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Interpretations

Print Date: 1/15/2021 8:20:39 AM


Approved Interpretations

  1. This section provides a complete list of all approved interpretations of the NBIC.
     
  2. Each interpretation references the edition and addenda applicable to the committee response and approval. Use of interpretations, for other than the approved edition and addenda, may not be appropriate for reference.
     
  3. Technical inquiries (also known as “request for interpretation”) may be submitted to the NBIC committee to clarify the meaning or intent of existing rules to the NBIC. The requirements for submitting technical inquiries are described in NBIC Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 (Section 8), Preparation of Technical Inquiries to the NBIC Committee.

Click on a header to view all interpretations for that year. Click on an Interpretation number to go directly to that specific interpretation.

 

2019 Interpretations

Interpretation Edition Part Section Subject
19-17 2019 3 3.3.2 e) 1) Mechanical replacement of valves, fittings, tubes, and/or pipes
19-16 2019 3 4.4.2 c) Alternative Method in lieu of Pressure Testing or Examination
19-15 2019 3 3.4.4 PV Cycles of operations change as an alteration
19-14 2019 3 3.4.5.1 b) Alteration of ASME Section VIII Div.2 vessels
19-13 2019 3 4.4.1 e) Nondestructive Examination
19-12 2019 3 3.3.3 and 3.3.4.3 Weld build of wasted areas with different material
19-11 2019 3 3.2.2, 3.3.3, and 5.12.4.1 Mechanical Installation of Replacement Parts in ASME Section VIII Division 3 Pressure Vessels
19-10 2019 3 2.2.6 and S6.9.6 Continuity of qualified personnel
19-09 2019 3 Table 2.3 Acceptance of latest AWS SWPS for use in the 2019 NBIC
19-08 2019 3 3.3.2 Routine Repairs for ASME B31.3 Normal Fluid Service and Severe Cyclic piping
19-07 2019 3 5.6 Form Registration Log
19-06 2019 3 2.2 and 2.2.1

National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau (NCPWB) welding procedure specifications
19-05 2019 3 1.5.1 d) 1) Clarification of Part 3, 1.5.1 d) 1)
19-04 2019 3 2.5.3.6 Welding Method 6 on Grade 92 steel
19-03 2019 3 1.6.6.2 m), 1.6.7.2 m), 1.6.8.2 m) ISO/IEC 17025 edition reference in NBIC Part 3, 1.6.6.2, 1.6.7.2, and 1.6.8.2
19-02 2019 3 3.3.4.3-a Wastage/Wasted Areas
19-01 2019 3 3.3.2 "R" Certificate Holder manufacturing parts and sub-assemblies

 

2017 Interpretations

Interpretation Edition Part Section Subject
17-22 2017 3 3.3.2 and 3.3.5 Repair of Section VIII Div. 2 and Div. 3 Pressure Vessels
17-21 2017 3 3.2.2 e) Determining the Pressure Used for Hydrostatic Test 
17-20 2017 3 4.4.2 c) NDE methods in lieu of a hydrostatic test
17-19 2017 All Parts 8.1 b) Interpretations issued to earlier NBIC editions
17-18 2017 3 3.2.6 Reference to Other Codes and Standards
17-17 2017 3 3.3.5, 3.4.5 Repair and alteration of Section VIII Division 2 items
17-16 2017 3 3.4.1 Certifying engineer of UDS for re-rating of pressure vessel
17-15 2017 3 2.5.3.2, 2.5.3.3, 2.5.3.4 Alternative Welding Methods
17-14 2017 1, 4 Part 1, 2.9.6 h) and Part 4, 2.2.10 h) Plugging a Valve Casing Drain
17-13 2017 3 2.5.3 e) Alternative NDE methods acceptable to the Inspector and the Jurisdiction 
17-12 2017 3 3.3.4 Reducing a pressure vessel's overall shell length
17-11 2017 3 2.5.3.6 e) Changing of Welding Consumables 
17-10 2017 3 3.4.5 ASME Section VIII, Division 2, Class 1 Vessels.
17-09 2017 3 2.5.2 Post-Weld Heat Treatment of full penetration groove weld
17-08 2017 3 3.3.5.2.a and 3.4.5.1.a Repair/Alteration Plans for ASME VIII, Division 2, Class 1 Pressure Vessels
17-07 2017 3 2.5.3 Omission of PWHT by an R Certificate holder
17-06 2017 3 2.5.3.6 Part 3, Section 2.5.3.6, Welding Method 6
17-05 2017 3 3 Repairs to a Pressure Retaining Part
17-04 2017 2 All Evaluation of existing equipment with minimal documentation
17-03 2017 3 3, Figure 3.3.4.3-b and 3, 3.3.2(e)(5) Adding Handhole Ring on Pressure Side of Pressure Retaining Item
17-02 2017 3 1.5.1 Continuity Records Retention
17-01 2017 3 All Application of Term "Practicable"

