Interpretation Response #PI-81-0109
Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.
Interpretation Response Details
Response Publish Date:
Company Name:
Individual Name:
Location State: TX Country: US
View the Interpretation Document
Response text:
July 10, 1981
Mr. R. E. Speckmann, Manager Regulations and Maintenance Standards Shell Pipe Line Corporation
P.O. Box 2648
Houston, Texas 77001
Dear Mr. Speckmann:
This is in response to your letter dated March 17, 1981, and Mr. R. D. Fischer’s letter dated May
11, 1981, concerning the use of 48-inch and 42-inch pipe which was noted as grade B on the
supplier's Certificate of Analyses and Tests, but which was shown on the same certificate to have
yield strengths of 51,500 psi and
56,500 psi respectively, and chemical compositions consistent with higher grades of pipe. You have
used the pipe in a pump suction and discharge piping with design stresses equal to the indicated
yield strengths on the supposition that the pipe is not, in fact, grade B. Your letter requests our
concurrence with the use of the pipe in this manner.
The Certificate of Analyses and Tests raises doubt whether the pipe is grade B or a higher grade of
pipe. You believe, however, that the hydrostatic test stresses the pipe to such a level to
demonstrate that since the pipe did not reach its yield strength, it must therefore be the higher
strength pipe having those physical characteristics listed on the Certificate of Analyses and
Tests. We agree with this conclusion based on the data furnished in your letters. As further
support for this conclusion, we suggest you conduct the API 5LX tests on representative unused pipe
and have this added information available when the Materials Transportation Bureau enforcement
personnel examine the records.
Sincerely, SIGNED
Melvin A. Judah
Acting Associate Director
for Pipeline Safety Regulation
Materials Transportation Bureau
Shell Pipe Line Corporation
P.O. Box 2648
Houston, Texas 77001
Regulation Sections
| Section | Subject |
|---|---|
| 195.106 | Internal design pressure |