Asme Section V Article 9 Jun 2026

A decrease in the minimum light intensity at the examination surface.

The remote system must have a resolution capability equal to or better than that required for direct visual examination.

The surface must be free from any foreign matter that could mask defects. This includes the removal of slag, scale, oil, grease, weld spatter, or heavy paint. Cleaning can be achieved through wire brushing, grinding, or solvent wiping, depending on the material and application. 4. Personnel Qualification and Vision Tests

: Used when the area is inaccessible for direct viewing. It employs tools like mirrors, borescopes, telescopes, or cameras that must have resolution at least equivalent to direct observation. Translucent Visual Examination

Serial numbers of light meters, boroscopes, or visual gauges utilized. asme section v article 9

This comprehensive guide breaks down the essential components, procedural rules, and personnel qualifications required to achieve compliance with ASME Section V, Article 9. 1. Scope and General Requirements

Article 9 details how to perform the inspection, but it does not specify what constitutes a pass or a fail. Referencing the Referencing Code Section

ASME Section V Article 9 defines the mandatory requirements for visual examination. This method uses the human eye, either directly or with remote optical aids, to evaluate the condition of a component. What it Detects Surface flaws and imperfections Structural misalignment Physical deformation or distortion Mechanical damage or wear Leakage in pressure-retaining components When it is Applied

Performed when the inspector has an unobstructed line of sight to the component. The eye must be positioned within a specific distance and angle relative to the surface. A decrease in the minimum light intensity at

A minimum of 100 foot-candles (1000 lux) is required on the surface being evaluated.

While the acceptance criteria are given by other codes, ASME Section V Article 9 provides the method for detecting a range of surface discontinuities. A qualified inspector is typically looking for:

. This procedure must be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Inspector and include specific variables categorized as essential or non-essential:

To inspect the final weld profile, blend, and surface integrity. This includes the removal of slag, scale, oil,

| Tool | Purpose | |------|---------| | Weld gauge (Cambridge type) | Measure reinforcement height, undercut depth, fillet weld leg/throat | | Hi-lo gauge | Measure internal misalignment at butt welds | | Pit gauge | Measure corrosion pit depth | | Magnifying lens (5–10x) | Examine suspect indications | | Flashlight/torch | Illuminate weld surfaces and root areas | | Mirror (dental or telescoping) | View root side of welds without crawling | | Borescope/videoscope | Internal pipe inspection, small-bore piping |

ASME Section V, Article 9, provides the mandatory requirements for Visual Examination (VT) within the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC)

This is the most common form of inspection, performed when access is sufficient to place the eye within the specified range of the surface. The eye must be within ) of the surface. Angle: The eye must be at an angle of not less than degrees to the plane of the surface. Lighting: The surface must be illuminated with a minimum of B. Remote Visual Examination (T-922)