API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities

Standard Edition Section Inquiry # Question Reply

1104 18th 1104-I-01-96 The section on essential variables for Weld Procedure Qualifications, Section 2.4.2.5, states a change fromone group to another.
However, this section does not specify which group. Is the first group specified in Table 2 which is <12.7 mmand >12.7 mm? Or
is it the group specified under Welder Qualification Tests which is <4.8 mm, 4.8 mm- 19 mm, and >19 mm?
The groups are not specified in API-1104, they are to be selected by the user. See Para. 2.3.2.3.
1104 18th 1104-I-01-96 The essential variable list in Section 2.4 for Weld Procedure Qualification does not cover diameter groupings although Welder
Qualification Tests do have groupings. Is it correct in saying that qualifying a procedure on 2" diameter would qualify, say, a 40"
diameter butt weld provided all other essential variables were met
Yes.
1104 18th 1104-I-01-96 Welder Qualification Tests for Automatic Welding Section 9.7 does not specify any essential variables for Welder Qualification
Tests. Is this correct?
Welder Qualification Tests for Automatic Welding - Since Para. 9.6 provides that both the equipment and the operator are qualified at the same time, the
Essential Variables specified in Para. 9.5 apply
1104 18th 1104-I-01-96 Weld Procedure Qualification - Automatic Welding Under Section 9, this appears to be leaving the groupings of diameters and wall
thickness to the Contractor as it states this will be stated in the WPS. Should these groupings be per API 1104 and/or Company
requirements?
Weld Procedure Qualification for Automatic Welding - The groupings are left to the writer of the procedure specification.
1104 18th 1104-I-02-96 Clarification of the requirements of paragraph 6.3.8.2.c with respect to cluster porosity is required since the collective aggregate siz
of porosity is being interpreted differently by different inspectors
If the cluster porosity cannot be proven to be in the finish pass, the criteria of Para. 6.3.8.2 applies. If Para. 6.3.8.2c applies, then figures 18 and 19 must be use
even if the indication on the radiograph has been defined as cluster porosity
1104 18th 1104-I-02-96 With similar size porosity all falling into the mediumcategory, the density which is in the assorted chart cannot be defined. When a
cluster of 5 to 7 pores cannot fit into an inscribed circle on the fine chart, the client is rejecting it even though there is no other
porosity within the entire radiograph. An attached sketch illustrates the condition
If the size of the porosity is the size shown in the "medium" charts of Figures 18 and 19, then that is the chart which must be used as the acceptability standard.
1104 18th 1104-I-04-96 If the Company has not required the use of a line-up clamp in its project specific specification, does API 1104 require the use of a
clamp?
No. See Para. 2.3.2.11
1104 18th 1104-I-04-96 As paragraph 4.3 is concerning butt welds, is this indicating that a clamp must be used for butt welds and that the weld procedure
specification (as discussed in 2.3.2.11) for butt welds must reflect this?
Para. 4.3 requires that the use of line-up clamps must be in accordance with the procedure specification. If the procedure specification does not require a line-up
clamp, then none needs to be used when making the production weld. See Para. 2.3.2.11.
1104 18th 1104-I-04-96 Why is a clamp required for a weld procedure qualification, when the pipe nipples for the WPS will have been cut fromthe same
length of pipe and hence the dimension fit up will be very good; whereas, the field fit ups are frompipes that will vary in dimension,
ovality, etc.?
A line-up clamp is not required for the weld procedure qualification. See Para. 2.3.2.11.
1104 18th 1104-I-04-96 Regardless of what the formof words that API 1104 uses, what was the intention of the committeein regard to the use of clamp for
butt weld joints?
We cannot comment on the intention of the committee, only what is written.
1104 18th 1104-I-04-96 API 1104 only discusses the clamp as a method of weld alignment. If API 1104 permits the use of other methods of alignment, why
are they not discussed and parameters given for their use, removal, etc.? If other methods are permitted, what are they and what
other parameters govern their use?
API 1104 does not discuss specific types of line-up clamps, only the method, i.e. internal, external or no clamp.
1104 18th 1104-I-05-96 If a tensile strength is conducted for welder qualification, what information should be recorded regarding the test? Currently, (a) I
measure the specimen before testing, document that, (b) calculate the specimens area, document that, (c) test the specimen
documenting the load, and (d) calculate the tensile strength of the specimen, documenting the computed tensile strength. If it
meets the required specified minimumtensile strength of the material, it is accepted. But this is not a requirement of welder
qualification is it? It appears to me, that all that is required for welder qualification is for the tensile specimen to break outside the
weld zone or meet nick-break requirements if it does break in the weld zone, and the documentation is accepted or rejected and
nothing else. Is this correct?
Paragraph 3.5.3 requires that the soundness requirements of Paragraph 2.6.3.3 be met. The tensile strength need not be calculated. It is therefore not
necessary to measure the tensile specimen or to record the breaking load. Only the results of the examination per Paragraph 2.6.3.3 need to be recorded.
Paragraph 3.5.3 requires that the soundness requirements of Paragraph 2.6.3.3 be met. The tensile strength need not be calculated. It is therefore not
necessary to measure the tensile specimen or to record the breaking load. Only the results of the examination per Paragraph 2.6.3.3 need to be recorded.
1104 18th 1104-I-0810-96 1) Do a procedure and welder qualification on a butt weld, according to API 1104, qualify for unlimited fillet welds as it does with
other codes such as ASME XI.
1) PROCEDURE QUALIFICATION One of the essential variables listed in Paragraph 2.4 is 2.4.2.3 "J oint Design." Here it states that a major change in joint
design constitutes an essential variable. A change froma butt to a fillet weld is a major change in joint design, thus requiring that a newprocedure be qualified.
WELDER QUALIFICATION If a welder qualifies by making a butt weld per Paragraph 3.2 "Single Qualification," that welder is subject to the essential variables
listed in 3.3.2. Here in subparagraph "g," it states that a change in joint design constitutes an essential variable. A change froma butt to a fillet weld is a major
change in joint design. That welder would therefore, not be qualified to make fillet welds. (2) Paragraph 4.3 requires that the use of line-up clamps must be in
accordance with the procedure specification. If the procedure specification does not require a line-up clamp then none needs to be used when making the
production weld. See Paragraph 2.3.2.11.(3) A line-up clamp is not required for the weld procedure qualification.
See Paragraph 2.3.2.11. (4) We cannot give advice on the use of clamps, only interpret
what is written. (5) API 1104 does not discuss specific types of line-up clamps, only the
method, i.e., internal, external, or no clamp. This covers every possible method.
1104 18th 1104-I-0913-96 On samples extracted such that their length is parallel to the pipe axis, are shear values required fromtesting? Is pipe mill roll
direction relevant to the testing of site-produced vertical butt welds?
The API-1104 Standard does not require charpy testing. Therefore, we cannot respond to your question.
1104 18th 1104-I-1015-96 Four examples of repair situations that could arise are attached. They are labeled Examples 1, 2, 3, and 4 and are only scenarios
and are not actual cases that have occurred on any project. Please reviewthe four examples. In each example, is the repair
acceptable in accordance with sections 6 and 7 of API Standard 1104?
Example 1 Yes. Example 2 Yes, assuming that "Clause 6.3.2.a" in the first sentence was intended to be 6.3.8.2. Example 3 Yes. Example 4 Depends upon the
diameter of the pipe. See paragraphs 6.3.4.c and 6.3.7.2.g.
1104 18th 1104-I-1015-96 What is the definition of the words "injurious Defect" as they are used in paragraph 7.1.2, Removal and Preparation For Repair, AP
Standard 1104, 18th - May 1994?
Any defect that exceeds the standards of acceptability.
1104 18th 1104-I-1015-96 What is the definition of the words "Sound Metal" as they are used in paragraph 7.1.2, Removal and Preparation For Repair, API
Standard 1104, 18th - May 1994?
Sound metal, as used in Paragraph 7.1.2, is the metal that remains after the injurious defect has been removed.
1104 18th 1104-I-1019-96 Paragraph 2.6.3.2 states that nick-break samples shall be broken by: ) pulling in a tensile machine
b) supporting at each end and striking the middle;
c) supporting one end and striking the other end. Is it the intent of the code to specifically rule out other methods of causing
fracturing through the weldment?
Paragraph 2.6.3.2 provides only three methods of breaking a nick break coupon so that it is all that can be used . However, your point is very understandable so
we are sending your letter to the Welding Procedures and Welder Qualifications subcommittee for reviewand possible revision to the standard.
1104 18th 1104-I-1122-96 Can I use a fillet weld procedure qualified using a non-bevel lap fillet to complete a 45 degree single bevel fillet weld? And, vice
versa.
Paragraph 2.4.2.3 "J oint Design" specifies that a major change in joint design constitutes an essential variable thus requiring requalification. A change froma
non-bevel lap fillet weld to a bevel fillet weld is a major change as it involves a bevel in addition to the fillet. However, if the same procedure is qualified on a bevel
fillet weld, the same procedure can be used to weld a lap fillet because in the qualified procedure, once the bevel is filled, the joint design remaining is essentially
the same as that of a lap joint
1104 18th 1104-I-1122-96 When qualifying welding procedures for fillet welds, one must note the range of wall thickness and diameters over which the
procedure is applicable. Is API 1104 referring to the wall thickness and diameter of the branch or header piping
Both.
1104 18th 1104-I-0130-97 Under Section 3.2.2 and 3.3.2 for multiple qualification of welders, is it correct in understanding that a welder who has successfully
completed the multiple qualification tests using filler metal fromthe group 1, (example E-6010&E-7010), in the downhill travel
progression would also be required to successfully complete those same two tests using filler metal fromthe group 3, (E-7018), in
the uphill travel technique to install attachment fittings on pipelines such as thread-o-lets, requiring the use of E-7018, since the
weld joint for fittings is a full penetration single bevel
Yes. Paragraph 3.3.2.b requires requalification. if the direction of welding changes fromvertical uphill to vertical downhill or vice versa. Also, paragraph 3.3.2.c
requires requalification. if the filler metal classification is changed fromGroup 1 or 2 to Group 3 or fromGroup 3 to Group 1 or 2.
1104 18th 1104-I-0130-97 After completion of the multiple qualification tests prescribed in section 3.3.2 using E-6010 and/or E-7010 electrodes in the downhill
progression, and electing not to certify on a full size branch test again, is the only other option for a welder to be qualified for
welding fittings on a pipeline using E-6010 for the root and E-7018 for the fill and cover passes are those outlined in ASME Section
Ix, Boiler &Pressure Vessel Code, QW 452?
No. The welder could be qualified under 3.2 "Single Qualification."
1104 18th 1104-I-0130-97 Question 3 refers to API RP 1107, Third Edition April 1991. Section 3.1 allows for a welder to performmaintenance welding after
successfully completing the requirements of API Std 1104 3.1 to 3.6 or API RP 1107 3.2 to 3.5. Is a welder qualified to install
sleeves using E-7018 if the welder test on a Butt and Branch using E-7018?
