Welding Pipes to Flanges 1

[zimonmayo]

What considerations do I need to make to ensure I have qualification to weld a 88.9mm OD (7.8mm wall) pipe to a 14mm thick slip-on flange? We work to BS 15614-1, however if you are able to provide details on how this is covered by ASME this should still answer my query.

At the moment we have a butt weld pipe code (which also covers fillets) that covers us up to 7.8mm thick for pipe thickness and 25mm+ for pipe OD. We also have a fillet weld code (welded using a T-Joint) which covers a plate thickness of 5mm+. If I combine the 2 does that give us the range we need? Comments I received from the inspector at our client say not, and he seems to think that a branch weld code is needed?!?!?! (although BS 15614-1 clearly states that pipe butt weld coding covers branch welds also)

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[stanweld]

Per ASME IX, diameter of pipe is not an essential variable. Assuming your groove welded qualification pipe coupon meets ASME IX, you would be qualified to make the involved fillet welds.

 

[zimonmayo]

Thanks Stan,

Have you ever had any dealings with BS 15614-1 also? According to this standard there are 4 different set-ups for qualifying a weld:

1. Butt Joint in Plate
2. Butt Joint in Pipe
3. T-Joint in Plate (Fillet)
4. Branch Connection in Pipe

Taking this into account it makes sense what I said earlier (I hope) as we have a code for fillet welding both plates (3) and pipes (1 - as butt welding also codes for fillets). I have gone back to our client and questioned what they are saying so will see what they say.

If anybody else is familiar with BS 15614-1 I would appreciate your input.

 

[stanweld]

Not really; the EU welding standards were just coming in when I left Great Britain in '94. At that point the requirements were similar to ASME IX but slightly more involved. As memory serves, groove weld qualification at that qualified fillet welds as well.