2010 SECTION VIII, DIVISION 2
4-389
a) All welded joints shall comply with the requirements of Part 6.
b) All longitudinal and circumferential weld seams shall be butt-type full penetration welds; Type 1 welds in
accordance with paragraph 4.2.
c) Longitudinal welds shall be ground flush and smooth on both inside and outside surfaces prior to being
formed into expansion elements.
d) Other than the shell attachment welds and flange welds, no circumferential welds are permitted in the
fabrication of flexible elements, i.e., inner torus, annular plate, outer torus, unless the welds are ground
flush and fully radiographed.
e) Flexible elements shall be attached by full penetration circumferential welds.
f) Nozzles, backing strips, clips or other attachments shall not be located in highly stressed areas of the
expansion joint, i.e. inner torus, annular plate, and outer torus.
4.18.12.3 Examination
The following examinations are required to verify the integrity of expansion joints.
a) All expansion joint flexible elements shall be visually examined and found to be free of unacceptable
imperfections, such as notches, crevices, weld spatter, etc., which may serve as points of local stress
concentration. Suspect surface areas shall be further examined by liquid penetrant or magnetic particle
examination.
b) Longitudinal welds shall be fully radiographed in accordance with Part 7. All full penetration butt-type
welds shall be examined 100% on both sides by liquid penetrant or magnetic particle examination after
forming.
c) The circumferential welds within the expansion joint and attaching the expansion joint to the shell shall
be examined 100% on both sides, where accessible, by liquid penetrant or magnetic particle
examination. The accessibility of welds shall be subject to the acceptance of the Inspector.
4.18.12.4 Pressure Test Requirements
The pressure testing requirements for expansion joints shall be as follows.
a) The completed expansion joint shall be subject to a pressure test in accordance with paragraph 4.1.6.2
and Part 8. The pressure testing of an expansion joint may be performed as part of the final vessel
pressure test, provided the joint is accessible for inspection during pressure testing.
b) Expansion joint restraining elements shall also be pressure tested in accordance with paragraph 4.1.6.2
and Part 8 as a part of the initial expansion joint pressure test or as part of the final vessel pressure test
after installation of the joint.
c) In addition to inspecting the expansion joint for leaks during the pressure test, expansion joints shall be
inspected before, during, and after the pressure test for visible permanent distortion.
4.18.12.5 Marking and Reports
a) The expansion joint Manufacturer, whether the vessel Manufacturer or a parts Manufacturer, shall have
a valid ASME Code U2 Certificate of Authorization and shall complete the appropriate Data Report in
accordance with Part 2.
b) The Manufacturer responsible for the expansion joint design shall include the following additional data
and statements on the appropriate Data Report.
1) Axial movement (+ and -), associated design life in cycles, and associated loading condition, if
applicable;
2) Spring rate; and
3) The expansion joint has been constructed to the rules of this paragraph.