We assume that by "---on a butt and branch---" you mean the butt weld and branch described in paragraph 3.3.1 of API 1104 and to the branch described in
paragraph 3.2 of API 1107. With this assumption the answer to your question is yes. However, to install sleeves the welder does not need to make a butt weld
qualification test. The welder can make a single qualification test as described in the second paragraph of 3.2.1 of ASPI 1104
API Standard 1104 Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities+A3
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
1104 18th 1104-I-0130-97 Questions 4 &5 refer to API 1104, 18th - May 1994 and API RP 1107, Third Edition, April 1991.Provided a procedure was qualified
and a welder was tested on the 12-3/4" dia. butt weld and a 12-3/4 dia. full size branch test, per API Std. 1104 Sec. 3.3, using E-
6010 downhill for the root passes and E-7018 uphill for the fill and cover passes, wouldnt this welder meet the criteria as outlined in
API Std. 1104, Sec. 3.3.2 for qualifications to weld in all positions, all wall thickness', joint designs, and fittings on all pipe diameters,
including the installation of full encirclement sleeves as outlined in API RP 1107, Sec. 3.1?
Yes but the welder would only be qualified to weld using Group 1 or 2 electrodes downhill on the root pass and Group 3 electrodes uphill on the fill and cap
passes.
1104 18th 1104-I-0130-97 DOT CFR 192, Sec. 192.229(C) states that welders are required to re-certify after 6 months unless proof of welding using the
process for which they are certified under is produced. DOT 195, Sec. 195.222 does not address a specific qualification termlimit.
Both DOT sections 192-Transportation of Natural Gas and DOT Section 195-The Transportation of Hazardous Liquids by Pipeline,
reference API Std. 1104 and ASME Sec. IX for welder qualification testing. ASME B31.3 (1990 Edition), Sec. 434.8.3 references
API Std 1104 and/or ASME Sec. IX for welder certification. ASME B31.4 (1992 Edition), Sec. 328.2 references only ASME Sec. IX
for certification testing. ASME Boiler &Pressure Vessel Code Sec. IX, QW-322 does address six months without welding requiring
a newqualification. With the Federal Regulations and required codes referencing API, why doesnt the API Std. 1104, Sec. 3.7 and
API RP 1107, Sec. 3.6 stipulate a time limit for qualification of welders?
The subject of a time limit for the qualification of welders has always been left to the codes and user companies. However, this subject will be presented to the
API 1104 Subcommittee On Welder Qualification for review.
1104 18th 1104-I-0507-97 Does a specific procedure for the branch weld in a multiple qualification test of welders need to be in place when doing the multiple
qualification?
Yes, a welder must use a qualified welding procedure when qualifying. See the first paragraph of Paragraph 3.3.1, "For multiple qualification, a welder shall
successfully complete the two test welds described below, using qualified procedures." We point out that the welder who successfully makes the procedure test
weld is also qualified
1104 18th 1104-I-0910-97 Is branch connection diameter considered an essential variable when qualifying welding procedures for fillet welds on branch
connections? Is it correct to assume that header diameter in a branch connection weld is NOT an essential variable?
Diameter is not an essential variable in the qualification of a welding procedure as it is not listed in Paragraph 2.4.2. However, Paragraph 2.3.2.3 requires that th
company establish its own diameter range for which the procedure is applicable. This range must then be recorded in the procedure specification. Having done
this, pipe with diameters that were outside the selected range can be welded without requalifying the welding procedure. However, the procedure specification
covering that weld must be changed to include the newdiameter range for which the procedure is applicable
1104 19th 9.3.9 1104-I-0106-00 Does the standard intend that any elongated porosity indication in the root pass should be considered to be hollowbead? Yes.
1104 19th 9.3.9 1104-I-0106-00 If so, does the standard intend that the definition of linear indication (length more than 3 times the width as in MT and PT) be
applied to porosity indications in radiographic applications? At the moment, we have a project (.250" wall pipe) in which a proe of
porosity 1/16" wide and 5/32" long is deemed rejectable because it does not meet the linear indication criteria, and is considered a
single pore rather than hollowbead. If the same indication was over 3/16" long, it is considered hollowbead and is acceptable. In
other words, the shorter indication is rejectable and the longer indication is acceptable. This interpretation is causing some
confusion.
No.
1104 19th 6.1 1104-I-0121-00 Is the entire procedure qualification test rejected and thus the welding procedure not qualified? The welding procedure is not qualified because all of the test specimens shown in Table 2 and figure 3 have not been successfully tested.
1104 19th 6.1 1104-I-0121-00 Is the welders test for the Aside also rejected and thus the welder not qualified? Both welders have failed because their qualification weld must have been made using a previously qualified procedure. See the first sentence of 6.1 General.
However, had the procedure been qualified, i.e. both the A and B side tests passed, then the procedure and both of the welders would have been qualified
provided the proper number of test specimens were successfully tested as discussed in the third sentence of 6.1 General
1104 18th 3.8 1104-I-0301-00 "A record shall be made of the tests given to each welder and of the detailed results of each test. A formsimilar to that shown in
Figure 2 should be used. (This formshould be developed to suit the needs of the individual company but must be sufficiently
detailed to demonstrate that the qualification test met the requirements of this standard.) A list of qualified welders and the
procedures for which they are qualified shall be maintained. ..."
Some people presume that Section 3.8 of the Standard requires that written documentation must be made to verify that each
welder welded within the established parameters of the qualified welding procedure(s). This would include written notations of the
electrodes used, amperages, voltages, and travel speeds of each pass, preheat temperature(s) and interpass temperatures.
However, others contend that the Standard does not require written details of the welder qualification tests other than a pass/fail
designation and a reference to the qualifying radiograph when welder qualification by radiography is utilized. (Para. 3.6) They
contend that as long as the welder tests were "monitored", no other documentation is required.
Please provide clarification as to the meaning of API 1104 Section 3.8 requirements,
especially regarding "detailed results."
API 1104 Standard does not specifically specify information regarding the parameters of welding that is to be recorded, i.e. electrodes used, amperage, etc. Th
is left to the discretion of the individual companies. However, a record must be made of the tests given and the detailed results of each test (see Paragraph 3.8).
1104 18th Para. 3.2.1 1104-I-0302-00 Clarification is requested regarding the utilization of multiple welders whose qualifications are in a lesser wall thickness grouping
than the full thickness of a production weld. For example, welders on the job are qualified to weld thicknesses between 4.78 mm
(3/16") and 19.05 mm(3/4") but the production weld has a thickness of 25.4 mm(1").
Is it permissible to utilize two welders wherein each welder would only deposit up to 19.05 mmweld deposit thickness in order to fill
up the weld groove? Basically, the first welder would weld the Root, Hot Pass, and Part of Fill passes; and the second welder
would complete the balance of the weld thickness, i.e. part of the fill passes and the Cap
No. Each welder must weld the entire wall thickness when he/she is qualifying. See Paragraph 3.2.1.
1104 19th Figure 12, Note 1 1104-I-0224-00
When two welders are being qualified using 20diameter pipe and each person is welding one-half of the weld, do you have to
weld towsets of nipples in order to get the sixteen test samples required per welder?
There was a mistake in the printing of the 19th Edition of API 1104. While the title of Figure 12 is correct, the drawing is incorrect. The drawing should be
identical to Figure 12 of the 18th Edition, which shows 12 total weld specimens instead of 16.
The response to your question is no. You do need to test 12 weld specimens fromeach welder's half (see Table 13). The weld specimens should be equally
spaced around the segments welded by each welder being qualified (see Figure 12, Note 1)
1104 19th Figure 12, Note 1 1104-I-0224-00 If you have a welding procedure that was qualified with the MIG process using AWS ER 70S-3 and you are going to use AWS ER
70S-do you have a requalify the procedure using the newfiller metal or can you just make the substitution?
You must requalify the procedure. AWS ER70S-3 is not listed in Table 1. The note to Table 1 therefore requires requalification.
1104 18th Fig. 10 pg. 15 1104-I-0221-00 In reference to Figure 10 on Page 15 (the non-branch connection sketches), is the weld
specimen for fillet-weld procedure qualification one piece of pipe (smaller diameter) slipped into another piece of pipe (larger
diameter)?
Not necessarily. The larger pipe can be split and fitted to the smaller pipe.
1104 18th Fig. 10 pg. 15 1104-I-0221-00 Is there a standard procedure and welder qualification report templatethat is offered pre-printed fromAPI? No.
1104 18th Fig. 10 pg. 15 1104-I-0221-00 Is radiography acceptable to qualify a welding procedure or
only a welder?
Only a welder, not a procedure. However, please note that in Sections 9 and 10 "Automatic Welding" and "Automatic Welding Without Filler-Metal Additions
nondestructive testing is required in addition to destructive testing when qualifying a procedure. (See Par. 9.2 and Par. 10.2.1
1104 18th Fig. 10 pg. 15 1104-I-0221-00 Is destructive testing the only way to qualify a welding procedure? See 3 above.
1104 18th Fig. 10 pg. 15 1104-I-0221-00 If a welder is qualified using a standard type MIG welder, does
a change to the use of a pulse type MIG welder require requalification; assuming that all other variables remain the same
Requalification is not necessary.
1104 19th App. B 1104-I-0327-00 Paragraph 2.2.1.3 of Appendix B states "For in-service fillet welds, pipe wall thickness is not an essential variable." Does that
also apply to the thickness of a hot tap fitting (e.g. the fillet weld joining the fitting to an in-service pipe)? I understand that the wall
thickness of the in-service pipe is not an essential variable but what about the sleeve wall thickness?
Yes, the reference to wall thickness applies to both the thickness of the sleeve and to the thickness of the service pipe. Neither are essential variables.
1104 19th App. B 1104-I-0327-00 Can I use butt welding and fillet welding procedures qualified under Section 5 of API 1104 to make in-service welds or must I
requalify?
You must re-qualify because Appendix B has requirements for procedure qualification that are not required in Section 5.
1104 19th App. B 1104-I-0327-00 In a previous technical inquiry (TI 1104-081096), it is stated that a change froma butt weld to a fillet weld is considered a major
change in joint design and thus requires a newprocedure to be qualified. In branch connection welding, if I change the weld prep
on the branch pipe froma square edge to a single bevel edge, must I consider that a major change too?
Yes. See the last paragraph under Par. B.1 and the sentence under B.2.
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
1104 18th Par. 6.3.8.c 1104-I-0419-00 Clarification of the requirements of API 1104 Eighteenth Edition, May 1994 is requested for Paragraph 6.3.8 with respect to
"Aligned Porosity as shown in Figure 18. The inquirer is welding an 18" diameter pipeline with a wall thickness of 6.35mm(0.250")
In radiographs of the girth welds, we are able to see images of aligned porosity similar to that shown in Figure 18. Figure 18 shows
the distribution matrix, but the note at the bottomof the Figure states ?The size of the gas pockets is not drawn to scale; for
dimension, refer to 6.3.8.@ In the case of paragraphs 6.3.8.2 (a) and (b), there is a specific dimension for rejection, but for Figure
18 - Aligned Porosity (three or more)no specific dimension has been identified. Hence, NDT interpretation by Inspector and
Client is done as per Figure 18 dimensions only. Please identify the size of the pore for each type shown in Figure 18, that is, with
spacing 4T, 2T and 1T between the aligned pores.
