Asme Section Ii, Part A Interpretations

ASME SECTION II, PART A INTERPRETATIONS
NOTE: THESE INTERPRETATIONS ARE FOR ASME COMMITTEE USE

ONLY. THEY ARE NOT TO BE DUPLICATED OR USED FOR OTHER THAN
ASME COMMITTEE BUSINESS.
THERE MAY BE SOME TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS IN THIS DOCUMENT.

PLEASE REVIEW THE ACTUAL PUBLISHED INTERPRETATION FOR THE
EXACT WORDING.
Section II-A – Interpretations Vol. 1
NOTE:
The following Interpretations are for Section II, Part B:
II-77-06
The following Interpretations are for Section II, Part C:

II-77-05
II-77-07
II-77-08
Interpretation: II-77-01
Subject: Section II, Part A, ASTM A 519, Grade 1026
Date Issued: January 18, 1977
File: NA
Question: May ASTM A 519, Grade 1026 material be used in a Code approved
vessel?
Reply: Material should be produced and documented to an ASME specification.

Material produced under an ASTM specification may be designated as complying with a
corresponding ASME specification providing the ASME specification is shown to be
identical with the ASTM specification for the grade, class, or type produced and
providing the material is confirmed as complying with the ASTM specification by
material test report or certification of compliance from the material manufacturer.
Since ASTM A 519 material does not comply with the above requirements
it cannot be used in Code construction.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-479, Paragraph 6.1.1, Use of Cold Working
File: NA
Question: With reference to paragraph 6.1.1 of SA-479, is some cold work

permissible after solution annealing for austenitic stainless steels, except for specifically
strain hardened type?
Reply: Some cold work such as straightening or final sizing, not extensive in
nature, is permissible on austenitic stainless steel after solution annealing as outlined in
paragraph 6.1.1 of SA-479 to permit the material to meet the tolerance requirements of A
484, “General Requirements for Stainless and Head Resisting Wrought Steel Products,”
which is the general specification applicable to SA-479.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-105, Paragraph 4.4, Use of Forged Bar Flanges
File: NA
Question: With reference to paragraph 4.4 of SA-105, are flanges excluded from
manufacturing utilizing forged bar?
Reply: It is the intent of SA-105, paragraph 4.4, that all flanges are excluded from
manufacturing utilizing forged bar. The stresses at the intersections of a flange are too
high for the flange to be manufactured from forged bar. Also the grain flow in a flange is
undesirable for this type of manufacturer.
Subject: Section II, Part A, Application of Centrifugally Cast Austenitic Cold

Wrought Pipe to Various ASME Pipe Specifications
File: NA
Question: What is the applicability of centrifugally cast austenitic cold wrought pipe
to various Code specifications?
Reply: Material specifications deemed suitable for inclusion in the ASME Code
are adopted from the various ASTM material specification documents. They are either
adopted identically or are modified to suit the requirements of the ASME. The material
specification Code Book, Section II, is a compilation of the acceptable materials that can
be used in Code construction. However, it is up to the various referencing Sections of the
ASME Code to accept for inclusion in their Code books the material specification they
consider necessary for construction.
It is acceptable to use a manufacturing method and adapt it to two
different material specifications as long as all the requirements of the specifications are
met, and there is a certified documentation of same.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-564, Impact Requirements
Date Issued: March 15, 1977
File: NA
Question: What are the requirements for impact testing for age hardened material 9/16
in. and under in accordance with material specification SA-564?
Reply: There are no provisions in the Code for impact testing of age hardened
material, such as SA-564, Type 630 material, for bar sizes ½ in. and under. For shapes,
angles, tees, and channels there are provisions in SA-370 for subsize impact testing when
subsize specimen dimensions can be met.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-240, Type 304, Chemical Certification
Date Issued: April 27, 1977
File: BC77-231
Question: Can a material identified as SA-240, Type 304, in a mill test report be
acceptable in Code construction when referenced as ASTM A 240-75a, and includes a
listing of residual elements?
Reply: A mill test report stating the chemical composition of Type 304 material in
SA-240 can be accepted as satisfactory for use in ASME Code Construction. The ASTM
designation referenced on the report does not invalidate the certification since both
ASME and ASTM specifications are identical except for the deletion of two grades in
SA-240 not accepted by the ASME.
The inclusion of residual elements in the mill test report is acceptable
since the reporting of such elements is neither required nor prohibited.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-193, Hardness Requirements for Grade B8, Class 1
Bolts
File: NA
Question: Are paragraphs 5.3 and 9.2.3 of SA-193 in conflict concerning the
hardness requirements of Grade B8, Class 1 bolts, and can the supplier cold head the
material after carbide solution heat treatment?
Reply: Paragraphs 5.3 and 9.2.3 of SA-193 are compatible and apply to the
manufacture of Grade B8, Class 1 bolts. Cold sizing, or forming operations may be
performed on carbide solution heat treated material, as specified in paragraph 5.3
provided all areas of the finished bolt, including the areas affected by the sizing or
forming operations meet the maximum hardness specified in paragraph 9.2.3.
Subject: Section II, Part A, Application of “S” or “U” Symbol to Pipe

Manufactured to SA-155, SA-358, and SA-671
Date Issued: May 31, 1977
File: BC77-223
Question: May the “S” or “U” Code Symbol Stamp be applied to fusion welded pipe
manufactured to SA-155, SA-358, and SA-671?
Reply: Sections I and VIII do not permit the usage of fusion welded pipe
furnished as materials to SA-155, SA-358, or SA-671. The pipe product described in
these specifications might be used in Section I or Section VIII construction provided the
product was furnished as a part meeting all requirements applicable to a shell fabricated
from Code approved plate material including authorized inspection at the point of
manufacture and Manufacturer’s Partial Data Report covering each pipe length. Such a
fusion welded cylinder would require the “S” Code symbol stamp for Section I usage or
the “U” Code symbol stamp for Section VIII usage. The ASME Code does not prohibit
such a fusion welded cylinder, when Code symbol stamped and documented with an
ASME manufacturer’s Partial Data Report Form, from also being marked with such pipe
specification designation as might be appropriate. Such a pipe material specification
marking, however, would have no Code significance and might be confusing because
Sections I and VIII do not include these specifications (fusion welded pipe with filler
metal added) in their lists of acceptable materials.
Subject: Section II, Part A; SA-105, Heat Treatment of Valve Bodies Under 4 in.
Date Issued: July 1, 1977
File: BC77-339
Question: Is it a mandatory requirement of 5.1 of SA-105 to have forged steel bodies

and bonnets heat treated for 1500 psi carbon steel OS&Y welded bonnet socket weld
globe valves, 1 in. and 2 in. nominal pipe size?
Reply: It is the intent of SA-105, 5.1, to require heat treatment of piping

components only if they meet the criteria of being over 4 in. nominal pipe size and over
300 psi primary service pressure rating.
Subject: Section II, Part A; SA-278, Casting Thickness
File: BC77-305
Question: What is the definition of the term Controlling Section on constant and
varied casting thickness as referred to in SA-278?
Reply: It is the intent of SA-278 that the Designer must define the governing
thickness and that, in general, this will be the maximum thickness of the pressure
retaining boundary portion of the casting.
Subject: Section II, Part A; SA-351, Melting Practice
Date Issued: August 2, 1977
File: BC77-336
Question: What is the intent of SA-351 when it references manufacture by the

electric furnace process?
Reply: It is the intent of the present wording of SA-351 to include both electric
arc and electric induction melting and does not preclude vacuum degassing.
Subject: Section II; Use of ASME Material Specifications Relative to Contract

Dates of Other Book Sections
Date Issued: September 7, 1977
File: BC77-418
Question (1): Is it possible to use materials manufactured to an earlier or later Edition or

Addenda of Section II than those shown in the Edition or Addenda which apply to a
specific contract?
Reply (1): The specific requirements concerning the Edition or Addenda of Section II
Material Specifications must be reviewed for compliance with that Section (Section I, III,
IV, or VIII) referencing the Material Specifications. In general, later Editions or
Addenda of Section II Material Specifications are acceptable, providing the purchaser
and the Authorized Inspector are in agreement with the use of the later Edition. Earlier
Editions of the Material Specifications may be employed, provided the stamp holder
certifies that the requirements of the earlier Edition meet or exceed those of the Edition in
effect at the date of contract and the Authorized Inspector is satisfied with the
certification.
Question (2): May SA-234 fittings be made from SA-516 plate?
Reply (2): Code Case 1571, approved March 3, 1973, permits the use of SA-516
plate in the production of SA-234 fittings.
Subject: Section II, Part A; SA-105 Flanged Parts
Date Issued: October 25, 1977
File: BC77-630
Question: SA-105 under 4.4 allows the use of hot rolled or forged bar for the
machining of hollow cylindrically shaped parts except flanges. Does this restriction
apply to small integrally reinforced flanged nozzles?
Reply: It is the intent of SA-105 that it prohibits the machining of any type of
flange(s) or flange parts from bar stock.
Subject: Section II, Part A; SA-264, 13.1 and 13.1.1, Percentage of Bond
Date Issued: November 15, 1977
File: BC77-623
Questions: Is the intent of 13.1 and 13.1.1 of SA-264 that 100% bond is required on
the cladding surface, and that the Material Manufacturer must repair unbonded areas by
welding? Also, if the area to be repaired exceeds 3%, must approval by the purchaser be
obtained?
Replies: It is the intent of SA-264 that 13.1.1 requires a 100% bond between the
cladding material and base steel. The Material Manufacturer may repair defects in the
cladding by welding if the repaired area will be 3% or less of the cladding surface
without prior approval. If the repaired area is to exceed 3% of the cladding surface, prior
approval must be obtained from the purchaser for repairs, in accordance with 13 of SA-
264.
Subject: Section II, Part A; Use of Explosive Welding in SA-264
Date Issued: December 26, 1977
File: BC77-794
Question (1): Can explosive welding be used by a Material Manufacturer to manufacture

SA-264 for use as pressure retaining material in a Section VIII, Division 1 pressure
vessel?
Reply (1): SA-264 does not prohibit the use of explosive welding to produce clad
steel as long as all requirements of the Specification are complied with. Welding
qualification per Section IX of the ASME Code is not required.
Question (2): Is it the intent of the Code to include explosive welding in permissible
welding processes of UW-27 of Section VIII, Division 1?
Reply (2): It is not the intent of the Code to include explosive welding among the
permissible welding processes in UW-27 of Section VIII, Division 1 as this technique is
not appropriate for the fabrication of welded joints in a vessel.
NOTE:
The following Interpretations are for Section II, Part B:
II-78-01
II-78-10

