E

4 ALBERT EMBANKMENT
LONDON SE1 7SR
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7735 7611 Fax: +44 (0)20 7587 3210

MSC.1/Circ.1599/Rev.2
15 June 2022

REVISED GUIDELINES ON THE APPLICATION OF HIGH MANGANESE

AUSTENITIC STEEL FOR CRYOGENIC SERVICE (MSC.1/CIRC.1599/REV.1)

1 Owing to the growing global demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) as an
environment-friendly energy source and the increased construction and operation of
LNG-fuelled ships, the Maritime Safety Committee, at its ninety-sixth session
(11 to 20 May 2016), agreed to the need to ensure that cargo and fuel tanks of LNG carriers
and LNG-fuelled ships were safe, and hence tasked the Sub-Committee on Carriage of
Cargoes and Containers with addressing the matter by developing amendments to the IGC
and IGF Codes in order to include high manganese austenitic steel for cryogenic service.

2 The Maritime Safety Committee, at its 100th session (3 to 7 December 2018),

acknowledging the increasing use of high manganese austenitic steel by the industry for
cryogenic service and the need for guidance in this respect, approved the Interim guidelines
on the application of high manganese austenitic steel for cryogenic service (MSC.1/Circ.1599).

3 The Maritime Safety Committee, at its 102nd session (4 to 11 November 2020), approved
the Revised Interim Guidelines (MSC.1/Circ.1599/Rev.1), prepared by the Sub-Committee on
Carriage of Cargoes and Containers, at its sixth session (9 to 13 September 2019).

4 The Maritime Safety Committee, at its 105th session (20 to 29 April 2022), approved
the Revised Guidelines, as set out in the annex, prepared by the Sub-Committee on Carriage
of Cargoes and Containers, at its seventh session (6 to 10 September 2021).

5 The Committee agreed to keep the Revised Guidelines under review, taking into
account operational experience gained with their application.

6 Member States are invited to bring the Revised Guidelines to the attention of all
parties concerned.

7 This circular supersedes MSC.1/Circ.1599/Rev.1.

***

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ANNEX

REVISED GUIDELINES ON THE APPLICATION OF

HIGH MANGANESE AUSTENITIC STEEL FOR CRYOGENIC SERVICE

Part I
General

1 Scope

These Guidelines on the application of high manganese austenitic steel for cryogenic service
provide the designer and manufacturer with practical information on the design and
construction of cargo and fuel tanks using high manganese austenitic steel for cryogenic
service, to comply with the Design Conditions defined in section 4.18 of the IGC Code and
section 6.4.12 of the IGF Code.

2 Application

2.1 These Guidelines are not intended to replace any requirements of the IGC and IGF
Codes. They are intended as complementary requirements for the utilization of high
manganese austenitic steel in the design and fabrication of cargo and fuel tanks complying
with the IGC and IGF Codes subject to the following:

.1 Application is suitable for the following cargoes and/or fuels if authorized by

the IGC and IGF Codes:

.1 Butane (all isomers);

.2 Butane-propane mixture;

.3 Carbon Dioxide (High Purity and reclaimed quality);

.4 Ethane;

.5 Ethylene;

.6 Methane (LNG);

.7 Pentane (all isomers); and

.8 Propane.

.2 Application is limited to plates (hot rolled) between 6 mm and 40 mm thick.

2.2 The application of high manganese austenitic steel for cargo and fuel tanks is limited
by the requirements specified in the following.

3 Definitions

High manganese austenitic steel: Steel with a high amount of manganese in order to retain
austenite as its primary phase at atmospheric and service
temperature.

Under-matched welds: For welded connections where the weld metal has lower
yield or tensile strength than the parent metal.

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Part II
Material specifications and testing requirements

4 Material specification

4.1 The material specification should be submitted to the Administration for approval. The test
requirements and acceptance criteria for the material are described in detail in the appendix.

4.2 The steel should be fully killed and fine-grained. The condition of supply for all material
should be hot rolled with subsequent controlled cooling as necessary. The reduction ratio of
slab to finished product thickness should not be less than 3:1. Other conditions of supply
should be in accordance with those prescribed by the Administration.

4.3 The use of high manganese austenitic steel is limited to steel plates with a thickness
between 6 mm and 40 mm. For thicknesses greater than 40 mm, special consideration may be
given by the Administration. Other dimensions may be subject to acceptance by the Administration.

