can we use ASME Sec IX based WPS for welding of cross country pipeline

[Ishack]

Hi all, A warm morning,

Could anyone advise that ASME Sec IX based WPS can be used for welding of cross country pipeline which is designed based on ASME B31.4 or B31.8. Please note that there is no specific client requirements. Request to all professionals that please reply with the relevant clause of the code / standard.

Regards,

ISHACK

 

[BigInch]

The API 1104 - Standard for Welding Pipelines and Related Facilities
is most customary

Independent events are seldomly independent.

 

[LittleInch]

31.4 is quite clear -

434.8.4 Welding Standards. All the welding done
under this Code shall be performed under a specification
that embodies the minimum requirements of this Code
and shall encompass the requirements of API 1104
except as provided in paras. 434.8.3(a) and (b).

a and b relates to shop welding or fabrication inside stations where ASME IX can apply. Cross country welding is 1104.

31.8 appears to be either:

823.2.1 Qualifying Standards. Welding procedures
and welders performing work for new construction and
out-of-service pipelines shall be qualified under Section
IX of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code or API
1104.

My motto: Learn something new every day

Also: There's usually a good reason why everyone does it that way

 

[stanweld]

Per B31.8, either Code can be used. Welders performing work in compressor station piping must be qualified per API 1104. Acceptance criteria of production welds is per API 1104.

 

[Ishack]

appreciate your all technical inputs.

To Mr.Littleinch, still your statement based on B31.4 doesn't have clarity. Of course all the inspection technique and criteria for both welding of cross country pipeline and station piping shall follow API 1104 which is clear in section 434.8.4 and other section of ASME B31.8,

whereas as per my understanding from the statement in B31.4, section 434.8.4, there is an exception for qualification of welding procedure and welder qualification which shall be referred to a & b of 434.8.3 where there is nothing specifically mentioned about API 1104 to be used for cross country pipeline.

BY taking benefit of the above statement, can we present the client that ASME sec IX is also applicable for cross country pipeline welding (only for qualification).

I would like to correct Mr.stanweld, for compressor station, those who seek welder qualification as per API 1104 shall be qualified by destructive testing. Still you can use ASME Sec IX for compressor station without any additional requirements.

Regards,
ISHACK

 

[LittleInch]

I should have copied in the relevant sections, but assumed you ha a copy.

Unfortunately for you it is also very clear in a) that
"(a) Welder and welding procedure qualifications for
cross-country pipelines shall be performed in accordance
with API 1104."

It goes on to say that for "shop fabrication" and station pipework the welding prcedure can be to 1104 or ASME IX.

b) does complicate things a bit by allowing the qualification and testing to be done to either 1104 or ASME IX, but as the main specification itself is to 1104, it would make sense to use 1104 to me.

SO, the weld procedure specification (WPS) in 31.4 for cross country pipelines must be to 1104 - that seems quite clear
The testing of that procedure (WPQT) can be to 1104 or ASME IX.
WPS for "shop" or station pipework can be to 1104 or ASME IX

Your OP talks about a WPS, but your response now talks about the qualification of that procedure. I suspect it is the WPS that is to ASME IX. This, according to the code cannot be used for cross counrty pipeline welding. Clear?

My motto: Learn something new every day

Also: There's usually a good reason why everyone does it that way

 

[Ishack]

I am terribly sorry to disturb you all since i was referring ASME B 31.4 old revision where the section no 434.8.4 (a) does not contain the statement " Welder and welding procedure qualifications for cross-country pipelines shall be performed in accordance with API 1104.". The extract of the referred edition is attached here for your reference. I admit my mistake and Now I am clear that it is not possible to use ASME Sec IX based WPS for cross country pipeline welding as per ASME B31.4.

Thank you all experts.

Regards,

ISHACK M

 

[stanweld]

Ishack,
API 1104 may also be mandated by States for procedure qualification and welder qualification on Intrastate cross country pipelines. You may need to check with jurisdictions where your pipeline is located.

 

[Ishack]

Stanweld,

It could have been reflected in the client specification if the specific standard is bounded by the state's law. still API 1104 is remains as standard here in my location and not the governing CODE.

 

[LittleInch]

There have been a few revisons since then.... I was quoting from the 2009 version, but there is now a 2012 version which is now valid.

Advise you get a copy.

My motto: Learn something new every day

Also: There's usually a good reason why everyone does it that way