TREKANT GRUPO INDUSTRIAL, S.A. DE C.V.

CODE: PQC-07
REVISION:3
QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEM PROCEDURE DATE: 02/24/20
VISUAL EXAMINATION FOR ASME B31.1

VISUAL EXAMINATION FOR ASME B31.1

Change Record

Revision Date Responsible Person Description of Change

ACTUALIZATION SECT
ING. JOSE ALBERTO GAMIÑO GARCIA
FEB 24,2020 4 APPLICABLE
QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER
DOCUMENTS
ING. JOSE ALBERTO GAMIÑO GARCIA REVISION PARAGRAPH
FEB 20,2015
QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER 5.7
ING. JOSE ALBERTO GAMIÑO GARCIA QUALIFICATION OF
JAN 02,2014
QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER NDE PERSONNEL
ING. JOSE ALBERTO GAMIÑO GARCIA
FEB 21,2011 RELEASE
QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER

Prepared & Approved by: ING. JOSE ALBERTO GAMIÑO GARCIA

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 TREKANT GRUPO INDUSTRIAL, S.A. DE C.V.
CODE: PQC-07
REVISION:3
QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEM PROCEDURE DATE: 02/24/20
VISUAL EXAMINATION FOR ASME B31.1

CONTENTS

1 OBJECTIVE

2 SCOPE

3 RESPONSIBILITIES

4 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

5 DEVELOPMENT

6 CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTANCE

7 RECORDS

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 TREKANT GRUPO INDUSTRIAL, S.A. DE C.V.
CODE: PQC-07
REVISION:3
QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEM PROCEDURE DATE: 02/24/20
VISUAL EXAMINATION FOR ASME B31.1

1 OBJETIVE

1.1 This procedure specifies the requirements for visual examination (VT) when required during
fabrication, installation or in service in accordance with ASME B31.1.

2 SCOPE

2.1 It is applicable to welded joints, regardless of union type, location of execution, procedure, size or
situation of the joint.

3 RESPONSIBILITIES.

3.1 The responsibility for ensuring compliance with this procedure is the Quality Control Manager.

4 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS.

4.1 ASME Code Section V Ed. 2019.

Article 9. Visual Examination
4.2 ASME Code for Pressure Piping, B31.1 Ed. 2018
Chapter VI. Inspection, Examination, and Testing.
4.3 Customer specifications

5 DEVELOPMENT.

5.1 Visual examination is generally used to determine such things as the surface condition of the
part, alignment of mating surfaces, shape, evidence of leaking, etc.

5.2 Upon completion of the visual examination, a report shall be filled out showing what was used to
demonstrate that this examination procedure was adequate. In general, a fine line 1/32 in. or less in
width, or some other artificial flaw located on the surface or a similar surface to that to be examined,
may be considered a test method for this demonstration. The line or artificial flaw should be in the least
discernible location on the area examined, to prove this procedure

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 TREKANT GRUPO INDUSTRIAL, S.A. DE C.V.
CODE: PQC-07
REVISION:3
QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEM PROCEDURE DATE: 02/24/20
VISUAL EXAMINATION FOR ASME B31.1

5.3 In general, satisfactory results may be obtained when the surface of part is in the as-rolled, as-
welded, as-cast, or as-forged condition

5.4 Surface preparation by grinding, machining, or other methods may be performed where surface
irregularities could mask indications of unacceptable discontinuities. Prior to any visual examination,
the surface to be examined and all adjacent areas within at least 1 inch shall be dry and free of all dirt,
grease, lint, scale, welding flux, weld spatter, oil, and other extraneous matter that could obscure
surface openings or otherwise interfere with the examination

5.5 As a standard technique, the temperature of the surface of the part to be examined shall not be
below 60°F or above 125ºF throughout the examination period. Local heating or cooling is permitted
provided the part temperature remains in the range of 60°F to 125°F during the examination

5.6 Direct visual examination is allowed to be made when access is sufficient to place the eye within
24 inches of the surface to be examined and at an angle not less than 30 degrees to the surface to be
examined

5.7 When performing direct visual examination, mirrors may be used to improve the angle of vision,
and aids such as a magnifying lens may be used to assist examinations. The specific part, component,
vessel, or section thereof, under immediate examination, shall be illuminated, if necessary with
flashlight or other auxiliary lighting to attain a minimum of 100fc for general examination and a
minimum of 100fc for the detection or study of small anomalies