5 Chemical composition

The chemical composition for high manganese austenitic steel should meet the requirements
of recognized standards, such as ASTM standard A1106/A1106M-17 as shown in table 1, or
ISO 21635:2018.

Table 1: Chemical composition for high manganese austenitic steel

(Ref. ASTM standard A1106/A1106M-17)

Chemical Composition (wt.%, product)

C Si Mn P S Cr Cu B N
0.35 - 0.10 - 22.50 - Max. Max. 3.00 - 0.30 - Max. Max.
Requirements
0.55 0.50 25.50 0.030 0.010 4.00 0.70 0.005 0.050

Note: Silicon (Si) may be less than 0.10 %, provided total aluminium is 0.03 % or
higher, or provided acid soluble aluminium is 0.025 % or higher.

6 Mechanical properties

Mechanical properties for the base metal of high manganese austenitic steel should meet the
requirements of the IGC and IGF Codes, as relevant, and also recognized standards applied
to chemical composition, such as ISO 21635:2018 (refer to table 2 below) or
ASTM A1106/A1106M-17. Compliance should also be documented in accordance with
material testing requirements and acceptance criteria outlined in the appendix.

.1 Base metal

Table 2: Mechanical properties for base metal of high manganese austenitic steel
(Reference ISO 21635:2018)

Minimum Minimum
yield strength Tensile
strength elongation
(0.2 % offset)
N/mm2 % at 5.65√S0
N/mm2

400 800 to 970 22.0

(Note the impact test requirements as specified in table 6.3 of the

IGC Code or table 7.3 of the IGF Code, as relevant)

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.2 As welded condition

Table 3: Typical mechanical properties for "As welded condition"

Tensile properties

Minimum Minimum
yield strength Minimum tensile
strength elongation
(0.2 % offset)
N/mm2 % at 5.65√S0
N/mm2
400 660 22.0

(Note the impact test requirements as specified in table 6.3 of the

IGC Code or table 7.3 of the IGF Code, as relevant)

7 Welding of metallic materials and non-destructive testing

Welding of metallic materials and non-destructive testing should be in accordance with

chapter 6 of the IGC Code or chapter 16 of the IGF Code. See "Material testing requirements
and test acceptance criteria" as set out in the appendix. Typical minimum values of yield and
tensile strength for welded conditions are shown in table 3.

8 Material testing and acceptance criteria

The material testing and applied acceptance criteria should be in accordance with chapter 6
of the IGC Code or chapter 16 of the IGF Code and the appendix. Compliance should also be
documented in accordance with the material testing requirements and acceptance criteria
outlined in the appendix.

9 Manufacturer approval scheme

Approval of the manufacturer should be carried out in accordance with section 6.2.2 of the
IGC Code or section 16.1.1 of the IGF Code and to the satisfaction of the Administration.

Part III
Application

10 Design application

10.1 General

10.1.1 The relevant load conditions and design conditions should be established in
accordance with section 4.18 of the IGC Code or section 6.4.12 of the IGF Code. Guidance on
special considerations for high manganese austenitic steel is described below.

10.1.2 For the selection of relevant safety factors for high manganese austenitic steels
(see paragraphs 4.21 to 4.23 of the IGC Code or section 6.4.15 of the IGF Code), the safety
factors specified for "Austenitic Steels" should be applied both for the base material and for
as welded condition.

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10.2 Ultimate design condition

