S T D O A S M E B L b - 3 4 I N T N O * 2-ENGL 0759b70 ObOb753 397 M

INTERPRETATIONS TO ASME B16.34

(These interpretations are not part of ASME 816.34-1996 and are included for information only. These
interpretations apply to the 1988 and earlier editions and the requirements cited may be different in this Edition.
Therefore, some replies may not be valid in regards to this Edition.)

INTRODUCTION
AsaservicetopersonswhousetheB16standards, B16 Committeerendersinterpretations of the
requirements upon request. The procedure for requesting an interpretation is described in the following
paragraphs.
Theinterpretationsincludeallreplies whichhavebeenapproved by theB16MainCommittee in
responsetoinquiriesconcerninginterpretation of thisStandard.
An interpretation applies either to the Edition andAddenda in effect on the date of issuance ofthe
interpretationortheEdition andAddendastated in theinterpretation.Subsequentrevisionstothis
Standard may supersedetheinterpretation.

PROCEDUREFORREQUESTINGINTERPRETATIONS
Upon request, the B16 Committee will render an interpretation ofany requirement of this Standard.
Interpretationscanonly be renderedinresponsetoawrittenrequest,whichshould be addressed to:

Secretary, BI6 MainCommittee

TheAmericanSociety of MechanicalEngineers
ThreeParkAvenue
New York. NY 10016-5990

Therequestforinterpretationshouldbeclear andunambiguous.Itisfurtherrecommendedthatthe
inquirersubmithisrequestusingthefollowingformat:
(a) Subject. Cite the applicable paragraph number(s) and/or give a concise description of the subject.
(b) Question. Phrase the question as a request for an interpretation of a specific requirement suitable
for general understanding and use, not as a request for an approval of a proprietary design or situation.
The inquirer may alsoinclude anyplans or drawings which arenecessary to explainthequestion;
however,theyshouldnotcontainproprietarynames or information.
Requestswhicharenotinthisformat mayberewritteninthisformatprior to beinganswered,
whichmayinadvertentlychangetheoriginalintent of therequest.
ASME procedures provide for reconsideration ofan interpretation whenor if additional information
isavailablewhichtheinquirerbelievesmightaffecttheinterpretation.Further,personsaggrieved by
aninterpretation may appealtothecognizantASMEcommittee or subcommittee. ASME doesnot
approve,certify,rateorendorse any item,construction,proprietarydevice,oractivity.

119

COPYRIGHT American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 816.34 Interpretations No. 2 24,246

INTERPRETATIONS NO. 2

Replies to Technical Inquiries Issued from January 1, 1997 Through July 1, 1998

Interpretation: 2-45
Subject: Para. 6.7
Date Issued: August 11, 1997
File: 16-97-002 B

Question (1): Are multiple radial holes that penetrate the required minimum wall thickness of a valve
body, e.g., holes for the purpose of securing an identification plate, permitted under the requirements of
para. 6.7(g) of ASME B16.34-1988?
Reply (1): No. This clause only identifies requirements related to a single radial hole.

Question (2): Is it permissible to apply the requirementsof para. 6.7 of ASME B16.34-1988 to butterfly-
type valves that have integral or welded flanges on one or both body ends?
Reply (2): No.

Interpretation: 2-46
Subject:
Multiple
Material
Markingndentification
Plate
Date Issued: April 6, 1998
File: B16-98-005

Question (1): When a valve body material meets all the requirements
of two separate material specification
grades listed in Table 1 of ASME B16.34-1996, may the valve body be marked with both material grade
symbols in accordance with para. 4.2.8?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Is the selection of which of the two maximum or limiting temperatures to be shown on
the identification plate required by para. 4.3 of ASME B16.34-1996 for a valve body that is marked with
two material grade symbols designating material grades that have differing cautionary or specified
temperature limits listed in the respective Table 2 Notes the option of the manufacturer?
Reply (2): Yes.

139

COPYRIGHT American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 ~

S T D - A S M E BLb.34 INT N O - 2-ENGL 0759b70 ObOb755 LbT D

247 816.34 Interpretations No. 2

Interpretation: 2-47
Subject: Minimum
Thickness
Wall
Date Issued: April 6, 1998
File: B 16-98-006

Question (1): Do the rules of para. 6.1.6 in ASME B16.34-1996 apply to local areas having less than
the required minimum wall thicknessresulting from manufacturing operations such as casting, forging, and
machining, including grinding, milling, and drilling?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Under the rules of ASME B16.34-1988, is it permissible to use Table 3 to extrapolate
minimum wall thickness for valves having pressure-temperature ratings less than Class 150?
Reply (2): No.

to the flange thickness requirementsfor PN 10 steel valves

Question (3): Are flanged valves that conform
within the scope of either ASME B16.34-1988 or -1996?
Reply (3): No.

