B31.8 Branch Connection with Split Sleeve - Circumferential Weld or No

[UW1981]

A question that seems to come up in our company quite a bit is whether or not to weld the circumferential welds when installing a split sleeve. It appears from the B31.8 Appendix I figures that a split T would require the circumferential welds, but the sleeve it is optional to weld. It would appear that there are only benefits by making the circ. weld on a split sleeve....primarily it provides better support perpendicular to the carrier pipe.

Anyhow....anybody know why B31.8 does not require the circ. weld to be completed for branches with split sleeves?

 

[BigInch]

Sorry, I haven't looked at this forum for a long time. Do these help?

http://www.ndt.net/article/wcndt2004/pdf/petrochemical_industry/382_dijkstra.pdf

http://www.bis.org.in/sf/pcd/PCD3(2348)C.pdf

http://virtualpipeline.spaces.msn.com

"What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know, its what we know for sure" - Mark Twain