API 1104 Fillet Welds 1

[sapipeliner]

Hello,
We have a PQR qualified by destructive testing for a 1118mm O/D x 7.2 mm W/T API 5L X42 pipe butt weld. Pipe welded in 5G position. I have drawn up a WPS for butt welds from this PQR, using ranges as per API 1104 (diameter and thickness). First question is : How do I determine ranges for amps/ volts and travel speeds as per 1104? Question 2: Can I use the same PQR to draw up a WPS for fillet welds, or do I have to do another PQR? Reason I ask this is because as per API 1104 Clause 6.2.2 (f) if I qualify a welder to the above WPS in the 6G position, he is qualified for fillet welds as well. Any clarification/ enlightenment will be greatly appreciated.

 

[SJones]

1. The values are taken from the records produced during the manufacture of the test weld
2. Yes - if none of the essential variables of 5.4 are contravened (5.4.2.3 will probably be the one to watch)

Steve Jones
Materials & Corrosion Engineer

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

All answers are personal opinions only and are in no way connected with any employer.

 

[sapipeliner]

Thanks Steve,
Another question; when qualifying fillet welds, does one stick to the diameter ranges for butt welds, and if so, what about unequal tees falling into different groups. I am hoping to use Figure 10 and classify diameter above and below 60.3mm.

 

[SJones]

Diameter is not an essential variable for fillet weld procedure qualification.

Steve Jones
Materials & Corrosion Engineer

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

All answers are personal opinions only and are in no way connected with any employer.

 

[SectionIX]

There is a differentation between welder qualification for fillet vs WPS qualification.


API 1104 interpretation 1104-I-0810-96:

Question: 1) Do a procedure and welder qualification on a butt weld, according to API 1104, qualify for unlimited fillet welds as it does with other codes such as ASME XI.

Reply: 1) PROCEDURE QUALIFICATION One of the essential variables listed in Paragraph 2.4 is 2.4.2.3 "Joint Design." Here it states that a major change in joint design constitutes an essential variable. A change from a butt to a fillet weld is a major change in joint design, thus requiring that a new procedure be qualified. WELDER QUALIFICATION If a welder qualifies by making a butt weld per Paragraph 3.2 "Single Qualification," that welder is subject to the essential variables listed in 3.3.2. Here in subparagraph "g," it states that a change in joint design constitutes an essential variable. A change from a butt to a fillet weld is a major change in joint design. That welder would therefore, not be qualified to make fillet welds.

Note that 2.4.2.3 mentioned above was the current equivalent 5.4.2.3.

So you could use the same parameters from the butt to make the requisite fillet weld and destructively test the fillet. The above formed the basis for a commentary made by PRCI in document Guidelines for Interpretation andApplication of API 1104