COPYRIGHT American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 INTERPRETATIONS TO ASME B16.34
(These interpretations are not part of ASME 816.34-1996 and are included for information only. These
interpretations apply to the 1988 and earlier editions and the requirements cited may be different in the current
edition. Therefore, some replies may not be valid in regards to this Edition. The effective date of this Edition is as
noted in the forward.)

INTRODUCTION
As a service to personswhousetheB16standards,B16Committee renders interpretations of the
requirements upon request. The procedure for requesting an interpretation is described in the following
paragraphs.
The interpretations include all replies which have been approved in response to inquiries concerning
interpretationof this Standard since the publicationofASMWANSIB16.34-1988.
An interpretation applies either to the edition and Addenda in effect on the date of issuance of the
interpretation or the edition andAddendastatedintheinterpretation.Subsequent revisions to this
Standardmaysupersedetheinterpretation.

PROCEDURE FOR REQUESTINGINTERPRETATIONS

Onrequest, the B16Committeewillrenderaninterpretation ofanyrequirementof this Standard.
Interpretations canonlyberenderedinresponse to a writtenrequest,whichshouldbeaddressedto:
Secretary, B16MainCommittee
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers
UnitedEngineeringCenter
345 East 47th Street
NewYork, NY 10017
The request for interpretation should be clear and unambiguous. It is further recommended that the
inquirer submit his request using the followingformat:
(a) Subject, Cite the applicable paragraph number(s) andor give a concise description of the subject.
(b) Question. Phrase the question as a request for an interpretation of a specific requirement suitable
for general understanding and use, not as a request for an approval of a proprietary design or situation.
Theinquirermay also include anyplans or drawingswhich are necessary to explain the question;
however,theyshouldnot contain proprietarynames or information.
Requestswhicharenotin this formatmayberewritteninthisformat prior to beinganswered,
whichmayinadvertentlychangethe original intent of the request.
ASME procedures provide for reconsideration of an interpretation when or if additional information
is available whichtheinquirerbelievesmight affect theinterpretation. Further, personsaggrievedby
an interpretation mayappeal to the cognizantASMEcommittee or subcommittee.ASMEdoesnot
approve,certify,rate, or endorseany item, construction,proprietary device, or activity.

119

COPYRIGHT American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 INTERPRETATIONS NO. 2

Replies to Technical Inquiries Issued from January 1, 1990 Through December 31, 1995

Interpretation: 2-1
Materials
Subject:
1;Table
Date
Issued:
May
1990
17,
File: B 16-89-O01

Question(1): Is there an errorinTable 1 inthatASTM A 351-CG8M is notlisted?

Reply (I): No.

Question (2): Does a valvewith a valvebodymadeofASTM A 351-CG8Mcomplywiththe

requirements of ASMElANSI B 16.34-1988?
Reply (2): No.

Question(3):Cannewmaterialsbeadded to Table l?
Reply(3):Yes. This can be done at thenextrevision or when an Addenda is prepared. In order
to facilitate the inclusion of new materials, it is recommended that the requester provide the Committee
withthedataneededtoestablishpressure-temperatureratingsasprovided in Annex F.

Interpretation: 2-2
Subject:
Paragraph
8.4.2;
Weld
Repair
Date
Issued: May
1989
29,
File: B 16-89-002

Question: Does B16.34setlimitson the extent of weldrepairthatmaybeperformedoncastings

forStandardClass,SpecialClassorLimitedClassvalves?
Reply: No

121

COPYRIGHT American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 2-3,2-4, 2-5 816.34 Interpretations No. 2

Interpretation: 2-3
Subject:
Paragraph 8.3.2.2; Surface
Examination
Date
Issued: May 30,1990
File: B 16-89-003

Question: Under ASMWANSI B16.34-1988,para. 8.3.2.2,is it permissible, for Special Class valves,
to perform any or all of therequiredsurfaceexaminationseitherprior to or aftermachining?
Reply:Yes,providedthat the required examinations take place, as required by para. 8.2, afterany
required heat treatment.