Acceptance or rejection of porosity is based on two factors, size of the individual pores (Par. 6.3.8.2 a and b) and amount (Par. 6.3.8.2 c). In judging the
amount, the reader is directed to Figures 18 and 19, in your case Figure 18. Figures 18 and 19 are not intended to showsize, only amount or distribution (see
the note). All pores shown in Figure 18 and 19 would be smaller than 1/8" or 25 percent of the thinner wall thickness. Otherwise, they would be rejected under
Par. 6.3.8.2 a or b. Therefore, the reader must use judgement as to which of the four examples shown under "aligned" meets his case. Please refer to Par. 6.2
"Rights of Rejection."
1104 18th Sec. 8.1 1104-I-0427-00 With reference to Section 8.1 Radiographic Test Methods, is it permissible to radiograph welds joining API 5LX-60 pipe with wall
thickness of 0.312" and 0.375" using gamma radiography?
Yes as API Standard 1104 does not specify the conditions under which gamma radiography is used. It is the imaging results that determine acceptability of the
method. See Par. 8.1.1.
1104 18th Sec. 2 1104-I-0519-00 With reference to Section 2 of API 1104, is it permissible to list more than one filler metal rod size for each welding pass in a
welding procedure specification when the procedure was qualified using only one rod size? The rod size used in the procedure
qualification is not necessarily the size or sizes listed in the procedure specificatio
Yes.
1104 19th Fig. B-2 1104-I-0728-00 Figure B-2 Suggested Procedure and Welder Qualification Test Assemblydoes not have specific information such as dimensions
for the assembly nor flowrates for the cooling fluid into and out of the assembly. Is there a relationship between what the length of
the assembly should be compared to the pipe diameter?
No.
1104 18th 2.2, 2.3.2.5, 2.4 1104-I-0817-00 Paragraph 2.2 states that forms similar to those shown in Figures 1 and 2 should be used. Figure 1 contains a sketch showing the
sequence of beads. Paragraph 2.3.2.5 requires that the "sequence of beads shall be designated". Is the welding procedure
required to contain a sketch of the sequence of beads?
No. Paragraph 2.2 does not make Figure 1 mandatory as it states Forms similar to those shown in Figure 1 and 2 should be used. However somehowthe
user must designate the sequence of beads as required in Paragraph 2.3.2.5.
1104 18th 2.2, 2.3.2.5, 2.4 1104-I-0817-00 Paragraph 2.3.2.5: Can a welding procedure specify more than one size of electrode, for example, 5/32" or 3/16" diameter
electrodes for the fill pass? Or are two separate welding procedures required?
Yes, the welding precedure can so state without requiring the qualification of two separate welding procedures. Electrode diameter is not an essential variable
(see Paragraph 2.4)
1104 18th 2.2, 2.3.2.5, 2.4 1104-I-0817-00 Paragraph 2.3.2.13: For the materials being welded, the welding procedure requires preheat. The welding inspector is checking
that the proper preheat is achieved. Is the welding procedure required to specify howthe inspector measures the preheat?
No.
1104 18th 2.2, 2.3.2.5, 2.4 1104-I-0817-00 This question concerns the information to be recorded during the welding procedure qualification. The allowable values/ranges are
put in the welding procedure specification. Do the actual values used during the test weld have to be recorded for number of
passes, size and type of electrodes, speed of travel, voltage, and amperage?
a. Number of passes The minimumnumber must be recorded but not the actual number. See Paragraph 2.3.2.5
b. Electrode size- The sizes for which the procedure covers shall be listed but it is not required to list the actual sizes used to qualify the procedure. (see
Paragraph 2.3.2.5)
c. Type of electrode- The type (classification number) of the filler metal must be listed (see paragraph 2.3.2.5)
d. Speed of travel The range, not the actual speed must be listed. (see Paragraph 2.3.2.16)
e. Voltage and Amperage- The range for each electrode, not the actual, must be listed. (see Paragraph 2.3.2.6)
1104 18th 2.2, 2.3.2.5, 2.4 1104-I-0817A-00 Question 2 asked if the procedure can showmore than one rod size for the fill pass. If that is done howdo you showthe revision to
comply with Part 2.4.1 to showthe changes fromone rod to another.
Par. 2.4.1 does not specify howthe revision is to be shown only that it be made.
1104 18th 2.2, 2.3.2.5, 2.4 1104-I-0817A-00 On your reply to question 4 does the person conducting the test give testamony by signing and stamping that the ranges specified
in the procedure were followed.
No.
1104 18th 2.2, 2.3.2.5, 2.4 1104-I-0817A-00 Also is the letter an official interpretation or opinion. Yes, the letter to Mr. Holk is an official API interpretation.
1104 18th 2 1104-I-0908-00 If a procedure specification qualified under API 1104 Section 2 lists only one diameter and one wall thickness (.250"), is it only
qualified for the specified wall thickness and diameter or can it be used outside the ranges listed as long as the WPS is revised to
showthe change?
The procedure can be used for any diameter without requalification because diameter is not an essential variable. However the welding prcedure specification
must be revised to include the the diameter to be welded. If the range for wall thickness has not been established before the start of any production welding, the
procedure can be used for other wall thicknesses without requalification provided the welding procedure specification is revised to include the wall thicknesses
to be welded.
1104 18th 2 1104-I-0908-00 If a fillet weld procedure specification only lists one wall thickness (.250") and one diameter, can it be used for material over 1/2"
thick.
See 1 above.
1104 18th 2 1104-I-0908-00 To qualify a welder under Section 3.3 - Multiple Qualification, must the weld test specimens be over 1/2" thick? Must the procedure
specification specify thicknesses over 1/2"?
The wall thickness need not be over thick but it must be at least . (see the second sentence of the second paragraph of Paragraph 3.3.1 and the second
sentence of the third paragraph of Paragraph 3.3.1). The procedure specification need not specify thicknesses over
1104 18th 2 1104-I-0908-00 Under Section 2.2, what is meant by complete results? This refers to the results of the tests performed as specified in Paragraphs 2.6 and/or 2.8.
1104 18th 2 1104-I-0908-00 Under Section 2, if a company takes the procedure specification, has a welder make welds that are destructively tested and pass
can they just date the specification and use it for the permanent qualification record?
This assumes that they welded within all of the essential variables of the specification but did not record the ACTUAL variables as
they were used?
An example would be an amperage range of 80-120 on the specification. They actually welded at 100 amps but didn't record this
information anywhere. Can the specification nowbe used as the permanent record of qualification?
Yes, provided the test results are attached.
1104 18th 2 1104-I-0908-00 If a procedure is qualified and the wall thickness range is specified as 3/16" through 3/4", does the procedure have to be tested
differently accordingly to the thickness groupings listed in Table 2 under Section 2?
Your question is not clear. Table 2 prescribes the number and type of test specimens that must be tested depending upon the diameter and wall thickness of
the test weld. For example, if the test weld was made on 16diameter x .375wall pipe 16 total test specimens would be rquired (4 tensile, 4 nick-breaks, 4 root
bends and 4 face bends).
1104 19th Sec. 6.2.2 f 1104-I-0925-00 Does this allowa welder who successfully passes a single qualification butt weld test at 45 degrees to do butt welds and weld on
sleeves, saddles, and similar encirclement fittings in all positions
Yes.
1104 19th Sec. 6.2.2 f 1104-I-0925-00 What is the definition of a lap fillet weld? The definitions of terms used in the API 1104 Standard, unless defined otherwise in the Standard, are contained in AWS A3.0 (See Paragraph 2). There you
will find a lap joint defined as a joint between two overlapping members in parallel planes. A lap fillet weld is shown in the center and lower test assemblies in
Figure 10 and in the upper right corner of Figure 11.
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
1104 18th Sec. 2.4.2.2 1104-I-1102-00 Considering these groupings the materials we use are listed belowand grouped accordingly.
Group( A) SA-106 Gr.B, API 5L Gr.B, API 5L-X42
Group (B) API 5L-X52, API 5L-X60
Group(C) API 5L-X65
Also considering compatibility of the base materials and filler materials within the
groups, I would like to knowif I understand API correctly:
1. If I Qualify for group (A) X-42 (TO) X42, will it qualify all our materials in group (A)?
2. If I Qualify for group (B) X-52 (TO) X52 will it qualify all our materials in group (B)?
3. If I Qualify for group (C) X65 (TO) X65 will it qualify our material for group (C)?
B. We also weld the Base Material groups in combination. For example it is necessary to weld:
1. Group (A) X42 TO Group(B) X52,
2. Group (A) X42 TO Group (C) X65 and
3. Group (A) X42 TO Group (C) X65 and
C. One question is, will Qualifying a procedure with each of the above combinations satisfy the materials we use in
each group listed in A1 thru A3 &B1 thru B3?
D. My other question pertains to Branch Connections:
1. X42 TO X42
2. X42 TO X52
3. X42 TO X65
E. Will I need to Qualify a Procedure for D1 thru D3 Branch Connections?
A. Regarding the question asked in A of your request for interpretation, we call your attention to Par.
2.3.2.2. There you will note that the qualification test must be made on the highest specified minimum
yield strength in the group. Therefore, the answers to your questions are:
A1 Yes.
A2 No.
A3 It will qualify x65 to x65 but not other materials that you might include in Group C, because each
grade must receive a separate qualification test.
Also we call your attention to the warning in the note at the end of Par. 2.4.2.2.
B. And C. Regarding the question asked in C, we assume that by above combinationsyou mean those
listed in your Question B. Procedures qualified for combinations of materials only qualify a procedure for
using that combination of materials. Further note in Par. 2.3.2.2 that when welding materials of two
separate material groups, the procedure for the higher strength group shall be used.
D. And E. The same rules apply to branch connections as apply to butt welds.
1104 19th Sec. 6.4 1104-I-0404-01 A recent comparison of the API-1104 18
th
and 19
th
Editions revealed a notable change to the visual examination criteria utilized for
welder qualifications, i.e. Section 3.4 of the 18
th
Edition and Section 6.4 of the 19
th
Edition. References to defect tolerances (of the
NDT acceptance standards section) shown in the 18
th
Edition have been deleted in the 19
th
Edition. When read verbatim, there is
no tolerance for cracks, inadequate penetration, burn-through or other defects when performing visual examinations during welder
qualifications under the 19
th
Edition. These are very onerous conditions to place on welder qualifications. Following this discovery,
I contacted Mr. George Hickox on 02/21/01 to inquire as to the intention of this section. He agreed that these were very strenuous
conditions and that this was not the intent of the API-1104 Committee. As Mr. Hickox explained, there must be a set of conditions
by which to judge defects and that the proper conditions for use during welder qualification visual examinations were those listed in
the NDT acceptance standards section, as was shown in the 18
th
Edition. Following our conversation, Mr. Hickox suggested that I
submit this formal request for clarification. Please provide written clarification
that the welder qualification visual examination criteria of the 18
th
Edition of API-1104 continue to a
to apply under the 19
th
Edition.