(Reference: section 4.18.1 IGC Code or section 16.3.3 IGF Code)
It should be noted that high manganese austenitic steels normally have under-matched welds
and, therefore, it is of great importance that the design values of the yield strength and
tensile strength are based on the "minimum mechanical properties" for the base material and
as welded condition (see section 6 on Mechanical Properties). Note the limitation for
under-matched welds defined in section 4.18.1.3.1.2 of the IGC Code or section 16.3.3.5.1 of
the IGF Code.
10.3 Buckling strength
10.3.1 Buckling strength analysis should be carried out based on recognized standards.
Functional loads as defined in section 4.3.4 of the IGC Code or section 6.4.1.6 of the IGF Code
should be considered. Note that design tolerances should be considered where relevant and
be included in the strength assessment as required in section 6.6.2.1 of the IGC Code or
section 16.4.2 of the IGF Code.
10.3.2 It should be noted that the acceptance criteria for the flooding load cases are different
from other buckling load cases. Furthermore, the acceptance criteria for flooding load cases,
as defined in the IGC Code and the IGF Code, are also different, as the IGF Code requires the
tank to "keep its integrity after flooding to ensure safe evacuation of the ship"
(section 6.4.1.6.3.3 of the IGF Code), while the IGC Code only refers to endangering the
integrity of the ship's hull (section 4.3.4.3.3 of the IGC Code).
10.4 Fatigue design condition (Reference: 4.18.2 IGC Code and 6.4.12.2 IGF Code)
The fatigue design curves for base material and for welded conditions have been documented
as a comparison with recognized S-N curves, as provided by the D-curve in reference 11.4
(table 4) and FAT 90 provided by reference 11.5 (figure 1). Fatigue tests have been carried
out for butt welded joints only. However, for other details, the application of other S-N curves
should be to the satisfaction of the Administration. Section 4.18.2.4.2 of the IGC Code and
section 6.4.12.2.4 of the IGF Code specify the design S-N curves to be based on
a 97.6% probability of survival corresponding to the mean-minus-two-standard-deviation
curves of relevant experimental data up to final failure.

Table 4: (S-N curves in air): High manganese austenitic steel has been documented
to be equal or better than the D-curve (reference 11.4) for as welded
condition without stress concentration from any structural details

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Figure 1: Reference S-N curve to high manganese austenitic steel is the

FAT 90 curve (reference 11.5). The FAT 90 curve is as welded condition without
stress concentration from any structural details.

10.5 Fracture mechanics analyses

10.5.1 For a cargo tank or fuel tank where a reduced secondary barrier is applied, fracture
mechanics analysis should be carried out in accordance with the IGC or IGF Code.

10.5.2 Fracture toughness properties should be expressed using recognized standards.

Depending on the material, fracture toughness properties determined for loading rates similar
to those expected in the tank system should be required. The fatigue crack propagation rate
properties should be documented for the tank material and its welded joints for the relevant
service conditions. These properties should be expressed using a recognized fracture
mechanics practice relating the fatigue crack propagation rate to the variation in stress
intensity, ΔK, at the crack tip. The effect of stresses produced by static loads should be taken
into account when establishing the choice of fatigue crack propagation rate parameters.

10.5.3 Note that for the application where very high static load utilization is relevant,
alternative methods such as ductile fracture mechanic analyses should be considered.

10.5.4 An example of a typical Crack Tip Opening Displacement (CTOD) value at cryogenic
condition can be found in figure 2.

10.5.5 A fracture mechanics analysis is required for type B tanks (section 4.22.4 of the
IGC Code and section 6.4.15.2.3.3 of the IGF Code) where a reduced secondary barrier is
applied. Fracture mechanics analysis may also be required for other tank types as found
relevant to show compliance with fatigue and crack propagation properties. Note that
CTOD values used in fracture mechanics analysis may in any case be an important property
to analyse to ensure that materials are considered suitable for the application.

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CTOD TEST REPORT

REPORT NO.
Test Method ISO 12135/15653 Specimen
FCAW-2 Test Date
Standard No.
Specimen Square Cross-Section 3 Point Crack plane
L-T
configuration Bend(W=B) orientation
1 2 3 Average
Thickness, B (mm) 40 40 40 40
Specimen
Dimensions Width, W (mm) 80 80 80 80
Knife edge thickness, z
Span, S (mm) 320 0
(mm)
Young's Modulus of Elasticity, E (MPa) 182,000
YS(0.2% proof), σYSP (MPa) 474
TS, σTSP (MPa) 780
Test Material
YS(0.2% proof), σYS (MPa) 655
Machined Width, N Length, Lmc Root Radius
Notch (mm) 4.7 32.4 0.1
Test Condition Temperature (℃) -165

Test Result

Crack Length to Tip of Fatigue Pre crack (mm)

a1 a2 a3 a4 a5 a6 a7 a8 a9 a0
37.62 39.28 39.36 38.95 39.24 38.27 38.55 38.67 37.21 38.72
Plastic Component of V, Vp
a0/W 0.54 1.53
(mm)
Critical CTOD (mm)
Type of CTOD Total CTOD
δm 0.53

Figure 2: Example of typical values for CTOD test at -165°C

10.6 Welding

10.6.1 Welding should be carried out in accordance with section 6.5 of the IGC Code or
section 16.3 of the IGF Code, and to the satisfaction of the Administration.

