metrification guidelines
TRANSCRIPT
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METRICATION
GUIDELINES
FORASME CODES
FOR PRESSURE
PIPING B31
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Table of Contents
TopicPage
1. Introduction 3
2. Policy on Use of SI Units 3
3. Guidelines for Developing SI Equivalents 34 The International System of Units (SI) 4
Table 1 - SI Prefixes 4
4.1 Base SI Units 4
Table 2 - SI Base Units 5
4.2 Derived SI Units 5
Table 3 - Examples of SI Derived Units 5
4.3 Units of Temperature 5
Table 4 Temperature Reference Points 5
5. Units Conversion Factors 6
5.1 Conversion Factors for Commonly Used Units for Piping 6
Table 5 - Conversion factors - Frequently Used USCS Units to SI Units 7,8
Table 6 - Conversion Factors Mass Equivalents 9
Table 7 - Conversion Factors Length Equivalents 10
Table 8 - Conversion Factors Area Equivalents 11
Table 9 - Conversion Factors Volume Equivalents 12
Table 10 - Conversion Factors - Flow Rate Equivalents 13
Table 11 - Conversion Factors Density Equivalents 14
Table 12 - Conversion Factors Pressure Equivalents 15
Table 13 - Conversion Factors Energy Equivalents 16
6. Conversion Guidelines 17
6.1 Size Designation of Pipe, Fittings, flanges, Valves and Other Piping Components 17
Table 14- Size Designation for Pipe, Fittings, Flanges, Valves, etc. 17
6.2 Pressure-Temperature Ratings 17Table 15 -Class Ratings for Forged Fittings, Socket Welding and Threaded (B16.11) 18
6.3 Guidelines for Converting USCS Units of Length into SI Units 18
6.3.1 Toleranced versus Un-Toleranced Dimensions 18
6.3.2 Conversion of Inch Fractions 19
Table 16-Conversion of Inch Fraction to Millimeter 19
6.3.3 Guidelines for Conversion of Inch Dimensions 20
Table 17- Conversion of Most Dimensions from Inches to Millimeters 20
6.3.4 Guidelines for Conversion of Foot Dimensions 21
Table 18-Conversion of Length into SI Units 21
6.5 Guidelines for Converting USCS Units of Temperature into SI Units 21
6.5.1 Converting Limiting Temperatures 21
6.5.2 Converting Preheat and Postweld Heat Treatment Temperatures 226.5.3 Converting Lower Critical Temperatures 22
Table 19 - Conversion of Lower Critical Temperatures from Fahrenheit to Celsius 22
6.5.4 Converting Temperatures from Fahrenheit to Celsius in Allowable Stress Tables 22
Table 20- Temperatures in Celsius to be used in Stress Tables for Ferrous Materials 23
Table 21 -Temperatures in Celsius to be used in Stress Tables for Non-ferrous
Materials
24
6.6 Guidelines for Converting USCS Units of Pressure into SI Units 24
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Table 22- Conversion of Pressure from psi to kPa or MPa 24
6.7 Guidelines for Converting USCS Units of Strength or Stress into SI Units 25
6.8 Guidelines for Converting Other Units 25
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METRICATION GUIDELINES
FOR
ASME CODES FOR PRESSURE PIPING B31
1. IntroductionThese guidelines are intended to provide an understanding of systems of units used in the United
States and other countries; and establish guidance for conversion of US Customary System(USCS) of units into International System (SI) of metric units.
These guidelines are intended to be applied uniformly to convert USCS units into SI metric units
in all ASME B31, Code for Pressure Piping sections and standards.
2. Policy on Use of SI Units
A statement shall be provided in the Foreword in each book section as follows:
Either US Customary Units or SI Units shall be used with this edition, but one system of
units shall be used consistently for all Code requirements applying to an installation.
Also include the following statement in the Foreword of each book section as follows:
The equations in this code may be used with any consistent system of units. It is the
responsibility of the organization performing the calculations to ensure that a consistent set of
units is used.
3. Guidelines for Developing SI Equivalents
3.1 Either SI or USCS units may be primary.
3.2 the secondary units should be placed in parenthesis after the primary units in the text.
3.3 Separate USCS and SI tables should generally be provided if interpolation is expected. Table
designation (e.g. table number) should be the same for both the US Customary and SI tables,
with the addition of a letter in parenthesis for the secondary units Table. In the text,
references to both tables should be made. For small tables, secondary units may be placed in
parenthesis after the primary units if the result is clear and uncluttered.
