI Units
Maximum Size of Acceptable Maximum
ð15Þ A-250.2.3 Thickness t . t is the thickness of the
Rounded Indication, mm Size of
weld, excluding any allowable reinforcement. For a butt Nonrevelant
weld joining two parts having different thicknesses at Indication,
the weld, t is the thinner of these two thicknesses. If a full Thickness t, mm Random Isolated mm
penetration weld includes a fillet weld, the thickness of Less than 3 1
/4t 1
/3t 1
/10t
the fillet weld throat shall be included in t . 3 0.79 1.07 0.38
5 1.19 1.60 0.38
A-250.3 Acceptance Criteria. 6 1.60 2.11 0.38
A-250.3.1 Image Density. Density within the im-

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8 1.98 2.64 0.79
age of the indication may vary and is not a criterion for 10 2.31 3.18 0.79
acceptance or rejection. 11 2.77 3.71 0.79
13 3.18 4.27 0.79
A-250.3.2 Relevant Indications (See Table 14 3.61 4.78 0.79
A-250.3.2 for Examples). Only those rounded indications 16 3.96 5.33 0.79
which exceed the following dimensions shall be consid- 17 3.96 5.84 0.79
ered relevant: 19 to 50 incl. 3.96 6.35 0.79
Over 50 3.96 9.53 1.60
(a) 1/10t for t less than 1/8 in. (3 mm)
(b) 1/64 in. (0.4 mm) for t 1/8 in. to 1/4 in. (6 mm),
inclusive
(c) 1/32 in. (0.8 mm) for t 1/4 in. (6 mm) to 2 in. (50 mm), of 12t (see Figure A-250.3.4-1). The length of groups of
inclusive aligned rounded indications and the spacing between
(d) 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) for t greater than 2 in. (50 mm) the groups shall meet the requirements of Figure
A-250.3.3 Maximum Size of Rounded Indication A-250.3.4-2.
(See Table A-250.3.2 for Examples). The maximum per-
A-250.3.5 Spacing. The distance between adjacent
missible size of any indication shall be 1/4 t , or 5/32 in.
rounded indications is not a factor in determining accep-
(4 mm), whichever is smaller; except that an isolated in-
tance or rejection, except as required for isolated indica-
dication separated from an adjacent indication by 1 in.
tions or groups of aligned indications.
(25 mm) or more may be 1/3t , or 1/4 in. (6 mm), whichever
is less. For t greater than 2 in. (50 mm) the maximum per- A-250.3.6 Rounded Indication Charts. The
missible size of an isolated indication shall be increased to rounded indications characterized as imperfections shall
3
/8 in. (10 mm). not exceed that shown in the charts.
A-250.3.4 Aligned Rounded Indications. Aligned The charts in Figures A-250.3.6-1 through A-250.3.6-6
rounded indications are acceptable when the summation illustrate various types of assorted, randomly dispersed,
of the diameters of the indications is less than t in a length and clustered rounded indications for different weld

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Figure A-250.3.4-1
Aligned Rounded Indications

L1 Lx

L2

GENERAL NOTE: Sum of L 1 to L x shall be less than t in a length of 12t .

ASME BPVC.I-2015
254

Figure A-250.3.4-2
Groups of Aligned Rounded Indications

L1 3L2 3L3 L3 3L3 L4

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Maximum Group Length Minimum Group Spacing
L = 1/4 in. (6 mm) for t less than 3/4 in. (19 mm) 3L where L is the length of the
L = 1/3 t for t 3/4 in. (19 mm) to 21/4 in. (57 mm) longest adjacent group being
L = 3/4 in. (19 mm) for t greater than 21/4 in. (57 mm) evaluated.

GENERAL NOTE: Sum of the group lengths shall be less than t in a length of 12t .
 Copyrighted material licensed to University of Toronto by Thomson Scientific, Inc. (www.techstreet.com).
ASME BPVC.I-2015