II-78-02
II-78-03
II-78-04
II-78-05
II-78-08
II-78-09
II-78-11
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-105, 4.4, Manufacture
File: None
Question: May hollow cylindrical shaped parts be machined from hot rolled
seamless mechanical tubing, to the requirements of 4.4 of SA-105, provided that the axial
length of the part is approximately parallel to the metal flow lines of the stock and the
requirements of Tables 1 and 2 are met?
Reply: The provisions of 4.4 of SA-105 allow the manufacture of hollow

cylindrical parts, except flanges from hot rolled or forged bar (including hollow bar if
extruded). There is no allowance for the use of hot rolled mechanical tubing. The Code
does not allow hot rolled mechanical tubing to be used since it is not considered
acceptable for pressure parts.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-182, 4.4 and 5.3
File: BC78-75
Question 1: Can it be inferred from 4.4 of SA-182 that blind slip-on or weld neck
flanges may be machined from slices cut from the end of round bar stock without further
forging?
Reply 1: 4.4 of SA-182 permits machining small cylindrically shaped parts within
the limits defined by A 234. A 234 covers fittings which are defined in 1.1 Scope as
those covered by ANSI B16.9, B16.11, and B16.28, none of which include flanges.
Therefore, the direct machining of small parts permitted by 4.4 of SA-182 does not
include flanges and it was specifically the intent of the Committee not to permit flanges
to be machined directly from bar.
Question 2: If the process is well documented in a manner satisfactory to the

purchaser, can austenitic steel forgings for flanges and fittings be quenched immediately
after forging (Temperature above 1900 F) or must the forgings be reheated in furnaces to
meet the intent of 5.3 of SA-182?
Reply 2: It is the intent of SA-182, 5.3 to require that austenitic stainless steel
forgings be furnished in the solution annealed condition and that the test required by 9 be
run on samples representing the forgings. Since SA-182 does not address itself to the
mechanics of the heat treating process, any heat treatment procedure that results in a
forging in compliance with the specification is acceptable. This is normally done by
reheating stainless steel forgings in a heat treating furnace designed for heat treating
which usually provides closer control and more uniformity than obtained in furnace
equipment used to heat for forging. However, there is nothing in the specification to
prevent heating austenitic stainless steel material to the solution annealing temperature,
forging, and water quenching provided controls are adequately instituted and monitored
to assure that all the requirements of SA-182 are met.
Question 3: Does the use of an ASME, Section II SA Specification on a flange or pipe

fitting imply that the item has been warranted for Section III applications?
Reply 3: The stamping of an SA Specification number on a flange or pipe fitting

only implies that the manufacturer is certifying that the product complies with the
Specification. Depending on the specific product, size, and usage, Section III may or
may not have additional requirements that must be met including the requirement that the
product be manufactured under an acceptable Quality Assurance Program.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-476
File: BC78-470
Question: Does the statement in SA-476 which states that the castings are to be used
in the as-cast condition for paper mill dryer rolls for up to 450F exclude heat treatment?
Reply: It is not the intent of SA-476 to exclude heat treatment meant to assist in
the application of the castings, provided that this would not degrade the mechanical
properties. A change in the wording of the scope of the specification is currently under
active consideration. This would change the words “The castings are to be used in the as-
cast condition…” to read “the castings are usually used in the as-cast condition for
pressure-containing parts in the form of paper mill dryer rolls at temperatures up to
450F.” Thermal stress relieving would be considered as a beneficial heat treatment in
this instance.
Subject: Section II, Part A, Steels to American Standards
File: BC77-235
Question (1): Can a maximum tensile strength be imposed in SA-333?
Reply (1): This question has been considered in the past and the consensus of the
materials committee has been that a maximum tensile strength limit is unnecessary.
Question (2): Does material with 2.1% Cr and 1% Mo meet the requirements of SA-
106?
Reply (2): No. SA-106 covers carbon steel and the presence of 2.1% Cr and 1% Mo
indicate intentional additions to produce alloy steel.
Question (3): With respect to SA-420, Grade WPL 6, is it the intent of the Specification
to allow carbon steel 85 ksi yield strength and 112 ksi tensile strength to be used at
–46C?
Reply (3): It is the intent of SA-420 that carbon steel be supplied for Grade WPL 6
and that the chemical and tensile requirements of the applicable specifications listed in
Table 1 be met. Since SA-420 permits quenching and tempering, it is possible, but
improbable, that fittings made from A 333 and 334, Grade 6 materials could have
strength levels such as those set forth in the inquiry. SA-333 and SA-420 do not speak to
the maximum and minimum temperatures at which the various grades may be used.
Question (4): Are there unwritten understandings in the United States regarding the
maximum tensile strength of SA-420, Grade WPL 6 or SA-333, Grade 6?
Reply (4): No.
Question (5): Are 85 ksi yield strength and 112 ksi tensile strength acceptable variations
for SA-420, Grade WPL 6?
Reply (5): SA-420 does not impose maximum yield strength and tensile strength
limits for Grade WPL 6. Therefore, strength levels such as those set forth in the inquiry
are not prohibited.
Question (6): Can a maximum tensile strength be imposed in SA-420?

Reply (6): This question has been considered in the past and the consensus of the
materials committee has been that a maximum tensile strength limit is unnecessary.
NOTE:
The following Interpretation is for Section II, Part C:
II-78-14
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-515 and SA-516 Plates
File: BC78-465
Question: Do intermediate and moderate temperatures refer to the same range of

temperatures, being resultant of overlapped ranges between both plates in which the use
of one or the other is only dependent on nontechnical factors such as stocks, availability,
and prices?
Reply: The titles of SA-515 and SA-516 plates are intended to suggest service
temperatures based upon the general properties of the materials. That is to say fine
grained steels usually have improved notch toughness and are more suitable for low
temperature than coarse grained steels.
The intermediate and moderate temperatures could overlap, but the use of
the materials does not really depend upon nontechnical factors like stocks, availability,
etc. A material could be in service at a moderate temperature; however, if a pressure
vessel were to be hydrostatically tested at a lower temperature, a fine grained material
could be considered as a more suitable material than a coarse grained steel.
The range of temperature service for each plate cannot be specifically
defined because services are very broad and overlapping is anticipated. The vessel
designer or engineer should determine the material required for each specific application
based upon service requirements.
The materials can only be used for Code construction at temperatures for
which allowable stresses are given in stress tables. The tables can therefore be used as a
guide for additional information.
Subject: Section II, Part A, Additional Elements in SA-240 TP 316 or TP 316L
File: BC78-530
Question: Is it permissible to add titanium to SA-240 TP 316 or TP 316L in an

amount not exceeding five times the percentage of carbon to act as a stabilizer provided
all other chemical and mechanical test requirements are met in Tables 1 and 2?
Reply: The intentional addition of elements, for the enhancement of properties,

other than those listed in Table 1 of SA-240 is not intended. Titanium stabilized Types
316 and 316L would be considered to be new grades and, as such, would be subject to the
Guidelines On The Adoption of New Base Materials as published in Section II.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-182, Paragraph 4.4
File: BC78-388
Question: Paragraph 4.4 of SA-182 deals with the forging of products and states that
the material shall be forged as close as practical to the specified shape and size. Is the
method of manufacture for a valve bonnet which is outlined in the attachment acceptable
for forgings made to SA-182?
Reply: Yes. Cutting a multiple forging into individual lengths to make

components to SA-182 is also acceptable. It should be noted, however, that the use of
rolled bar stock is limited by the same rules as those which appear in ASTM A 234.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-335, Sections 4.1.4 and 9.1
File: BC78-685
Question: Is it permissible, where SA-335 P-No. 2 seamless pipe is extruded directly

from cast ingot, so that no intermediate bloom or billet is utilized, to satisfy the grain size
requirements of SA-335, 4.1.4 and 9, by performing the grain size test on a small test
ingot (up to 6 in. diameter) teemed from the parent heat and given a suitable hot working
reduction to simulate the hot extrusion process prior to performing the test?
Reply: It is the Committee’s opinion that the intent of the grain size test
requirement in SA-335 for Grade P-No. 2 pipe would be satisfied by the procedure
indicated in the question. Alternatively, it is the Committee’s opinion that the grain size
test may be performed on the pipe.
NOTE:
II-79-01
II-79-04
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-182 TP 304
File: BC78-679
Question: All other requirements being equal and complied with, can austenitic
forgings tension tested to ASTM A 182-77a and the pending SA-182, Winter 1978
Addenda, be considered to also comply with the intended requirements of Paragraph 9.5
tension tests of SA-182, Summer 1976 Addenda?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-234, SA-403, and SA-420
File: BC79-176
Question: May seamless, as well as welded, fittings constructed of SA-234, SA-403

or SA-420 be used for Section I and/or Section VIII, Division 1 applications?
Reply: The Preambles of SA-234, SA-403, and SA-420 are not intended to
exclude the use of the materials under Sections of the Code other than Section III.
The use of SA-234, SA-403, and SA-420 is not required for usage under
Sections I and VIII. See PG-11 and UG-11, respectively, in those sections of the Code.
Thus, material certified to either the ASTM or the ASME versions of those specifications
is permitted for Sections I and VIII.
For seamless products (i.e, manufactured without welding) SA-234 and A
234 are identical, so that a product which complies with one of these specifications
complies with the other.
Similar distinctions apply to the ASME SA-403 and SA-420 and their
ASTM counterparts A 403 and A 420, respectively.
NOTE:
II-79-05
II-79-06
II-79-07
II-79-08
Subject: Section II, Testing Requirements in SA-450
File: BC79-378
Question: Do the provisions of SA-450 Section 19.1 (Summer 1979 Addenda) which
state “Test specimens shall be taken from the ends of finished tubes prior to…being cut
to length” mean that test specimens may not under any circumstance be taken from tubes
cut to length?
Reply: It is the opinion of the Committee that the SA-450 provision in question is
intended to permit rather than require the taking of test samples prior to cutting to length
so as not to unnecessarily force the discard of an entire tube length because of test sample
removal. If circumstances require, and if contractual obligations relating to the quantity
and length of tubes are satisfied, specimens may be taken from tubes already cut to
specified length.
Question: Test specimens, removed from the discard end of SA-249 tubes, contain a
cold drawing manufacturing flaw which resulted in failure to pass the flattening test. We
believe this cold drawing manufacturing flaw is confined to the discarded cut tube ends.
In these circumstances may we discard the flattening test specimens, substituting others
from the already cut-to-length tubes under the provision of SA-450, 19.2?
Reply: If it can be demonstrated that failure of the flattening test was the result of
a flaw introduced during cold working and is associated with cold working conditions
occurring only at the discarded tube ends, other test specimens from the same lot may be
substituted. The specification does not specify means by which the above may be
demonstrated, but such demonstration is required before the provisions of SA-450,
Section 19.2 may be used.
Because specifics as to the actual flaw conditions and nature of the
flattening test failure were not given in your inquiry, we are uncertain as to whether the
provisions of 5.2 of SA-450 are applicable to your situation. The purpose of the
flattening test is to detect less than expected ductility, laminated or unsound steel or
incomplete weld and disclosure of any of these conditions constitutes failure of the
flattening test. But disclosure of preexisting surface imperfections present in the test
specimen prior to testing does not constitute failure of the flattening test.
NOTE:
II-80-01
II-80-08
II-80-10
II-80-14
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-105, 5.1
File: BC79-785
Question: In the case of other piping components in the referenced paragraph, do the
limits of 4 in. nominal pipe size and 300 psi service rating both need to be exceeded
before heat treatment is required?
Reply: Yes. Both limits need to be exceeded before heat treatment is required.
Subject: Section II, Hardness Requirements of SA-234
Date Issued: February 25, 1980
File: BC79-172
Question: 9.1 and 9.2 of SA-234 state that the hardness of fittings to SA-234 shall
not exceed 197 HB or 217 HB, depending on the material. However, there is no
statement as to taking hardness tests, their frequency, and no reporting requirement.
What requirements, if any, apply?
Reply: It is the opinion of the Committee that with respect to 9 of SA-234, it is up

to the Manufacturer to ensure that fittings do not exceed the required maximum hardness.
The procedure used to assure this is again the Manufacturer’s responsibility.
SA-234 is in the process of being revised to conform to ASTM A 234-79a,
and this revision includes a new supplementary requirement S8, which will permit the
purchaser to specify hardness testing of fittings. This may further help to clarify the
intent of the Specification.
File: BC80-135
Question: Does material supplied in accordance with ASTM A 105-76 comply with
the requirements of SA-105, Summer 1978 Addenda?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-105, 5.1
File: BC79-468
Question: Does a primary service pressure fitting under 4 in. nominal pipe size, but
rated at over 300 psi, require heat treatment?
Reply: No. 5.1 of SA-105 states that all flanges with primary service pressure
ratings over 300 psi have to be heat treated. Other piping components, however, need
only be heat treated when the primary service pressure exceeds 300 psi and the nominal
pipe size exceeds 4 in., i.e., both conditions must be met. Such a fitting for a pressure
rating of 400 psi and a size of 3½ in., for example, would not have to be heat treated.
Subject: Section II, Product Analysis Tolerances for SA-312 and SA-530
File: BC80-80
Question: May the product analysis tolerances given for stainless steel plates in SA-
480 be applied to SA-312 pipe?
Reply: No. SA-312 requires the chemical composition determined by Product

Analysis meet that which is prescribed in Table 1 of SA-312.
File: BC80-81
Question: Is it permissible for an NV Certificate Holder to purchase forged, square,

steel bars to the requirements of SA-105, cold hammer forge the corners until the bars are
round, and then cut slices off the bars for subsequent machining into flanges for
attachment to, and to become part of, the finished component?
Reply: No.
Subject: Section II, SA-578, Requirement S6.5
File: BC80-46
Question: Do both of the following conditions have to exist to permit weld repair of
unbonded cladding as defined in S6.5 of SA-578?
Condition A: that these areas total less than 20 in.2 (129 cm2) in any 4 ft2
(0.37 m2) and there is not less than 12 in. (305 mm) between areas.
Condition B: that the total repair area is less than 5% of the total plate
area.
Reply: Yes. Both Conditions A and B must be satisfied.

