scope:

The National Board Inspection Code (NBIC) was first published in 1946 as a guide for chief inspectors. It has become an internationally recognized standard, adopted by most US and Canadian jurisdictions. The NBIC provides standards for the installation, inspection, and repair and/or alteration of boilers, pressure vessels, and pressure relief devices. It is the purpose of the National Board Inspection Code (NBIC) to maintain the integrity of pressure-retaining items by providing rules for installation, and after the items have been placed into service, by providing rules for inspection and repair and alteration, thereby ensuring that these items may continue to be safely used. The NBIC is intended to provide rules, information and guidance to manufacturers, Jurisdictions, inspectors, owner-users, installers, contractors, and other individuals and organizations performing or involved in post-construction activities, thereby encouraging the uniform administration of rules pertaining to pressure-retaining items.

Part 3, Repairs and Alterations - This Part provides information and guidance to perform, verify, and document acceptable repairs or alterations to pressure-retaining items regardless of code of construction. Alternative methods for examination, testing, heat treatment, etc., are provided when the original code of construction requirements cannot be met. Specific acceptable and proven repair methods are also provided.