Interpretation: 2-4
Subject:
Paragraph 6.1.5,Tables 3 and G3, Annexes A and G
Date
Issued:
May 21, 1990
File: B 16-89-004

Question (1): Minimumwallthicknessrequirements are definedinANSI B 16.34-1981,para. 6.1.5

for thezone 1.33t,,, fromtheweldendand for thezone tm from the bodyneck.Theintervening
transition zone is required to be gradual. Is itrequiredthat the transition taper be external?
Reply (1): No, a transition, ifused,may be eitherexternalorinternal or a combination ofboth.

Question (2): InANSI B16.34-1981,theminimumwallthicknesstabulated for Class 4500 and 15

in.diameter is 11.64 in.and 295.7 mm. Are thesetabularnumbers correct?
Reply (2): No. This is a misprint that has been corrected in ASMWANSI B16.34-1988.The correct
value is 11.87 in. Metricdimensionsarenolongerusedin B16.34.

Question (3): InANSI B 16.34-1981,is it a requirementthatvalveseatdiameters be equalto (or

p a t e r than)the inside diameters ofAnnexA?
Reply (3): No. There are, however,userspecificationsthatrequirefull port valves and reference
Annex A as the definition for full port.

Interpretation: 2-5
Subject:
Paragraph 8.3.2.1; Ultrasonic or Radiographic
Examination
Date
Issued:
May 29,1989
File: B 16-89-O05

Question: Is it intended that the distance of coverage for the Special Class Examination for forgings
under para. 8.3.2.1 be thesame as for castings?
Reply: No. It is a requirement of paras. 8.3.2.1(a) and (b) that the entire cylindrical and ring sections
be examined.

122

COPYRIGHT American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 STD.ASME BLb.31.I I N T - E N G L m 0759b70 0579bAb 200 m

816.34 Interpretations No. 2 2-6, 2.7, 5 8

Interpretation: 2-6
Subject:
Paragraph
2.3.3;
Fluid
Thermal
Expansion
Date
Issued:
October 5, 1989
File: B 16-89-009

Question: If a pressure relief valve is used as the means of overpressure protection under para. 2.3.3
of ASMEVANSI B16.34-1988, is it required that the relief valvebe manufactured and tested in accordance
with one of the Sections of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, by a manufacturer holding
theapplicableCodeCertificates?
Reply: This would depend upon the requirements of the purchaseroftheB16.34valve.Paragraph
2.3.3 assigns responsibility for providing means to assure that the pressure in the valve will not exceed
thatallowed to thepurchaser. If thepurchaserchooses a pressurereliefvalve as the means then it
is also thepurchasersresponsibility to designatewhichcodes or regulation, if any,applytothe
installedvalveandconcomitantlytothepressurereliefvalve,seepara.1.2.2.

Interpretation: 2-7
Subject:
Paragraph
2.1.3;
Limited
Class
Valves
Date
Issued:
April
1990
9,
File: B 16-89-011
Question(1):DoestheexpressionweldingendinASMWANSIB16.34-1988,para.1.1applyto
bothsocketweldingandbuttweldingendvalves?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): May butt welding end valves, size NPS 2-92 and smaller be constructed in accordance
with Annex G of .ASMUANSI B16.34-1988?
Reply(2):Yes.

Interpretation: 2-8
Welding
Seal
Subject:
Date
Issued:
April
1990
9,
-001 File:

Question: Does ASMWANSI B16.34-1988 include fabrication requirements for seal welding of seat
ringsintovalvebodies?
Reply: No.

123

COPYRIGHT American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 2-10, 2-9, 2-11 B16.34 Interpretations No. 2

Interpretation: 2-9
Subject:
Paragraph
6.1.3;
Valve Body
Necks
Date
Issued: May 4, 1990
File: B 16-90-07

Question:Doespara. 6.1.3 ofASMWANSI B 16.34-1988 prohibit a gate valvedesignusing a

rectangularbodyneck?
Reply:No,however,para. 6.1.7 requiresthatthemanufacturerdetermine if additionalmetal is
needed for shapes other than circular.

Interpretation:
2-10
Subject:
Paragraph 6.1.2; Inside
Diameter
Date
Issued:
June 11, 1990
File: B 16-90-015

Question:WithreferencetoANSI B16.34-1981, para. 6.1.2, for buttwelding end valves, may the
basic inside diameter at the valve end be taken as the inside diameter of the highest pipe Schedule
Numberapplicable to thevalve size andpressureclass?
Reply: No. The basic inside diameter is a valve specific dimension that may or may not be relevant
to a particular set of pipe dimensions.