Subject: Section II, SA-312 With Respect to Sections 7 and 8
File: BC80-245
Question (1): Is it the intent of Section 7 of SA-312 that a pipe manufacturer may report
the heat analysis made by a steel manufacturer rather than report the chemical
composition determined from a product analysis made by the pipe manufacturer?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): Is it the intent of Section 8 of SA-312 that a product analysis by the pipe
manufacturer is not mandatory but is instead an option which may or may not be
exercised by the purchaser?
Reply (2): Yes.

Subject: Section II, Permissible Chromium Content
File: BC79-745
Question: What is the maximum percent chromium content acceptable in SA-350,

Grade LF2?
Reply: Material conforming to SA-350, Grade LF2, may have chromium present
as a residual element. Residual elements are those which may be found in steels but
which are not intentionally added to the steels for the purpose of improvement or
enhancement of the mechanical properties. SA-350, Grade LF2, does not impose a
maximum limit on the amount of chromium which may be present as a residual element.
Grade LF2 of SA-350 is classified as a carbon steel. The intentional
addition of chromium would cause a steel to be classified as alloy steel.
Subject: Section II, Chemical Requirements
File: BC80-204
Question (1): Does the symbol…as found in Table 1 of SA-240, SA-312, and SA-479
indicate that the percentage of the applicable element must be nil?
Reply (1): No. The symbol merely indicates that there is no requirement for the
element.
Question (2): Are residual quantities of elements (i.e., molybdenum) which are not
required in Table 1 of SA-240, SA-312, and SA-479 acceptable when found in samples?
Reply (2): Yes.
Question (3): To what extent may molybdenum be accepted as a residual element in

Grades of SA-240, SA-312, and SA-479 for which there are no requirements for
molybdenum?
Reply (3): The Specifications do not impose a maximum limit on the amount of
molybdenum which may be present as a residual element. For these particular steels,
molybdenum has effects similar to chromium and is generally regarded as beneficial. For
some uses, special considerations, such as weldability, may make it desirable for the user
to impose a maximum limit, but such considerations are beyond the scope of the Material
Specifications.
NOTE:
II-80-15
Subject: Section II, Hardness of Swaged Portion of Boiler Tubes
File: BC79-382
Question: Is it required that carbon steel tubes, such as SA-210 A-1, which have
undergone fabrication operations by the boiler manufacturer meet the maximum hardness
specified in the Specifications?
Reply: No. The maximum hardness specified in the Section II Material

Specification is one of a number of requirements intended to help insure that the tubing
furnished by the material manufacturer will withstand fabrication and installation
requirements. Section I does not specify hardness limits for the tubing as fabricated and
installed in a boiler.
Subject: Section II, Part A, Product Analysis Tolerances for SA-312 and SA-530
File: BC80-462
Question: May the product analysis tolerances given for stainless steel plates in SA-
480 be applied to SA-312 pipe?
Reply: No. SA-312 requires the chemical composition as determined in the

Product Analysis meet that prescribed in Table 1 of SA-312.
Subject: Section II, Part A, Ultrasonic Examination of Heavy Steel Forgings
File: BC80-361
Question: NB-2542.1 requires that forgings be ultrasonically examined in

accordance with SA-388. ASTM E 428 is an applicable document of SA-388. Is it
required that calibration notches machined into hollow-ring forgings per SA-388 (7.3.3)
meet the criteria of E 428?
Reply: No, it is not a requirement of SA-388 that calibration notches machined

into hollow-ring forgings or calibration blocks meet the criteria of E 428.
Subject: Section II, Part A, Close Coiling of SA-53 Types S and E and SA-106
Pipes, Close Coiling of SA-178 Grade A and C Tubes
File: BC80-756
Question (1a): What is the definition of “close coiling” as referred to in SA-53?
Reply (1a): There is no definition of “close coiling” but a consideration of the bending
requirements of SA-53 would seem to indicate that d:D ratios of between 8 and 12 be
classified as “close coiling”. For a more definitive answer, we suggest that you direct
your question to ASTM.
Question (1b): Should the coiling d:D ratio to be used in fabrication be specified on the
order?
Reply (1b): The Specification indicates that the end use is to be shown on the order.
Information on critical fabrication operations to which the material will be subjected
should be included in the end use information.
Question (2): Should Grade A be specified for SA-178 material which is to be subjected
to close coiling?
Reply (2): Since there are no bending requirements in SA-178, the material
manufacturer should be consulted on the suitability of the material for close coiling.
NOTE:
II-81-03
Subject: Section II, Part A, Weld Repair of SA-216
File: BC80-692
Question: For P-No.1 materials produced to meet SA-216, does 10.3 make it
mandatory to stress relieve all repair welds?
Reply: If the repair welds exceed the limits of 10.3, they must be stress relieved.
File: BC81-117
Question: Is it required to have the letters “MT” following the specification

designation in the certified material test report for full-heat treated plates supplied to SA-
20 in Section II?
Reply: No.
Subject: Section II, Part A, General Requirements for Tubes
Date Issued: June 19, 1981
File: BC81-189
Question (1): Is it required that material supplied to one of the specifications listed in 1.1
of SA-450 meet the requirements of SA-450?
Reply (1): 1.1 and 1.2 of SA-450 set forth the extent to which material supplied to
one of the specifications listed in 1.1 must comply with the various sections of SA-450.
Question (2): Is it correct that cold-drawn seamless austenitic tubes up to 2 in. O.D. and
with wall thicknesses greater than 2% of specified outside diameter, but in any case not
less than 0.020 in., shall have a permissible variation in outside diameter not exceeding
the amounts prescribed in Table 5 of SA-450 and that Note B of the same table is
applicable only to ovality and not to outside diameter?
Reply (2): No. Note B of Table 5 of SA-450 states the maximum permissible
variation in outside diameter of cold drawn seamless austenitic tubes is +-0.010 in. The
effect of the Note is to substitute 0.010 in. for the values of 0.004 in., 0.006 in., and 0.008
in. in Table 5 when the product is cold-drawn seamless austenitic tubes.
Subject: Section II, Part A, ERW Carbon Steel
File: BC81-191
Question: Is it necessary that the requirements of Section 7 of SA-214 be satisfied?
Reply: Yes. All requirements of the specification must be met to be in

compliance with the specification.
File: BC81-224
Question: May welded pipe made from solution treated material be supplied in the as
welded condition to SA-312 of Section II, Part A?
Reply: No. All pipe is to be furnished in the heat treated condition per 5.4.1. As
welded pipe may not be furnished under SA-312.
Subject: Section II, Part A, Interpretation of Test Requirements
File: BC81-217
Question (1): May an organization that furnishes tubing as material to SA-192 and SA-
210 elect to substitute the nondestructive electric test of SA-450 in lieu of the hydrostatic
test as is provided for in 12.4 of SA-192 of SA-210?
Reply (1): Tubing furnished as material to SA-192 and SA-210 must have been
hydrostatically tested unless the purchaser of the material specifies that the
nondestructive electric test of SA-450 may be used.
Question (2): May an organization which furnishes fabricated sections requiring ASME
Code stamping and Data Reports, purchase SA-192 and SA-210 tubing for those sections
with the nondestructive electric test of SA-450 in lieu of the specification hydrostatic
test?
Reply (2): Yes. However, the hydrostatic test requirements of the Section of the
Code to which the sections are being fabricated must be met.
ATTENTION
The foregoing Interpretation has been further considered, and the following corrected
Question (1) sent to the inquirer:
Correction Issued: March 26, 1982
Question (1): May an organization that furnishes tubing as material to SA-192

and SA-210 elect to substitute the nondestructive electric test of SA-450 in lieu of the
hydrostatic test as is provided for in 12.4 of SA-192 and 14.5 of SA-210?
Subject: Section II, Part A, Composite Plate
File: BC81-522
Question (1): For material supplied to SA-263, SA-264, and SA-265, shall the tests be
made in the same condition of heat treatment to which the plate is furnished or to the
condition of heat treatment anticipated in the fabrication of a vessel, for example, Section
VIII - Division 1, UCS-85?
Reply (1): For material supplied to SA-263, SA-264, and SA-265, the test specimens
are required to be in the same condition of heat treatment as that in which the composite
plate is supplied. However, the fabrication code may impose additional requirements,
such as those in Section VIII - Division1, UCS-85, which require that test specimens be
subjected to the heat treatment that the material will be subjected to during fabrication. It
is not the intent of the material specifications to prohibit additional Code requirements
being applied to the test specimens required by the material specifications.
Question (2): For material supplied to SA-265 with SA-387, Grade 22 backing material,
should the composite plate be furnished in the as-rolled condition as permitted by 3.2, or
heat treated in accordance with 5.2 of SA-387?
Reply (2): SA-265, 3.2, states that the composite plate will be furnished in the as-
rolled condition unless the purchaser and the manufacturer have agreed upon heat
treatment.
It is the opinion of the Materials Subcommittee that the intent of the
Specification is that the base metal should conform to the requirements of the base metal
Specification. Thus, in the instance cited, the composite plate should conform to 5.2 of
SA-387 if no other heat treatment has been agreed upon. The purpose of the stress
relieving treatment is to minimize the possibility of cracking of the plate during shipment
or subsequent torch cutting of the plate.
The ASTM Subcommittee having jurisdiction over A 265 has been asked
to review the Specification with the intent of adopting revisions to clarify the intent of the
Specification.
Question (3): Would there be different requirements for roll bonded clad versus
explosion clad material?
Reply (3): No.

Subject: Section II, Parts A and B, Material Chemistry Deviation
File: BC81-483
Question: If the composition of a material deviates from the limits in the material
specification, but the mechanical properties and all other requirements of the
specification have been met, can the material be used provided the chemistry deviation is
considered insignificant relative to the application, and the material meets the corrosion
test requirements stipulated by the vessel manufacturer?
Reply: No.
Subject: Section II, Parts A and B, Definitions for Tube and Pipe
File: BC81-654
Question (1): Is there a definition for pipe and tube?
Reply (1): No.
Question (2): What are some of the differences between pipe and tube?
Reply (2): As there is no definable difference, we can only answer this question in
general terms. The primary differences are:
(a) Pipe is usually furnished to standardized nominal pipe sizes and wall thicknesses in
accordance with ANSI B36.10 and B36.19. There are no similar standards for tubing.
(b) Pipe is often used with welding or threaded fittings and tubes are generally not used
with fittings.
(c) The term tubing generally is not used to describe products over 5 in. O.D. Note the
scope clause of SA-213, 1.3.
(d) The required specification tests for tubing usually differ from those required for pipe.
SA-450, for example, describes reverse flattening, flare, flange, and hardness tests, none
of which are covered in SA-530.
Interpretation: II-A-83-01
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-479, Table 1, Type 316 Hardness Requirement
File: BC82-379
Question: It appears that the hardness requirement for Type 316 strain-hardened
material in Table 1 of specification SA-479 is in error. Is the requirement proper and
intended and, if not, may it be ignored?
Reply: The ASTM Subcommittee which has jurisdiction over the ASTM
specification has determined that the hardness requirement for Type 316 strain-hardened
material in Table 1 of the specification is an error and was not intended. Action has been
taken to delete the hardness specification from the ASTM specification. Hardness
requirements for strain-hardened material are being developed in ASTM.
Section II is also of the opinion that the requirement is an error since the minimum tensile
and hardness requirements are in conflict. Action is being taken to delete the hardness
requirement from SA-479. Section II is of the opinion that this hardness requirement
should not apply.
File: BC82-625
Question (1): May the tempering operation for SA-540 material supplied in the
quenched and tempered condition be performed in more than one cycle in order to obtain
the required mechanical properties?
Reply (1): Yes. It is permissible to perform the tempering operation in more than one
cycle.
Question (2): In the case of performing tempering as per Question (1), would each cycle
be considered a new heat treatment, therefore allowing only one quenching and three
tempering cycles to be permitted?
Reply (2): No. Paragraph 14.1 limits heat treatment to three complete quenching and
tempering cycles, regardless of the number of tempering steps applied in each cycle.
File: BC83-020
Question: Is the addition of 0.40% nickel to SA-105 material for improvement of