thicknesses greater than 1/8 in. (3 mm). These charts re- acceptance criteria specified in this Appendix. Magnetic
present the maximum acceptable concentration limits particle examination shall be performed in accordance
for rounded indications. with a written procedure, demonstrated to the satisfac-
The chart for each thickness range represents full‐scale tion of the Inspector, and certified by the Manufacturer
6 in. (150 mm) radiographs, and shall not be enlarged or to be in accordance with the requirement of Section V,
reduced. The distributions shown are not necessarily the Subsection A, Article 1, T-150(a) or T-150(b).
patterns that may appear on the radiograph, but are typi- A-260.2 Certification of Personnel. The Manufac-
cal of the concentration and size of indications permitted. turer shall certify that each magnetic particle examiner
A-250.3.7 Weld Thickness t Less Than 1/8 in. meets the following requirements:
(3 mm). For t less than 1/8 in. (3 mm), the maximum num- (a) The examiner has vision, with correction if neces-
ber of rounded indications shall not exceed 12 in a 6 in. sary, to enable him to read a Jaeger Type No. 2 Standard
(150 mm) length of weld. A proportionally fewer number Chart at a distance of not less than 12 in. (300 mm) and is
of indications shall be permitted in welds less than 6 in. capable of distinguishing and differentiating contrast be-
(150 mm) in length. tween colors used. These capabilities shall be checked
annually.
A-250.3.8 Clustered Indications. The illustrations
(b) The examiner is competent in the techniques of the
for clustered indications show up to four times as many
magnetic particle examination method for which he is
indications in a local area, as that shown in the illustra-
certified, including making the examination and inter-
tions for random indications. The length of an acceptable
preting and evaluating the results, except that where
cluster shall not exceed the lesser of 1 in. (25 mm) or 2t.
the examination method consists of more than one opera-
Where more than one cluster is present, the sum of the
tion, he may be certified as being qualified only for one or
lengths of the clusters shall not exceed 1 in. (25 mm) in
more of these operations.
a 6 in. (150 mm) length of weld.
A-260.3 Evaluation of Indications. Indications will
be revealed by retention of magnetic particles. All such in-
METHODS FOR MAGNETIC PARTICLE dications are not necessarily imperfections, however,
EXAMINATION (MT) since excessive surface roughness, magnetic permeability
variations (such as at the edge of heat-affected zones),
A-260 etc., may produce similar indications.
ð15Þ A-260.1 Scope. This Appendix provides for proce-
dures that shall be followed whenever magnetic particle
examination is required by PG-93. The detailed examina-

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tion method of Section V, Article 7 shall be used with the

Figure A-250.3.6-1 ð15Þ

Charts for t 1/8 in. (3 mm) to 1/4 in. (6 mm), Inclusive

(a) Random Rounded Indications [Note (1)]

1 in. (25 mm) 1 in. (25 mm)

(b) Isolated Indication [Note (2)] (c) Cluster

NOTES:
(1) Typical concentration and size permitted in any 6 in. (150 mm) length of weld.
(2) Minimum size per Table A-250.3.2.

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ASME BPVC.I-2015

ð15Þ Figure A-250.3.6-2

Charts for t Over 1/4 in. (6 mm) to 3/8 in. (10 mm), Inclusive

(a) Random Rounded Indications [Note (1)]

1 in. (25 mm) 1 in. (25 mm)

(b) Isolated Indication [Note (2)] (c) Cluster

NOTES:
(1) Typical concentration and size permitted in any 6 in. (150 mm) length of weld.
(2) Minimum size per Table A-250.3.2.

An indication of an imperfection may be larger than the (a) A linear indication is one having a length greater
imperfection that causes it; however, the size of the indi- than three times the width.
cation is the basis for acceptance evaluation. Only indica- (b) A rounded indication is one of circular or elliptical
tions that have any dimension greater than 1/16 in. shape with a length equal to or less than three times its
(1.5 mm) shall be considered relevant. width.

This copy downloaded on 2015-07-31 23:27:17 -0500 by authorized user logan ahlstrom.
ð15Þ Figure A-250.3.6-3
Charts for t Over 3/8 in. (10 mm) to 3/4 in. (19 mm), Inclusive

(a) Random Rounded Indications [Note (1)]

1 in. (25 mm) 1 in. (25 mm)

(b) Isolated Indication [Note (2)] (c) Cluster

NOTES:
(1) Typical concentration and size permitted in any 6 in. (150 mm) length of weld.
(2) Minimum size per Table A-250.3.2.

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ASME BPVC.I-2015

Figure A-250.3.6-4 ð15Þ

Charts for t Over 3/4 in. (19 mm) to 2 in. (50 mm), Inclusive

(a) Random Rounded Indications [Note (1)]

1 in. (25 mm) 1 in. (25 mm)

(b) Isolated Indication [Note (2)] (c) Cluster

NOTES:
(1) Typical concentration and size permitted in any 6 in. (150 mm) length of weld.
(2) Minimum size per Table A-250.3.2.

(c) Any questionable or doubtful indications shall be satisfaction of the Inspector, and certified by the Manufac-
reexamined to determine whether or not they are turer to be in accordance with the requirement of Section
relevant. V, Subsection A, Article 1, T-150(a) or T-150(b).

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A-260.4 Acceptance Standards. All surfaces to be A-270.2 Certification of Personnel. The Manufac-
examined shall be free of turer shall certify that each liquid penetrant examiner
(a) relevant linear indications meets the following requirements:
(b) relevant rounded indications greater than 3/16 in. (a) The examiner has vision, with correction if neces-
(5 mm) sary, to enable him to read a Jaeger Type No. 2 Standard
(c) four or more relevant rounded indications in a line Chart at a distance of not less than 12 in. (300 mm) and is
separated by 1/16 in. (1.5 mm) or less, edge to edge capable of distinguishing and differentiating contrast be-
tween colors used. These capabilities shall be checked
annually.
METHODS FOR LIQUID PENETRANT (b) The examiner is competent in the techniques of the
EXAMINATION (PT) liquid penetrant examination method for which he is cer-
tified, including making the examination and interpreting
NOTE: Satisfactory application of this method of examination re-
quires special skills in the techniques involved and in interpreting and evaluating the results, except that where the exami-
the results. The requirements specified herein presume application nation method consists of more than one operation, he
by suitably experienced personnel. may be certified as being qualified only for one or more
of these operations.