 

2015 Interpretations

Interpretation Edition Part Section Subject
15-15 2015 1 2.10, 3.10 Installation Pressure Test
15-14 2017 3 1.5.1 Continuity Records Retention
15-13 2015 3 5.7.2 Routine Repair Stamping Requirements
15-12 2015 3 3.3.2 Surface Repair of Corrugating Rolls
15-11 2013 3 3 Repair/Replacement of Bolting Material
15-10 2017 3 All Application of Term "Practicable"
15-09 2015 3 3 Use of Backing Strips to Install Flush Patches
15-08 2015 3 5.7 Alteration to One Side of Shell/Tube Heat Exchanger
15-07 2015 3 3.4.3 Local Stress from Bracket Loading
15-06 2015 3 3.4.3 Change in Boiler Heat Input from HRSG
15-05 2015 3 1.3.2 c) Verification of Installation of Repair Nameplate
15-04 2015 3 3 Explosive Weld Plugs Tube Repair
15-03 2015 3 3.2.6 Fillet Welded Patches
15-02 2015 3 5.12.2 Valve Repair Nameplate Field Labels
15-01 2015 1 3.3.4 Boiler Clearance Less than Recommended

 

2013 Interpretations

Interpretation Edition Part Section Subject
13-11 2013 3 3 Repair/Replacement of Bolting Material
13-10 2013 3 3 Use of Backing Strips to Install Flush Patches
13-09 2013 3 4 Penetrant Examination in Lieu of Hydrostatic Test
13-08 2013 3 1.6.1 Quality Control System Responsibilities
13-07 2013 3 3.3 Weld Buildup of Wasted Areas
13-06 2013 3 2.5.2 Postweld Heat Treatment Requirements
13-05 2013 1 3.8.2.3 Operating Limit Control Location on Hot Water Supply Boilers
13-04 2013 3 3.3.2 e) Seal Welding of Inspection Opening Covers
13-03 2011 3 3.3.2 d) 1) Standard Threaded Fitting Welded through
ASME VIII, Div. 1 Vessel
13-02 2011 3 5.7.5 Stamping Requirements for Alterations
13-01 2013 3 1.8.5 q) Personnel Qualified IAW ANSI/ASME N45.2.23

 

2011 Interpretations

Interpretation Edition Part Section Subject
11-06 2011 3 3.2.5 Calculations / Start of Work
11-05 2011 2 5.2.2 – 5.2.3 Replacement of Stamped Data on Corrugator Rolls
11-04 2011 3 1.7 Application of "VR" Stamp
11-03 2011 2 2.5.8 Test Frequencies
11-02 2011 3 4.4.2 a) Liquid Pressure Test Requirements
11-01 2011 3 3.3.2 Routine Repair Considerations

 

2007 Interpretations

Interpretation Edition Addenda Part Section Subject
07-16 2007   3 3.3.5.2 Requirement for Repair / Alteration Plan
07-15 2007 2008 2 S2.10.6 Average Pitch
07-14 2007 2009 3 3.3.3 Replacement of Pressure Retaining Parts
07-13 2007 2009 All   The Original Code of Construction
07-12 2007 2009 3 3.4.3 Replacement of Heads with Different Types
07-11 2007 2010 3 3.2.2 a) Replacement Parts
07-10 2007 2009 3 3.3.2–3.3.3 Routine Repairs
07-09 2007 2008 2 S2.9 b) & S2.11 b) 7) b) Schedule 80 Pipe in External Piping
07-08 2007 2009 3 3.4.3 c) Handhole Replacement with Flush Patch
07-07 2007 2009 3 3.3.4.3 e) & 3.3.2 d) 3) Weld Buildup of Wasted Area / Routine Repair
07-06 2007   3   Replacement Parts for Repairs and Alterations
07-05 2007 2008 1 2.9.5.1 c) Change-Over Valve Permitted in ASME Code Case-2254 Use
07-04 2007   1 4.5.1 a) Installation of New Rupture Disc in an Existing Holder
07-03 2007   3 2.5.3 Use of Alternative Welding Method 2 on P-No 4 and P-No 5A Base Material
07-02 2007   3 1.6.2, 1.7.5.4, & 1.8.2 NBIC Manual Requirements for "R", "VR", and "NR" Stamp Holders
07-01 2004 2006   RB-8400 & RB-8410 "Try Testing" of Pressure Relief Valves