5.8 Remote visual examination may use visual aids such as mirrors, telescopes, borescopes, fiber
optics, cameras, or other suitable instruments. Such systems shall have a resolution capability at least
equivalent to that obtainable by direct visual examination

5.9 Visual examination for pressure welds and welds to pressure retaining components shall be
performed in accordance with this procedure. Visual examinations may be conducted, as necessary,
during the fabrication and erection of piping components to provide verification that the design and
WPS requirements are being met. In addition, visual examination shall be performed to verify that all
completed welds in pipe and piping components comply with the acceptance standards specified in 8.0
below or with the limitations on imperfections specified in the material specification under which the
pipe or component was furnished

5.10 On the butt weld the reinforcement is measured on both sides when it is possible.

5.11 In fillet joints are measured leg or throat as required in specifications or drawings

5.12 The personnel performing the visual inspection of welding must be qualified and certified by
QCM according to the following:
(A). - Must have instruction in the fundamentals of the nondestructive examination method.
(B). - Must have on-the-job training to familiarize the NDE personnel with the appearance and
interpretation of indication of weld defect. (3 months minimum)

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 TREKANT GRUPO INDUSTRIAL, S.A. DE C.V.
CODE: PQC-07
REVISION:3
QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEM PROCEDURE DATE: 02/24/20
VISUAL EXAMINATION FOR ASME B31.1

(C). - Must have an eye examination performed at least once each year to determine optical capability of
NDE personnel to perform the required examinations.
(D). – Must have upon completion of (A) and (B) above, the NDE personnel shall be given an oral or
written examination and performance examination by QCM to determine if the NDE personnel are
qualified to perform the required examinations and interpretation of results.
Personnel qualified and certified as Level I or II meets and exceeds the requirements listed above.
(E). – Must have certified NDE personnel whose work has not included performance of a specific
examination method for a period of 1 yr or more shall be recertified by successfully completing the
examination of (D) above and also passing the visual examination of (C) above. Substantial changes in
procedure or equipment shall require recertification of the NDE personnel.
A record shall be generated in format Personnel Certification Record.
As an alternative to the preceding program, the requirements of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel
Code, Section V, Article 1 may be used for the qualification of NDE personnel. Personnel qualification
to AWS QC1 may be used for the visual examination of welds.

5.13 Reinforcing and fillet welding are measured with gauges designed specifically for this activity.

6 CRITERIA FOR ACCEPTANCE

6.1 All indications shall be evaluated in terms of the acceptance standards indicated below. An
indication is the evidence of a mechanical imperfection.
A linear indication is one having a length greater than three times the width.
A rounded indication is one of circular or elliptical shape with the length equal to or less than
three times the width.

6.2 Acceptance Standards accord with Section B31.1 ASME Code.

The following indications are unacceptable:
1. Cracks, external surface.
2. Undercut on surface which is greater than 1/32in. (1.0mm) deep.
3. Weld reinforcement greater than specified in fabrication drawings or in the applicable Code
Section.
4. Lack of fusion on surface.
5. Incomplete penetration (applies only when inside surface is readily accessible).
6. Any other linear indications greater than 3/16in.(5.0mm) long.
7. Surface porosity with rounded indications having dimensions greater than 3/16in.(5.0mm) or
four or more rounded indications separated by 1/16in.(2.0mm) or less edge to edge in any
direction

6.3 Welds that are rejected shall be marked and repaired with the same process with which they
were originally welded.

6.4 All repairs shall be inspected visually, with the same parameters with those originally reviewed.

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 TREKANT GRUPO INDUSTRIAL, S.A. DE C.V.
CODE: PQC-07
REVISION:3
QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEM PROCEDURE DATE: 02/24/20
VISUAL EXAMINATION FOR ASME B31.1

6.5 No welding must be inspected by another NDE if it has not been released by visual examination.

6.6 If the weld defects outside Code, shall not be sent for inspection to NDE until it is repaired.

6.7 All repairs are made with qualified welders in the welding processes apply.

7 RECORDS

The attached Visual Examination Report shall be filled out by the examiner upon completion of each
visual examination. (FQC-018)

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