ASME B31.

1
INTERPRETATIONS NO. 31
Replies to Technical Inquiries
July 1,1997, Through December 31,1997

Ithasbeenagreedto
publish intepretations issued by theB31 Committee concerning B31.1 as part
of the update service to the Code. The interpretations have been asssigned numbers in chronological
order. Each interpretation applies either to the latestEdition or Addenda atthe time of issuance of
the interpretation or the Edition or Addenda stated in the reply. Subsequent revisions to the Code may
have superseded thereply.
The replies are taken verbatim from the original letters, except for a few typographical and editorial
corrections made for the purpose of improved clarity. In some instances, a review of the interpretation
revealed a need for corrections of a technical nature. In these cases, a revised reply bearing the original
interpretation number with the suffix R is presented. In the case where an interpretation is corrected
by Errata, the original interpretation number withthesuffix E is used.
ASME procedures provide for reconsideration of these interpretations when or if additional information
is available whichthe inquirer believes might affect the interpretation. Further, persons aggrieved by
an interpretation may appeal to the cognizant ASME committee or subcommittee. As stated in the
Statement of Policy in the Code documents, ASME does not approve, certify, rate, or endorse
any item, construction, proprietary device, or activity.
update service to the 1983 Editionand
Interpretations Nos. 2 through 7 wereincludedwiththe
Interpretations Nos. 8 through 13 were included with the update service to the 1986 Edition. Interpretations
Nos. 14 through 19 were included withtheupdate
service to the 1989Edition. Interpretations Nos.
20 through 25 wereincludedwith
the update service to the 1992 Edition. Interpretations Nos. 26
through 30 were included with the update service to the 1995 Edition. For the 1998 Edition, interpretations
will be issuedasnecessary up to twice a year until the publication of the 2001 Edition.

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B31.1
Subject

Interpretation

File No.

104.3.3(C),Miter Bends for Low Pressure Steam Pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

l32.4.1(A) and Table 132, Postweld Heat Treatment.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

31-1
3 1-2

B3 1-96-028
B3 1-96-062

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S T D a A S N E B3L.L

B31.1

I N T NO- 3L-ENGL

I0759b70 ObOYbb9 L27 I

Interpretations No. 31

31-1, 31-2

Interpretation: 31-1
Subject: B3 I . 1, Para. 104.3.3 (C), Miter Bends for Low Pressure Steam Pipe
Date Issued: July 15,1997
File: B3 1-96-028
Question (1): Does ASME 831.1 permit the use of miter joints for steam services?
Reply (1): Yes, provided the rules of paras. 104.3.3(C) and 104.7 are met.
Question (2): May an alternative Code be used for this application?
Reply (2): When no Section of the ASME Code for Pressure Piping, specifically covers a pipng system,
at his discretion the Owner may apply other code(s) (e.g., ASME B3 1.3). However, it is cautioned that
supplementary requirements to the ASME B31 sections chosen may be necessary to provide a safe piping
system for the intended application.

Interpretation: 31-2
Subject: B3 1.1, Para. 132.4.1(A) and Table 132, Postweld Heat Treatment
Date Issued: July 15, 1997
File: B3 1-96-062
Question: May para. 132.4.1 be used to determine the nominal material thickness in Table 132?
Reply: No. The nominal material thickness is the nominal thickness of the thicker of the materials being
joined at the weld. Paragraph 132.4.1 is used
for the determination of a thickness which may allow the
exemption of PWHT for P-Nos. 1 and 3 materials only.

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