There is no tolerance for cracks, inadequate penetration or burn-through on a welder qualification test.
The references to the NDT sections in the 18
TH
Edition were there to provide the definition of the defect,
not the defect tolerance. In the first sentence of both Par. 3.4 (18
th
Edition) and 6.4 (19
th
Edition) it says, ----shall be free from---. The NDT references were
removed fromthe 19
th
Edition to eliminate any confusion.
1104 19th -September 1999 11.4.6 1104-I-0517-01 We are currently considering the use of automated ultrasonic inspection for a range of pipelines (6 thru 18" OD and 0.25 thru 1.25"
wall thickness) and are unsure as to the intent of this paragraph.
As part of the pipe manufacturing process (i.e., before the linepipe is delivered to the fabrication site) all linepipe is ultrasonically
scanned using compression wave testing. This testing takes the formof automated UT and the 'dead zone' (i.e., approx a 4" band
at the end of each pipe) is cut off after scanning or the end zone is manually ultrasonic scanned to ensure freedomfrom
unacceptable defects.
Provided the factory ends of the pipe are in the same condition as they were manufactured (i.e., they have not been cut back) is it
necessary to repeat this scanning as part of the girth weld assessment. If so, why?
Yes. Paragraph 11.4.6 requires that requires that the compression wave test be made
after completion of the circumferential butt weld.
1104 18th 2.3.2.2 1104-I-0614-01 Caltex Pacific Indonesia (CPI) are intending to run newwelding procedures in accordance with API 1104. My interpretation of
Section 2.3.2.2 is that if we run a weld qualification test on a higher grade pipe material, i.e (API5L) X 52, this higher grade will
qualify CPI to weld to lower grades, i.e. (API 5L) Grade B. The qualification in X 52 material will eliminate the need to run weld
qualification tests on Grade B material.
Is my interpretation of Section 2.3.2.2 correct? Please clarify and advise accordingly.
Your interpretation is not correct.
Par. 2.3.2.2 states what information you are required to include in your procedure specification regarding pipe and fitting materials. However, par. 2.4, Essential
Variables, identifies those changes to the welding procedure that require re-qualification of the procedure. Par. 2.4.2.2 addresses base materials, and there you
will see the groupings of base materials. A change fromone group to another requires qualification of a newprocedure. In your case you would need one
procedure for the Grade B material and another procedure for the X-52 material as they are in different groups. Also, note the last sentence in Par. 2.3.2.2.
1104 19th 5.6.4.1 &7.2 1104-I-0711-01 API 1104 clearly mentions that misalignment permissible as up to 3 mm. While machining the samples for bend tests, the code
says that we should flush the weld to the Parent Metal. If there is a misalignment in the two plates being welded, should the flushing
be done up to the lower plate level or should it be done in a tapered manner?
The Standard does not specifically address this question. However it does state in the third sentence of Par. 5.6.4.1 that the -----reinforcements shall be
removed flush-----. It does not permit the removal of base material other than that incidental to the removal of the reinforcement. This will result in a tapered ben
test specimen at the misalignment
1104 19th App. B 1104-I-0713-01 Concerning the application of a qualified weld procedure incorporating a temper bead sequence, with no change in joint design,
heat input, bead size, or other essential variables but only a change in the number of deposited weld passes from6 to 9; does this
type of change constitute a need for requalification of the entire procedure?
No but the Procedure Specification (see Figure 1) must be changed to showthe revised number of beads (see the second sentence of Par. 5.4.1). Also the
minimumnumber and sequence of beads shall be designated as per Par. 5.3.2.5.
1104 18th Sec. 3.2.2 1104-I-0818-01 If the single qualification option is chosen to qualify a welder for a V bevel groove weld joint design in the pipe diameter grouping
over 12 3/4", and within the 3/16" to 3/4" wall thickness range, will that welder also be qualified to weld a butt weld fitting to the pipe.
The butt weld fitting will have the same V bevel groove weld joint design, be in the same over 12 3/4" diameter group, and the same
3/16" to 3/4" wall thickness group as the pipe.
It is my interpretation the welder is qualified to weld the butt weld fitting to the pipe, provided none of the essential variables of paragraphs A - G of section 3.2.2
are changed, the requirements of 3.4 and either 3.5 or 3.6 are satisfied, and the welder is following all the requirements of a qualified welding procedure.
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
1104 18th Sec. 3.3 1104-I-0905-01 In the API 1104 18th Edition, Section 3.3 Multiple Qualification it states that for the second test, the welder shall lay out, cut, fit, and
weld a full size branch-on-pipe connection.
Question: For a first time welder qualification, does layout mean:
1. The welder shall layout the branch connection fromscratch (using wraparounds, steel squares, or any tools necessary)?
2. The welder can layout the branch connection utilizing a precut template?
This question has come up often and it can be interpreted differently. What is API's meaning of the word layout?
The decision as to the method of layout is left to the company.
1104 19th Sec. 6 1104-I-1022-01 Does the production of a singular qualification coupon employing different welding processes approved in Paragraph 12.1 in which
part of the weld is deposited by a welder using one process and the remainder by another welder using a second process, tested in
accordance with and conforming to the requirements of Paragraph 12.6, satisfy the Standard in qualification of both welders for the
duration of the job."
No. Each welder must weld the entire wall thickness when he/she is qualifying.
See Paragraph 6.2.1
1104 19th Sec. 5 1104-I-1023-01 Are you required to qualify a full penetration branch connection PQR to weld full penetration weld-o-lets and fillet socket welds. If
not what is required.
Yes, both are to be treated as fillet welds.
1104 19th Sec. 5 1104-I-1023-01 Are full penetration weld-o-lets considered fillet welds by API 1104. Yes.
1104 19th Sec. 5 1104-I-1023-01 When you qualify a full penetration branch connection PQR are you qualified for fillet welds too. Yes.
1104 19th Para. 9.3.12 1104-I-0822-01 The paragraph 9.3.12 said: excluding incomplete penetration due to high-lowand undercutting, any accumulation of imperfections
(AI) shall be considered a defect should any of the following conditions exist:
a) The aggregate length of indications in any continuous 12 in. (300 mm) length of weld
exceeds 2 in. (50 mm).
The last means that if I have 12 in. (300 mm) length of weld, imperfections of 2 in (50mm) in that weld length plus, eg 1/2 in. (13
mm) of incomplete penetration due to high-lowor undercutting, in this case is not considered defect. Nowif I have 12 in. (300 mm)
length of weld, imperfections of 2 in (50 mm) in that weld length plus, eg individual incomplete penetration due to high-lowindicatio
that exceeds 2 in. (50 mm), because Paragraph 9.3.2 ?.
Paragraph 9.3.12 means that when you add up the length of imperfections in a 12length of weld, you do not count the undercutting or the incomplete
penetration due to high low. These are considered separately in Paragraphs 9.3.2 and 9.3.11.
1104 19th Para. 9.3.9.2 1104-I-1109-01 I read on the API 1104's Code on the Paragraph 9.3.9.2 that an "Individual or scattered porosity (P) shall be considered a defect
should any of the following conditions exist":
a) The size of an individual pore exceeds 1/8 inch. (3mm)
b) The size of an individual pore exceeds 25% of the thinner of the nominal wall thickness joined
If I've a welding between two pipe of 5/32 inch (4 mm) and 1/4" (6 mm) of wall thickness and I found a pore which size is 1/8 inch
(3 mm).
This appears to be a statement and not a question.
1104 19th Para. 9.3.9.2 1104-I-1109-01 What's is the criteria for acceptance that situation: a) or b), before?, because if I considered the criteria a) before, the welding is
acceptable, but if I considered the criteria b) before, the welding shall be considered a defect.
Par. 9.3.9.2 states Individual------a defect should ANY of the following conditions exist.Therefore the weld would be rejected by b.
1104 19th Para. B.4.1.2 1104-I-1130-01 We have a project, where we have to do a longitudinal welds in a split-tee in a in service pipeline, so the situation is if the paragraph
b.4.1.2 (API 1104-99) applies in order to do longitudinal weld in the split-tee, besides we want to knowif we can weld this
longitudinal joint with or without mild steelback-up strip or copper back -up strip and if is necessary to remove this back-up strip.
Appendix B is a recommended practice and therefore is not required by API 1104 (see Par. B.1). If you choose to use it, Par. B.4.1.2 does include split tees. Th
second sentence of B.4.1.2 states These joints should be fitted------.Therefore it is your decision to use or not to use a back-up but please read the
precautionary note at the end of the paragraph.
1104 19th Clause 5.6.4.1 1104-I-0218-02 If an undercut (accepted visually as per Page 29, Table4) is observed on a bend specimen, is a thickness reduction permissible to
grind that region to make it smooth and scratch free?
No. The third sentence of Paragraph 5.6.4.1 states The cover and root-bead---- removed flush ----.This does not permit grinding of the parent metal.
1104 19th Clause 5.6.4.1 1104-I-0218-02 If not, should the bend specimen be tested with undercut as it appears? Yes.
1104 19th Clause 5.6.4.1 1104-I-0218-02 If so tested, should openings in bent specimen resulting fromundercut be cause for rejection if they exceed the dimensions
specified in Clause 5. 6. 4. 3?
Yes.
1104 19th 2.6.2.1 1104-I-0305-02 Is there a tolerance plus/minus to the approximately 1 inch wide? No.
1104 19th 2.6.2.1 1104-I-0305-02 Is it permissible to notch the sides to a dimension less than approximately 1 inch to facilitate the tensile-strength test (so the base
material will break in a designated area out of the weld zone) especially in thick base metals and still meet all the requirements for
the tensile strength by dividing the maximumload by the smallest cross-sectional area of the specimen
No.
1104 19th Par. 6.2.2 1104-I-0312-02 Must a welder be qualified for each WPS or is it that being qualified for one WPS allows himto weld in any material type or group?
For instance, is a qualified welder for API 5L X65 allowed to weld on API 5L X70, 60, 56, 42, B and so on, or does he need to be
qualified for each WPS group?
Please see Par. 6.2.2, which describes the essential variables that require requalification. The type of material is not an essential variable.
1104 19th Table 1 1104-I-0321-02 Table 1 lists filler metals into groups through ASTM/AWS specifications and classification. Does it mean that filler metal
classifications not listed can not be considered within those groups?
For instance, SFA 5.28 ER 80S-G belongs or not to one group?
If the filler metal is not listed in one of the groups of Table 1 it requires separate qualification. See the note under the table.
