ASTM A312 pipe installed in B31.1 system. Applicable visual inspection criteria.

[Travis407]

Hello all, new to the group here and my first post. My question is basically, does the visual inspection criteria of B31.1 apply to pipe manufactured to ASTM A312 once the pipe is installed in the pipe system. I have a 16" piece of pipe showing porosity which the manufacturer of the pipe states it is acceptable. Does not approach wall thickness limitations. The pipe is installed in a B31.1 piping system and the inspector is stating the pipe weld does not meet B31.1 visual inspection criteria. I am under the opinion the B31.1 criteria does not apply to the pipe manufacturing weld, but only to the shop welds.

Look forward to your thoughts.

 

[DekDee]

Travis,
I do not have an up to date B31.1 so cannot help there.
Without checking code requirements to answer your question I would ask why would you allow welds that do not comply with B31.1 to be included in a system designed to B31.1 ?
Is it WLD or HCW pipe ?
What I will say from past experience is when porosity has been visually discovered on the surface of S/S there is quite often other issues internally that cannot be seen.
A quick test with liquid penetrant will give you a better idea of surface quality.
Then, check the RT reports if it has been done.

Hope that helps,
Regards,
Shane