impact properties prohibited?
Reply: No.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-105, Use of Plate Material
File: BC82-716
Question (1): If plate meeting the requirements of SA-36 is used for blind flanges, is it
permissible to certify the finished product as SA-105?
Reply (1): No.
Question (2): If the answer to Question (1) is no, what stamping or certification of the
finished product is permissible?
Reply (2): The stamping or certification applicable to the plate from which the piece
was cut.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-387, Chemical Properties of Part A Materials
File: BC82-415
Question (1): If a material specification does not set forth separate specific tolerances
for product analysis, what tolerances apply?
Reply (1): If a material specification does not set forth separate specific tolerances
for product analysis, the applicable tolerance is zero. That is, the chemical composition
limits shown in the material specification apply to both heat and product analyses.
Question (2): Are different product analysis limits applicable if samples are taken after
mechanical and thermal treatments?
Reply (2): No. (It must be recognized that analysis results from material subject to
certain heating operations may not properly represent its original composition unless the
sampling procedures are such as to ensure that the sample truly represents the material in
its original condition.)
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-671 and SA-672
File: BC83-057
Question: In the preamble of Section II, SA-671 and SA-672 as published from S74
to W77, is the sentence “The plate used to fabricate the pipe shall conform to SA-240” in
error?
Reply: Yes. This sentence was inadvertently copied from specification SA-358
and should be deleted.
Subject: Section II, Part A, Clarification of SA-20, Section 13
File: BC83-214
Question (1): What are the lower size limitations for stamping plate material to SA-20?
Do these limitations apply to ring shapes or pieces to be ground top and bottom?
Reply (1): Specification SA-20 covers requirements for plates. The specification
does not cover requirements for parts or pieces cut from plates.
Question (2): Does the term “stencil” allow for marking by hand with a “paint stick” or
other marker?
Reply (2): No.

File: BC81-706
Question (1): Is SA-105 limited to standardized pipe components?
Reply (1): No.
Question (2): Does SA-105 require heat treatment of computed forged girth flanges for
pressure vessels and heat exchangers whose primary pressure rating is below 300 psi?
Reply (2): No.

File: BC83-015
Question (1): For the GTAW process, must the deposited weld metal alloy content
conform to either SFA-5.9, Table 1, or the base metal?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): For the SAW process, must the deposited weld metal alloy content
conform to either SFA-5.9, Table 1, or the base metal?
Reply (2): Yes.
Question (3): For either of the preceding, if an element fails to meet Table 1, but is
within the permitted range of the base material, is the analysis acceptable?
Reply (3): Yes. The specification permits the base metal composition range or the
filler metal composition range to govern the acceptability of the alloy content of the
deposited weld metal.
Subject: Section II, Part A, A 490 and SA-354
File: BC83-105
Question: Bolts of 1 in. diameter and under are produced to A 490 and SA-354.
Paragraph 7.2 of A 490 requires that bolts 1 in. diameter and less be tested full size
(tensile). Is it permissible to perform tension testing of specimens machined from bar
prior to fabrication of bolts, tie bolts, and U-bolts of 1 in. diameter and under instead of
the full size proof load testing required by the end item bolting specifications SA-354 and
A 490?
Reply: No.
Subject: Section II, Part A, Use of Cold Pilgering Process Under SA-213
File: BC83-193
Question: Is cold pilgered tubing acceptable under the provisions of SA-213?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Section II, Part A, Use of Slotted Head Cap Screws Under SA-307
File: BC83-338
Question: May slotted head bolts be provided under SA-307 with the understanding
that the geometry of the head is a contractual matter?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Section II, Part A, Isothermally Annealed SA-209 Tubing
File: BC83-440
Question: Is isothermal annealing permitted under SA-209, Seamless Carbon-

Molybdenum Alloy Steel Boiler and Superheater Tubes?
Reply: Yes.
No Section II-A Interpretations listed in this volume.

Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-278, Para. 9
File: BC84-257
Question: Does para. 9 of SA-278 permit the use of an indelibly marked serial
number traceable to a material certificate which identifies the manufacturer and the class
of material in lieu of direct indelible marking of the manufacturer and class?
Reply: No.
Subject: Section II, Part A, General Requirements for Tubes
File: BC83-426
Question (1): Is it permissible to machine off the outside surface of the flattening test
sample by 0.008 in., radially measured, in order to eliminate the surface imperfections
and superficial ruptures that are referred to in paras. 5.2 and 5.3 of SA-450 before
running the flattening test?
Reply (1): No.
Question (2): Is it permissible to prepare samples for the flaring and flange test in the
same way as above if minute ruptures are present on the normal test?
Reply (2): No.
Question (3): In order to conduct the reverse flattening test as per SA-370, shall the half-
tube be flattened as per Fig. 27, i.e., with the original inner surface of the weld located at
the mid-portion of the flattened half-tube?
Reply (3): Yes.
Question (4): In order to conduct the reverse flattening test as per SA-370, shall the half-
tube be bent backward until the two cut edges meet the original inner surface of the weld
exposed on the outside of the maximum bend?
Reply (4): No.

Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-363 and SA-264, Cast Roll Cladding
File: BC84-172
Question: Is the cast roll clad method (enshroud casting and rolling) permitted by
SA-263 and SA-264?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-508, Para. 6.1.6.4, Method 4, Location of Test
Specimens
File: BC84-173
Question: In SA-508 does Method 4 (para. 6.1.6.4), for the location of mechanical
test specimens, require that they be taken from an area of the forging which, together
with welded thermal buffers, has a heat treated cross section not less than the maximum
heat treated cross section of the forging?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-105, SA-182, and SA-350, Forged to Size
File: BC84-308
Question: Specifications SA-105, SA-182, and SA-350 require that the material be
forged as close as practicable to the specified shape and size. Is this requirement
intended to reduce material and machining costs?
Reply: No.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-20, Plate from Coils
File: BC84-163
Question: Does SA-20 prohibit the production of plate from coil?
Reply: No.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-370, Para. 21.1.2
File: BC84-336
Question: Does SA-370 permit Charpy machines with a capacity of greater than 265
ft-lbf?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-403, Para. 8, Tensile Testing
File: BC84-415
Question: For SA-403 fittings made from plate, may a record of a tension test made
on the plate in the same condition of heat treatment as the finished fitting be supplied in
lieu of performing the tension test described in para. 8.2?
Reply: No.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-370, Cv Specimen Tolerances
File: BC84-627
Question: When testing in accordance with SA-370, do the tolerances specified by

SA-370, Fig. 11, or E-23, Fig. 6, for Cv specimens apply?
Reply: The tolerances of SA-370, Fig. 11, apply.

Subject: Section II, Part A, Marking of Material with “ASME”, SA-312
File: BC84-555
Question: Does the ASME Statement of Policy on the Use of ASME Marking to
Identify Manufactured Items preclude marking such as “ASME SA-312 TP304” on such
completed material?
Reply: No.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-106, Section 20, Finish
File: BC84-255
Question (1): In SA-106, Section 20, Finish, does the term imperfections include cracks
and cracklike conditions?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): In SA-106, what is the permissible depth of surface imperfections?
Reply (2): See para. 20.2 and para. 20.3.2 of SA-106.
Question (3): Does SA-106, Section 20, require visual examination?
Reply (3): Yes.
Question (4): Does SA-106, Section 20, require magnetic particle examination?
Reply (4): No.
Question (5): Does SA-106, Section 20, permit magnetic particle examination in lieu of
visual?
Reply (5): No.

Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-216, Section 10, Repair by Welding
File: BC84-688
Question: Does SA-216 have a maximum permissible size for defects in castings
which will be repaired by welding?
Reply: No.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-240, Para. 12.2
File: BC84-631
Question: Does para. 12.2 of SA-240 permit only one tension test and only one
hardness test to be performed on every 100 pieces or less produced from a single heat and
heat treated in different batch furnace charges?
Reply: No.
Interpretation: IIA-86-01
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-182, Para. 5.1
File: BC85-249
Question: Does the term “annealed” in SA-182, para. 5.1, require full annealing?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-403, Preamble
File: BC85-250
Question: Does the preamble of SA-403 require that all SA-403 fittings be produced
under Section III Code requirements when the purchaser did not specify Section III
compliance?
Reply: No.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-53, Para. 21.3, Marking
File: BC85-470
Question: Does the terminology “transfer complete identification” in SA-53, para.

21.3, allow for the use of ballpoint markers?
Reply: No.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-234, Para. 6.2.4, Heat Treatment
File: BC85-544
Question: Does para. 6.2.4 of SA-234 require postweld heat treatment of Grades
WPB, WPC, and WPR which were produced by fusion welding and with a nominal
thickness at the joint of less than 19 mm?
Reply: No.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-105, SA-182, and SA-350, Hardness Testing
File: BC85-561
Question: If simulated PWHT is specified by the purchaser in the order, are the
hardness requirements, prescribed in Table 3 of SA-105, Table 4 of SA-182, and para.
6.3.1 of SA-350, the values obtained by testing on the actual forging not subjected to
PWHT?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-325, Bolting
File: BC85-197
Question (1): Can bolts in sizes smaller than ½ in. be manufactured to SA-325?
Reply (1): No.
Question (2): For diameters greater than 3/2 in., Note 1 of SA-325 refers the user to A
449. Can such bolts be considered as SA-325 bolts when they meet the mechanical and
chemical requirements of A 449?
Reply (2): No.

No Section II Interpretations listed in this volume.

Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-268 and SA-688, Welder and Weld Procedure
Qualification
File: BC86-325
Question: Is welder and weld procedure qualification required by SA-268 and SA-
668?
Reply: No.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-312, Repair of Welds
File: BC86-369
Question: Is it permissible to repair weld seams in SA-312 pipe?
Reply: No.

Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-240, Ordering Information
File: BC86-510
Question: May plate or sheet conforming to SA-240, Type 304 which has been
procured with a purchase order not including finish, form, and preparation, be accepted as
meeting the requirements of SA-480?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-350, Para. 11.4, Marking
File: BC87-155
Question (1): When Charpy impact tests are performed not only at the standard
temperature specified in Table 5 of SA-350 but also at additional nonstandard
temperatures specified by the purchaser, is it necessary to stamp the additional
nonstandard temperatures in accordance with SA-350, para. 11.4?
Reply (1): Yes, in addition to the standard temperature.
Question (2): If the reply to the question above is yes, shall all the additional
nonstandard temperatures be stamped?
Reply (2): Yes.

Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-264, Para. 9.1.1, Elongation Requirements
File: BC87-246
Question (1): Does SA-264 require that the elongation be determined on the tension test
on the composite plate?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): Does SA-264 require that the elongation determined on the tension test on
the composite plate meet the requirement specified in the specification for the base steel
used?
Reply (2): Yes.

Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-182, Para. 4.4, Machining of Forgings
File: BC87-392
Question: May flanges machined from individual forged rings greater than 4 in. in
diameter be certified to SA-182?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-312, Para. 5.3.2, Solution Treated Condition
File: BC87-260
Question: In SA-312, para. 5.3.2, does the term “solution-treated” refer to the heat
treatment described in para. 5.3.1; that is, heating to the specified temperature and then
quenching in water or rapidly cooling by other means?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-105, Para. 1.1, Scope
File: BC87-303
Question (1): Does SA-105 provide for the manufacture of forged tubesheets?
Reply (1): No.
Question (2): Does SA-105 provide for the manufacture of flat covers and nonstandard
flanges?
Reply (2): Yes.
Question (3): Does SA-105 provide for the manufacture of cylinders?
Reply (3): Yes, except for shells for pressure vessels.

Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-105, Para. 1.1, Scope
File: BC87-318
Question (1): Are tubesheets and cylindrical forgings for pressure vessel shells required
to be manufactured to SA-266 only, regardless of weight?
Reply (1): No, other forging specifications may also be used.
Question (2): May end flanges and cylindrical forgings used for integral reinforced
nozzles be manufactured to SA-105?
Reply (2): Yes.

Subject: SA-515 and SA-20, Heat Treatment Status Marking of Plate
File: BC88-012
Question (1): If a purchaser of SA-515 plates specifies that the plates be furnished in the
as-rolled condition but qualified on the basis of normalized test specimens, shall the
plates be marked with the letter “G” in accordance with SA-20, paragraph 13.4?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): If a purchaser of SA-515 plates with nominal thickness of 2 in. or less
specifies that the plates are to be normalized by the plate producer, is this heat treatment
requirement considered to be part of the ASME SA-515 Specification?
Reply (2): No.
Question (3): If a purchaser of SA-515 plates with nominal thickness greater than 2 in.
specifies that the plates are to be normalized by the plate producer, is this heat treatment
requirement considered to be part of the ASME SA-515 Specification?
Reply (3): Yes.

Section II-A - Interpretations Vol. 24
Subject: SA-193, Paras. 18.1 and 18.2, Marking
File: BC88-070
Question: For T-bolts manufactured to SA-193 Grade B7 that are shipped and stored
in boxes, must the marking requirements of both paras. 18.1 and 18.2 be met?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: SA-182, Para. 4.4, Machining of Forgings
File: BC88-150
Question: May flanges machined from individual “pancake” forgings be certified to

SA-182?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: SA-105, Para. 5.1, Heat Treatment
File: BC88-209
Question: Do one-piece flanged valve bodies above Class 300 require heat treatment
under para. 5.1 of SA-105?
Reply: Yes.
Interpretation: II-A-89-03R
Subject: Section II, Part A; SA-53, Para. 21.3, Marking
File: BC85-470
Question: Does the terminology “transfer complete identification” in SA-53, para.

21.3 allow for the use of legible hand marking?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Section II Foreword, Identification and Certification of Materials
File: BC89-030
Question: The Foreword provides for the use of ASTM material. Must this ASTM
material be shown to have been produced to the exact ASTM specification (including
year date of issue) indicated in the parenthetical subtitle shown immediately below the
SA or SB numerical designation on the front page of the ASME specification?
Reply: No.
Subject: Section II, SA-516 and SA-20
File: BC89-106
Question: May the user and the producer agree on the acceptance criteria for notch
toughness tests for SA-516, other than those listed in Table A1.15 (A2.15) of SA-20?
Reply: Yes, provided all other requirements are met.

Subject: SA-6
File: BC89-194
Question: Does SA-6 require that the year of issue be shown on the mill test report?
Reply: No.
Subject: SA-194
File: BC89-195
Question: May AISI 4140 starting material be used to manufacture SA-194, Grade
2H nuts?
Reply: No.
Subject: Section II, SA-240, Ti Content in Stainless Steel Plate
File: BC89-197
Question: Does SA-240 specifically address titanium composition limits for Type
316L?
Reply: No.
Subject: Section II, SA-358 and SA-691, Transverse Guided-Bend Weld Test
File: BC89-138
Question: Does the transverse guided-bend weld test of SA-358 para. 12.2 and SA-
691 para. 8.2.2 require one test of two specimens or two tests of four specimens?
Reply: One test of two specimens.

Subject: Section II, SA-53, SA-530
File: BC90-312*
Question: Does SA-53 require the use of A 530?
Reply: Yes.
NOTE: The above Interpretation was printed incorrectly in Interpretation Volume

No. 27 and is reprinted here in its correct form.
Subject: Section II, SA-53, SA-530
Question: Does SA-53 require the use of A 530?
Reply: No.

Subject: Section II, Dual Marking
File: BC89-419
Question (1): May a material certified and marked as meeting two strength levels or
grades of a specification approved for use in an ASME construction code be used at the
allowable stresses or design stress intensities of either strength level or grade?
Reply (1): Yes, provided the appropriate allowable stresses for the grade are used in
the design.
Question (2): May a material certified and marked as meeting a specification approved
for use in an ASME construction code, and also marked and certified as meeting a
specification not approved for use in that ASME construction code, be used in that
construction code?
Reply (2): Yes. The additional markings have no effect on the validity of the
markings and certification of the approved material.
Subject: Section II, SA-105
File: BC90-740
Question: Does SA-105, para. 4.4 permit cylindrically shaped parts to be classed as
SA-105 that are machined directly from hot-rolled bar or seamless mechanical tubing that
is neither hot nor cold forged provided the chemical requirements of Table 1 and the
mechanical requirements of Table 4 are satisfied?
Reply: No. All requirements of the specification shall be met.

Subject: Section II, SA-234, Weld Repair
File: BC90-789
Question: May an owner perform a weld repair on an SA-234 fitting without

performing a post weld heat treatment (PWHT) when the depth of repair exceeds 331/3%
of the nominal wall thickness and PWHT is not required by another code section?
Reply: The specification does not address the owner’s responsibility.

Subject: Section II, SA-20, Para. 11.1.1
File: BC90-329
Question: Under the requirements of SA-20, para. 11.1.1 in Section II, Part A, must
each final coil be represented by a test coupon to certify that the coil material meets the
specification, regardless of the number of divisions from the master coil?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Section II, SA-703, Investment Casting Process
File: BC90-227
Question (1): In the investment casting process when the furnace charge is a remelt of a
master heat with no additions, and the master heat is defined as a single furnace charge of
refined alloy, may the master heat analysis be used to satisfy the chemical comparison
requirements of SA-703 para. 5.1 for heat analysis?
Reply (1): No.
Question (2): In the investment casting process when the furnace charge is a remelt of a
master heat with no addition and the master heat is defined as a single furnace charge of
refined alloy, may the master heat tensile test be used to satisfy the tensile test
requirements of SA-703, para. 7.1, tensile requirements?
Reply (2): No.

Subject: Section II, SA-193, Macroetch Testing
File: BC90-648
Question: Is it a requirement of SA-193 that bolting products hot formed from bar,
and subsequently heat treated, be subject to the macroetch test required in para. 4.2 of this
specification?
Reply: No.
Subject: Section II, SA-193, Heat Treatment
File: BC91-017
Question: May a material manufactured to SA-193 be heat treated immediately after

rolling or forging without cooling when an intergranular corrosion test reflects that there
is no precipitation of the carbide?
Reply: No.
Subject: Section II, SA-649, Hardening Prior to Trunnion Fittings; Use of Class 2
Material
File: BC91-018
Question (1): When manufacturing pressure rolls in accordance with SA-649 para. 4.4.3,
is it permissible to flame or induction harden prior to the trunnions being fitted?
Reply (1): Yes, when trunnions are fitted by shrink fitting only.
Question (2): When manufacturing pressure rolls in accordance with SA-649 para. 1.3,
may SA-649, Class 1A material be used instead of Class 2 material?
Reply (2): Yes.

Subject: Section II, SA-20, SA-516, Unspecified Elements
File: BC91-021
Question: In the construction of pressure vessels or pressure vessel parts according

to the current edition of Section VIII, Division 1, is it a mandatory requirement that the
chemical analysis for unspecified elements, specification SA-20, Table 1, be reported for
SA-516 plates although not required or specified by the vessel manufacturer?
Reply: Yes, because SA-20 is included in SA-516 by reference.

Subject: Section II, SA-395, Heat Treatment
File: BC91-088
Question: May material produced in accordance with SA-395 be used without any
heat treatment when the mechanical properties in the “as cast” condition fulfill the
requirements of SA-395?
Reply: No.
Subject: Section II, Dual Marking of SA-515 and SA-516
File: BC91-271
Question: Is it acceptable to dual certify SA-515 and SA-516 Grade 70, provided the
chemical and mechanical properties are reported on the actual mill certification?
Reply: No. Additional requirements apply.

Subject: Use of DIN Material in Lieu of SA-240
File: BC91-393
Question: Is the austenitic steel type 1.4571, DIN Standard 17440, acceptable as the
equivalent to SA-240 Type 316 Ti?
Reply: No.
Subject: SA-240, Test Identification Number
File: BC91-382
Question: Is it the intent for the term “test identification number” in para. 2.1.1 of
SA-240 to refer to the manufacturer’s heat number?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: SA-182, SA-479, Heat Treatment
File: BC90-548*
Question: Do small cylindrically shaped parts machined from bar, as permitted by

para. 4.4 of SA-182, and heat treated before machining to the requirements of SA-479,
meet the heat treatment requirements of SA-182?
Reply: Yes. See 5.2.2 of SA-182.
NOTE: The above revised interpretation was printed incorrectly in Interpretation

Volume No. 32 as Interpretation number IIA-92-14.
Subject: SA-105, Tube Sheet
File: BC91-510
Question: May SA-105 be used as the material of construction of a tube sheet made
to Section VIII, Division 1 rules?
Reply: No. (See para. 1.1.or SA-105 for Scope limitations.)

Subject: SA-178, Killed Steel
File: BC91-519
Question: Does SA-178 require Grades A and C to be killed steel?
Reply: No.
Subject: SA-194, Hardness Tests
File: BC91-553
Question: Is it necessary to perform a hardness test after heat treatment as required

by para. 7.1.5.2 of SA-194 when Grade 2H and 7 nuts have been converted to Grade
2HM and 7M, respectively, when these tests have already been performed on the nuts in
their original grade?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: SA-53, SA-530
File: BC90-312*
Question: Does SA-53 require use of A 530?
Reply: Yes.
Note: The above interpretation was printed incorrectly in Interpretation Volume

No. 27 and is reprinted here in its correct form.
Subject: SA-20, Year Reference
File: BC91-520*
Question: Does SA-516 or SA-20 require inclusion of a year date of issuance or

revision in either the marking on the material, or in the report for that material?
Reply: No.
Subject: Dual Marking
File: BC92-001
Question: May a pipe be certified and dual marked to both SA-53 and SA-106?
Reply: Yes, provided the pipe meets all requirements of both specifications.
Subject: SA-179, SA-214, Killed Steel
File: BC92-088
Question: Do paras. 9.2 of SA-179 and 8.2 of SA-214 prohibit the addition of killing
(deoxidation) agents?
Reply: No.
Subject: Marking of 304 and 316L Materials
File: BC92-089*
Question: Does SA-312 require the prefix TP be included as part of the grade
designation in the marking of the product?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Product Analysis for SA-537
File: BC92-166
Question: Does footnote B of Table 1 of SA-537 require a product analysis per

Supplementary Requirement S2 of SA-20?
Reply: No.
Subject: SA-649, Para. 1.3, Manufacture of Corrugating & Pressure Rolls
File: BC92-149
Question: May both corrugating and pressure roll bodies be manufactured from SA-
649, Class 1A or 1B?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: SA-537, Product Analysis
File: BC92-191
Question: When the option to increase the manganese content of SA-537 is

exercised, per footnote B of Table 1, is it required that a product analysis be performed?
Reply: No, not unless Supplementary Requirement S2 is specified in the material

order.
File: BC90-548
Question: When machining small cylindrically shaped austenitic (F300 series)

stainless steel pipe fittings conforming to SA-182 from rolled bar, does conformance to
the heat treatment requirements of SA-479 meet the heat treatment requirements of SA-
182?
Reply: Yes, provided the bar has been liquid quenched from the solution
annealing temperature.
Subject: SA-105, Annealing and Normalizing Requirements
File: BC92-377
Question: Does heating for hot forging followed by slow cooling in the forging stock
box meet the requirements for annealing or normalizing of Section 5 of SA-105?
Reply: No.
File: BC90-548*
Question: Do small cylindrically shaped parts machined from bar, as permitted by

para. 4.4 of SA-182, and heat treated before machining to the requirements of SA-479,
meet the heat treatment requirements of SA-182?
Reply: Yes. See 5.2.2 of SA-182.