Interpretation: 2-1 1
Subject:
Paragraph 2.1.5 (c); Valves
Fabricated by Welding
Date
Issued:
October 31, 1990
File: B 16-90-020

Question:Does ASMWANSI B16.34-1988 requirenondestructiveexamination for StandardClass

Valves,NPS 6 andsmaller,thatarefabricated by welding?
Reply: No.

124

COPYRIGHT American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 ~

STD-ASME B L b - 3 4 INT-ENGL m 0757b70 0579b88 083 m

816.34 Interpretations No. 2 2-12, 2-13

Interpretation: 2-12
Subject:
Paragraph 8.4; Defect
Removal
and
Repair
Date
Issued:
January
21,
1991
File: B 16-90-030

Question(1): In ASMUANSIB16.34-1988, is Clause8.4,coveringdefectremovaland repair, a

requirementonly for Special Class valves?
Reply(1):Yes.

Question (2): Where are the requirements for defectremoval,repair,andpostweldheattreatment

for other than Special Class valves?
Reply (2): Therequirementsarethosestipulatedin the respectiveASTM specifications as covered
in Table 1.

Question (3): Whenavalve is usedinconjunctionwithanASMECode for Pressure Pipingand

is designated as a Special Class valve and is so marked on the valve identification plate, is it required
that the postweld heat treatmentprovisionsofpara. 8.4.2(c) be met?
Reply (3): Yes.For limitations imposedbycodesandregulations,seepara. 1.2.2.

Interpretation: 2-13
Subject:
Annex F; Special Class
Rating
Method
Date
Issued: January 21, 1991
File: B 16-90-034

Question: DoesAnnex F, Special Class RatingMethod,ANSI B 16.34-1981, include requirements

for determining hydrostatic shell test pressure?
Reply:No.ThepurposeofAnnex F, see F1 .l, is to recordthe rules thatwereused to determine
the tabulated pressure-temperature ratings. The only pressure-temperature ratings recognized for Special
Class valves are those inTable 2. The requiredhydrostatic shell test pressure, for all valves, is as
described inpara. 7.1.

125

COPYRIGHT American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 S T D - A S M E BLb.39 INT-ENGL m 0757b70 0579b89 TLT m

2-14, 2-15, 2-16 816.34 Interpretations No. 2

Interpretation: 2-14
Subject: Requirements for Special Class Valves
Date Issued: January 1991
21,
File: B 16-90-038

Question (1): For a Special Class valve in accordance with ASMWANSI B16.34-1988, is it permissible
to construct a composite area for radiographic coverage, basedon Fig. 6 through 15, that meetsthe
intentofpara. 8.3.1.1 for avalvebodyshapenot illustrated?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): DoanyoftheFigs. 6 through 15 illustrate the seat-body shell radiographic coverage
that would be required for a valve body in the form of two intersecting mutually perpendicular cylinders,
whereoneof the cylinders corresponds to the valvenozzlesandthe other to an upperandlower
bonnet cavity?
Reply (2): Yes, Fig. 13, Sections X-X andY-Y.

Interpretation: 2-15
Subject: 6. l . 1; Minimum
Wall
Requirements
Date
Issued:
March 1991
19,
File: B 16-90-041

Question:UnderASMWANSI B16.34-1988, for avalvebodyof sectional construction (see para.

6.4.2) where the body joint includes an internal gasket whose placement isolates an internal end section
of the body wall from the contained fluid, is it necessary that the entire body meet the minimum wall
requirementsofpara. 6.1.1?
Reply:Yes,takingdueaccountthat it is an obligation onthe part of the manufacturer to identify
the wetted surfaces that applyunderpara. 6.1.1 and to ensurethat the applicable metal thickness
requirements of para. 6.1.7 andtheboltingrequirementsofpara. 6.4.3 are accommodated.

Interpretation: 2-16
Subject:
Minimum
Thickness
Wall
Date
Issued: April 1991
10,
File: B16-91-003

Question: Under ASMWANSI B16.34-1988, are the rules for minimum valve body wall thicknesses
also requirements for valve parts other thanthevalvebody?
Reply:No.

126

COPYRIGHT American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 616.34 Interpretations No. 2 2-19, 2-18, 2-17, 2-20

Interpretation:
2-17
Materials Subject:
Date
Issued:
April
19,
1991
-004 File:

Question: IsavalvethatusesASTMA269-TP304pipeinsteadofASTMA312-TP304in the

fabrication ofthevalvebonnetinconformancewithASMWANSIB16.34-1988?
Reply:No,seeparas.1.1and 5.1.