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10.6.2 For welding, the following points should be considered:

.1 for reducing the heat input during production:

.1 special attention should be given to the first root pass when applying
flux-cored arc welding (FCAW); reduced amperage should be
considered; and

.2 welding heat input of maximum 30 kJ/cm should be used as

guidance for 3G position, as that has less heat input for 1G position;

.2 distance between the weld and nozzle should be kept to a minimum to reduce
the oxygen content at the vicinity of the weld pool;

.3 weld gas composition of FCAW should normally be an 80/20 mix of argon

and carbon dioxide; and

.4 appropriate ventilation should be provided to reduce exposure to hazardous

welding fumes.

10.7 Non-destructive testing (NDT)

The scope of non-destructive testing (NDT) should be as required by section 6.5.6 of

the IGC Code or section 16.3.6 of the IGF Code. NDT procedures should be in accordance
with recognized standards to the satisfaction of the Administration. For high manganese
austenitic steel suitable NDT procedures normally applicable for austenitic steels should be
used.

10.8 Corrosion resistance

10.8.1 Appropriate measures with respect to corrosion protection and avoidance of a

corrosive environment should be taken. Particularly for LNG fuel tanks that may not be in
operation, appropriate precautions should be taken at all times to ensure that empty tanks are
filled with inert gas or dry air when not in use.

11 References

ASTM A1106 / A1106M-17: Standard Specification for Pressure Vessel Plate, Alloy
Steel, Austenitic High Manganese for Cryogenic Application

ISO 21635:2018 Ships and marine technology – Specification of high manganese

austenitic steel used for LNG tanks on board ships

Material testing requirements and acceptance criteria (appendix)

DNVGL-RP-C203 Fatigue design of offshore steel structures

IIW 1823-07 Recommendations for fatigue design of welded joints and components

BS 7910:2013 + A1:2015 Guide to methods for assessing the acceptability of flaws in

metallic structures

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APPENDIX 1

MATERIAL TESTING REQUIREMENTS AND ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

FOR HIGH MANGANESE AUSTENITIC STEEL

1 Test of base material

1.1 Chemical composition

Recognized standards, such as ASTM A1106/A1106M-17 or ISO 21635:2018.

Test acceptance criteria

In accordance with recognized standards.

1.2 Micrographic examination

This test should be carried out in accordance with 6.3.4 of the IGC Code and 16.2.4 of the
IGF Code, i.e. recognized standards, such as ASTM E112.

Test acceptance criteria

Microstructure to be reported for reference (i.e. grain size/precipitations).

1.3 Tensile test

This test should be carried out in accordance with 6.3.1 of the IGC Code and 16.2.1 of the
IGF Code.
Samples should be taken from three heats of different compositions, both at room and cryogenic
temperatures.

Test acceptance criteria

The yield, tensile strength and elongation should be in accordance with the recognized standard
applied for Chemical composition (2.1) such as ASTM A1106/A1106M-17 or ISO 21635:2018.

1.4 Charpy impact test

This test should be carried out in accordance with 6.3.2 of the IGC Code and 16.2.2 of the
IGF Code.
Test acceptance criteria
In accordance with table 6.3, as for austenitic steels, of the IGC Code and table 7.3 of the IGF
Code.
Guidance note 9 of tables 6.3 and 7.3: Impact tests should not be omitted for high manganese
austenitic steel owing to lack of experience.

1.5 Charpy impact test on strain aged specimens

Recognized standards, such as ASTM E23.
Test acceptance criteria
In accordance with table 6.3, as for austenitic steels, of the IGC Code and 16.2.2 of the
IGF Code.

Guidance note 9 of tables 6.3 and 7.3 are not applicable for high manganese steel owing to lack
of experience.

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1.6 Drop weight test

Recognized standards should be applied, such as ASTM E208. Tests should be carried out at
-196°C.

Test acceptance criteria

No break at test temperature as defined by the applied standard.

1.7 Fatigue test (S-N curve)

The basis for establishing S-N Curves should be in accordance with 4.18.2.4.2 of the IGC Code
and 6.4.12.2.4 of the IGF Code.

Test acceptance criteria

S-N curves should be minimum the fatigue strength as established curves for steel as defined
in IIW or DNVGL-RP-C203.