 

2004 Interpretations

Interpretation Edition Addenda Section Subject
04-23 2004 2005 RC-1110, RC-2050(c), RC-3030(c), & RC-3031(e) Jurisdictional Acceptance of NDE
04-22 2004   RC-1130 Inspector Verification of NDE Performed
04-21 2004 2005 RC-1130 Inspector Involvement in NDE in Lieu of Pressure Test
04-20 2004 2005 RC-2051(d) & RC-3031(b) Pneumatic Test in Lieu of Liquid Pressure Test
04-19 2004 2005 RD-2020 Repair of Threaded Bolt Holes
04-18 2004 2005 RD-3010 Re-rating Using a Later Edition/Addenda of The Original Code of Construction
04-17 2001 2003 RD-2020(c) Procedures for Repairing Cracks and Crack Classification
04-16 2004   RA-2370 "NR" Certificate Interface with Owner's Repair/Replacement Program
04-15 2004   RD-2060 Utilizing a Flush Patch to Gain Access Window in Pressure Retaining Items
04-14 2004   RC-1000 & RC-3000 Replacement Safety Valves with Different Capacities and Set Pressures than Boiler Data Report
04-13 2004   RC-1020, RC-1030, Appendix 4, & RC-3022 Replacement of a Cast Iron Section
04-12 2001 2003 RD-1030, RC-1050(c) Post Weld Heat Treatment of Parts
04-11 2001 2003 RC-1050(c), RC-2050, & RC-2051 Requirements for Testing Replacement Parts
04-10 2004   RC-2031 Flush Patches in Pipes and Tubes NPS 5 or less
04-09 2004   RC-2031 Routine Repairs
04-08 2004   RE-1050 Fabricated Replacement Critical Parts
04-07 2004   RE-1050 Source for Critical Parts
04-06 2004   RC-1050(c), RC-2050, RC-2051, & RC-1110 Written Procedure Requirements for Non-Destructive Examinations
04-05 2001 2003 RC-1050(c) & RC-2050 "R" Stamp Holder Installation of Code Manufacturer Supplied Parts
04-04 2004   RC-3022(b) & (d) Re-rating of Pressure-Retaining Items for Lethal Service/Removal of Insulation
04-03 2004   RC-3022(b) & (d) Re-rating of Pressure-Retaining Items/Removal of Insulation
04-02 2004   RA-2213 "VR" Certificate Holder Verification of Manufacturer's Nameplate Capacity
04-01 2004   RD Use of Welded Encapsulation Box in Lieu of Weld Build Up or Flush Patch

 