1104 19th 5.6.4.3 1104-I-0401-02 Does API 1104 prohibit machining/grinding the entire bend specimen to a uniformthickness equal to the minimumthickness
available i.e., 6.4 mmin the present case (Please see enclosed sketch)?
Yes. The third sentence of Par. 5.6.4.1 states The cover and root bead ------ removed flush-----. This does not permit machining/grinding of the parent metal o
the test specimens. If you must use a flange for the qualification weld then you must machine it to the correct thickness prior to welding. However, please note
Par. 5.5 where two pipe nipples are required to make a procedure qualification weld
1104 19th 5.6.4.3 1104-I-0401-02 Does API 1104 prohibit machining/grinding the root-bend specimen surface until an acceptable undercut just disappears? Yes. See the third sentence of Par. 5.6.4.1.
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
1104 19th Par. 5.3.2.16 1104-I-0626-02 Paragraph 5.4.2.12 states that "A change in the range for speed of travel constitutes an essential variable." and requires that the
procedure be requalified if this range is changed.
Howis the range of travel speed for each pass established?

A) By measuring the travel speed of each pass during procedure
qualification and listing the exact speeds employed by the welder for each pass.

If this is the correct method then what is an acceptable margin for measuring error for qualification vs. production welding? It is
unlikely that the travel speed will remain exactly constant even under ideal conditions.

B) By establishing a reasonable range of travel speeds based on experience and/or experimentation at the filler metal
manufacturers recommended amperage and voltage ranges and welding the procedure qualification coupon within that specified
range.

C) By some other method (Please explain).
The Company establishes the range that they feel is appropriate and one way is as you have suggested in B.
1104 19th Par. 5.3.2.16 1104-I-0626-02 Is the speed of travel specified as an essential variable in order to control the heat input (joules per inch)? If so, why are the
amperage and voltage ranges (or joules per inch) not listed as essential variables? If not, why is the speed of travel listed as an
essential variable?
There are other factors that make speed of travel an essential variable such as penetration, bead profile, ability to weld in various positions etc.
1104 19th 5.4.2.2 1104-I-0703-02 Does this mean that a WPB (35,000 psi yield) fitting can be welded to X-52 Grade pipe as long as a qualified procedure for welding
X-52 pipe is being used (Please answer assuming all pressure, wall thickness and all other design requirements are met)?
Or, does it mean that when welding pipe, which has been double or triple stenciled, such as a double stencil of X-42/X-52, that a
procedure qualified to weld X-52 or the higher yield rating must be used.
We are trying to understand whether fittings and/or pipe fromdifferent groups in section 5.4.2.2 can be welded together utilizing the
procedure for the higher yield material of the two or if this statement is trying to cover the procedure by which the pipe mills will
stencil pipe to qualify for several grades.
It means that fittings and/or pipe fromdifferent groups(as defined in 5.4.2.2) can be welded together, provided that the welding procedure specification to be
used has been qualified for welding the higher of the two yield strengths involved in the specific pipeline design, regardless of the number of grades that a
specific pipe may have been qualified to by the pipe mill.
1104 18th Sec. 3 1104-I-0709-02 Section 3. Welder Qualification
Is there any duration on the validity of a welder qualification? (eg. a welder conducts a manual welder qualification test in Dec 2001
and conducts production welding using that process/procedure with the same employer until Mar 2002. Will this welder still be
qualified to conduct production welding in Sept 2002 provided no other conditions have changed)?
There is no duration on the qualification of a welder. However, a welder may be required to re-qualify if a question arises regarding his competence. See par.
3.8
1104 18th Sec. 3 1104-I-0709-02 Section 4.2 Alignment
This section does not address minimumseparation (or location) for longseamwelds in seamwelded pipe. Is there a recommended
minimum(eg. 4" or six times the wall thickness, whichever is least)
API 1104 does not address the separation of longitudinal seams on adjacent pipes.
1104 19th 9.3.8.2 &9.3.8.3 1104-I-0716-02 As a user of API Standard 1104 19
th
edition Sept. 1999, I would respectfully request a technical interpretation of Part 9
"Acceptance Standards for Nondestructive Testing".
In paragraph 9.4.2.c (Magnetic Particle Testing, Acceptance Standards) and 9.5.2.c (Liquid Penetrant Testing, Acceptance
Standards) it is stated that "Rounded indications shall be evaluated according to the criteria of 9.3.8.2 and 9.3.8.3, as applicable."
This requires you to evaluate all "Rounded" indications to the "Linear" indication acceptance criteria of Slag Inclusions?
A "Rounded" indication is where the maximumdimension of the indication is considered its size for evaluation. A "Linear" indication
is where the maximumdimension of the indication is considered its length for evaluation. See paragraphs 9.4.1.3 and 9.5.1.3 for
the definitions of rounded and linear indications for evaluation.
The evaluation of rounded indications would be better suited to and relate more closely the type of imperfection being evaluated if
when the evaluation is made it is made to the acceptance criteria of 9.3.9.2 and 9.3.9.3 (Rounded) instead of that contained in
9.3.8.2 and 9.3.8.3 (Linear).
Howdo you make the correct evaluation and interpretation of relevant rounded indications to
linear acceptance criteria as required in the current acceptance standards that are referenced?
May this reference to 9.3.8.2 and 9.3.8.3 be a typo that requires a correction to 9.3.9.2 and
9.3.9.3 in the next reviewand revision cycle of the Standard or is the current reference to
9.3.8.2 and 9.3.8.3 correct as written or is this a matter that is already under your consideration?
You are correct. There was a typo in the 19
th
Edition, dated Sept. 1999. An errata dated Oct. 31, 2001 was issued to correct this and other typos.
1104 18th Par. 3.3.1 1104-I-0725-02 Paragraph 3.3.1 of API 1104 18th edition, Multiple Qualification General, states that a welder shell lay out, cut, fit and weld a full-
size branch-on-pipe connection. If a welder successfully performs the lay out portion of this test on his first Qualification test, is he
required to lay out the branch when he re-qualifies, or is he allowed to use a template or shape cutter to cut out the branch
connection.
The first sentence of the third paragraph of 3.3.1 states For the second test, the welder shall lay out, cut, fit, and weld a full-size branch-on-pipe connection.
Since lay out is but one part of the overall test it must be repeated on the retest.
1104 19th Clause 5.3 1104-I-0804-02 1) Under Clause 5.3, API 1104 stated that Diameter Group shall be specified in the Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)
2) But, under clause 5.4 (Essential Variables), Diameter group is not included in the essential variables list.
3) If we have qualified a WPS with NPS 8 pipe, do we need to re-qualify a WPS for NPS 16 pipe welding (within same material
group and wall thickness group)?
4) Or we have to only qualify welder instead of re-qualify the WPS to the diameter group above NPS 12?
Regarding your question about requalifing a welding procedure, it need not be requalified because diameter is not an essential variable. However the welding
procedure specification must be revised to include the diameters to be welded.
For welder qualification, diameter is an essential variable. (See Par.6.2.2.d)
1104 19th App. B 1104-I-0923-02 If a welder can inspect his own welds, should he be required to take a test to prove this, in addition to the welder qual test. If a welder---
Inspection personal are not required to take a testbut they must be qualified as per Par. 8.3
1104 19th App. B 1104-I-0923-02 Under API-1104 Appendix B, If a procedure was qualified with and without a heating blanket, but the procedure that was chosen
was without, are both welders qualified to weld on in-service piping to this procedure? Both test pieces were mechanically tested
and passed. This test was given in the 5G position. Howdoes this effect us in the field.
Under API-1104----
Yes, both welders would be qualified. Please note in the qualification of in-service welders (Par. B.3), preheat is not an essential variable.
Regarding the 5G position, position does not effect you in the field so long as the requirements of Par. 6.2.2f are me
1104 19th App. B 1104-I-0923-02 The biggest issue is welding on in-service piping using 7018. One side currently uses 6010/7010 SMAW on all in-service gas piping
operating at or below60 psi. Does the code allowthis. I do realize that 7018LH is the preferred method, but this would greatly
increase our costs.
The biggest issue---
API 1104 does not address design i.e. the type of filler metal you must use. However a change in filler metal does effect the qualification of the procedure. (See
Par. B.2 which refers you to Section 5. In Section 5 please note Par. 5.4.2.6. )
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
1104 19th Par. 5.1 1104-I-1015-02 API 1104, Paragraph 5.1 includes the following statement:
"BEFORE production welding is started, a detailed procedure specification shall be established and QUALIFIED to demonstrate
that welds with suitable mechanical properties (such as strength, ductility and hardness) and soundness can be made by the
procedure."
In our case, since we are verifying adherence to the requirements of DOT &API 1104 after fabrication, the procedures can't
qualified BEFORE welding. However, we have had these same procedures qualified to API 1104 by an independent testing
laboratory. Our question is whether you feel that in this instance we've met the intent of API 1104 by performing these weld
procedure qualifications after welding?
To be qualified in accordance with API 1104 the welding procedure must be qualified before the start of production welding. See Par. 5.1. Please be advised
however that 49 CFR Parts 192 and 195 do not require weld procedures to be qualified in accordance with API Std. 1104.
1104 18th 2.4.2.2 1104-I-1022-02 Since base materials are separated into 3 yield strength categories can category a (equal to or less than 42,000) and category b
(greater than 42,000 but less than 65,000) be welded together with a procedure qualified on X46 (46,000) pipe?
Specifically this operator is welding together X46 and grade B (35,000) pipe and their procedure was qualified on X46.
Yes, it is permitted to weld materials fromseparate groups together provided the welding procedure for the higher group is used. See the last sentence of
Paragraph 2.3.2.2.
1104 19th 5.1 1104-I-1104-02 Does the final Procedure Specification have to state only the values recorded during the qualification test such as volt, amp and
travel speed ranges or can the company use the welding rod vendor's recommended range even though the entire range was not
experienced during the test?
Your question relates to what needs to be recorded on the Procedure Specification Formi.e. Figure 1. You do not need to record the actual values as Par.
5.3.2.6 and 5.3.2.16 only requires that you record the ranges. However we point out that the actual values of voltage and amperage should be recorded on
Figure 2 Sample Coupon Test Report. The same is true regarding travel speed.
1104 19th 5.1 1104-I-1104-02 Can the welding procedure include a different weld rod size for a specific pass even though that rod size was not used for the
procedure test? Again, one would use the manufacturer's specified volt and amp range. For example, this inclusion could allowa
welder to use a 1/8" rod for a root pass instead of the 3/32" rod used in the procedure test because the test was done with a 6"
pipe even though the qualified range extends up to 12" diameter
Yes, because electrode size is not an essential variable.
1104 19th 5.4.2.6 1104-I-0102-03 Can Welding Procedure Specifications which have been established and Qualified in accordance with API Standard 1104
specifying SMAW electrodes Of the E7010-G classification also be considered qualified with SMAW Electrodes of the E7010-P1
classification? Likewise, for E8010-G and E8010-P1?
Yes.