1.8 CTOD (crack tip opening displacement) test

Recognized standards, such as ASTM E1820, BS 7448 or ISO 12135, should be used for these
purposes.

Test acceptance criteria

CTOD minimum value should be in accordance with design specification for testing at room and
cryogenic temperatures as per design conditions. As a guidance a minimum CTOD value
of 0.2 mm is often required.

1.9 Corrosion test

These tests should be carried out in accordance with recognized standards.

Test acceptance criteria

In accordance with recognized standard or approved by the Administration.

1.9.1 Intergranular corrosion test

This test should be carried out in accordance with recognized standard, such as ASTM A262.
Test acceptance criteria
In accordance with recognized standard or approved by the Administration.

1.9.2 General corrosion test

This test should be carried out in accordance with recognized standards, such as ASTM G31.

Test acceptance criteria

In accordance with recognized standard or approved by the Administration.

1.9.3 Stress corrosion cracking test

This test should be carried out to the satisfaction of the Administration, in accordance with
recognized standards, such as ASTM G36 and ASTM G123.

Test acceptance criteria

In accordance with recognized standard or approved by the Administration.

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1.9.4 Corrosion test for ammonia compatibility

The additional test should be carried out in accordance with the test requirements set out in
appendix 2 to qualify for ammonia service.

Test acceptance criteria

In accordance with the acceptance criteria set out in appendix 2.

2 Tests of welded condition (including HAZ)

2.1 Micrographic examination

This test should be carried out in accordance with 6.3.4 of the IGC Code and 16.2.4 of the
IGF Code, i.e. recognized standards, such as ASTM E112 (or equivalent).

Test acceptance criteria

Microstructure should be reported for reference (i.e. grain size/precipitations).

2.2 Hardness test

This test should be carried out in accordance with 6.3.4 and 6.5.3.4.5 of the IGC Code and
16.2.4 and 16.3.3.4.5 of the IGF Code, i.e. recognized standards, such as ISO 6507-1.

Test acceptance criteria

The hardness value should be reported for reference.

2.3 Cross-weld tensile test

This test should be carried out in accordance with 6.5.3.5.1 of the IGC Code and 16.3.3.5.1 of
the IGF Code as the relevant requirement for under-matched welds. Recognized standards,
such as ASTM E8/E8M, should be applied.

Test acceptance criteria

In accordance with 4.18.1.3.1.2 of the IGC Code and 6.4.12.1.1.3 of the IGF Code.

2.4 Charpy impact test

This test should be carried out in accordance with 6.3.2 and 6.5.3.4.4 of the IGC Code and
16.2.2 and 16.3.3.4.4 of the IGF Code.

Test acceptance criteria

In accordance with 6.5.3.5.3 of the IGC Code and 16.3.3.5.3 of the IGF Code.

2.5 CTOD (crack tip opening displacement) test

Recognized standards, such as ASTM E1820, BS 7448 or ISO 15653, should be used for these
purposes.

Test acceptance criteria

CTOD minimum value should be in accordance with design specification for testing at room and
cryogenic temperatures as per design conditions. As a guidance a minimum CTOD value of
0.2 mm is often required.

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2.6 Ductile fracture toughness test, JIc

Recognized standards, such as ASTM E1820 or ISO 15653. The ductile fracture toughness test
may be omitted at the discretion of the Administration.
Test acceptance criteria
In accordance with recognized standard.

2.7 Bending test

This test should be carried out in accordance with 6.3.3 of the IGC Code and 16.2.3 of the
IGF Code.
Test acceptance criteria
No fracture should be acceptable after a 180° bend as required for welded material as
per 6.5.3.5.2 of the IGC Code and 16.3.3.5.2 of the IGF Code.

2.8 Fatigue test (S-N curve)

The basis for establishing S-N Curves should be in accordance with 4.18.2.4.2 of the IGC Code
and 6.4.12.2.4 of the IGF Code.

Test acceptance criteria

S-N curves should be minimum the fatigue strength as established curves for steel as defined
in IIW or DNVGL-RP-C203.

2.9 Corrosion test

These tests should be carried out in accordance with recognized standards.

Test acceptance criteria

In accordance with recognized standard or approved by the Administration.

2.9.1 Intergranular corrosion test

This test should be carried out in accordance with recognized standard, such as ASTM A262.
Test acceptance criteria
In accordance with recognized standard or approved by the Administration.