3.4 Separate secondary unit versions of graphical information should be provided where addingthe secondary units to existing graphical information would cause the result to be unclear or
cluttered.
3.5 Conversions should be made by rounding the values to the number of significant digits of
implied precision in the existing units. In each case, it will be necessary to apply a common
sense test, favoring more significant digits in the secondary units if there is any question.
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3.6 The equations in the codes for pressure piping are suitable for use only with either the SI or
US Customary units provided in this metrication guide, or with the units provided in the
nomenclature associated with that equation.
4 The International System of Units (SI)
SI units are divided into three categories of units, as follows:
Base units
Derived units
SI units also include prefixes, which are listed in Table 1. These prefixes are used to form
decimal multiples and submultiples of SI units.
Table 1 - SI Prefixes
Factor Prefix Symbol Factor Prefix Symbol1024=(103)8 yotta Y 10-1 deci d
1021=(103)7 zetta Z 10-2 centi c
1018= (103)6 exa E 10-3=(103)-1 milli m
1015=(103)5 peta P 10-6=(103)-2 micro
1012= (103)4 tera T 10-9=(103)-3 nano n
109=(103)3 giga G 10-l2=(103)-4 pico P
106= (103)2 mega M 10-15=(103)-5 femto f
103=(103)1 kilo k 10-18=(103)-6 atto a
102 hecto h 10-21=(103)-7 zepto z
101 deka da 10-24=(103)-8 yocto y
In accordance with United States and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST),
we shall use dot or period as the decimal marker rather than comma, used by European
countries, the spellings "meter", "liter", and "deka " rather than "metre", "litre", "deca",
and the name "metric ton" rather than "tonne". Henceforth, we will follow this approach,
although we have done otherwise up to this point.
4. 1 Base SI Units
The following provides a definition of five base SI units.
Table 2 lists the SI base units and their symbols.
Table 2 - SI Base UnitsSI Base UnitBase Quantity
Name Symbol
Length meter m
Mass kilogram k
Time second s
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Electric Current ampere A
Thermodynamic
temperature
Kelvin K
4.2 Derived SI UnitsDerived units are expressed algebraically in terms of base units, or derived units. The symbols forderived units are obtained by mathematical operations of multiplication and division. Some
commonly used derived units are listed in Table 3.
Table 3 - Examples of SI Derived UnitsDerived Quantity SI Derived Unit
Name Symbol
Force Newton N
(Kg m/s2)
Area square meter m2Volume cubic meter m3Speed, Velocity meter per second m/sAcceleration meter per second squared m/s2Mass Density kilogram per cubic meter kg/m3Specific Volume cubic meter per kilogram m3/kg
There are many more derived SI units, which are used for variety of tasks.
4.3 Units of Temperature
The most commonly used scales for measuring temperature are the Fahrenheit and Celsius
(formerly Centigrade). These thermometer scales have as their base the melting and boiling points
of water, both at atmospheric pressure. The relation of the Fahrenheit and Celsius scales is asfollows:
Table 4 Temperature Reference PointsTemperature Scale Absolute Zero Freezing Point of Water Boiling Point of Water
Fahrenheit - 459.6 degrees 32 degrees 212 degrees
Celsius - 273. 16 degrees 0 degree 100 degrees
The relationship between the two scales is:
Degree C = 5/9 (Degrees F - 32 ) and Degrees F = 9/5( Degrees C) + 32
Where, C is the reading on Celsius scale and F is the reading on Fahrenheit scale. In certain
calculations, it is necessary to express the temperature in "absolute" units. The absolute
temperature associated with Fahrenheit scale is called Rankine temperature, denoted by degree
Rankine (R ) and it has the following association:
Degree R = Degree F + 459.6
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At times 459.6 is rounded to 460 when the accuracy of the results is not of serious concern.
The absolute temperature associated with Celsius scale is termed degrees Kelvin (K) and this
relationship is expressed as follows:
Degrees K = Degrees C + 273.16
For sake of approximation, 273.16 is usually rounded off to 273.
5. Units Conversion Factors
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard SI 10 American National
Standard for Use of the International System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System provides
conversion factors for converting US Customary units to SI units.
5.1 Conversion Factors for Commonly Used Units for PipingThe tables 5 through 13 provide conversion factors for various quantities associated with piping.