Interpretation:
2-18
Subject: Special Class Valves
Date
Issued:
August
1991
2,
B File: 16-91-008

Question: In the case ofavalve to be qualified for a Special Class designation under ASME/ANSI
B16.34-1988that is notofatypespecificallyillustratedinFigs.6through 15, e.g.,aweldendball
valve,mayacomposite,using for exampleelements of Figs. 12and13,be constructed in order to
satisfytheradiographicfilmcoveragerequirementsdetailedinpara.8.3.1.1?
Reply:Yes.

Interpretation:
2-19
Subject: Single Flange
(Lug
Type)
Valve
Body
Date
Issued:
July 31, 1991
B File: 16-91-009

Question: Does ASMEYANSI B16.34-1988 prohibit a single flange (lug type) valve body made from
aplatematerial listed inTable1whenthedesignissuchthat the bodyisloadedintensionfrom
pressureandpiping loads?
Reply: No. However,para.1.2.2cautionslimitationsthat maybeimposedbycodes or regulations,
para. 5.2notesthat criteria for the selection of materials are notwithin the scope of the Standard,
andpara.6.1.7placesresponsibility for adequatemetalthicknessupon the valvemanufacturer.

Interpretation:
2-20
Subject: 6.2.2; Valve
Flange
Ends
Date
Issued:
February
27,
1992
File: B16-91-016

Question:IsitarequirementofASME/ANSIB16.34-1988,thatvalveswithintegralflangedends
meet the flange thickness requirementsofASME/ANSIB16.34-1988 for flangedfittings?
Reply:Yes,seepara.6.2.2.

127

COPYRIGHT American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 2-21, 2-22, 2-23 816.34 Interpretations No. 2

Interpretation: 2-21
Materials Subject:
Date
Issued:
February
14,
1992
File: B 16-92-003

Question:InaccordancewithASMWANSIB16.34-1988,ismaterialASTMA105suitable for a
valvebodyat a temperature of-25 "C?
Reply:Yes.

Interpretation: 2-22
Subject:
Minimum
Thickness
Wall
Date
Issued:
April
1992
2,
File: B 16-92-004

Question: In accordance with ASMWANSI B16.34-1988, what basic inside diameter should be used
when determiningminimumrequiredbodywallthicknessfor a wafer style ballvalve?
Reply: The diameter associated with the valve body inside circumference should be used. See para.
6.7(c) andFig.16.

Interpretation: 2-23
Flanged-End
Subject:
Dimensions
Date
Issued:
May
12,
1992
File: B 16-92-004

Question: Under ASME B16.34-1988, what dimensions apply for flanges or flanged-end valves that
are of a smaller size than those listed in the reference ASMEB16.5?
Reply: Valves having end flanges smaller than those listed in ASME B165 are notcoveredbythe
SCOF Of ASMEB16.34-1988.

Subject:Paragraph5.1;BoltingMaterial

Question: For valve bolts, does ASMUANSI B16.34-1988 have requirements for bolt head configu-
ration?
Reply:No,however,boltingmaterial is required to be inaccordance with oneofthebolting
specificationslistedinTable 1 underGroup4. See para.5.1.

128

COPYRIGHT American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 S T D - A S M E B L b - 3 4 I N T - E N G L U 0 7 5 7 b 7 0 0577b72 50i m

816.34 Interpretations No. 2 2-24, 2-25, 2-26

Interpretation: 2-24
Subject:
Paragraph
2.1.5;
Valves
Fabricated
Welding
by
Date
Issued:
May 12, 1992

File: 16-92-009 B

Question (1): Under ASMWANSI B16.34-1988, is there a valve size above which both flanged end
valves and Standard Class welding end valves that are fabricated by welding are required to meet the
nondestructiveexaminationrequirementsofASMEBoilerandPressureVesselCode, Section VIII,
Division 1, for welding?
Reply (1): Yes, see para. 2.1.5(~)(1).

Question(2):For the fabrication weldsidentifiedin the firstquestion, are these nondestructive

examinationrequirements applicable to allsuchweldsregardlessof size?
Reply(2):Yes.

Interpretation: 2-25
Subject:
Paragraph
2.1.5;
Valves
Fabricated
Welding
by
Date
Issued:
May
12,
1992

10
16-92-0B File:

Question: Are the factors 0.80 and1.00citedinparas.2.1.5(c)(1)and 2.1.5(~)(2)casting quality

factors?
Reply: No. These factors represent weld joint efficiency for which the reference ASME Boiler and
PressureVesselCode, Section VIII,Division1,specifies, for thetypeofweld joint used, the degree
of nondestructive examination required.

