aws 8010

[sftyvlv]

currently we are using an F4 SMAW (root,fill and cap)procedure on a job welding a335 p11 5 inch double extra heavy skid piping for a reheat furnace.
Our welders are having trouble rooting this v groove joint and I'm wondering if using an approved procedure using aws 8010 as a root pass might be a way around this problem.
Is this a viable solution?
Thanks
Sftyvlv

 

[Duwe6]

Absolutely. This will probably require a new PQR & WPS. But your welders will not require requal's -- 8010 is an F3, so F4 qual's cover it.

 

[Kiwi2671]

Duwe6,
QW 433 shows "Qualified with" - F4 without backing
This does not qualify for F3 without backing - only F3 with backing.
A new welder qualification is required to change from F4 without backing to F3 without backing.
Regards,
Kiwi

 

[Duwe6]

Kiwi, I agree that "With/Without" backing is an essential variable. But F4 still qualifies for F1, F2, and F3.

I have actually qualified welders using E7018 - F4 - for openroot pipe welds. This strange usage was demanded by Bechtel's Nuke design folks. Weld is very tough, but 'doable'.

 

[stanweld]

Reviewing SFA-5.5, I did not find an E8010 B2 (matching chemistry of P11). E 8010 electrodes are normally Ni-Cr low alloy steel filler metals. Will the root chemistry be compatible with the service environment? I would also recommend a preheat temp at least 100 F greater than that which would be used with the low hydrogen electrodes.

 

[Kiwi2671]

Duwe6,
The OP was asking if an F4 could be replaced with an F3 for the root run.
Unless they are using backing rings or backgrinding the root the welders will have to be requalified,
Regards,
Kiwi