1104 19th App. A 1104-I-0120-03 In Appendix A, Paragraph A.1, it is stated that "Welds subjected to applied axial strain of more than 0.5% are not covered by this
appendix." Is there a maximumapplied axial strain or stress limit when not using Appendix A, i.e. workmanship criteria? If yes, can
you cite the paragraph with this maximumlimit?
The standard does not specify a limit for stress or axial strain for welds inspected to the workmanship acceptance criteria given in Section 9. It is up to the
company to decide whether such criteria are appropriate for the specific design strain involved.
1104 19th Par. 6.2.1 &6.2.2 1104-I-0212-03 My first question is Paragraph 6.2.1 does not state a particular pipe diameter or wall thickness for a single qualification test, so if a
welder qualification test on a 12.750 in. pipe diameter and a 0.322 in. wall thickness, in the fixed position at the 45 degree angle,
what pipe diameters and wall thickness range is this test good for? My assumption is that in Paragraph 6.3.2 the welder
qualification test on a 12.750 in pipe diameter qualifies the welder for all diameters and wall thickness ranges, can I assume the
welder qualification on a 12.750 in. pipe diameter 0.322 in. wall thickness, in the fixed 45 position, for the single welder
qualification, would qualify that welder for all pipe diameters, wall thickness ranges, and all positions?
For single qualification, 6.2.1 and 6.2.2 apply. For your example, under single qualification, the welder would be qualified to do butt welds and lap fillet welds in
all positions for the outside diameter group from2.375 in. through 12.750 in. and the wall thickness group from0.188 in. through 0.750 in., subject to the other
essential variables in 6.2.2. You made an incorrect assumption because 6.3.2 only pertains to multiple qualifications, and is based upon the welder successfully
completing both of the tests (a butt weld test and a branch connection weld test) specified in 6.3.1.
1104 19th Par. 6.2.1 &6.2.2 1104-I-0212-03 My second question is about Paragraph 6.2.2, Part f, which states a welder qualification test in the fixed 45 position, qualifies a
welder for butt welds and lap fillet welds in all positions, is this correct
Correct. A welder qualifying under 6.2.1 (single qualification), with the pipe in the fixed 45 position would be qualified to do butt welds and lap fillet welds in all
positions, subject to the other essential variables in 6.2.2. (The bottomtwo sketches in Figure 10 provide examples of lap fillet welds
1104 18th Par. 1.2.2.9 1104-I-0131-03 My question is in reference to Paragraph 1.2.2.9 "Roll Welding." It reads, Roll welding is welding in which the pipe or assembly is
rotated while the weld metal is deposited at or near the top center.
My question is what if the welder starts welding on the top of the pipe (welding downhill); he welds one quadrant, STOPS, rolls the
pipe where he needs to weld, to the top, and begins welding again; and he does this till he finished welding. Is this considered
position welding (Paragraph 1.2.2.8) or rolled welding? I guess the key word is "while the weld metal is deposited" because in
reference to Paragraph 2.4.2.4 "Position," a change fromrolled to fixed constitutes an essential variable.
To sumall this up, if we have a procedure in the fixed position, can we roll the pipe, as long as if we do not roll it while welding,
without reestablishing a newprocedure?
Yes
1104 19th Section B.4.1.2 1104-I-0227-03 Question 1: When performing a procedure qualification for in-service welding, does it recommend the branch be taken with the
sleeve? Question 2: Does API recommend this in-service procedure qualification be incorporated in another already qualified
procedure? Question 3: Does the sleeve part of the procedure qualification test also require flowing media? Question 4: Should
the sleeve portion of the procedure qualification test have a backing strip? Question 5: Is the use of a backing strip considered a
essential variable? (joint design)
Response1: No. Theuser hastheoptiontoqualify aprocedurefor either asleeveor abranch. Response2: No. Response3: No. Theuseof flowingmediaisrecommended
for either asleeveor abranchtosimulatetheability of theflowingcontentstoremoveheat fromthepipewall.
Response4: If sorequiredby theweldingprocedurespecification. Theuseof abackingstripisrecommendedinSectionB.4.1.2. Response5: No, for theweldingprocedure
(Ref. SectionB.4.1.2). Yes, for thewelder qualificationif abackingstriprequiredby theweldingprocedurespecificationiseliminated.
1104 19th B.1 1104-I-0303-03 In B.1, it is stated that "This appendix does not cover pipelines and piping systems that have been fully isolated and
decommissioned, or have not been commissioned." At Keyspan, we isolate our lines by shutting 2 valves on either side of the
section we will be working on and we take the line out of service and bleed the pressure down below15 pounds before we weld.
The line has no flowand the temperature of the main is usually ambient.
Question: Would this be considered "fully isolated and decommissioned?"
No
1104 19th 5.4.2.2 1104-I-0310-03 Question 1: Is it necessary for the WPS to have been qualified with materials having 65 ksi yield (the highest in the group B)?
Question 2: Is it possible to use a WPS qualified with materials API 5L X60 x API 5L X60?
Response1: No; however, your assumptionisincorrect. GroupB doesnot includematerial that hasaspecifiedminimumyieldstrengthof 65ksi; suchmaterial iscoveredby
GroupC. Response2: Yes; however, it shouldbenotedthat it wouldalsobepossibletouseaWPS that hasbeenqualifiedwithAPI 5L GradeX56pipes.
1104 19th 1104-I-0313-03 DoesthewireER70S-3(ASME SFA-5.18) fit inTable1? DoesthisweldingconsumablebelongtoGroup5of saidtable, or shouldit be
consideredasunlistedandhaveaseparatequalificationfor itself accordingtothenoteof thetable?
WireER70S-3iscoveredby thenotetoTable1, andrequiresaseparateprocedurequalification.
1104 19th Appendix A 1104-I-0315-03 Question1: CanAppendix A beusedtodeterminewhether theserejectedindicationscouldbeaccepted? Question2: If, usingacalibratedreliable
densitometer, themeasureddensity of aBT imageis2.83andthemeasureddensity of theparent metal imageis2.78, canthe0.05tolerance
referencedinASTM E 1079beusedtomakethetwomeasuredvaluesequal? Question3: Doesthestoragetimeof radiographedfilms(for
example, AgfaD7storedfor 1year) haveaninfluenceondensity variations?
Response1: Yes. Aslongasall therequirementsinAppendix A aremet. (For example, refer toA.2.2.2) Response2: No. API 1104doesn't referenceASTM E 1079.
Response3: Thisisnot anappropriatematter for interpretation.
1104 19th Sec. 5.4.2.2 1104-I-0325-03 If wetest awelder using66,000psi tensilematerial, ishequalifiedtoweld60,000psi and/or 75,000psi material? Notewearenot mixing
material; just usingdifferent materialsindifferent locations.
Material gradeisnot anessential variablefor thequalificationof welders; therefore, aqualifiedwelder may weldany grade, subject tothewelder qualificationessential variablesin
Section6.
1104 18th Section 3 1104-I-0410-03 If thewelder isqualifiedunder ASME SectionIX, canhealsoweldAPI 1104proceduresassumingthat noneof thewelder essential variables
statedinAPI 1104areviolated?
No. For awelder tobequalifiedtoweldtoAPI 1104weldingprocedures, all of thequalificationrequirementsstatedinAPI 1104for bothweldingproceduresandweldersmust
bemet, irrespectiveof ASME SectionIX requirements.
1104 18th Section 3.5.1 1104-I-0420-03 If apipe, for example32inchOD by 19.05mmwall thickness, istobeweldedby twowelders(eachhalf of pipe), canweremoveandtest half of
thetest specimensfor eachwelder? That is, total number of specimenscompletedfor pipeandnot for eachwelder (inthisexample, 6of 12
specimensper welder).
No. Asstatedinthetitleof Table3, thetotal numbersof specimens(12for your example) arerequiredfor eachwelder. If twoweldersarebeingqualified, eachweldinghalf of
thepipe, thelocationof thespecimensshowninFigure12arerotatedinaccordancewithNote1tothat figure, suchthat 12specimensareobtainedfromeachwelder'shalf of the
pipe, for atotal of 24specimens.
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
1104 19th 1104-I-0509-03 Question1: If accessible, canweusedoublesideweldingfor API 1104PipelineWelding, ensuringreinforcement requirementsaremet asper the
standard? Question2: DoesAPI 1104prohibit root siderepairsfrominsideof thepipeline, if accessible?
Response1: Yes. Response2: No.
1104 19th 1104-I-0527-03 Question1: Isthereany applicableclause/ tableinAPI 1104: 1999that coverstheweldingprocedurequalificationtest requirementsof full
penetrationT-butt (branchconnection) for newpipefabrication? {Ref. 8 weldolet (branch) to28 pipe.} Question2: What arethetypesof
mechanical teststocomply with, inorder toqualify theweldingbasedonAPI 1104: 1999requirements? Question3: Isthereany provisionfor
re-test shouldany of thecouponsfor mechanical test failed?
Response1: Yes. Sec. 5.3.2.4referstojoint design, andasketchof thefull penetrationweldistobeshownintheprocedure. All proceduretest requirementsarenotedinSec.
5.8 Testingof WeldedJ oints Fillet Welds. Thejoint designdescribedisacombinationof abevel andfillet welds. Response2: Sections5.7and5.8refer tothetest
requirements. Response3: No
1104 19th Section 9.3.5.b 1104-I-0604-03 AmI readingthiswrong; what isthecorrect meaningof 9.3.5bandc? Asstatedin9.3.5, IFD shall beconsideredadefect shouldany of theconditionsexist. (a, b& cmust eachbeconsideredseparately.)
1104 19th Section 9.3.8.2 1104-I-0606-3 Background: 9.3.8.2states"For pipewithanoutsidediameter greater thanor equal to2.375in. (60.3mm), slaginclusionsshall beconsidereda
defect shouldany of thefollowingconditionsexist:" Itemf states"Morethan4ISI indicationswiththemaximumwidthof 1/8in. (3mm) are
present inany continuous12-in. (300-mm) lengthof weld." Question: Isthistosay that morethan4ISI indications, eachhavinglessthanthe
maximumwidthof 1/8" areacceptable, providedthey donot exceedthemaximumlength?
Yes Providedtheother requirementsof 9.3.8.2aremet.
1104 18th Section 9.6 1104-I-0717-03 Can9.6beinterpretedwhereasfar astheweldingprocessisnot changed, theweldingequipment isqualifiedby makinganacceptableweldusing
thequalifiedweldingprocedureandthereshouldbenorequirement onrequalifingtheprocedurebecauseof thedifferenceinmodel number of
theweldingmachineusedduringweldprocedurequalificationbeingdifferent fromtheoneusedduringproduction?
9.6requirethat eachweldingunit bequalified. Therefore, eachweldingunit must bequalified
separately, eventhoughthey may beidentical. Note9.6statesweldtestingcanbeeither
destructiveor nondestructive.
