It has been agreed to publish interpretations issued by the B31 Committee concerning B31.1 as part of the update service to the Code. The interpretations have been assigned numbers inchronological order. Each interpretation applies either to the latest Edition at the time of issuance of the interpretation or the Edition or Addenda stated in the reply. Subsequent revisions to theCode may have superseded the reply.The replies are taken verbatim from the original letters, except for a few typographical and editorial corrections made for the purpose of improved clarity. In some instances, a review ofthe interpretation revealed a need for corrections of a technical nature. In these cases, a revisedreply bearing the original interpretation number with the suffix R is presented. In the case wherean interpretation is corrected by errata, the original interpretation number with the suffix E is used.ASME procedures provide for reconsideration of these interpretations when or if additionalinformation is available which the inquirer believes might affect the interpretation. Further,persons aggrieved by an interpretation may appeal to the cognizant ASME committee or subcommittee.As stated in the Statement of Policy in the Code documents, ASME does not “approve,”“certify,” “rate,” or “endorse” any item, construction, proprietary device, or activity.