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Table 5 - Conversion factors - Frequently Used USCS Units to SI Units
To convert To Multiply by
Velocity
Feet per second Meters per second 0.3048
Acceleration
Feet per sq second Meters per sq second 0.3048
Area
Square feet Square meters 0.09290304
Energy
Btu Joule 1055.06
Calorie Joule 4.19002
Foot pound-force Joule 1.355818
Watt-hour Joule 3600.355818
Force
Dyne Newton 0.00001
Kilogram Newton 9.80665
Pound-force Newton 4.448222
Length
Foot Meter 0.3048
Mile (U.S. statute) Meter 1609.344
Mass
Pound Kilogram 0.4535924
Slug Kilogram 14.5939
Ton (2000 lb) Kilogram 907.1847
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Table 5 - Conversion factors - Frequently Used USCS Units to SI Units
(continued)
To convert To Multiply by
Power
Btu per second Watt 1054.35
Foot pounds per second Watt 1.355818
Horsepower Watt 746
Pressure
Atmosphere Newtons per sq meter 101325
Bar Newtons per sq meter 100000
Kilogram per sq cm. Newtons per sq meter 98066.5
Pounds per sq in. Newtons per sq meter 6894.757
Tore (mm Hg 0C) Newtons per sq meter 133.322
Viscosity
Centipoise Newton second per meter 0.001
Pounds per foot second Newton second per meter 1.488164
Volume
Cubic foot Cubic meter 0.02831685
Gallon (U.S. liquid) Cubic meter 0.003785412
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Mass Equivalents
Table 6 - Conversion Factors Mass Equivalents
TO CONVERTFROM
TO Pound
(avdp) Gram Kilogram Grains
Pound (avdp)
MULTIPLY
BY 1 453.6 0.4536 7000
Gram
MULTIPLY
BY 0.0022 1 0.001 15.4324
KilogramMULTIPLY
BY 2.2046 1000 1 1.54324E4
GrainsMULTIPLY
BY 1.4285E-4 .06479 6.4798E-5 1
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Length Equivalents
Table 7 - Conversion Factors Length Equivalents
TO CONVERT
FROM
TO
Inch Foot
Mile
(statute) Millimeter Centimeter M
InchMULTIPLY
BY 1 0.08333 25.4 2.54 0.0
FootMULTIPLY
BY 12 1 304.8 30.48 0.3
Mile (statute)MULTIPLY
BY 63360 5280 1 16
Millimeter
MULTIPLY
BY 0.03937 0.003281 1 0.1 0.0
CentimeterMULTIPLY
BY 0.3937 0.032808 10 1 0.0
MeterMULTIPLY
BY 39.3701 3.28084 1000 100 1
KilometerMULTIPLY
BY 39,370 3280.8 0.62137 100,000 10
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Area Equivalents
Table 8 - Conversion Factors Area Equivalents
TO CONVERT
FROM
TO Squareinch
Squarefoot
Squaremillimeter
Squarecentimeter
Squaremeter
Square inch
MULTIPLY
BY 1 0.006944 645.16 6.4516 0.00064516
Square foot
MULTIPLY
BY 144 1 92903.04 929.0304 0.09290
Square millimeter
MULTIPLY
BY
0.00155 1 0.01 1 E-6
Square centimeterMULTIPLY
BY 0.1550 0.001076 100 1 0.0001
Square meterMULTIPLY
BY 1550.0031 10.76391 1 E+6 10,000 1
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Volume Equivalents
Table 9 - Conversion Factors Volume Equivalents
TO CONVERT
FROM
TO U.S.
