NBBI Repair Inspector (R Endorsement)

The National Board document that defines the body of knowledge for the R Endorsement examination is:

• ANB-23
• BNB-263
• CNB-415
• DNB-464

Part 3 of the National Board Inspection Code (NB-23) provides rules for:

• AOriginal construction of boilers and pressure vessels
• BInstallation of new pressure-retaining items
• CRepairs and alterations to pressure-retaining items
• DInservice inspection only

Per NBIC Part 3, an alteration is BEST described as:

• AAny weld repair that requires PWHT
• BA change in the item that deviates from the original design or affects the pressure-retai…
• CReplacement of a tube with the same size and material
• DRoutine seal welding of a leaking tube end

Per NBIC Part 3, a repair is BEST described as:

• AAny change in design conditions of the item
• BWork necessary to restore a pressure-retaining item to a safe and satisfactory operating…
• COnly welding work performed on the pressure boundary
• DReplacement of the entire item with a new one

Which of the following is considered an alteration, NOT a repair, under NBIC Part 3?

• ARe-welding a small pinhole in a shell course using the original WPS
• BIncreasing the MAWP of a vessel by reanalysis
• CReplacing a tube with one of the identical size, material, and thickness
• DGrinding out and re-welding a surface crack in a pressure-retaining weld

Per NBIC Part 3, a 'routine repair' must:

• AAlways require PWHT regardless of original code requirements
• BBe limited to listed activities that do not require special design or analysis and meet t…
• CBe larger in scope than a standard repair
• DBe performed only by ASME 'S' stamp holders

Per NBIC Part 3, which item is generally listed as eligible for the 'routine repair' category?

• AInstallation of a new nozzle in a pressure vessel
• BRe-rating a vessel to a higher MAWP
• CRepair or replacement of a tube provided the size does not exceed the limits specified, w…
• DAdding a new manway to a heat exchanger shell

Per NBIC Part 3, the installation of a new nozzle in a pressure vessel shell, regardless of size, is:

• AAlways a routine repair if the WPS is the same as the original
• BAn alteration that requires design review and 'R' Certificate Holder controls
• CA repair that needs no Authorized Inspector involvement
• DNot subject to NBIC rules

Per NBIC Part 3, who has the authority to accept the classification of a repair as 'routine' for a specific item?

• AThe R Certificate Holder alone
• BThe owner-user alone
• CThe Jurisdiction where the item is installed
• DThe original manufacturer only

Per NBIC Part 3, who is responsible for selecting the repair or alteration method?

• AThe Authorized Inspector
• BThe Jurisdiction
• CThe 'R' Certificate Holder
• DThe original manufacturer

Per NBIC Part 3, who is required to accept the proposed repair or alteration scope and method before work begins?

• AThe R Certificate Holder's project manager
• BThe Inspector and, when required, the Jurisdiction
• COnly the welder performing the work
• DThe end-user's maintenance department

Per NBIC Part 3, the original code of construction is used:

• AOnly when the item is less than 10 years old
• BAs the controlling code for repairs and alterations, with NBIC providing alternative rule…
• COnly for boilers, never for pressure vessels
• DNever; NBIC always supersedes the original code

If the original code of construction is no longer published, NBIC Part 3 directs the R Certificate Holder to:

• AStop work and scrap the item
• BUse the latest edition of the same code section, with the Inspector and Jurisdiction acce…
• CUse any local welding standard the shop prefers
• DTreat the item as unstamped material

Per NBIC Part 3, a re-rate to a different MAWP is treated as:

• AA routine repair if no welding is involved
• BAn alteration
• CAn inspection only
• DNot covered by NBIC

Per NBIC Part 3, a hydrostatic pressure test after a routine repair is:

• AAlways required regardless of jurisdictional rules
• BNot required if the repair method permits and the Inspector is satisfied, subject to Juri…
• CRequired at twice the MAWP
• DNever required for any repair