2001 Interpretations

Interpretation Edition Addenda Section Subject
01-41 2001 2003 Appendix 2 & 5 Alteration Increasing Boiler Heating Surface & Stamping
01-40 2001 2003 RC-2051(e), RC-3031(c), RC-2050, & RC-3030(c) Use of VT when Pressure Test Is Not Practicable
01-39 2001 2003 RC-3051 Inspector Responsibilities for Form R-2 after Witnessing Pressure Test
01-38 2001 2003 RD-3022(d) Design Only "R" Stamp Holders Pressure Testing and Form R-2
01-37 2001 2003 RC-1140 & RC-3040 Construction Phase & Stamping when Re-rating without Physical Changes
01-36 2001 2002 RC-1020(b) Application of "R" Stamp on Non-Code Pressure Retaining Items
01-35 2001 2002 RC-1040 Is Pre-Assembly of a Part Considered Fabrication
01-34 2001 2002 RD-1060(h)(2) Butter Layers Using the SMAW Process
01-34 2001 2002 RD-1040(i)(6) Shielding Gas Dewpoint Temperature
01-33 2001 2002 UG-45 Evaluation of Inservice Pressure Vessels and Requirement of UG-45
01-32 2001 2002 Introduction Are Reference Codes and Standards Acceptable
01-31 2001 2002 RB-3238 Determination of Remaining Life Applicable to Boilers and Pressure Vessels
01-30 2001 2002 RC-1050(c) Fabrication and Installation by "R" Stamp Holder
01-29 2001 2002 RC-2070 Installation of Replacement Parts
01-28 2001 2002 RC-1040 Use of Material That Has Been Previously Inservice
01-27 2001 2002 RC-1090 Welding Using Welders Who Are Not Employed by the "R" Stamp Holder
01-26 2001 2002 RB-3238(f) Criteria for Determining Actual Thickness and Maximum Deterioration
01-25 2001   RC-3050 Documenting Alterations Performed by Two "R" Stamp Organizations
01-24 2001   RC-1110(a) NDE of Tack Welds by Welders and Welder Operators
01-23 2001   RC-2031(a)(1) Routine Repairs
01-22 2001   RC-2031 Routine Repairs
01-21 2001   Appendix 6, Part B Alternative Welding Methods in Lieu of Post Weld Heat Treatment
01-20 2001   RC-2031(a)(1) Routine Repairs
01-19 2001   RC-2031(a)(1) Routine Repairs
01-18 2001   8-5000(b) Repairs
01-17 2001   RC-3021 Calculations
01-16 2001   RC-3000 Alterations to ASME Section VIII, Div. 2 Vessels
01-15 2001   RC-2051 Pressure Test Repairs and Alterations by Isolating the Repaired Portion of a Pressure Retaining Item
01-14 2001   RC-2082(b) Repair Plan (Sec. VIII, Div. 2) AIA Acceptance
01-13 2001   RB-4010 Replacement of Stamped Data
01-12 2001   RA-2274 Use of Owner/User Personnel during Repairs of Pressure Relief Valves
01-11 2001   RC-3022 Re-rating Based on Joint Efficiency
01-10 1998 2000 RD-1000 Alternative Postweld Heat Treatment Methods
01-09 1998 2000 RC-2031(a)(1) Routine Repairs
01-08 1998 2000 RB-3853 Manually Operated Locking Devices
01-07 1998 2000 RA-2030(a) Owner-User Inspection Organizations
01-06 1998 2000 RA-2010 Accreditation of Repair Organizations
01-05 1998 2000 RA-2330(n) "NR" Program Audits
01-04 1998 2000 RC-2050, RC-3030, RA-2151(m) Calibration of Pressure Gages
01-03 1998 2000 Appendix 4 Pressure Retaining Items
01-02 1998 1999 RC-2031(a)(3) Weld Metal Build-Up
01-01 1998 1999 RA-2330(g) Demonstration for an "NR" Certificate of Authorization

 

