Dear Team, During inspection we 2

[S.G]

Dear Team,

During inspection we observed that the weld-o-let fittings are not fitted or welded properly and have incomplete root penetration. Please note that this is a sour gas piping / on a reciprocating high-pressure gas compressor.

These spools are part of the compressor package and were fabricated at the packager's workshop and not on-site. The spools were hydro-tested have passed hydrostatic test. Please see attached pictures.

I would appreciate your advice on this, as our EPC contractor has submitted a technical query that this is acceptable.

Regards,

 

[S.G]

Dear Team,

One more picture.

 

[LittleInch]

Doesn't look good but the photos are blurred and don't show enough detail.

If your not happy then reject them. You can see it much clearer than us.

Where is the weld line?

Things can pass a hydro test but fall off in Service.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[S.G]

Dear LittleInch, see attached picture for one of the SS weldolets.

 

[S.G]

Dear LittleInch, see attached picture for one of the CS weldolets.

 

[S.G]

Dear LittleInch, attached is one of the profile radiography images for one of the SS weldolets.

 

[S.G]

The issue we have is that there is no root gap. It is like a fillet weld from the outside. Incomplete root fusion and penetration.

 

[DekDee]

You do not note the fabrication code ?
Strong chance it is ASME B31.3.
If so, Integrally Reinforced Fittings (O Lets, Weld Olets etc) are to be attached by a full penetration groove weld.
Fillet weld is definitely not acceptable.

 

[S.G]

Hi DekDee,

Yes, ASME B31.3, process piping.

 

[DekDee]

Obviously not going to help you now but maybe in future projects.
Surveillance at the Contractors workshop.
You do not always get what you paid for.

 

[gtaw]

What is the fluid service class?

Are integrally reinforced fittings even permitted for the fluid service?

Best regards - Al

 

[DekDee]

S.G
Have a look at B31.3 Figure 328.5.4F " Acceptable Details for Integrally Reinforced Branch Connection Welds"
The I.D of the hole in the run pipe must be the same as the I.D of the Olet / Weldolet.
Based on the photos you appear to have weld defects and flow restrictions

 

[S.G]

Thank you, DekDee.

Hi Gtaw,

Sour gas.

 

[Dhurjati Sen]

If you are the Client, then get a contractor or your own fabrication team to cut and re-weld those joints.
Downtime prevention and getting a good night's sleep are equally important.

DHURJATI SEN
Kolkata, India

 

[DekDee]

S.G,
Fluid service class as per B31.3

Normal Fluid Service
Severe Cyclic
Category M (Hazardous)
High Pressure Piping (Chapter IX)

You need to ask one of your piping engineers what class this piping was designed to.

 

[weldstan]

The welds shown are clearly rejectable under B31.3.

 

[r6155]

Integrally reinforced fittings are with full penetration weld, ASME B31.3 or not. Always FP.

Regards

 

[TugboatEng]

The lack of penetration will lead to corrosion. The fitting may pass hydro today but it will fail in the future.

 

[S.G]

Dear All,

Thanks for your feedback, much appreciated. Here is the response to our contractor:

All Weldolets that were fitted up, installed, and welded outside the WPS/code requirements shall be cut out and rewelded in accordance with the approved WPS. There will be an in-process inspection and a final inspection. Integrally reinforced fittings are to be attached with a full penetration groove weld.

 

[TugboatEng]

The best result!