B31.3 Pipe Fabrication NDE 2

[whitesatin]

Hello.
Would someone kindly address usual and typical weld NDE for socket weld type connections (e.g. couplings, SW fittings, etc.) which satisfies B31.3. I have come to conclude that radiography does not result in a wholly satisfactory examination of these type joints. Rather, liquid pen or mag particle would be more typical, and still satisfy B31.3 acceptance. Maybe even UT.
Would someone kindly address this issue of appropriate NDE for socket weld connections.
Thank you very much in advance.

 

[Mr168]

LP/MT is what we do, and as you mentioned is all that's required under B31.3. They're just fillet welds, and are treated as such. If there is something questionable regarding fitup/gap tolerances, we may take an RT shot to make sure it hasn't bottomed out, or something along those lines.

If its something out of the ordinary, take it on a case by case basis. UT, AET, etc have all been done, but usually down the road to investigate causes of fatigue cracking.

 

[eliebl]

On socket welds RT only gives an indication of gap. As a side note, the shop term I am familliar with is "gap shots".