API 1104 (20th Ed.) Branch Test Destructive Testing Specimens

[cwood3]

I overhear a lot of stuff in my office. I'm always interested in the "correct" answers to most of these arguments. I did a search here already but am still a bit perplexed. Say a welder is taking a 12" "butt" and 12"-on-12" "branch" test (for procedure qualification and/or welder qualification). Butt weld test in 5G position. Branch test conducted with run horizontal and branch pointing down. No problem figuring out required test specimens for the butt test (procedure qual. and welder qual.)as it is spelled out in Tables 2 & 3. What about required test specimens from the branch test for fillet and/or fillet/groove? I read 6.5.6 and 5.8, and referred to Figure 10. Interested in number of specimens and type tests. When these guys get done going back and forth, I'd like to know the answer from an outside source (you guys) just for the sake of not being BS-ed.

Thank you.

 

[69Firebird]

From memory, its 4 nick breaks for the branch 90 deg apart. Butt weld jumps up after 12" so if they test on 14" pipe there is twice the number required than if they test on 12"

 

[SectionIX]

Per API 1104, 20th edition, four nick breaks at quadrants shown in Figure 11 for a branch test irrespective of OD.

Regarding lap joints, per the note in API 1104 Figure 10 "For joints with an outside diameter less than 2.375 in. (60.3 mm), specimens shall be cut from the same general location, but two specimens shall be removed from each of two test welds". This is in agreement with Clause 6.3.1 which states "Four nick-break specimens shall be removed from the weld
at the locations shown in Figure 10".

So for either case, branch, fillet/lap, four nick breaks are required.

While opinions are 'like something else', and everyone has one, I recommend the PRCI document" Guidelines for Interpretation and Application of API 1104PR-82681361-6" as it clarifies many clauses in API 1104.

 

[cwood3]

I have that PRCI doc and find it very helpful (for 20th ed.). I hope they follow suit and do the same for 21st ed. Seems a lot of places are hesitant to get onboard with the new edition.

 

[SectionIX]

PRCI has published a version for API 1104, 21st edition, which has not yet adopted by DOT.

Catalog No. PR-186-124502-R01