gallon
Cubic
inch
Cubic
foot Liter
U.S. gallonMULTIPLY
BY 1 231 0.13368 3.7853
Cubic inchMULTIPLY
BY 0.004329 1 0.000579 0.0164
Cubic footMULTIPLY
BY 7.4805 1728 1 28.316
Liter
MULTIPLY
BY 0.26418 61.025 0.0353 1
Cubic meter
MULTIPLY
BY 264.17 61023.74 35.3147 1000
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Volumetric Flow Rate Equivalents
Table 10 - Conversion Factors - Flow Rate Equivalents
TO CONVERT FROM
TO U.S. gallons
per minute
Cubic feet
per second
Cubic meter
per hour
Liter per
second
(4
p
U.S. gallons per minute
MULTIPLY
BY 1 0.00223 0.2271 0.0631 0
Cubic feet per second
MULTIPLY
BY 448.83 1 101.9 28.32 1
Cubic meters per secondMULTIPLY
BY 15850 35.315 3600 1000 3
Cubic meters per minuteMULTIPLY
BY 264.2 0.5886 60 16.667 6
Cubic meters per hourMULTIPLY
BY 4.403 0.00982 1 0.2778 0
Liter per secondMULTIPLY
BY 15.85 0.0353 3.6 1 0
Liter per minute
MULTIPLY
BY 0.2642 0.000589 0.06 0.0167 0
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Density Equivalents
Table 11 - Conversion Factors Density Equivalents
TO CONVERT FROM
TO Grams per cubic
centimeter
Poundsper cubic
inch
Poundsper cubic
foot
Grams per cubic centimeterMULTIPLY BY
1 0.03613 62.42806
Pounds per cubic inchMULTIPLY BY
27.67991 1 1728
Pounds per cubic foot
MULTIPLY BY
0.01602 0.0005787 1
Kilograms per cubic meterMULTIPLY BY
0.001 3.6128 E-5 0.06243
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Pressure Equivalents
Table 12 - Conversion Factors Pressure EquivalentsTO CONVERTFROM
TO
Poundsper square
inch
(PSI) Atmosphere
Kilogramsper square
centimeter
Incheswater
(68F)
Millimetersmercury
(32F) Bar
Mega-Pascal
(MPa)
Kilo-Pascal
(KPa)
(PSI)
MULTIPLY
BY 1 0.068046 0.070307 27.7276 51.7149 0.068947 6.895E-3 6.8947
Atmosphere
MULTIPLY
BY 14.696 1 1.03323 407.484 760 1.01325 0.101325 101.325
Kilograms per squarecentimeter
MULTIPLYBY 14.2233 0.96784 1 394.38 735.559 0.98067 0.098067 98.0665
Inches water (68F)
MULTIPLY
BY 0.036065 0.002454 0.00253 1 1.8651 0.002491 2.4908E-4 2.4908E-1
Millimeters mercury(32F)
MULTIPLYBY 0.0193368 0.0013158 0.0013595 0.53616 1 1.333E-3 1.333E-4 0.1333224
Bar
MULTIPLYBY 14.5038 0.98692 1.01972 402.156 750.062 1 0.1 100
MPa
MULTIPLYBY 145.038 9.8692 10.1972 4021.56 7500.62 10 1 1000
KPa
MULTIPLYBY 0.145038 0.0098692 0.01019716 4.02156 7.50062 .01 .001 1
GPa
MULTIPLY
BY 1.45038E5 9.8692E3 1.01972E4 4.02156E6 7.50062E6 1E4 1E3 1E6
KSIMULTIPLY
BY 1000 68.04596 70.30696 2.7727E4 5.17149E4 68.947 6.8947 6.8947E3
MSI
MULTIPLYBY 1E6 6.80459E4 7.030696E4 2.7727E7 5.17149E7 6.8947E4 6.8947E3 6.8947E6
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Energy Equivalents
Table 13 - Conversion Factors Energy Equivalents
TO CONVERT
FROM
TO
Btu*
Calorie
(gram)**
Foot
pound
Horsepower
hour Joule
Btu*MULTIPLY
BY 1 251.8 778.169 0.000393 1055.06
Calorie (gram)**
MULTIPLY
BY 0.00397 1 3.08596 1.56 E-6 4.184
Foot poundMULTIPLY
BY 0.00129 0.32405 1 5.05 E-7 1.35582
Horsepower hourMULTIPLY
BY 2544.5 641616 1.98 E+6 1 2.68 E+6
Joule
MULTIPLY
BY 0.00095 0.239 0.73756 3.72 E-7 1
Kilowatt hour
MULTIPLY
BY 3412.97 860421 2.65 E+6 1.34102 3.6 E+6
Kilogram meter
MULTIPLY
BY 0.00929 2.344 7.233 3.65 E-6 9.807
*Based on 1 Btu = 778.169 ft-lb.**Based on 1 Cal = 4.1840 joules.
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6. Conversion Guidelines
This section provides guidance in converting USCS units into SI metric units with examples and
associated rationale for use in ASME B31, Code Pressure Piping sections and standards.