Per NBIC Part 3, a standard hydrostatic test pressure for a repaired pressure vessel is typically:

• A0.5 times the MAWP
• B1.0 times the MAWP
• C1.3 times the MAWP corrected for temperature
• D3.0 times the MAWP

Per NBIC Part 3, when the original code of construction is ASME Section I, a hydrostatic test on a boiler after alteration is generally performed at:

• A1.0 times MAWP
• B1.3 times MAWP
• C1.5 times MAWP
• D2.0 times MAWP

Per NBIC Part 3, the Inspector's role during the pressure test is to:

• AOperate the test pump and read the gauge
• BWitness the test and verify that test pressure, hold time, and inspection meet NBIC and o…
• CPerform the repair welding
• DIssue the new nameplate stamping

Per NBIC Part 3, replacement of a tube in a heat exchanger with a tube of different material is:

• AAlways a routine repair
• BAn alteration unless the substitute material is permitted by the original code and design
• CAlways exempt from Inspector verification
• DAlways covered by the original Manufacturer's Data Report without revision

Per NBIC Part 3, weld build-up on a corroded pressure boundary to restore wall thickness is generally treated as:

• AAn alteration regardless of conditions
• BA repair, provided a qualified WPS and welder are used and original-code design criteria…
• CRoutine maintenance not requiring documentation
• DSubject only to owner-user QA

Per NBIC Part 3, crack repair on a pressure-retaining weld typically requires:

• ANo NDE because the crack has been removed
• BExcavation, examination to confirm crack removal, welding per a qualified WPS, and approp…
• COnly visual examination by the operator
• DReplacement of the entire vessel

Per NBIC Part 3, when material from a removed pressure part is reused for the repair, the R Certificate Holder must:

• AUse it without any verification
• BVerify the material is identifiable and meets the original specification or a permitted e…
• CTreat it as unknown material and discard it
• DUse a higher pressure rating to compensate

When ordering a replacement part from a 'PP' stamp holder under NBIC Part 3, the documentation provided with the part is typically:

• AForm U-1A only
• BForm R-3, Report of Fabricated Parts
• CForm R-1 only
• DNo documentation is required

A 'tube-to-tubesheet' weld repair using explosion welding under NBIC Part 3:

• ADoes not require any qualification
• BRequires a special procedure qualification with mockup welds and PWHT in all cases
• CRequires a documented procedure and welder/operator qualification using mockup welds; PWH…
• DIs prohibited under NBIC

Per NBIC Part 3, attaching a non-pressure non-load-bearing pad (e.g., insulation support clip) by welding to a pressure boundary is:

• AAlways an alteration
• BGenerally permitted as a routine repair when PWHT is not required by the original code
• CForbidden in all jurisdictions
• DA repair only if the clip is bolted, not welded

Per NBIC Part 3, the Inspector's signature on Form R-1 means the Inspector has:

• APerformed the repair welding
• BVerified that the repair was performed in accordance with the NBIC
• CReviewed only the welding consumables
• DApproved the company's quality system manual

Per NBIC Part 3, the Inspector's commission must be active and recognized in the:

• ACountry of original manufacture
• BState or province where the original code was published
• CJurisdiction where the repair or alteration is performed
• DCountry where the welder was trained

Per NBIC Part 3, before stamping an 'R' nameplate on a repaired item, the Inspector must verify:

• AThe R Certificate Holder is current and the work meets NBIC and original code requirements
• BOnly that a welder was used
• CThat the owner-user has paid the invoice
• DOnly the markings on the original nameplate

Per NBIC Part 3, when must a nameplate or stamping be applied to a repaired or altered item?