2.9.2 General corrosion test

This test should be carried out in accordance with recognized standards, such as
ASTM G31.
Test acceptance criteria
In accordance with recognized standard or approved by the Administration.
2.9.3 Stress corrosion cracking test
This test should be carried out to the satisfaction of the Administration, in accordance with
recognized standard, such as ASTM G36, ASTM G58 and ASTM G123.

Test acceptance criteria

In accordance with recognized standard or approved by Administration.
2.9.4 Corrosion test for ammonia compatibility
The additional test should be carried out in accordance with the test requirements set out in
appendix 2 to qualify for ammonia service.

Test acceptance criteria

In accordance with the acceptance criteria set out in appendix 2.

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REFERENCES:

ASTM E466-15 Standard Practice for Conducting Force Controlled Constant Amplitude Axial
Fatigue Tests of Metallic Materials

ASTM E1290-08e1 Standard Test Method for Crack-Tip Opening Displacement (CTOD)
Fracture Toughness Measurement (Withdrawn 2013)
ASTM G31 Standard Guide for Laboratory Immersion Corrosion Testing of Metals.

ASTM B858 Standard Test Method for Ammonia Vapor Test for Determining Susceptibility to
Stress Corrosion Cracking in Copper Alloys

ISO 12737:1999 Metallic materials – Determination of plane-strain fracture toughness 1

ISO 15653:2018 Metallic materials – Method of test for the determination of quasistatic fracture
toughness of welds 2

IIW 1823-07 Recommendations for fatigue design of welded joints and components

ISO 12135:2016 Metallic materials – Unified method of test for the determination of quasistatic
fracture toughness

ISO 15653:2018 Metallic materials – Method of test for the determination of quasistatic fracture
toughness of welds

1
Replace ASTM E1820-18 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Fracture Toughness, BS 7448 1:1991
– Fracture mechanics toughness tests. Method for determination of KIc, critical CTOD and critical J values
of metallic materials.
2
Supersede BS 7448-2 – Fracture Mechanics Toughness Tests: Method for Determination of KIc, Critical
CTOD and Critical J Values of Welds in Metallic Materials.

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APPENDIX 2

ADDITIONAL COMPATIBILITY TEST REQUIREMENTS FOR AMMONIA SERVICE

The test should be carried out in accordance with a recognized standard such as ASTM B858.
This standard is applicable to copper alloys and not specifically to high manganese austenitic
steel. Consequently, the following additional non-standard test should be performed:

.1 Specimens should be prepared in accordance with standards ISO 7539-2

and ISO 16540. The specimens should be bent, prior to testing, using the
four points bending test under constant strain. The total maximum strain of
the sample should be equal to the yield strength of the material at
atmospheric temperature. Strain gauges should be applied to measure the
strain applied. In the case of welded specimens, strain gauges should be
applied to each side of the welded joint. The sample should be constrained
to maintain its form during testing.

.2 Two specimens (one welded and one base metal) should each be immersed
in the following four ammonia environments for a period of 30 days:

.1 liquid phase ammonia environments, obtained by cooling of

ammonia below liquefaction temperature with the following liquid
ammonia compositions:

.1 0.1% weight of water and 2.5 ppm of oxygen; and

.2 2.5 ppm of oxygen.

.2 gas phase ammonia environments, at ambient temperature and

atmospheric pressure with the following compositions:

.1 pure ammonia; and

.2 0.9% volume of oxygen and 99.1% volume of ammonia.

Stress corrosion cracking tests should be performed in agreement with requirements

of standards ISO 7539 and ISO 16540.

.3 Test report should provide all procedures, set up data, examinations,

information about the environment, in agreement with standard ISO 16540
and include:

.1 the orientation, types and dimensions of specimens;

.2 four points bending test set up data;

.3 target stress and applied deflection;

.4 strain measurement procedures;

.5 loading procedures; and

.6 test environment.

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Test acceptance criteria

After immersion, all specimens should be examined for stress corrosion cracking under an
optical microscope with proper magnification. The location and the number of cracks should
be specified, and a dye penetrant test performed to confirm the results as necessary.
For welded joints, the location of cracks should be described as located in the base metal,
weldment or HAZ. If no superficial crack is observed, a longitudinal cut should be done at two
different locations and a cross section examination with proper magnification should be
performed. The presence of any corrosion pitting and the maximum depth should be reported.
The results should be approved by the Administration.

___________

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