Interpretation: 2-26
Subject:
Paragraph
5.1.2;
Investment Castings
Date
Issued:
August 19, 1992

2-013 File:

Question (1): Does ASMWANSI B16.34-1988 place limits on the size or pressure class for investment
cast bodies, bonnets or cover plates?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): To whatextentdothe limits on size andpressure class inpara.5.1.2apply?

Reply (2): These limits restricttheuseofthecited alternative materialspecificationrequirements
whenmaster heats are used for investment castings.

129

COPYRIGHT American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 2-29 2-27,2-28, 616.34 Interpretations No. 2

Interpretation: 2-27
Subject:
Paragraph 7.1; Shell
Testing
Date
Issued:
August 25,1992
File: B16-92-017

Question (1): Under ASWANSI B16.34-1988,when a flanged end valve body that had been shell
testedhastheendflangedgasketseatingsurfaceremachined to provide a differentsurfacefinish, is
it requiredthatthevalvebodyagain be shelltested?
Reply (1): Shell testing requirements apply to assembled valves. There are no provisions for separate
pressure testing of valvecomponentpartssuchasvalvebodies.

Question (2): Under ASWANSI B16.34-1988,when a flanged end valve that has been shell tested
has thebody end flangegasketseatingsurfaceremachined to provide a different surface finish, is it
requiredthatthevalveagain be shell tested?
Reply (2): No. However, it should be notedthatASMWANSI B16.34-1988 applies to newvalve
construction,para. 1.1. Therefore, the valvewouldnotrequireretestif the remachiningwasdone
either by or under the aegis of the valve manufacturer.

Interpretation: 2-28
Subject:
Valves
Welding
End
Date
Issued:
August 19,1992
File: B 16-92-0
18

Question:InASMWANSI B16.34-1988,whenreference is ma& to weldingendvalves,e.g.,para.

1.1 under Scope, does that include both socket welding end valves and butt welding end valves?
Reply:Yes.

Interpretation: 2-29
Subject: scope
Date
Issued: January 6,1993
File: B 16-92-029
Question (1):Does the scopeof ASMWANSIB16.34-1988include coveragefor valve end configurations
other than those related to flanged, butt welding,socketwelding or threaded?
Reply (1): No.

Question (2): Are valves with end configurations other than those within the scope of B16.34-1988
permitted underASMEpressurevesselandpipingCodes?
Reply (2): Since Coderequirements may vary regardingconformancestipulations it is necessary
that the applicable code be consulted.

130

COPYRIGHT American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 S T D * A S M E Blb.34 INT-ENGL m 0757b70 0577b74 387

816.34 Interpretations No. 2 2-30, 2-31

Interpretation: 2-30
Subject:
Paragraph
6.4.2;
Body
Joints
Date
Issued: October 19,
1993
File: B 16-93-007
Question(1):Withreference to ASWANSI B16.34-1988,para.6.4.2, may a valvemanufacturer
useone of theboltingmaterialsfromTable 1 thathas an allowable stress in excess of 20,000psi
for a valvebody joint?
Reply(1):Yes.
Question (2): When a valve manufacturer selects a bolting material from ASME B16.34-1988, Table
1, for a valvebody joint and thatmaterialhasanallowable stress greaterthan20,000psi,is it
permissibletousethathigherallowable stress whencalculatingthebolting area requirementin
accordancewithClause6.4.2(a)?
Reply(2):No.

Interpretation: 2-31
Subject: SpecialValves
Class
Date
Issued:
August
11, 1993
3-013 File:
Question:Does ASMUANSI B16.34-1988includerequirementsfor Special Class Valveshaving
other than threaded or welding ends?
Reply: No.

131

COPYRIGHT American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 2-33 2-32, 816.34 Interpretations No. 2

Interpretation: 2-32
Subject:
Paragraph
4.1.3;
Rating,
Identification
Plate
Date
Issued:
November 8, 1993
B16-93-014 File:

Question(1): In ASWANSI B16.34-1988,para.4.1.3,isthe reference identificationplatethe

identificationplateprovided by themanufacturer?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): Does ASMWANSIB16.34-1988requiretheapplicableB16.34 designation to be

marked other than on the manufacturersidentificationplate?
Reply (2): No.

Question (3): Is a valveinconformancewithASMWANSIB16.34-1988if it doesnothavethe

applicable B 16.34 designation on the manufacturers identification plate?
Reply (3): No.

