API 1104 Procedure Qualification & Material Grouping.

[alkeeprollin]

API 1104 Section-5.4.2.2.

Can you please assist with the following and give your reason;

a. If I have a PQR for X70 to X70 pipe, can I formulate a WPS for welding X65 to X65 pipe.

b. If I have a PQR for X70 to X70 pipe, can I formulate a WPS for welding X70 to X65 pipe.

c. If I have a PQR for X65 to X65 pipe, can I formulate a WPS for welding X70 to X52 pipe.

 

[DekDee]

Alkeeprollin,
There are a few very experienced pipeline guys on here that may disagree with me (you maybe should have posted in the API section) but I will give you my opinion.

a. If I have a PQR for X70 to X70 pipe, can I formulate a WPS for welding X65 to X65 pipe.
No, it clearly states for X65 and above you require separate qualification tests for each grade.

b. If I have a PQR for X70 to X70 pipe, can I formulate a WPS for welding X70 to X65 pipe.
No, as per answer to Question A

c. If I have a PQR for X65 to X65 pipe, can I formulate a WPS for welding X70 to X52 pipe.
Not 100% sure on this - if it was an X70 to X70 PQR then I think you could do it based on:
When welding materials of two separate material groups, the
procedure for the higher strength group shall be used.
But even that is not clear cut - is it acceptable with just an X70 PQR or do you need a PQR for both material groups but you use the higher strength group PQR ?

Now I know why I hate API. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr !!!
Sorry I can't be more help,
Cheers,
DD

 

[alkeeprollin]

Hi,

Thanks for answer to first two questions.
As per your suggestion I have posted question (c) in the API section, still awaiting answer.
As weld procedures have to be qualified and tested prior to any welding to API-1104 specification you would
think most API certified personnel would have a sound knowledge of the base metal requirements for procedure
qualification. However by the number of people who answer my questions with regards to the base metals i can
see they must be as confused as I am.

 

[SectionIX]

c. If I have a PQR for X65 to X65 pipe, can I formulate a WPS for welding X70 to X52 pipe.


Answer is no; the PQR needs to be made on X65.

If welding X70 to X52, use an X70 WPS.

API 1104: 5.4.2.2 Base Material
A change in base material constitutes an essential variable.
When welding materials of two separate material groups, the
procedure for the higher strength group shall be used.

 

[SectionIX]

Hit the send button too quickly. This part didn't make the cut:


Your only possible "out" would be if the X65 PQR material was dual stensiled as X65/X70 (which is actually quite possible). In that case, you should be ok, but you will have to revise your PQR to show the test material was dual rated. You should include the MTR in the PQR should someone like PHMSA question this rationale.



This was also posted in the API 1104 forum.