1104 19th 1104-I-0723-03 Question1a: Whether anestablishedweldingprocedurefor X56toX56pipecanbeusedtosupport abutt weldfor X46toX46pipe, if thereare
noother essential variablechanges. Question1b: Whether anestablishedweldingprocedurefor X56toX56pipecanbeusedtosupport abutt
weldfor X56toGradeB pipe, if therearenoother essential variablechanges. Question1c: Whether anestablishedweldingprocedurefor X56
GradeB pipecanbeusedtosupport abutt weldfor X46toGradeB pipe, if therearenoother essential variablechanges. Question2a: Whether
it ispermissibletowelddifferent pipediametersinthebutt weldtest (14), andthebranchconnectiontest (20). Question2b: Whether it is
permissibletoweldwithdifferent filler metal groupingsandweldprogressioninthebutt weldtest andthebranchconnectiontest (e.g. Group1or
2, downhill progressioninthebutt weldandGroup1and3uphill progressioninthebranchconnection.)
Responses: 1a: Yes; 1b: Yes; 1c: Yes; 2a: Yes; 2b: Yes. Thescopeof themultiplewelder qualificationisdefinedinSec. 3.3.2inthe18thEditionand6.3.2inthe19th
Edition.
1104 19th 1104-I-0223-04 Istheweldfor attachingsock-o-lets, weld-o-letsandthread-o-letstoaheader afillet weldor shouldtheseweldsbeconsideredbranchweldsand
thewelder only bequalifiedby anoverheadbranchtest?
API considersthesock-o-let, weld-o-let andthread-o-let weldstoaheader branchweldsandthewelder must bequalifiedwithabranchtest.
1104 19th 1104-I-0608-04 Doesaweldingprocedurequalifiedfor branchconnectionalsoqualify for weldingfull-encirclement sleeves? Yes, but only if thelongitudinal weldsonthesleevearefillet welds, andnot full penetration, V-groovewelds. For in-serviceprocedurequalification, Appendix B referstoSection
5, (SeeSectionB.2). Section5.4.2.3statesamajor changeinjoint designconstitutesanessential variable. A changefromabranchconnectiontoafull penetration, V-groove
weldisconsideredamajor changeinjoint design, andthusrequiresanewproceduretobequalified.
1104 19th Sec. 6.2.2 f 1104-I-072204 Question1. Your first questiondealswiththedefinitionof alapweldfillet, asnotedinSec. 6.2.2.f. Question2. Your next questiontodeals
withtheweldingprocedureessential variable, timebetweenpasses, asnotedinSec. 5.4.2.8, andwhether that timemay beonehundredyears
if desired.
Response1. WeldingtermsinthisStandardaredefinedinAWS A3.0, asnotedinSec. 3.1 General. Response2. Therequirement for timebetweenweldbeadsiscontained
inSec. 5.3.2.10, andrequiresthetimebetweenbeadstobedesignated. Thereisnospecifictimerequiredby theStandard, but asnotedinSec. 5.4.2.8, anincreaseinthe
maximumtimebetweenthecompletionof theroot beadandthestart of thesecondbeadconstitutesanessential variable.
1104 19th 1104-I-0723-04 Ref. thefollowinglist of pipematerials, (grades, wall thickness& diameter) Grd. X70toGrd. X70, wall thickness.188 to.750, 2 thru42
Grd. X70toGrd. X52, wall thickness.188 to.750, 2 thru42
Grd. X70toGrd. X42, wall thickness.188 to.750, 2 thru42
Grd. X52toGrd. X52, wall thickness.188 to.750, 2 thru42
Grd. X52toGrd. X42, wall thickness.188 to.750, 2 thru42
Grd. X42toGrd. X42, wall thickness.188 to.750, 2 thru42
Question1. Your first questiontodealswiththeminimumnumber of configurationsof butt weldproceduresrequiredwhenweldingonall pipe
grades, diameters, andwall thicknessesshownabove. Question2. What isthetruemeaningof thefirst paragraphof Section5.4.2.2?
Response1. Three(3) procedures; X42 X42, X52 X52& X70 X70, arerequired. Response2. Whenweldingpipeof different basematerials, theprocedurefor thehigher
strengthbasematerial groupshall beusedfor thequalificationof weldingprocedure
1104 19th 1104-I-0810-04 If awelder performsawelder qualificationtest usinganE6010+ontheroot passandanE7018onall remainingweldpasses, isthewelder
qualifiedtoweldonafull lowhydrogenweldw/ all passesbeingof theE7018group?
No. Refer toSec. 6.2.1andSec. 6.2.2, whichstate, changesinessential variablesdescribedin6.2.2.c, requirerequalificationof thewelder.
1104 19th Section 6.7 1104-I-1008-04 My questionisonSection6.7(retesting). If acompany choosestoallowasecond
attempt at atest whenawelder failedatest (duetopoor skills/
techniqueandNOT duetounavoidableconditions), isthereanobligationto
provideadditional trainingprior tothesecondweldingtest? Also, is
thereanythingin1104that prohibitsacompany fromofferingare-test?
Proof of subsequent welder trainingisrequiredasnotedin6.7. API 1104doesnot prohibit acompany fromofferingare-test.
1104 19th 1104-I-1026-04 Are"wrap-around" and"roller" jigspermissiblewithinAPI 1104? Yes
1104 19th Appendix B 1104-1108-04 What Sectionsof Appendix B apply tothetestingandcouponlocationsfor awelder qualificationsleevetest? Table3? No, Table3appliesonly tobutt weldtest specimensfor welder qualification. For in-servicewelder qualification, Appendix B referstoSection6.2, SingleQualification. Fillet
weldtest sampleacceptancecriteriaarecontainedinSections6.4and6.5. Samplelocationinformationfor fillet weldtestingisreferencedinSection6.5.6andFigure10.
1104 19th 1104-I-1115-04 Question1. Weldingcontractor hasstatedthat hecanqualify twoweldersononecoupon, eachweldingoneside. They arenot usingdifferent
processes. My contentionisonewelder, onecoupon; correct? Question2. Section5.4.2(19thEd) doesnot list weldingamperageasanessential
variable. What parametersareapplicablefor amperagevaluesoutsideof theWPS/PQR limits? Isre-qualificationrequired?
Response1. Twowelderscanbequalifiedonasinglepipenippleaslongasthetotal number of test specimensistakenfor eachwelder inaccordancew/ 6.1andTable3.
Response2. API 1104doesnot list amperagevaluesor parametersfor theWPS. Re-qualificationisrequiredonly if theessential variablesarechanged, asreferencedin5.4.1.
1104 18th Sec. 3.5.4 1104-I-1206-04 InreferencetoNick-breaksSection3.5.4, 18
th
Edition; If thenick breaksinthebasemetal, not theweld, doesit passor doyouneedtomake
additional specimensandnick it further toassureit will break intheweldare? (Thesituationarisesbecauseof 2different thicknessesof pipe.
One(1) sideisthicker, andwehavefractureinthebasematerial.
Thenick-break must break intheweldmetal for theevaluationof theweld.
1104 19th 1104-I-1214-04 Question1. What istheoutcomeif thecontractor actually DELETES PWHT? Accordingtotheaboveclause, theContractor ispermittedtodelete
PWHT without affectingtheProcedureor API 1104essential variables. Question2A: What isthedefinedthicknessgroup- thereisn't one
referenced? Question2B: Isit API 1104intention, topermit wall thicknessgroupstobecontractually agreedbetweenContractor andClient for
weldproceduregroupings? Question2C: Isit API 1104intent topermit theClient tospecify thewall thicknessgroupsfor weldprocedure
groupingsprior toawardof contract?
Response: Inaccordancew/ 5.4.2.14, any changetothevaluesof PWHT constitutesanessential variableandwouldrequirere-qualification. Response2A: Therearenodefined
wall thicknessgroupsreferencedfor theprocedurespecificationin5.4.2.5, however, therangesof diametersandwall thicknessesmust beidentifiedinthespecification, asnoted
in5.3.2.3. Response2B: API 1104doesnot addresscontractual issues. Seeanswer for 2.A. Response2C: API 1104doesnot addresscontractual issues. Seeanswer for 2.A.
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
1104 19th Sec. 5.4.2.5 1104-I-0103-5 Question1: Thesectiononessential variablesfor weldingproceduressection5.4.2.5
statesachangeingroupingfromonegrouptoanother isanessential variablehowever thissectiondoesnot giveagroup. Canyouclarify which
groupisapplicableor canthesebespecifiedby thewriter of theWPS becausethegroupingreferencedin5.3.2.3relatesto
Section6.2.2dandeandtheseareonly suggestedgroupingsandnot mandatory.Thereisnodiameter showninessential variablessoisthe
diameter alsotobestatedinother wordswouldaprocedurequalifiedon10"beapplicablefor 40' providedall other statedessential variableswere
adheredto? Question2: Weldingoperator andequipment Qualificationfor AutomaticWelding
Section12.7hasnoessential variablesspecifiedandtheessential variablesin12.5areapplicablefor weldingproceduresandnot welder
qualifications. If thisiscorrect what essential variablesareapplicable
Response1: Yes. Thewall thicknessrangemust beidentifiedintheWPS, asrequiredin5.3.2.3. Any changefromthat rangeconstitutesanessential variable. Response2:
Therearenoessential variablesfor weldingoperators. Weldingoperatorsmust bequalifiedinaccordancew/ 12.6.
1104 19th Sec. 6.6 1104-0103-5
2nd Inquiry
I haveaquestionrelatedtoWelder Qualificationssection6.6
Radiography-Butt Weldsonly. "At thecompany'soption, thequalificationbutt may beexaminedby radiography inlieuof thetestsspecifiedin
6.5". Asweonly useAUT wearenot set upfor radiography somy questioniscan
API clarify that AUT may beutilizedinsteadof thestatedradiography for
welder quals. I knowthismay not betheroutetogothroughbut if youcouldforwardthistotheappropriatepersonor givemethenameof whoI
shouldsendsuchqueriestoI wouldappreciateit aswearebeingput inapositionwehave
tocarry out radiography asisstatedinAPI 1104onwelder quals.
TherearealsomoreclarificationsI wouldliketoget inwritingfromAPI.
No. API 1104Section6.6.1doesnot allowfor thesubstitutionof AUT for RT
1104 19th Section 5 1104-I-0104-5 1. Sec. 5.3.2.3: Is it correct to assume the diameter range of 2-3/8and larger, as currently outlined in the contractors procedures
is acceptable? Sec. 5.3.2.5: 2. When a procedure has been established for a SMAW weld, and the electrode size has been
recorded for .188WT pipe, is it acceptable to change the electrode size to weld a .625WT pipe without qualifying a new
procedure? 3. Sec. 5.3.2.6: Is there an acceptable voltage &amperage range/percentage that can be used outside the range
recorded in the qualified procedure?