6.2 Size Designation of Pipe, Fittings, flanges, Valves and Other PipingComponents
In both the USCS and SI units systems, Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) followed by a dimensionless
number, such as NPS 1 , 2, 24, 30, etc., is used to designate the size of a pipe, fitting, flange,
valve, and other piping components, including connecting nozzles of pumps, vessels, tanks, etc.
In some areas of the world, Diameter Nominal (DN) followed by a dimensionless number, such
as DN 25, 50, 600, 750, etc. is used to designate the size of a pipe, fitting, flange, valve, and other
piping components, including connecting nozzles of pumps, vessels, tanks, etc.
Table 14shows NPS and DN equivalents. B31 codes and standards should always show NPS.
DN equivalents should generally be shown as well, but it is acceptable to just show the NPS
values as long as a table similar to Table 14is also provided in the code or standard.
Table 14- Size Designation for Pipe, Fittings, Flanges, Valves, etc.Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) Diameter Nominal (DN)
1/8 6
1/4 8
3/8 10
1/2 15
3/4 20
1 25
1 1/4 32
1 1/2 402 50
2 1/2 65
3 80
4 100
For even sizes greater than NPS 4, DN size is obtained by multiplying NPS size designator by 25.
For example NPS 6 = DN 6 X 25 = DN 150.
6.3 Pressure-Temperature Ratings
In USCS units, the pressure-temperature ratings of pipe, fittings, flanges, valves, and other
components are expressed in Class followed by a dimensionless designator. Examples are:
Class 25
Class 75
Class 125
Class 150
Class 250
Class 300
Class 400
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Class 600
Class 800
Class 900
Class 1500
Class 2500
Class 4500
Intermediate, limited, and Special Class ratings are also used to designate pressure-temperature
ratings of components. Refer to relevant piping component standards, such as ASME B16.1,
B16.5, B16.11, B16.34, etc.
For pressure-temperature ratings of NPS 4 and smaller forged fittings, socket welding and
threaded, see Table 15.
Table 15 -Class Ratings for Forged Fittings, Socket Welding and
Threaded (ASMEB16.11)
Forged ThreadedFittings
Forged Socket WeldingFittings
Class 2000 Class 3000
Class 3000 Class 6000
Class 6000 Class 9000
The pressure-temperature ratings are designated by Pression Nominal (PN). In some European
and Asian codes and standards. Because Class ratings are not equivalent to PN ratings, it is
not possible to establish a equivalency relationship between the two rating systems. ASME
B16 Standards Committee has decided to use Class rating system only in all ASME B16
standards, so Class ratings should be used whenever referring to ASME and most other US based
standards. When referring to standards that use PN ratings, PN ratings should be used.
6.4 Guidelines for Converting USCS Units of Length into SI Units
Dimension length may be used in many different forms to designate size, length, diameter, radius,
thickness, or other parameter. Sometimes a number is used to designate size without utilization of
units of length in either USCS or SI metric system of units. At times, dimension length may be
subjected to established tolerances while in other cases no tolerance is applicable. Guidelines for
converting dimension length take into consideration whether tolerances are applicable or not.
Use of term "nominal" indicates that the stated size or dimension is only for designation, not for
measurement. The actual dimension may or may not be the nominal size and may or may not be
subject to established tolerances.
6.4.1 Toleranced versus Un-Toleranced Dimensions
Dimensions that have tolerances are those that are considered important for adequate fit-up and
for the pressure and structural integrity of the piping components. These dimensions must be
converted such that the metric dimensions are essentially the same as the USCS dimensions, and
the converted tolerances ought to permit deviations from the specified dimensions that are
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functionally identical to those permitted by the USCS tolerances. Examples of toleranced
dimensions include the pipe wall thickness, pipe outside diameter, etc.
Dimensions that have no tolerances are those that need not have precision for fit-up and some
deviations in them do not significantly affect the structural and pressure integrity of piping
components. Examples of such dimensions are the flange outside diameter and the height of the
flange raised face.
6.4.2 Conversion of Inch Fractions
Initially, smaller dimensions were expressed in inch fractions, such as 1/16 in., 1/8 in., etc. Later,
these inch fractions were converted into decimal inches. 1/16 in. was converted to 0.0625 in. or
0.06 in. Similarly, 1/8 in. was expressed as 0.125 in. or 0.12 in.