• AOnly when the work is an alteration
• BWhenever a repair or alteration is performed under the NBIC, unless waived by the Jurisdi…
• COnly when PWHT is performed
• DOnly when material is replaced

Per NBIC Part 3, repair of a graphite pressure-retaining item:

• AIs not covered by the NBIC
• BFollows special graphite repair rules in NBIC Part 3 because graphite is not weldable lik…
• CIs treated the same as carbon steel repair
• DAlways requires PWHT

Form R-1, Report of Repair, is published under National Board document:

• ANB-12
• BNB-66
• CNB-263
• DNB-415

Which NBIC report form is used to document a routine repair on a Section I boiler?

• AForm R-1
• BForm R-2
• CForm R-3
• DForm U-1

Which NBIC report form is used to document an increase in MAWP through re-rating?

• AForm R-1
• BForm R-2
• CForm R-3
• DNo form is required

Which NBIC report form is used to document a replacement nozzle fabricated by welding for later installation in the field?

• AForm R-1
• BForm R-2
• CForm R-3
• DForm A-1

On Form R-1, the section certified by the Inspector states that the Inspector has:

• ADesigned the repair
• BInspected the work described, and to the best of the Inspector's knowledge and belief, th…
• CProvided all welding consumables
• DSelected the WPS used

Form R-1 must clearly describe:

• AOnly the name of the welder
• BIdentification of the item, scope and description of the repair, examination and testing…
• COnly the name of the inspector
• DOnly the date of the repair

Form R-2 (Report of Alteration) requires a design certification by:

• AThe R Certificate Holder's purchasing department
• BAn entity experienced in the design of pressure-retaining items in accordance with the or…
• CThe welder performing the alteration
• DOnly the Inspector

Per NBIC Part 3, a Form R-1 for a National Board registered item must typically be distributed to:

• AOnly the R Certificate Holder
• BThe Jurisdiction, the Owner-User, the Inspector's employer (AIA), the R Certificate Holde…
• COnly the original manufacturer
• DOnly the welder's union

If an item has no National Board Number on the original nameplate, the Form R-1 should:

• ANot be completed because NBIC does not apply
• BBe completed with the field for the National Board Number left blank or marked 'N/A'
• CUse a randomly assigned number
• DUse the welder's social security number

Form R-3 (Report of Parts Fabricated by Welding) is typically used when:

• AThe replacement part is purchased off-the-shelf with no welding involved
• BAn R Certificate Holder fabricates a pressure-retaining part for later use in a field rep…
• CThe part will be used in original new construction under Section VIII
• DThe owner-user repairs the part themselves

If a single repair job includes both a repair AND an alteration:

• AOnly Form R-1 is needed because the repair takes precedence
• BOnly Form R-2 is needed because the alteration takes precedence
• CBoth a Form R-1 (for the repair) and a Form R-2 (for the alteration) are completed
• DNo forms are required

Form R-1 'Repair Type' must indicate at least:

• AOnly the city where work was performed
• BWhether the repair was welded, mechanical, or routine, and a brief description
• COnly the inspector's commission number
• DThe original date of vessel manufacture

The National Board document that establishes accreditation requirements for organizations seeking the 'R' Certificate of Authorization is:

• ANB-23
• BNB-66
• CNB-263
• DNB-415

Per NB-415, the 'R' Certificate of Authorization is valid for:

• A1 year
• B3 years (typical issuance period)
• C5 years
• D10 years

Per NB-415, the Quality System Manual (QSM) for an R Certificate Holder must:

• ABe unwritten and verbally communicated
• BBe a documented written system that addresses scope of work, controls, and identifies the…
• CBe a single page only
• DBe confidential and not reviewable by the National Board

Per NB-415, before initial issuance of an R Certificate, the applicant must successfully complete:

• AAn online quiz only
• BA joint review of facilities, personnel, and quality system by a team including a Jurisdi…
• CAn interview by the owner-user
• DA criminal background check only

Per NB-415, when an R Certificate Holder wants to add field welding to a shop-only scope, the organization must:

• ASimply notify the Inspector
• BHave the expanded scope reviewed and accepted by the Authorized Inspection Agency and add…
• CWait until the next renewal cycle without doing any review
• DHire a new welder