1998 Interpretations

Interpretation Edition Addenda Section Subject
98-44 1995 1997 RC-1093 Welder Performance Qualification Using SWPS
98-43 1998 1999 Forward, Appendix 4 & Appendix 5 Alterations
98-42 1998 1999 RC-2031, RD-2030(d) Weld Buildup of Wasted Area of Boiler Tubes
98-41 1998   RA-2330(g) Compliance with Part RA-2330(g)
98-40 1998   RD-2070 Replacement of Threaded Stays with Welded Stays
98-39 1998 1999 R-1 & R-2 Forms Inspector Requirements
98-38 1998 1999 RC-3031(c) NDE in Lieu of Pressure Test
98-37 1998 1999 RC-1050(a) Material Requirements
98-36 1998 1999 RD-2050 Original Code of Construction
98-35 1998 1999 RB-4000 Restamping or Replacement of Nameplate
98-34 1995 1996 RC-3030 Examination and Testing
98-33 1998   RC-2051 Liquid Pressure Test of Repairs
98-32 1998   RC-3022 Re-rating Using Higher Joint Efficiency
98-31 1998   RC-2031 Replacement of a Nozzle as Routine Repair
98-30 1998   Appendix 6C Example of Alteration Due to Grinding or Machining
98-29 1998   Appendix 6 Tube Placement
98-28 1998   RC-1050(c) Replacement Parts Fabricated by an "R" Certificate Holder
98-28 1998   Appendix 6 Pressure Retaining Replacement Items
98-28 1998   RC-1050 Definition of New Replacement Parts
98-27 1995 1996 RC-2050(b) Pressure Test
98-27 1995 1996 RC-1050 Replacement Parts
98-26 1998   RA-2262(b)(1) Resetting of PRV Springs per ASME Section 1, PG-72.3 or Section VIII, Div. 1, UG-126(c)
98-25 1998   RA-2262(b)(3) Stamping on Repair Nameplate
98-24 1998   RA-2242(c) "VR" Certificate Holders and Code Case 1923 & 1945
98-23 1995   Appendix 6, B-7 Head and Shell Thickness Limitations when Installing Nozzles
98-22 1998   RC-1010 Scope
98-21 1998   RA-2130(f) Requirements for Applicants for "R" Certificate of Authorization
98-20 1998   RC-3022 Re-rating
98-19 1998   RB-3237 Inspection Interval
98-18 1998   RC-2031(a)(1) Routine Repairs
98-17 1998   RA-2281 Testing Medium and Testing Equipment
98-16 1998   RA-3020 Prerequisites for Accreditation
98-15 1995 1996 RC-3022 & RC-3030(h) Pressure Testing Requirements Related to Re-rating Activities
98-14 1998   Appendix 6 Examples of Repairs and Alterations
98-14 1998   RC-1050 Replacement Parts
98-14 1998   RC-3022 Re-rating
98-14     RC-3020 Design
98-13 1995 1996 RA-2151(r) QC Manual Requirements
98-12 1995 1996 RA-2231(b)(1) Use of Code Case 2203 in Repairs
98-11 1995 1996 RA-3050 Owner-User Program Accreditation and Inspections
98-10 1995   RC-1110 NDE Requirements for ASME Section I Tube Sheet Repairs
98-09 1995   RB-3640 Inspection Requirements
98-08 1995 1996 RD-2010 Repair Methods
98-07 1995 1996 RA-2330(d) ASME Section XI Program Boundary Components
98-06 1995 1996 RC-1090 Welding Non-Pressure Parts in a Pressure Retaining Item
98-06 1995 1996 RD-1010 Alternative Methods of NDE
98-05 1995 1996 Forward Determination of Repairs Must be Made
98-04 1995 1996 RC-2031 Routine Repairs
98-03 1995   RB-3238(f) Interrupted Service
98-02 1995 1996 RA-2231 Conditions of Use
98-01 1995 1997 RC-2031(a)(1) Attachments

 

1995 Interpretations

Interpretation Edition Addenda Section Subject
95-57 1995 1996 RB-3238(e) Above Ground Vessels
95-56 1995 1996 RA-2231(b)(1) Acceptance of Code Cases 1923 & 1945
95-55 1995 1996 RB-3550 Operational Inspection
95-54 1995 1996 RC-2050 Pressure Testing
95-53 1995   RD-2031 Routine Repairs
95-52 1995 1996 RD-2060 Patches, Figure 8
95-51 1995 1996 RC-1090 Weld Procedures/Qualified Welders
95-50 1995 1996 RC-2072 & RC-3052 R-3, R-4, & Manufacturer's Partial Data Report
95-49 1995

 