Millimeter dimensions should be converted from the initial inch fractions rather than the decimal
inch dimensions. For example, 1/16 in., when converted from fraction, converts to 1 .6 mm. The
decimal "equivalent" (0.06 in.) converts to 1.5 mm.
1/16 in., at times, has been converted to nearest 0.1 mm, sometimes converted to the nearest 0.5
mm, and at other times converted to the nearest 1 mm. The conversion depends on the needed
precision of the measured dimension. Therefore, the millimeter equivalent for 0.06 in, is
sometimes 1.6 mm, sometimes 1.5 mm, and other times 2 mm. This approach applies to
conversion of other inch fractions as well.
Table 16 provides the recommended conversions for inch fractions:
Table 16-Conversion of Inch Fraction to MillimeterInch Fraction Proposed SI
Conversion
1/64 in. 0.4mm1/32 in. 0.8mm
3/64 in. 1.2mm
1/16 in. 1.5 mm
3/32 in. 2.5 mm
1/8 in. 3 mm
5/32 in. 4mm
3/1 6 in. 5 mm
7/32 in. 5.5 mm
1/4 in. 6 mm
5/16 in. 8 mm
3/8 in. 10mm
7/16 in. 11 mm
1/2 in. 13 mm
9/1 6 in. 14 mm
5/8 in. 16mm
11/16 in. 17 mm
3/4in. 19mm
7/8 in. 22mm
1 in. 25 mm
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6.4.3 Guidelines for Conversion of Inch DimensionsIn case of nominal size or dimension, simply use even multiples of 25, and interpolate for intermediate
values rather than converting and rounding to the nearest millimeter. Examples are shown in Table 26below. This approach does not apply to nominal size of pipe or piping components designated by
nominal pipe size (NPS).
Tablet 17- Conversion of Most Dimensions from Inches to MillimetersDimension, inches Dimension, mm
1 25
1 1/8 29
1 1/4 32
1 1/2 38
2 50
2 1/4 57
2 1/2 64
3 75
3 1/2 894 100
4 1/2 114
5 125
6 150
8 200
10 250
12 300
14 350
16 400
18 450
20 500
24 600
28 700
30 750
36 900
40 1000
54 1350
60 1500
72 1800
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6.4.4 Guidelines for Conversion of Foot Dimensions
Use Table 18 to convert size or length expressed in foot to meters. Rationale of rounding involves
rounding to the whole number or the numbers on the right hand side of the decimal to a multiple
of 0.25.
Table 18-Conversion of Length into SI UnitsSize or Length,
ft.
Actual Converted
Size or Length, m
Rounded Size or
Length, m
1 0.3048 0.3
2 0.6096 0.6
3 0.9144 0.9
4 1.219 1.2
5 1.524 1.5
6 1.829 1.8
7 2.1336 2.0
8 2.438 2.5
9 2.7432 2.7510 3.038 3.0
15 4.57 4.5
20 6.096 6.0
50 15.24 15.0
100 30.48 30.0
200 60.96 60.0
6.5 Guidelines for Converting USCS Units of Temperature into SI Units
In USCS of units, temperature is expressed in degrees Fahrenheit (F) while degrees Celsius are
used in metric SI units. The following formula can be used to convert Fahrenheit into Celsius.Degrees Celsius = 5/9 (Degrees Fahrenheit - 32)
6.5.1 Converting Limiting Temperatures
The minimum and/or maximum temperature limits in Fahrenheit degrees for materials shall be
converted to the nearest one degree Celsius.
For example, Note 2 of Table A-l of ASME B31. 1-2004 Edition containing temperature of 775
F, will read "Upon prolonged exposure to temperatures above 413 C, the carbide phase of
carbon steel may be converted to graphite."
Note 12 of Table A-l of ASME B 31.1 -2004 Edition currently reads:
"This is a product specification., Allowable stresses are not necessary. Limitations on metal
temperature for materials covered by this specification for use under B31.1 are:
Grade 1 and 2 -20 F to 600 F
Grade 2H -20 F to 800 F
After converting the temperature limits and rounding to the nearest degree Celsius in Note 12
reproduced above will read as follows:
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"This is a product specification., Allowable stresses are not necessary. Limitations on metal
temperature for materials covered by this specification for use under B31.1 are:
Grade I and 2 -29 C to 316 C
Grade 2H -29 C to 427 C
6.5.2 Converting Preheat and Postweld Heat Treatment Temperatures
Preheat and postweld heat treatment (PWHT) temperatures or range of temperatures in Fahrenheit
degrees shall be converted to the nearest five (5) degree Celsius.
