API 1104 Essential Variables

[hexx180]

I have couple issues concerning welding procedures.

1 If in a Procedure Qualification Record an essential variable such as time between passes is not listed, does the procedure require requalification? Or can it be assumed that the welding procedure was followed and as long as test results are acceptable then it is ok? (The procedure was qualified back in 1986 and not sure if maybe in that edition of 1104, time between passes was not an essential variable which leads me to next issue)

2 When a new edition of 1104 is published, do existing procedures need to be requalified if they don't meet requirements of the new edition? We have procedures dating as far back as the early 80's and not sure if these should be considered obsolete.

 

[SJones]

1. The answer depends upon the contract and the views of 'the company' who will be doing the 'assuming'

2. Again, it depends upon the contract and the views of 'the company'. If the contract specifies the latest edition, you would be contractually obliged to comply with the latest edition. You may, or may not, get a waiver if you asked nicely.

Steve Jones
Materials & Corrosion Engineer

http://www.oilandgaspeople.com/cv/11499664

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/8/83b/b04

 

[PipinFool]

Hexx,

As per section 5.3.2.10 of API 1104 20th edition the time between the completion of the root pass and the start of the second pass, as well as the time between the second and start of other passes must be specified in the Weld Procedure Specification (WPS). This rule becomes an essential variable if you increase the time from the completion of the first pass and the start of the second pass per section 5.4.2.8. It could be argued since you have a PQR and the WPS was not filled out, there is not an increase in time, however, the WPS needs to have this information. If the time on the WPS is increased, then the WPS would need to be requalified.

As far as your second question, I have for various weld procedure work researched back as far as the 15th Edition to see if the testing requirements had changed since then, and they have not. Although since I do not have the copy readily available to see the publication date, which I am sure is pre 1986, I would say that if the testing requirements have not changed, neither has the time between passes changed. And yes, if a requirement changed in API 1104 and the new addition was incorporated by reference into 49CFR, you would have to requalify.

Mark

 

[Telles]

Regarding essential variables, I have an issue. The contractor has a PQR where were made longitudinal welds (butt wedling) in a Split T fitting. These longitudinal welds are to clamp two halves of the fitting together and they are not in direct contact with the pipe, because there is a backing strip. The base material of the fitting and of the pipe is X52 which has a yield strength of 359 MPa. In the project, the fitting material is a Gr 70 (260 MPa) and the pipe material is a Gr B (241 MPa). According to API 1104, I can not aprove the work, because the base material (of the pipe and of the fitting) is less than the one of the group which would qualify it (290 MPa - 448 MPa), right?

 

[PipinFool]

Telles,

Unless the procedure they provided you was written under the guidlines in Appendix B of API 1104, which then it will have CE information or flow rate information, then you are correct. For your job, it will have to be qualified either with the Grade 70 material or go to the highest grade in the group which would be X-42 (289MPa).