Subject: Marking of 304 and 316L Materials
File: BC92-089*
Question: Does SA-312 require the prefix TP be included as part of the grade
designation in the marking of the product?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Ordering Information
File: BC92-242
Question (1): Is it a requirement of the Ordering Information paragraphs of

specifications SA-20 and SA-480 that all of the items covered by these paragraphs be
addressed on the material purchase orders?
Reply(1): No.
Question (2): Is it the intent of specifications, such as SA-209, that all of the items listed
in their Ordering Information paragraphs be addressed on the material purchase orders?
Reply (2): No.

Subject: SA-194, Hardness Tests on Nuts Machined from Heat Treated Bar
File: BC93-033
Question: When SA-194 Grade 7 nuts are machined from heat treated bar, as
permitted by para. 5.5 of SA-194, are the hardness tests described in paras. 7.1.2.1,
7.1.2.2, and 7.1.5.2 required?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Marking of Heat Treated SA-516 Material
File: BC93-126
Question (1): Shall plate produced and tested to the requirements of SA-516 for
normalized plate be marked MT, as required by para. 13.5 of SA-20, regardless of the
subsequent processing by the purchaser?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): Shall plate produced and tested to the requirements of SA-516 for
normalized plate be marked MT, as required by para. 13.5 of SA-20, and also be marked
G when the plate is additionally qualified on the basis of heat treated test specimens as
requested by the purchaser?
Reply (2): No.

Subject: O.D. Tolerances for SA-106 Material
File: BC93-380
Question: May a manufacturer of steel pipe produce material to all applicable

requirements of SA-106, taking exception only to the O.D. tolerances required per the
specification and/or applicable reference documents, and maintain the ability to certify
the material to SA-106, as long as the exceeded tolerances are agreed to by the
purchaser?
Reply: No.


Subject: SA-414
File: BC94-068
Question: May ASTM A 414 material, lacking identification on the certification to

identify it with the acceptable ASTM editions equivalent to SA-414, as shown in
Appendix A of Section II, Part A, be used in Code construction?
Reply: Yes, provided the material manufacturer, or boiler vessel manufacturer,

certifies with evidence acceptable to the Authorized Inspector, the corresponding
requirements of ASTM A 414 have been met. See page xi of the Foreword to Section II,
Part A.
Subject: Coating of Fastener Specs.
File: BC94-175
Question: Do specifications SA-193, SA-194, and SA-320 address coatings?
Reply: No.
Subject: Marking Requirements of SA-20
File: BC94-262
Question: Para. 13 of SA-20 requires that the heat and slab number, and specification
number and grade, class and type, where indicated in the material specification, be
stamped and stenciled on each plate. Does para. 19 of SA-20 require that the slab
number for each plate be shown on the test report?
Reply: No.
Subject: Retesting of SA-387, SA-20 Material
File: BC94-468
Question: For SA-387, Grade 12, Class 2 material, ordered with test compounds heat
treated after simulated heat treatment per S3 of S16 of SA-20, and failing to meet a
required mechanical property minimum of the specification after tensile test, may
retesting of the tensile property be permitted under the provisions of SA-370?
Reply: No.

Subject: Heat Treatment Requirements in SA-350, Para. 6.1.2.1
File: BC94-680
Question: Is it a requirement of SA-350, para. 6.1.2.1 that the rate of heating to

normalizing temperature is the same for each heat treatment load?
Reply: No.
Subject: Interpretation of Certified Material Test Reports
File: BC93-688
Question: May a materials manufacturer, or stamp holder transfer data from a

certified material test report to their own certified test report, or append additional
information to a certified test report?
Reply: Yes, provided that the materials manufacturer, or stamp holder, takes
responsibility for the new certified material test report, or for the appended information.
Subject: Dual Unit Marking of Material Specifications
File: BC95-262
Question: May a material certified and marked as meeting both U.S. customary and
metric units be used for Code use?
Reply: Yes, providing the results are reported in both systems and meet the
requirements of both systems.
Subject: SA-20, Para. 12.1.1 Impact Test Requirement
File: BC95-436
Question (1): Does paras. 12.1.1 and 12.1.1.1 of SA-20 require one impact test (three
specimens) for each plate-as-rolled?
Reply (1): Yes. See SA-20 para. 3.1.8 for the definition of plate as-rolled.
Question (2): For normalized plate subdivided from a plate as-rolled, does one impact
test (three specimens) satisfy the impact requirements of SA-20, paras. 12.1.1 and
12.1.1.1 for all the subdivided plates?
Reply (2): Yes.


Subject: Interpretation of Material Test Reports
File: BC93-688*
Question: May a materials manufacturer, or stamp holder transfer data from a

material test report to their own test report, or append additional information to a test
report?
Reply: Yes, provided that the materials manufacturer, or stamp holder, takes
responsibility for the new material test report, or for the appended information.
Subject: Criteria of Appendix 1 of Section II, Part D
File: BC95-443
Question: Does the criteria of Appendix 1 of Section II, Part D for establishing stress
values in Tables 1A and 1B, imply an explicit design life for Section I construction, using
the design allowable stresses in Tables 1A and 1B for materials permitted in Section I
construction?
Reply: No. There is neither an explicit nor an implicit design life associated with
the allowable stresses in Tables 1A and 1B for Section I construction. The criteria of
Appendix 1 of Section II, Part D has been established with the intention that sufficient
margin is provided in the allowable stresses to preclude failure during normal operation
for any reasonable life of boilers constructed according to Section I rules.
Subject: SA-395
File: BC96-049
Question: Does the reference in Note 1 of SA-395 to A 536 incorporate A 536 in

SA-395?
Reply: No.
Subject: SA-105 Forging Flanges
File: BC96-324
Question: In forging flanges to SA-105 is there a requirement for the bore to be

formed by hot working?
Reply: No.
Subject: Use of SA-649 Material
File: BC96-375
Question: Does SA-649 limit the material for the trunnions of forged steel
corrugating and pressure rolls used in machinery for producing corrugated paper to only
Classes 3 and 4?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: SA-20 and SA-353
File: BC95-382
Question: For SA-353 double-normalized and tempered 9% Ni alloy steel plates,

which have been first normalized in the flat condition at a uniform temperature of
1650oF+/- 25oF, may the second normalizing treatment be omitted, if hot forming is
performed after heating to a temperature within the range of 1450oF+/-25oF?
Reply: No.
Subject: Materials Processed from Coil
File: BC96-416
Question: Does para. 5.5.2 of SA-20 define the responsibility for testing and
certifying material when such material is cut from coil?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: SA-350 Impact Test
File: BC96-451
Question: Do paras. 6.2.3 and 6.1.3.4 of SA-350 require that impact test specimens
shall have their longitudinal axis parallel to the major working axis of the test blank?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: SA-508 Paras. 6.1.2.2, 6.1.2.3, 6.1.2.4, and 6.1.2.5
File: BC96-480
Question: In SA-508, paragraphs 6.1.2.2, 6.1.2.3, 6.1.2.4, and 6.1.2.5, is the “heat
treated length”, regardless of shape, considered to be the dimension of the forging whose
axis is parallel to the direction to which it is immersed into the quenching bath?
Reply: No. Tests are required as specified.

Subject: Chemical Analysis of SA-36 Material
File: BC97-049
Question: Does SA-36 require the reporting of residual elements?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Mechanical Testing Requirements of SA-264
File: BC97-321
Question (1): Does SA-264 apply to explosively bonded clad plates?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): Does paragraph 14 mean that each and every clad plate produced to SA-
264 shall be submitted to at least a mechanical test set?
Reply (2): Yes.
Question (3): Is it possible to certify explosively bonded clad plates to SA-264 doing
only a shear test?
Reply (3): No.
Question (4): Is it possible to certify explosively bonded clad plates to SA-264 without
doing any mechanical testing?
Reply (4): Yes.


Subject: SA-350 Para. 4.1.1
File: BC98-313
Question: Does SA-350 require that the grain size of the forgings be determined and
reported?
Reply: No.
Subject: Tension Test Requirement in SA-703
File: BC98-314
Question: Does SA-703 require a tension test for each heat, even if the material that
is poured is from the same master ingot?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Clarification of Method of Construction for SA-403 Fittings
File: BC98-466
Question: Does SA-403 address welded mitered elbows?
Reply: No.
Subject: SA-351, Definitions of Heat, Master Heat, or Subheat
File: BC98-506
Question: Can an investment casting supplier use the chemical and mechanical
properties from a master heat ingot, which will be remelted in subheats to pour into
castings, to meet the tensile requirements of SA-351?
Reply: No. Melting can change chemistry and properties.

Subject: SA-788, Para. 8.5, Unspecified Elements
File: BC98-462
Question: May material having the chemistry of SA-372 Grade G, Class 70, except
having deliberate additions of 0.40-0.70 Ni, 0.08 Vmax and 0.002 Bmax and otherwise
meeting all requirements of SA-372 Grade G, Class 70, be certified to SA-372 Grade B,
Class 70?
Reply: No.
Subject: Test Specimen Geometry for SA-264 and SA-265
File: BC98-509
Question: In SA-264 and SA-265, does the thickness include the base metal and the
cladding?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Chemical Requirements of SA-542 (1998 Edition with the 1999 Addenda)
Type D of Section II, Part A
File: BC99-533
Question (1): The maximum silicon content is 0.010% on heat analysis and 0.013% on
product analysis in accordance with Table 1 of SA-542/SA-542M. Are not these figures
misprints of 0.10 and 0.13 respectively?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): May titanium and boron contents given in Table 1 be interpreted as 0.030
max., 0.035 max., and 0.0020 max. respectively?
Reply (2): Yes.

Subject: Acceptable Limit of Unspecified Elements in Section II, Parts A and B

(1998 edition, 1999 Addenda)
File: BC00-056
Question (1): Is there any requirement where an ellipses (…) appears in a table of
chemical composition in the materials specifications in Section II, Parts A and B?
Reply (1): No.
Question (2): For SA-182, SA-234, and SA-335 grades for which an ellipses (…)
appears in the table of chemical composition for any element, and for which a test report
indicates a content of such an element that does not violate the requirements of section
6.3 of SA-182 or section B-230 of Appendix B of Section II, Part A, for SA-234 or SA-
335, is the material in conformance with the respective specifications?
Reply (2): Yes, provided that all of the other requirements of the respective
specifications are met.