6.5.3 Converting Lower Critical Temperatures
Lower critical temperatures in Fahrenheit degrees shall be converted to the nearest five (5) degree
Celsius. Table 19 lists some examples.
Table 19 - Conversion of Lower Critical Temperatures from Fahrenheit
to CelsiusLower Critical Temperature F Lower Critical Temperature C1,340 7251,350 7301,375 7451,430 7751,480 8051,490 8101,505 820
6.5.4 Converting Temperatures from Fahrenheit to Celsius in Allowable
Stress Tables
Conversion of Fahrenheit temperatures in for allowable stresses or design stress intensity tables
shall not be done by using formula to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius degrees and rounding to the
nearest one or five degrees. Table 20 provides listing of temperatures in Celsius that will be used
in Appendix A for ferrous materials. There is no direct relationship between the Fahrenheit and
Celsius temperatures listed in the two columns of the table hereunder; however, the approach is
same as that followed by ASME Section II, Part D.
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Tables 20 and 21 show the temperatures for listing the allowable stresses for
ferrous and non-ferrous materials respectively. Please note that there is not a
temperature for temperature conversion from Fahrenheit to Celsius.
Table 20- Listing of Temperatures in Celsius to be used in Stress Tables
for Ferrous Materials
Temperatures in Celsius (C)
-30 to 40
65
100
125
150
200
250
300
325
350
375
400
425
450
475
500
525
550
575
600625
650
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Table 21 - Listing of Temperatures in Celsius to be used in Stress Tables
for Non-ferrous MaterialsTemperatures in Celsius (C)
-30 to 40
65
100125
150
175
200
225
250
275
300
325
350
375
400
425
450
475
500
525
550
575
600
625
650
675700
725
750
775
800
825
850
875
6.6 Guidelines for Converting USCS Units of Pressure into SI Units
In SI metric units, pressure may either be expressed in mega Pascals (MPa) or kilo Pascals (kPa)
depending upon the magnitude of the pressure. In USCS units, pressure is expressed in pounds
per square inch (psi).
Table-22 provides values of pressure converted from psi to MPa and kPa. Pressure equal to and
above 100 kPa has been rounded to the nearest multiple of 25.
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In cases of jurisdictional boundaries the temperature or pressure needs to be more accurate, such
as the jurisdictional boundary of 15 psi. Here the metric equivalent would be kPa rounded to one
decimal place (103.4 kPa).
Table 22- Conversion of Pressure from psi to kPa or MPaPressure, psi Pressure, kPa Pressure, kPa
Rounded
Pressure, MPa
Rounded
1 6.8947 7
2 13.789 15 ---
3 20.684 20 ---
5 34.473 35 ---
10 68.947 70 ---
15 103.42 100 ---
25 172.367 175 ---
50 344.735 350 ---
75 517.102 525 ---
100 689.470 700 ---
125 861.837 850 ---150 1034.2 1025 1
175 1206.572 1200 1.2
200 1378.94 1375 1.4
250 1723.675 1725 1.7
300 2068.41 2075 2.0
350 2413.145 2425 2.4
400 2757.88 2750 2.75
450 3102.615 3100 3.1
500 3447.35 3450 3.4
600 4136.82 4150 4.1
1,200 8273.64 8275 8.31,500 10342.05 10350 10.3
6.7 Guidelines for Converting USCS Units of Strength or Stress into SI
UnitsTensile and yield strengths of materials in SI metric units shall be those listed in the ASTM or
ASME material specifications. Units for strength shall be expressed in MPa.
In SI metric units, stress shall be expressed in MPa in allowable stress tables as applicable to each
ASME B31 Code section.
6.8 Guidelines for Converting Other UnitsSince the unit of time in USCS and SI metric systems of units is seconds, therefore, there is noneed to convert it. Use seconds as currently being used.
For force, Newtons (N) will replace pounds-force (lbf).
For moment, Newton-meters (N-m) will replace inch-pound-force (in-lbf).
For energy, Joules (J) will be used in place of foot-pound-force (ft-lbf).
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SI metric unit system has no equivalent of Brinell and Rockwell C hardness scale.
Surface finish shall be expressed in micro meters in lieu of micro inch currently used in USCS
system of units.