(105b) Brittle Fracture Assesment Using Part 3 of Api Rp-579

Brittle fractures in service are fortunately rare, but the consequences can be catastrophic. Rules and guidelines for the prevention of brittle fracture are provided in the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and in API Recommended Practice 579. API RP-579 will be published as a joint API/ASME Standard in the near future. ASME expanded Section VIII, Division 1 and 2 requirements for impact testing for new construction in 1987 to include exemptions based on experience. Exemptions cover carbon and low alloy steels. These rules were adapted for assessment of equipment that was already in service in API RP-579 in 2000.