Subject: Hydrostatic Test Requirements for SA-216, SA-217, SA-351, and SA-352
in Section II, Part A (1998 Edition, 1999 Addenda)
File: BC99-469
Question: Do the hydrostatic test requirements of SA-703/SA-703M apply to all castings

certified to SA-216/SA-216M, SA-217/SA-217M, SA-351/SA-351M, and SA-352/SA-
352M?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: SA-508 Para. 6.1.2.1 in Section II, Part A (1998 Edition, 1999 Addenda)
File: BC99-394
Question: When multiple forgings to SA-508, separated before heat treatment, are
heat treated by austenitizing, quenching, and tempering in the same furnace charge does
the 1000 lb weight limitation for the individual forgings from the same multiple forging
as required by para. 6.1.2.1 of the specification apply?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Class Designation for SA-672 Grade C60 in Section II, Part A (1998
Edition, 1999 and 2000 Addenda)
File: BC00-470
Question (1): May electric fusion welded pipe, fabricated from SA-516 Grade 60 plate,
and mechanically tested in the as-welded condition, and otherwise meeting all the
requirements of SA-672, be certified as SA-672 Grade C60, Class 12 pipe?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): May electric fusion welded pipe, fabricated from SA-516 Grade 60 plate,
and mechanically tested in the post-weld heat treated condition, and otherwise meeting
all the requirements of SA-672, be certified as SA-672 Grade C60, Class 12 pipe?
Reply (2): No. Such pipe shall be certified as SA-672 Grade C60, Class 22 pipe.
Subject: Requirements for Coil Products to SA-414 (1998 Edition)
File: BC99-519
Question: Does coil product to SA-414, marked on the product as required in para.
10.2 of SA-414, but lacking a tag meet the requirements of SA-414?
Reply: No.
Subject: SA-234 Para. 5 in Section II, Part A (1995 Edition, 1996 Addenda)
File: BC96-174
Question: Does para. 5.3 of SA-234 address the location in welds made to this
specification?
Reply: No.
Subject: Use of SA-516 Grade 60 that Fails to Meet the Minimum Silicon
Requirement in Section II, Part A (1998 Edition, 1999 and 2000 Addenda)
File: BC01-099
Question: May material meeting all the requirements of SA-516 Grade 60, except
that the heat analysis for silicon is reported as less than 0.15%, be certified
as SA-516 Grade 60?
Reply: No. The material must meet all the requirements of the specification to be
certified as SA-516 Grade 60.
Subject: Product Analysis Range for Chromium Type D in Table 1 of SA-542/SA-

542M in Section II, Part A (1998 Edition, 1999 and 2000 Addenda)
File: BC01-263
Question: Is the product analysis range for chromium Type D material in SA-
542/SA-542M correct as 1.08 – 2.62%?
Reply: No. The product analysis range was corrected to 1.88 – 2.62% by editorial
ε1
action in ASTM A 542/A 542M-95 .
Subject: References to Edition and Addenda
File: BC01-570
Question (1): The 1998 Code Edition, as published, incorporates the 1998 Addenda.
When providing reference to this Code Edition and Addenda within a Code-required
document, may only the Edition be listed (i.e., 1998 Edition)?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): For the 1998 Edition only, is it necessary to revise Code-required
documentation where the term “1998 Edition” was used as meaning the 1995 Edition
through the 1997 Addenda?
Reply (2): No.

Subject: Heat Treatment Requirements for SA-182 Grade FXM-19 and SA-479
Grade XM-19 (Nitronic 50) in Section II, Part A (1998 Edition, 1999
Addenda)
File: BC99-279
Question: For the 1998 Edition, 1999 Addenda and later, if SA-182/SA-182M Grade
FXM-19 and SA-479/SA-479M Grade XM-19 are heat treated in accordance with their
specifications, may the yield strength values listed in Table Y-1 for the materials be used
for the design of threaded fasteners?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Ordering Materials to SA/SB Specifications Section II, Parts A and B

(1998 Edition, 1999 and 2000 Addenda)
File: BC01-369
Question: Is it required that plate material intended for Code construction to either
Sections I, IV, VIII, or X, and ordered and supplied to an SA/SB specification listed in
Section II, Parts A or B, have material certification which identifies the ASME
Edition/Addenda to which the material is being supplied?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Material Certification and Product Marking Requirements for SA-106/SA-

106M Grade B in Section II, Part A (1998 Edition, 1999 Addenda)
File: BC01-608
Question (1): Do the certification requirements for SA-106 seamless pipe require a
specific statement on pipe manufacture or heat treatment?
Reply (1): No.
Question (2): For seamless pipe manufactured to SA-106, must the heat number of the
steel used in the pipe manufacture be marked on the pipe?
Reply (2): Yes.

Subject: Product Marking Requirement in Para. 12.1 of SA-376/SA-376M in

Section II, Part A (2001 Edition)
File: BC01-626 (BC01-740)
Question: Is it the intent of SA-376/SA-376M, when marking pipe, must the symbol
“S” and the supplementary requirement number(s) be applied to the pipe when the pipe
conforms to one or more of the listed supplementary requirements included in the
purchase order?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Tempering in Para. 5.1 of SA-387/SA-387M in Section II, Part A (1998

Edition)
File: BC99-212
Question: May SA-387, Grade 11 Class 2, plate be ordered in the normalized

condition with the tempering cycle to be completed by the fabricator as permitted by SA-
20/SA-20M?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Leak Tightness Testing of Seamless Boiler Tubes under SA-213/SA-

213M and SA-450/SA-450M in Section II, Part A (1995 Edition with the
1996 and 1997 Addenda)
File: BC98-312
Question (1): Does para. 11.5 of SA-213/SA-213M permit a purchaser to specify that a
nondestructive electric test may be used in lieu of a hydrostatic test?
Reply (1): Yes.
Question (2): Does para. 11.5 of SA-213/SA-213M and para. 24.1 of SA-450/SA-450M
permit the manufacturer to select the nondestructive electric test that shall be used in lieu
of a hydrostatic test, when this substitution is permitted by the purchaser, but no specific
test is specified by the purchaser?
Reply (2): Yes.
Question (3): Does para. 4.1.10 of SA-213/SA-213M permit a purchaser to specify a

particular nondestructive electric test, in addition to the other requirements of this
specification, including the hydrostatic test?
Reply (3): Yes.
Question (4): Does para. 11.5 of SA-213/SA-213M require that a hydrostatic test be
performed if the purchaser specifies either any electric nondestructive test or a specific
nondestructive electric test, and does not specify that this test may be used instead of the
hydrostatic test?
Reply (4): No.

Subject: Applying Heat Treatment after Cold Working or Cold Drawing under SA-
372/SA-372M in Section II, Part A (2001 Edition)
File: BC01-893 (BC01-790)
Question: Is it the intent, when cold working is employed in the manufacturing

procedure for a vessel being made to Specification SA-372/SA-372M, that the prescribed
heat treatment be applied after completion of cold working?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: SA-312/SA-312M and SA-358/SA-358M in Section II, Part A (2001

Edition)
File: BC01-787
Question: For welded austenitic stainless steel pipe made to Specification SA-
312/SA-312M, must the automatic welding in para. 5.1.1 conform to the requirements of
Section IX of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code?
Reply: No.
Subject: Requirements for Ultrasonic and Electromagnetic Inspection in SA-

File: BC02-2685
Question (1): It is a requirement of SA-53/SA-53M that, for welded pipe, the

longitudinal weld seam be examined. For this examination must both the ultrasonic and
electromagnetic examination methods be used?
Reply (1): No, either method can be used.
Question (2): For Type E pipe, what is the test method for the electromagnetic
inspection?
Reply (2): ASTM E 570 “Practice for Flux Leakage Examination of Ferromagnetic
Steel Tubular Products.”
Subject: Regarding the Use of EN 10028-2 in Section II, Part A (2001 Edition)
File: BC02-2711
Question: Is it acceptable to use EN 10028-2:1992 in lieu of BS EN 10028-2:1993

for the selection of flat products made of steels for pressure purposes?
Reply: No.
Subject: Allowable Percentage for Unspecified Elements in SA-516/SA-516M in

Section II, Part A (2001 Edition)
File: BC02-3280
Question: Are there restrictions on the presence of unspecified elements in any of the
pressure vessel plate grades supplied to SA-516/SA-516M, other than those listed in
Table 1 of SA-20/SA-20M?
Reply: No.
Subject: Regarding the Deletion of SA/EN 10028-2 in Section II, Part A (2001
Edition, 2002 Addenda)
File: BC02-3757
Question: Was it the intent to delete SA/EN 10028-2?
Reply: No.
Subject: SA-312/SA-312M Pipe Containing Fusion Welds in Section II, Part A

(1998 Edition, 1999 Addenda)
File: BC03-1457 (BC01-078)
Question (1): May welded pipe meeting all the requirements of SA-312/SA-312M,
except that the weld is wholly made by fusion welding with the addition of filler metal be
certified as complying with SA-312/SA-312M?
Reply (1): No, see para. 5.1.1 of SA-312/SA-312M.
Question (2): May welded SA-312/SA-312M pipes having a diameter less than NPS 6
or a nominal wall thickness of less than 0.200 in., and repaired by fusion welding be
certified as complying with SA-312/SA-312M?
Reply (2): No. There are no exemptions from the requirements of para. 5.1.1 of SA-
312/SA-312M for pipe of these sizes.
Question (3): May autogeneously welded pipe having a diameter equal to or exceeding
NPS 6 and a wall thickness equal to or exceeding 0.200 in., and having a weld seam
whose repair length exceeds 20% of the weld seam length be certified as complying with
SA-312/SA-312M?
Reply (3): No, see para. 12.2 of SA-312/SA-312M.

Subject: Requirements for Ultrasonic and Electromagnetic Inspection in SA-

File: BC02-2685* (BC03-1544)
Question (1): It is a requirement of SA-53/SA-53M that, for welded pipe, the

longitudinal weld seam be examined. For this examination must both the ultrasonic and
electromagnetic examination methods be used?
Reply (1): No, either method can be used.
Question (2): In specification SA-53/SA-53M, for Type E pipe of NPS 2 [DN 50] or
larger, nondestructive examination of the weld seam is required. Is it the intent of the
specification that Practice E 213, E 309, or E 570 be used for this purpose?
Reply (2): Yes.
NOTE: The second question and reply of this Interpretation has been revised.
Subject: Number of Tension Tests Required for Quenched and Tempered Plates
under SA-20/SA-20M in Section II, Part A (2001 Edition, 2002 Addenda)
File: BC03-1371
Question: For a steel plate made to a specification that incorporates SA-20/SA-20M,

when an optional quench and temper heat treatment cycle is used, must the plate be tested
at both ends?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: General Specification Requirements in Lieu of ASTM A 999/A 999M in

Section II, Part A (2001 Edition, 2002 Addenda)
Question: Is it the intent that, until SA-999/SA-999M is published, SA-530/SA-

530M may be used in lieu of ASTM A 999/A 999M as the general specification for those
ASME material specifications that reference A 999/A 999M, such as SA-312/SA-312M?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Permitted Tolerances under SA-530/SA-530M in Section II, Part A (2001

Edition)
File: BC02-2686
Question: In addition to the minimum wall thickness tolerance required by 8.1 of

SA-530/SA-530M, is the wall thickness governed by the weight tolerance requirements
of 7.1?
Reply: No, both requirements apply independently and both must be met.
Subject: Plate Produced from Coils under SA-36/SA-36M in Section II, Part A
File: BC03-1937
Question: In specification SA-36/SA-36M, section 4 “General Requirements for

Delivery”, it is stated that coiled product is excluded from qualification to
SA-36/SA-36M until decoiled, leveled and cut to length, and that two
tension tests are required from each qualifying coil. Are the qualifying
coils those designated in Table D of specification SA-6/SA-6M?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: SA-6/SA-6M and SA-36/SA-36M in Section II, Part A (2001 Edition,

2002 Addenda)
File: BC03-675
Question (1): Except as modified by specification A 6/A 6M, does SA-36/SA-36M para.
4.1.1 require a processor to report two test results for each coil, regardless
of the number of coils produced from a single heat?
Reply (1): No.
Question (2): In SA-36/SA-36M, 4.1.1, does the reference to test results in the last
sentence refer to tension tests and their results?
Reply (2): Yes.
Question (3): Is plate as defined in SA-6/SA-6M considered to be a structural product?
Reply (3): Yes.

Subject: Wall Thickness for SA-312/SA-312M TP304L Pipe in Section II, Part A
File: BC00-277
Question: Table X1.1 in Appendix X1 of SA-312/SA-312M gives dimensions for

seamless and welded stainless steel pipe in Schedule 5S, 10S, 40S, and 80S. For the 16
NPS pipe an ellipsis appears instead of a wall thickness. Is there a specified nominal wall
thickness for this size?
Reply: No, a wall thickness is not specified for this size, the ellipsis means no
requirement.
Subject: Marking Requirements of SA-530/SA-530M in Section II, Part A (2001

File: BC02-2578 (BC02-103)
Question: Does paragraph 24.3 of SA-530/SA-530M require that no detectable

quantities of potentially harmful metals, or metal salts, such as zinc, lead, or copper, be
present in marking materials?
Reply: No. See SA-1016/SA-1016M, para. 30.2.