 Appendix 6, B-17 P Numbers
95-48 1995   RC-1020, RB-1050(a) & Appendix 6, B-6 R-1 Forms
95-47 1995   RB-4020 Replacement Name Plates & National Board Numbers
95-46 1995   Appendix 6, B-7 Examples of Repairs
95-45 1995   Appendix 4 Repairs and Alterations
95-44 1995   Appendix 6, C-5 Alterations
95-43 1995   Appendix 5 Repairs
95-42 1995   RC-2070 & RC-3050 R-1 & R-2 Forms
95-41 1995   RC-1110 Indications in Excess of that Allowed by the Original Code of Construction
95-40 1995   Appendix 5 Form R-2
95-39 1995   RC-2050 Pressure Testing of Routine Repairs
95-38 1995   RB-3234 Inservice Pressure Test
95-37       Withdrawn
95-36 1995   RC-1020 Work Performed to a Code Other than the Original Code of Construction
95-35 1992 1994 R-200 Welding of Tube Plugs
95-34 1995   Appendix 4 Inspector Responsibilities
95-33(a) 1992 1994 Appendix C-R, 4.0 (f) Field Repairs in Other Shops Owned by the Certificate Holder
95-33 1995   RC-2031(a)(2) Non-Load Bearing Attachments
95-32 1995   RC-2050 Pressure Testing
95-31 1995   RC-2031 Waiving the Inprocess Involvement of the Inspector
95-30 1995   Data Report Forms API-510 Reporting and Inspector Involvement
95-29 1995   RC-1070 Non National Board Member Jurisdiction Inspectors
95-28 1995   RC-2031 R-1 Forms Inspector Involvement for Routine Repairs
95-27 1995   RC-2031 Routine Repairs
95-27 1995   RC-2050 Registration of R-1 Forms
95-27 1995   RC-2060 Application of the "R" Symbol Stamp
95-27 1995   RC-2072 Responsibility for Performing Pressure Test
95-26 1995   RA-2262 Valve Nameplate Contents
95-25 1995   Appendix 5 Inspectors Requirements for Form R-1 on Routine Repairs
95-24 1995   Appendix 2 Nameplate Stamping and Layout
95-23 1995   RC-1010 Documentation of Repairs to Non-Symbol Stamped Cargo Vessels
95-22 1995   RC-3020 & RC-3021 Reclassification of Pressure Retaining Items
95-21 1995   Appendix 4 Repairs to PWHT Vessels Without Subsequent PWHT
95-20 1995   Foreword Use of Earlier Edition and Addenda
95-19 1995   RC-1000 Original Code of Construction/Edition/Addenda
95-18 1992 1994 Appendix C-NR & NR-1000 Scope and Applicability
95-17 1992 1994 R-404 Documenting Repairs/Responsibility for Work Performed by Others
95-16 1992 1994 R-302.1 Owner/User Supplied Weld Procedures
95-15 1992 1994 R-307 Use of Replacement Parts/Assemblies from Other Inservice Vessels
95-14 1992 1994 R-202 Repairs to PWHT Vessels without Subsequent PWHT
95-13 1992 1994 U-106 Maximum Period between Inspection Intervals
95-12 1992 1994 U-107 Inspection of Corrosion and Other Deterioration
95-11 1992 1994 R-503 Re-rating of Complete Boilers or Pressure Vessels
95-10 1992 1994 R-301.2.2 Owner User Acceptance Inspection of Repairs and Alterations
95-09 1992 1994 Chapter III, Supplement 3 Welding Methods as an Alternative to Postweld Heat Treatment
95-08 1992 1994 Appendix C-R Guide for Completing Form R-1
95-07 1992 1994 Appendix C-R, 3.0 Renewal of "R" Certificate of Authorization
95-06 1992 1993 R-401.2.2 Access Openings
95-05 1992 1993 Purpose and Scope When Does the NBIC Take Effect on New Boilers or Pressure Vessels
95-04 1992 1993 U-107 Inspection for Corrosion and Other Deterioration
95-03 1992 1993 R-200, R-404, R-505 Use of Similar & Non-Similar Base Metals/Repair-Alteration
95-02 1992 1993 R-307 Use of R-Form When Replacing Parts with Different Materials without Welding
95-01 All     What Editions of the NBIC Governs

 

1992 Interpretations

Interpretation Edition Addenda Section Subject
94-2 1992   Chapter III, R-301.1 Inspector Approval for Routine Repairs
94-1 1989   Chapter III Repair of Valves Covered by B31.1
93-6 1992   Chapter III Re-rating by Performing Radiography & Recalculating Joint Efficiency
93-5 1992   Chapter III, R-503(d) Requirement for Pressure Test when Re-rating a Vessel
93-4 1992   Chapter III, R-301.2 Owner User Acceptance Inspection of Alterations
93-2 1992     Alterations
93-1 1992     Requirements when More than One Inspector is Involved in a Repair
92-7 1992     Alterations with Different Certificate Holders Performing Design Calculations and Physical Work
92-6 1992     Out of State Organizations Performing Repairs
92-5 1992     Alternative Requirements of NBIC when There is No Jurisdiction
92-4 1992   Chapter III, Supplement 1 Replacement of Tubes with Equal or Greater Allowable Stress