Question(4):The footnote toClause4.1.3inASMWANSIB16.34-1988permits,uponwritten

conformationfromthemanufacturer,markingsocketweld or threadedendvalveswithB16.34 or
B16.34 LTD. Does this also permit the marking of flanged end valves as B16.34 or butt welding
endvalvesasB16.34SPL by otherthanthevalvemanufacturer?
Reply(4): No.

Interpretation: 2-33
Subject: Table 1
Date Issued October 4, 1993
B16-93-015 File:

Question:MayvalvesbemarkedasbeingincompliancewithASMWANSI B 16.34-1988when
constructed of materials specified in ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Cases but which are not
included in Table I?

132

COPYRIGHT American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 STD-ASME B L b - 3 9 INT-ENGL 0757b70 0577b9b L 5 T

816.34 Interpretations No. 2 2-36 2-35, 2-34,

Interpretation:
2-34
Subject:
Paragraph
8.3.1.1 ; Radiographic
Examination
Date
Issued:
October 4, 1993

-019 File:

Question: If a valve casting is subject to radiography in accordance with ASME B16.34-1988, para.
8.3.1.1, and found to have indications in excess of the Annex B2 acceptance criteria, may that casting
be repaired by welding in accordance with para. 8.4 and again be radiographed to determine acceptability?
Reply:Yes.

Interpretation:
2-35
Subject:
Table 1, Body-Bonnet
and
Cover
Bolting
Date
Issued:
February 1, 1994

-024 File:

Question (1): According to ASMWANSI B16.34-1988, if a valve design incorporates an intervening

element between the body and the bonnet or cover plate with said element forming part of the pressure
shell whilebeing retained by the body-bonnet or cover bolting, issaidelementrequired to beofa
material listed inTable 1, Group 1, 2, or 3andberetainedby bolting of amaterial listed inTable
1,Group 4?
Reply(1):Yes.

Question (2): According to ASMWANSI B16.34-1988, if a valve design incorporates an intervening

element between the body and the bonnet or cover plate with said element forming part of the pressure
shell while being retained by the body-bonnet or cover bolting, does the bolting have to meet all the
requirements for body-bonnet or cover bolting?
Reply (2): Yes.

Interpretation:
2-36
Subject: Paragraph
7.1; Shell Test
Date
Issued: April 5 , 1994

4-001 File:

Question: According to ASMWANSIB16.34-1988,aretherequirements for valve shell pressure

testing metwhenpressureretainingparts are separatelytestedinaccordancewithparagraph7.1and
later the valve assembled from these parts is tested at a test pressure lower than the shell test pressure
requiredbypara.7.1?
Reply:No.

133

COPYRIGHT American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 2-37, 2-38 816.34 Interpretations No. 2

Interpretation: 2-37
Subject:
Paragraph
8.3. l. 1; Radiographic
Examination
Date
Issued:
June
21,
1994
File: B 16-94-004

Question:InASMWANSIB16.34-1988,Fig.10 illustrates casting section radiographic examination

film coverage requirements for a plate type flanged bonnet for a gate valve. For a hemispheric flanged
bonnet, not illustrated in ASMWANSI B16.34-1988, does the section dimension A, when applied at
the intersection of the stuffingboxneckandthehemispherical junction satisfy therequirements of
Clause 8.3.1.l(b)?
Reply:Yes.

Interpretation: 2-38
Subject: Standard Class Valve
Date Issued August 2, 1994
16-94-005 B File:

Question(1):AccordingtoASMWANSIB16.34-1988, is the sold requirement for conformance as

a standard class valve the successful completionofahydraulic test?
Reply (1): No. Forconformance all oftherequirementsofASMEB16.34mustbemet including
those applicable requirements of reference specifications,

Question (2): When forgings or castings of an ASMUANSIB16.34-1988valve are weld repaired

does the valvethen ment a special class rating?
Reply (2): No. In order to assigna special class rating all of the requirements for special class
must be met.

134

COPYRIGHT American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 S T D - A S M E B l b - 3 q I N T - E N G L W 0757b700577b78 T22 W

816.34 Interpretations No. 2 2-39

Interpretation: 2-39
Subject:
Paragraph
Thickness
F1.3;
Wall
Date
Issued:
September
14,
1994
94-007 B File:

Question(1):Whatis the purpose of AmericanNationalStandardASMWANSIB16.34-1988?

Reply(1): See theForewordandtheScopeof this Standard.