File: BC03-1333
Subject: Weld Tensile Test for Welded Pipes as per SA-672, in Section II, Part A
Question: May welded pipe be certified to SA-672, if the transverse tension tests required
by para. 8.1.1 of SA-672 fail in the base material and do not meet either the specified
minimum tensile or yield strength of the base plate specification used to make the welded
pipe, but meet 95% of the base plate material properties?
Reply: No.
Subject: Material Test Report Requirement for SA-240/SA-240M, Section II, Part
A (2001 Edition, 2002 and 2003 Addenda)
File: BC04-1068
Question: For stainless steel plate, sheet or strip supplied to SA-240/SA-240M is it

necessary for the certification to include the following sentence on the material test
report: “The material was manufactured, sampled, tested and inspected in accordance
with the requirements of SA-240/SA-240M and has been found to meet those
requirements”?
Reply: No.
Subject: Material Test Report Requirement for SA-240/SA-240M, Section II, Part
A (2001 Edition w/ 2002 and 2003 Addenda)
File: BC04-1068*
Question: For stainless steel plate, sheet or strip supplied to SA-240/SA-240M is it

necessary for the certification to include the following sentence on the material test
report: “The material was manufactured, sampled, tested and inspected in accordance
with the requirements of SA-240/SA-240M and has been found to meet those
requirements”?
Reply: No.
Subject: SA-577/SA-577M Requirement for Ultrasonic Examination of Plate

Material, in Section II, Part A (2004 Edition)
File: BC05-359
Question: When a steel plate is examined by the ultrasonic method in accordance

with SA-577/SA-577M and no indications that equal or exceed the required calibration
curve are found following the scan with the 45 degree angle beam search transducer, is an
additional scan required using an alternate angle beam transducer?
Reply: No.
Subject: Material Test Report Requirements in SA-20/SA-20M, in Section II, Part

A (2004 Edition)
File: BC05-216
Question (1): Can as cast ingot or hot worked continuously cast material that does not
meet the reduction requirements of 5.3 of Specification SA-20/SA-20M be certified to
Specification SA-516/SA-516M?
Reply (1): No.
Question (2): Is certification of strand cast slab material that is supplied for hot rolling
into steel plate to a product specification included in Section II-A required to include the
specification number and year date?
Reply (2): No.
Question (3): For strand cast material that has been hot rolled into plate and supplied to
a second supplier for certification to a Section II-A steel pressure vessel plate
specification, must the original manufacturer's certification indicate that the requirements
of Section 5 Material and Manufacture of Specification SA-20/SA-20M have been met?
Reply (3): Yes.

Subject: Mechanical Test Requirements Concerning Multiple Forgings to SA-

508/SA-508M, in Section II, Part A (2004 Edition)
File: BC05-611
Question 1: According to Specification SA-508/SA-508M is a multiple forging one

that includes several like parts, forged as a single piece and later separated into individual
components?
Reply 1: Yes.
Question 2: According to 6.1.2.1 of Specification SA-508/SA-508M is the maximum

rough machined weight of each of the individual forgings in a multiple forging 1,000 lb
(455 kg)?
Reply 2: Yes.
Question 3: For a multiple forging made to SA-508/SA-508M, in which the rough

machined weight of the individual forgings does not exceed 1,000 lb (455 kg), does
para. 6.2.1 require that the individual forgings be separated from the multiple and then
heat treated in the same heat treatment load?
Reply 3: Yes.
Subject: Simulated PWHT in Accordance with Supplementary Requirement S3 of

SA-20/SA-20M, Section II, Part A (2004 Edition)
File: BC05-612
Question: For normalized and tempered plate to SA-387/SA-387M, Grade 11, Class
2 to be used in welded construction and for a test piece representative of the plate that
has undergone a simulated post weld heat treatment cycle, in accordance with
Supplementary Requirement S3 of SA-20/SA-20M must the minimum tension test
requirements of specification SA-387/SA-387M for the ordered grade and class be met?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Pipe Nipples to SA-53/SA-53M, Section II, Part A (2004 Edition)
File: BC05-1041
Question: Does SA-53/SA-53M address pipe nipples?
Reply: No.
Subject: Certification Requirements for SA-105/SA-105M, Section II, Part A (2001

Edition, 2002 and 2003 Addenda)
File: BC03-1729
Question: When material for Code construction is supplied to an ASTM

specification that is included in the list of Acceptable ASTM Editions in Section II, Part
A, must the certification requirements include the specification year date and acceptable
revision letter?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Supplementary Requirement S2 of SA-213/SA-213M, Section II, Part A

File: BC04-1199
Question: In specification SA-213/SA-213M, Supplementary Requirement S2

enables the purchaser to specify that a stabilizing heat treatment be applied subsequent to
solution annealing for certain listed grades of austenitic stainless steel boiler, superheater
and heat exchanger tubes. Is it a requirement that the stabilization heat treatment
temperature be lower than the solution treatment temperature, and be agreed between the
purchaser and producer?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Test Report Requirements of SA-106, Section II, Part A (2004 Edition)
File: BC05-111
Question: When a test report is requested in the ordering information for SA-106,
must the test report address the results of all tests required by the specification and the
order, including any supplementary requirement tests specified in the order, even if the
required tests, such as bending and flattening, do not yield quantitative results?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: Product Tension Testing Under SA-336/SA-336M, Section II, Part A

(2004 Edition)
File: BC05-1034
Question: For alloy steel forgings supplied to specification SA-336/SA-336M, does

the specification include a purchaser retest provision for the required mechanical tests
similar to that for product chemical analysis?
Reply: No.
Subject: SA-135 ERW Steel Pipe, Section II, Part A (2004 Edition, 2005 Addenda)
File: BC05-1649
Question: Does SA-135 address noncircular pipe?
Reply: No.
Subject: Marking Requirements for SA-213/SA-213M H Grades, Section II, Part A

File: BC06-01
Question: Is it required to mark the heat treatment lot number on stainless steel
tubes, for the grades listed in section 15 of specification SA-213/SA-213M, when the
heat treatment was performed in either a batch or a continuous furnace?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: SA-20/SA-20M Paras. 11.5.3 and 12.1.4, Section II, Part A (2004 Edition,
2005 Addenda)
File: BC06-47
Question: Is it permissible for heavy wall plates as per ASME Section II, Part A, SA-
20/SA-20M, to replace the location of the tensile test specimen as specified under para.
11.5.3 and/or the impact test as specified under para. 12.1.4 by those specimen taken
from the center of the plate thickness when all other Code requirements, e.g. impact
strength, lateral expansion, are complied with?
Reply: No.
Subject: Clarification of Note in Table 1 of SA-403/SA-403M, Section II, Part A

(1974 Edition)
File: BC06-1108
Question: For fittings produced to SA-403/SA-403M WP316L, Section II, Part A

1974 Edition, does Note (g) apply?
Reply: No, the Note (g) reference is a typographical error, Note (c) applies.
Subject: Nickel Range for Grade TP316 in SA-213/SA-213M, Section II,

Part A (2004 Edition, 2005 Addenda)
File: 06-342
Question: For Specification SA-213/SA-213M, as published in the 2004

Edition of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, is the nickel range of 11% to 14%
for the austenitic stainless Grade TP316 (UNS S31600) correct?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: SA-307 Marking Requirements, Section II, Part A (2004 Edition,

2005 Addenda)
File: 06-487
Question: Does the reference to 3/8 in. dimension in SA-307 para. 13.1.2
refer to the actual diameter of the end of the stud or the nominal thread size?
Reply: The nominal thread size.

Subject: SA-36/SA-36M Bend Test Requirements, Section II, Part A (1974

Edition)
File: 06-1426
Question: For material certified to SA-36/SA-36M in the 1974 Edition of

Section II, Part A is the bend test required?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: SA-105/SA-105M Certification Requirements, Section II, Part A

(2004 Edition)
File: 07-63
Question: Is the forging manufacturer (the organization whose identification

marks appear on the finished part) prohibited from transcribing the chemical analysis
from the steel melter’s test report to the manufacturer’s test report?
Reply: No.
Subject: Creep Rupture Test Requirements Under SA-335/SA-335M,

Section II, Part A (2004 Edition, 2005 and 2006 Addenda)
File: 07-122
Question: Is creep rupture mechanical testing a requirement of Specification

SA-335/SA-335M “Seamless Ferritic Alloy Steel Pipe for High Temperature Service”?
Reply: No.
Subject: Certification to SA-649/SA-649M, Section II, Part A (2004

File: 07-640
Question: A material manufacturer obtains forged material that is certified

only to the chemical requirements for a selected grade in SA-649/SA-649M. May the
material manufacturer certify the material in part to the requirements of SA-649/SA-
649M in accordance with 1.4 of SA-788/SA-788M or on completion of all the
requirements of SA-649/SA-649M certify the forging to that specification?
Reply: Yes.
Subject: SA-179/SA-179M Chemical Composition Requirements, Section

II, Part A (2004 Edition, 2005 Addenda)
File: 07-1764
Question: Is the supply of material that specifically requires an additional

maximum limit on an element that is not purposely added, other than those listed in 8.1 of
SA-179/SA-179M, permitted?
Reply: Yes.

Asme Section Ii, Part A Interpretations

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ASME SECTION II, PART A INTERPRETATIONS

NOTE: THESE INTERPRETATIONS ARE FOR ASME COMMITTEE USE

THERE MAY BE SOME TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS IN THIS DOCUMENT.

The following Interpretations are for Section II, Part C:

Subject: Section II, Part A, ASTM A 519, Grade 1026

Date Issued: January 18, 1977

Reply: Material should be produced and documented to an ASME specification.

Date Issued: January 18, 1977

Question: With reference to paragraph 6.1.1 of SA-479, is some cold work

Date Issued: January 18, 1977

Subject: Section II, Part A, Application of Centrifugally Cast Austenitic Cold

Date Issued: January 19, 1977

Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-564, Impact Requirements

Date Issued: March 15, 1977

Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-240, Type 304, Chemical Certification

Date Issued: April 27, 1977

Date Issued: April 29, 1977

Subject: Section II, Part A, Application of “S” or “U” Symbol to Pipe

Date Issued: May 31, 1977

Date Issued: July 1, 1977

Question: Is it a mandatory requirement of 5.1 of SA-105 to have forged steel bodies

Reply: It is the intent of SA-105, 5.1, to require heat treatment of piping

Subject: Section II, Part A; SA-278, Casting Thickness

Date Issued: July 25, 1977

Subject: Section II, Part A; SA-351, Melting Practice

Date Issued: August 2, 1977

Question: What is the intent of SA-351 when it references manufacture by the

Subject: Section II; Use of ASME Material Specifications Relative to Contract

Date Issued: September 7, 1977

Question (1): Is it possible to use materials manufactured to an earlier or later Edition or

Question (2): May SA-234 fittings be made from SA-516 plate?

Subject: Section II, Part A; SA-105 Flanged Parts

Date Issued: October 25, 1977

Date Issued: November 15, 1977

Subject: Section II, Part A; Use of Explosive Welding in SA-264

Date Issued: December 26, 1977

Question (1): Can explosive welding be used by a Material Manufacturer to manufacture

The following Interpretations are for Section II, Part C:

Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-105, 4.4, Manufacture

Date Issued: March 28, 1978

Reply: The provisions of 4.4 of SA-105 allow the manufacture of hollow

Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-182, 4.4 and 5.3

Date Issued: March 28, 1978

Question 2: If the process is well documented in a manner satisfactory to the

Question 3: Does the use of an ASME, Section II SA Specification on a flange or pipe

Reply 3: The stamping of an SA Specification number on a flange or pipe fitting

Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-476

Date Issued: July 19, 1978

Subject: Section II, Part A, Steels to American Standards

Date Issued: July 25, 1978

Question (1): Can a maximum tensile strength be imposed in SA-333?

Reply (4): No.

Question (6): Can a maximum tensile strength be imposed in SA-420?

Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-515 and SA-516 Plates

Date Issued: August 8, 1978

Question: Do intermediate and moderate temperatures refer to the same range of

Subject: Section II, Part A, Additional Elements in SA-240 TP 316 or TP 316L

Date Issued: October 6, 1978

Question: Is it permissible to add titanium to SA-240 TP 316 or TP 316L in an

Reply: The intentional addition of elements, for the enhancement of properties,

Subject: Section II, Part A, SA-182, Paragraph 4.4

Date Issued: November 13, 1978