Golden Weld is comply to CODE? 2

[Pongsagon]

Gentleman,
There is existing underground onshore natural gas pipeline size 34", API 5L X65, lenght 1.3 km. New pipeline size 20" will be tied-in to this existing pipeline by cutting and install tee reducer, 30"X20". Could you please advise as follows;
1) The Contractor has proposed to perform golden weld at tie-in point(34"-2 joints), hydrotest will be waived. Is this propose acceptable and comply to code (should be ASME B31.8), which article?
2) What is golden weld?
3) Is there any other codes concern to this job i.e. ASME section IV, please advise.
Thanks in advance.

 

[JStephen]

"2) What is golden weld?"

I had never heard that term until I read it in a question a few months back. Do a search on this site for "golden weld" and you'll turn up a couple of older posts that I think will answer you question about as well as it can be answered.

 

[GregLamberson]

Pongsagon

Yes, it complies with the codes - 31.8, 31.4 and 31.3. It is a fancy term for a weld that does not get hydrotested. We used to call them final tie-ins.

Search "golden welds" on Forums, it's been discussed before, you'll find the code references in some of the other threads.

Greg Lamberson, BS, MBA
Consultant - Upstream Energy
Website:

http://www.oil-gas-consulting.com

 

[11echo]

I'm familiar with the “golden weld” term, but why not test all the welds done for this tie-in? IF the contractor uses a split tee, he can weld that on ...and not cut into the main branch, do the hydro-test, and once it passes, then cut out the coupon. That way all welds are tested!!

 

[dcasto]

The welds are "tested". The welding proceedure has been tested, the welder has been tested, the weld materials have been tested, and They will be radiographically tested. How many more tests do you need.

When you weld on the split tee, you still have welds that will be under stress that are not tested in a manner that simulates the stresses under operation.

PLIDCO makes a bolt on tee

http://www.plidco.com/public/products/hot_tapping_saddle.php

look, no golden welds.

 

[MJCronin]

Pongongsong...

See

http://azer.com/aiweb/categories/magazine/ai124_folder/124_articles/124_bp_developments.html

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=183158&page=12

"Golden welds" are a reason for polititians, dictators, lawyers and project managers to have a party..

-MJC

 

[GregLamberson]

Pongsagon

There's nothing magical or odd about golden welds, they've been aorund as long as hydrotesting pipleines and piping has been in vogue, we just used to call them final tie-ins, someone came up with a catchy phrase. Codes allow them and they will have a place in pipeline construction forever. After all, if you have 300 miles of pipeline and 15 test sections how does every weld get subjected to a hydrotest? Answer is - it doesn't. I don't know of a pipleine in existence that is over 20 miles that doesn't have a golden weld. You NDT every weld and go about your business.

Greg Lamberson, BS, MBA
Consultant - Upstream Energy
Website:

http://www.oil-gas-consulting.com

 

[doberdorks]

Pongsagon,

Another term you may want to look at is "closure weld". I'd find out who makes the final call, and see if the have issues. One other possiblity is car-ber testing

http://www.carbertesting.com/

which I've never used (has anyone here?), but looks interesting.

SLH