A-270 A-270.3 Evaluation of Indications. An indication of

ð15Þ A-270.1 Scope. This Appendix provides for proce- an imperfection may be larger than the imperfection that
dures that shall be followed whenever liquid penetrant causes it; however, the size of the indication is the basis
examination is required by PG-93. The detailed examina- for acceptance evaluation. Only indications that have
tion method of Section V, Article 6 shall be used with the any dimension greater than 1/16 in. (1.5 mm) shall be con-
acceptance criteria specified in this Appendix. Liquid pe- sidered relevant.
netrant examination shall be performed in accordance (a) A linear indication is one having a length greater
with a written p rocedure, d emonstrated to the than three times the width.

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ASME BPVC.I-2015

ð15Þ Figure A-250.3.6-5

Charts for t Over 2 in. (50 mm) to 4 in. (100 mm), Inclusive

(a) Random Rounded Indications [Note (1)]

1 in. (25 mm) 1 in. (25 mm)

(b) Isolated Indication [Note (2)] (c) Cluster

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NOTES:
(1) Typical concentration and size permitted in any 6 in. (150 mm) length of weld.
(2) Minimum size per Table A-250.3.2.

(b) A rounded indication is one of circular or elliptical including material, design, fabrication, examination (by
shape with a length equal to or less than three times its the Manufacturer) and inspection of boilers and boiler
width. parts (by the Authorized Inspector), will be met. The qual-
(c) Any questionable or doubtful indications shall be ity control systems of electric boiler Manufacturers, pres-
reexamined to determine whether or not they are sure relief valve manufacturers or assemblers shall
relevant. include duties of a Certified Individual when required
by this Section. The Certified Individual authorized to
A-270.4 Acceptance Standards. All surfaces to be ex-
provide oversight may also serve as the Certificate
amined shall be free of
Holder’s authorized representative responsible for sign-
(a) relevant linear indications
ing data reports or certificates of conformance.
(b) relevant rounded indications greater than 3/16 in.
Provided that Code requirements are suitably identi-
(5 mm)
fied, the system may include provisions for satisfying
(c) four or more relevant rounded indications in a line any requirements by the Manufacturer or user which ex-
separated by 1/16 in. (1.5 mm) or less, edge to edge ceed minimum Code requirements and may include pro-
visions for quality control of non‐Code work. In such
systems, the Manufacturer may make changes in parts
QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEM of the system which do not affect the Code requirements
A-301 GENERAL without securing acceptance by the Authorized Inspector.
A-301.1 Quality Control System. The Manufacturer Before implementation, revisions to quality control
or assembler shall have and maintain a quality control
system which will establish that all Code requirements,

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ASME BPVC.I-2015

Figure A-250.3.6-6 ð15Þ

Charts for t Over 4 in. (100 mm)

(a) Random Rounded Indications [Note (1)]

1 in. (25 mm) 1 in. (25 mm)

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(b) Isolated Indication [Note (2)] (c) Cluster

NOTES:
(1) Typical concentration and size permitted in any 6 in. (150 mm) length of weld.
(2) Minimum size per Table A-250.3.2.

systems of Manufacturers and Assemblers of pressure re- It is intended that information learned about the sys-
lief valves shall have been found acceptable to an ASME tem in connection with evaluation will be treated as con-
designee if such revisions affect Code requirements. fidential and that all loaned descriptions will be returned
The system that the Manufacturer or assembler uses to to the Manufacturer upon completion of the evaluation.
meet the requirements of this Section must be one suita-
ble for his own circumstances. The necessary scope and A-302 OUTLINE OF FEATURES TO BE INCLUDED
detail of the system shall depend on the complexity of IN THE WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF THE
the work performed and on the size and complexity of QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEM
the Manufacturer’s (or assembler’s) organization. A writ- The following is a guide to some of the features that
ten description of the system the Manufacturer or assem- should be covered in the written description of the quality
bler will use to produce a Code item shall be available for control system and that is equally applicable to both shop
review. Depending upon the circumstances, the descrip- and field work.
tion may be brief or voluminous.
A-302.1 Authority and Responsibility. The authority
The written description may contain information of
and responsibility of those in charge of the quality control
proprietary nature relating to the Manufacturer’s (or as-
system shall be clearly established. Persons performing
sembler’s) processes. Therefore, the Code does not re-
quality control functions shall have sufficient and well-
quire any distribution of this information, except for the
defined responsibility, the authority, and the organiza-
Authorized Inspector or ASME designee.
tional freedom to identify quality control problems and
to initiate, recommend, and provide solutions.

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