Maximum fillet welding size for nozzle to shell welding connection.

[abehong]

It requires minimum size of fillet welding size ( e.g. 3/8”) for typical full penetration nozzle to shell welding connection per ASME code. However , it seems no maximum limitation for the fillet size. Based on my experience , the thickness of vessel wall typically is limiting of size of it , in another word that the size of fillet welding should be exceeding the vessel wall thickness. It is because normally the fillet weld thicker than the thinnest part of the two parts being welded on does not add any value from mechanical strength prospect. One of our coworker claims that the fillet welds can be increased up to 1.5 of thickness of the thinner part and this allow the higher stress magnitude as per recommendation in EN-13345. I could not find the note in the EN code anyway. Just want to get a second opinion if my understanding is correct. Thanks

 

[Shmulik]

There is no code restriction. It depends on your WPS.