Question (2): Is theequationshowninpara.F1.3 ofASMWANSIB16.34-1988avalvebody

minimumwall thickness requirement?
Reply (2): No. Seepara. 6.1.

Question (3): Under ASMWANSI B16.34-1988, is valve design the responsibility of the manufacturer
so long as theminimumwallthicknessrequirementismet?
Reply (3): No, the manufacturer is responsible for meetingallthe applicable requirementsof the
Standard.

Question(4):InASMWANSIB16.34-1988,Table3valuesrelate to valve body required minimum

wallthickness.Sincetheequationinpara.F1.3isnotawall thickness requirementofthe Standard,
whywasit included?
Reply (4): Itisincluded as backgroundmaterial since it provides, as explained in para.F1.3,a
nearapproximation to thevaluestabulatedinTable3.

Question (5): May the design rules of the ASMEBoilerandPressureVesselCode,e.g., Section

VIII-Division1,beused as asupplementalreference for establishing additional metal thickness noted
inpara.6.7ofASMWANSIB16.34-1988?
Reply (5): In para. 6.7, the responsibility for the determination of appropriate design rules is placed
uponthemanufacturer.

Question(6):WhenwillASMWANSIB16.34-1988berevised to provide for the use of metric

bolting?
Reply (6):Consideration is presently being given to adding metric bolting and other metric references
to ASME B16.34. A schedule has not been prepared for theissuanceofametricstandard.Untilsuch
arevision is completedandapproved as anAmericanNational Standard, valvesusingmetric bolting
cannotbeidentified as being inconformancewithB16.34.

135

COPYRIGHT American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 240,241,242 B16.34 Interpretations No. 2

Interpretation:
2-40
Subject:
Inservice
Material
Deterioration
Date
Issued:
January
16,
1995
File: B 16-94-0 1O

Question:DoesASMEB16.34-1988includerequirements for inspection for inservicematerial

deteriorationandmandatoryvalvereplacement?
Reply: No. Requirementsarelimitedto newvalvesbythescope.

Interpretation:
2-41
Subject:
On-Line
Modifications
Valve
Date
Issued:
January
16,
1995
File: B 16-94-009

Question: Are on-line valve modifications, for example drilling and tapping into a packing chamber
to add an auxiliaryfitting,covered byASMEB16.34-1988?
Reply: No. See para.1.1wherethescope is definedasapplyingonly to new valveconstruction.

Interpretation: 2-42
Subject:
Paragraph
6.7;
Wafer or Flangeless
Valves
Date
Issued:
August
11,
1995
File: B 16-95-003

Question (1): In B16.34-1988, are the requirements of para. 6.7 applicable to all valves whose body
category is wafer or flangeless?
Reply (1): Yes.

Question (2): InB16.34-1988,para.6.7(e)requiresthatthesum of aninnerandouterligament

shallnot be lessthan tm, therequiredminimumwallthickness.InFig.16,underRelationship,it
is also notedthat the sumof thedimensions f and g shallnotbelessthan tm. Is thedimension
g correctly shown in the drawing?
Reply (2): No. There is a printingerror.Thedimension g shouldhavebeenshownasanouter
ligamentdimension as described by thetext.

Question (3): InB16.34-1988,Fig.16, may theholeillustratedwithdimension g be repeated

around the valve body periphery for the purpose of defining attachment flange bolt holes?
Reply(3): No.

Question (4): In B16.34-1988, may para. 6.7be used to determine minimum wall thickness requirements
for a multipiece valve body having blind holes parallel to the central body run (e.g., holes in a wafer
type center piece) for assemblybolting?
Reply (4): Yes.

136

COPYRIGHT American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 818.34 Interpretations No. 2 243, 2-44

Interpretation: 2-43
Separation
Requirements
Subject:
Date Issued August
11,
1995
File: B 16-95-004

Question: In B16.34-988,paras. C2.l(a), C2.2(a), and D2.2(a), does the separation requirement for
linearindicationsapplyonly to linearlyalignedindications?
Reply: No. The separationrequirementappliesequally to all alignments.

Interpretation: 2-44
Subject:
Paragraph
6.1.2;
Inside
Diameter
Date
Issued:
December
13,
1995
File: B 16-95-08

Question: For socket-welding-end valves, does ASME B16.34-1988, by reference to ASME B16.11
inpara.6.2.3requirethattheinsidediameter, d, definedinpara.6.1.2, be theborediameter of
fitting as in ASME B16.1 l ?
Reply: No.

137

COPYRIGHT American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Licensed by Information Handling Services