Weld cap to be dressed flush

[LBouzid]

An insurance company has asked my company to UT survey a pressure vessel. a long of 50cm of a weld is scheduled to be UTed but the weld cap should be dressed flush. Does ASME allow such operation or should we repair the weld which means apply all ASME inspections (hydrotest, NDT...) after its heat treatment.

 

[metengr]

Weld caps are not mandatory. The Code only provides guidance for reinforcement not a minimum. You can grind the weld cap flush as long as minimum wall thickness is not violated.

 

[stanweld]

Real time UT methods to determine flaw depth initially required grinding the cap flush. This is no longer required for newer UT methods but, as metengr stated, the cap may be ground flush to comply with the Insurer.