1. Yes. 2.Yes. Electrodesizeisnot anessential variable, and, therefore, achangeinelectrodesize, alone, wouldnot constitutearequirement for qualifyinganewprocedure. As
specifiedinSec. 5.4.1, changesother thanessential variablesmay bemadeintheprocedurewithout re-qualification, providedtheprocedurespecificationisrevisedtoshowthe
changes. 3. No. Voltageandamperagearenot essential variablesfor theweldingprocedure; however, therangesof electrical characteristicmust beidentifiedinthewelding
procedure, andcannot beusedoutsidetherangeslistedintheprocedure.
1104 19th Section B3.2 1104-0112-05 When qualifying a welder on the in-service sleeve groove weld, there is no Type and Number of Specimens table for welder
qualification only a table (B-1) for procedures qualification. Section B.3.2 Testing of Weld refers to requirements of 6.4 and 6.5. If
Table 3 is used, what diameter of pipe should be used for number of specimens and type of test, i.e. root bent, nick, break, or face
bend? Or was the diagramof the sleeve weld in Figure B-3 meant to indicate one coupon each of the root bend, face, bend,
tensile, and nick break were required?
It is my interpretation that the fillet welds on the end of the sleeve are nick break tested according to the diagramon Figure 10 and
Figure 11. We would nick break test 4 coupons fromeach end. Is this correct?
Thisisanoversight inthe19thEdition. It hasbeenaddressedinthe20thEdition
1104 19th B-2 1104-I-0118-05 If a test piece welded as indicated in figure B-2 is used for in-service welders qualification test, only the circular welds are submitted
to testing (YES/NO)? If the answer is NO, then which is the testing to be performed to the longitudinal butt welds (with backing)
according to clause B.3.2->clause 6.5?
Thisisanoversight inthe19thEdition. It hasbeenaddressedinthe20thEdition
1104 19th 1104-I-1012-05 Whenqualifyingwelders, must acompany measureandrecordthewelder speedof travel? No. Speedof travel isnot anessential variablefor thequalificationof welders; therefore, measuringandrecordingspeedof travel duringthewelder qualificationprocessisnot
required. Welders, however, must followqualifiedproceduresinwhichtherangefor speedof travel isspecifiedfor eachweldpass, therefore, companiesmay elect tomeasure
and/or recordthespeedof travel duringwelder qualification.
1104 19th Sec 9.3.3, 9.3.3,
and 9.3.12
1104-I-1019-05 Question1: Sec. 9.3.3: Your first questiondealswithinadequatecrosspenetrationandwhy thereisnospecificmentionof aggregatelengthof
ICP inweldslessthan300mminlength. Question2: Sec. 9.3.5: Your secondquestiondealswithincompletefusionduetocoldlapandwhy
thereisnospecificmentionof aggregatelengthof IFD inweldslessthan300mminlength. Question3: Sec. 9.3.12: Your thirdquestiondeals
withtheaccumulationof imperfectionsandwhy onedefect criterionisover 16%of theweldlength(exceeds2 incontinuous12 of weld
length), andtheother criterionlistedis greater than8%of theweldlength.
Response1: Thecriteriafor ICP for weldlengthslessthan12 inlengthisnecessary, sinceICP only occurswithatwo-sidedweldconfiguration; i.e. ID andOD welding.
Response2: Therequirement inSection9.3.5cappliestoweldsof any length. Response3: All listedcriterionappliestotheaccumulationof imperfections, andbothapply to
all weldsizes.
1104 19th 1104-I-1220-5 Comment: ThesuggestionwasmadetoaddaSAW filler metal classificationfor SAW welding; namely: A5.23, usedfor lowalloy doublejoint
welding
Response: Asverbally notedtotheindividual whosuggestedtheadditionof thisparticular filler metal classificationduringtheannual meetingof theAPI-AGA J oint Committee
onOil andGasPipelineFieldWeldingPracticesonJ anuary 20, 2006, the20theditionof theStandard, aspublished, doesnot excludetheuseof A5.23. Asnotedin4.2.2.1.i,
filler metalsthat donot conformtothespecificationslistedinthestandardmay beused, providedtheweldingproceduresinvolvingtheir usearequalified. TheSubcommitteewill
consider addingtheA5.23, providedit isalsoaddressedinTable1- Filler Metal Groups, of theStandard.
1104 19th Para 8.4.1 1104-I-0123-06 Question1: Paragraph8.4.1- ProceduresstatesNondestructivetestingpersonnel shall becertifiedtoLevel I, II or III inaccordancewiththe
recommendationsof AmericanSociety for Nondestructivetesting, RecommendationPracticeNo. SNT-TC-1A, ACCP or any other recognized
national certificationProgramthat shall beacceptabletothecompany for thetest methodused. Only Level II or III Personnel shall interpret test
results. I wouldlikeaninterpretationastotheminimumqualificationand/or experiencenecessary for theIndividual whotheCOMPANY will
employ toverify theNDE resultssubmittedby theLevel II or III? Question2: Canthisindividual alsobeusedtoenforceAPI 1104- section
9.2?
Response1: The19thEditionof API Std. 1104Section8.4doesnot specify theminimumqualificationsor experiencelevel of user company personnel; however, werefer youto
Section8.3for guidance. It alsoit shouldbenotedthat company personnel may besubject toregulatory or user company requirements. Response2: The19thEditionof API
Standard1104doesnot addressthequalificationsof theindividual(s) authorizedby theCompany astheir representative(s).
1104 19th 1104-I-0522-06 Question1: My questioniswhether or not temporary weldsperformedfor purposesof holdingsteel plateendplatesontheendof pipeline
componentsbeinghydrotestedinashopmust beweldedinaccordwithAPI standard1104if thepermanent weldsinthesamespool arebeing
weldedinaccordwithAPI 1104. Pleaseassumethat thepurposeof thehydrotest istopressure-test twocircumferential permanent butt welds
madetoholdananodeconnector intoapipeline. Twotemporary capsconsistingof 15inchdiameter 2inchthick platewereweldedonthefree
endsof thepipelinesegmentspermanently weldedtotheanodeconnector. Theentirespool piecebeinghydrotestedtestedconsistsof theanode
connector anditstwopermanent welds, but alsoincludestheweldsbeingusedtoholdthetemporary endcapsontheopenends. Put another wa
thehydrotest not only teststhetwopermanent weldsusedtoconnect theanodeconnector tothepipelinespool but alsoteststhetwotemporary
weldsusedtoholdthetwoendplatesontheendsof thespool. Must thosetemporary weldsalsobemadetothestandardsof API 1104? Question
2: If API 1104doesnot containtheappropriatestandardfor makingthesetemporary welds, what API standarddoesincludetheappropriate
requirementsfor atemporary welddonefor purposesof allowingahydrotest tobemadeof componentsrequiredtobehydrotested?
Response1: If thetemporary weldsareremoved, they arenot governedby thestandardsof API 1104, unlessspecifiedby theuser company. Response2: Theuseof API 1104
or another pipeweldingstandardmay beusedby the
user company tomakethesetemporary weldsfor hydrostatictestingpipeline
components.
1104 20th 1104-I-0522-06 Question1: A weldingprocedureisqualifiedasper API 1104withacombinationof
processes(exampleroot andhotpasswithmanual GTAW processandfiller andcappasseswithmanual SMAW). Canweengagetwowelders
(onefor GTAW processandother welder for SMAW) onasingletest weldcouponfor welder qualificationtoqualify theseweldersfor the
respectiveprocesses? Question2: A weldingprocedureisqualifiedasper API 1104withacombinationof processes(exampleroot andhotpass
withmanual GTAW processandfiller andcappasseswithmanual SMAW). If weintendtoengagetwoweldersfor different processes, isit
mandatory that theseweldersmust independently weldseparatetest weldcouponswithcombinationof GTAW andSMAW asper thePQR to
qualify thewelders?
Response1: The20thEditionAPI Standard1104Section6.2requireseachwelder tocomplete(weld) theentirewall thicknesswhenqualifying. Response2: The20thEdition
of API Standard1104Section6.2.2(a) (2) allows2alternativesfor qualifyingwelderstoweldwithacombinationof processes. A welder may completetheentireweldin
accordancewiththePQR or thewelder may qualify by makingseparateandcompleteweldsutilizingeachof theseparateprocessesinvolvedinthePQR.
1104 20th 1104-I-0123-06 Oneof our subcontractorshasrunaweldprocedureona45axis6G, doesthisallowthemtousethesameproceduretoweldinthe5G position?Yes
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
1104 20th Section 11.4.7.3 1104-I-0124-06 Question1: Inthesentenceof theitem11.4.7.3, therecommendedpractice(should) of additional 4dB for evaluationwasmadeconsidering
AUT systemsusingconventional probes(widebeam)? Question2: ThemorepreciseAUT systemsdesignedaccordingtotheASTM 1961
standard, (zonal discriminationwithfocusedsearchunits) hadbeenconsideredtodotherecommendationof +4dB for evaluation?
Response1: Section11.4.7.3waswrittenwithout regardtobeamwidth. Response2: Adding4dB hasthesameeffect onbothfocusedandnon-focusedbeams.
1104 20th Section 6.6.2 1104-I-0418-06 Question1: InreferencetoAPI 110419thedition
Therequirement of RT inlieuof mechanicals, Sect 6.6.2. I refer youtopg. 54withintheAppendix of API. Sect A4whereit states"For automatic
welding, theweldingunit andeachoperator shall bequalifiedinaccordancewith12.6" Section12.6thenrefersyouback to6.4thru6.7but it
needstobepointedout that 12.6refersto"nondestructivemethods" whereas6.6only callsfor RT. Pluralizationwouldimplythat alternateNDT
methodsareacceptable. AlsoSection8.2statesthat" Nondestructivetestingmay consist of radiographicinspectionor methodspecifiedby
company..." onceagainofferingmultipleNDT methodsareavailabletotheCompany, althoughthissectionisfor productionweldinginspection.
Funny howSection12.2allowsfor multipleNDT methodstobeusedfor Automaticweldingprocedurequalification!
My questionpertainstothesubstitutionof alternateNDE methods, specifically AutomatedUT inlieuof RT asrequiredfor Welder Qualification
programtoaqualifiedweldingprocedure. Pleasenotethat our project will beusingAUT astheprimary NDE methodfor productionweld
inspection. Question2: Assumingthat AUT isallowableinlieuof RT, isit possibletorunWelder Qualificationsuchthat awelder may be
qualifiedandberestrictedtoRoot, Fill and/or Cappasses. Weareinaproductionenvironment utilizing8weldingstations. Our weldersare
currently beingqualifiedby completinganentiresample. What isbeingput forwardisshouldthewelder completeafull sampleandit is
determinedthat theroot regionwasfoundtoberejectable(by AUT) canthewelder still bepartially qualifiedtotheFill andCappassesor must he
re-test completely. Ispartial welder qualificationpossibleby completingonly theweldpassesthewelder will requiredtodeposit inaproduction
environment?
Response1: AutomatedUT cannot besubstitutedfor RT inWelder Qualification. Response2: Thereisnoprovisionfor partial qualification.
1104 20th Clause 10.2 1104-I-0530-06 Isit therequirement of thestandardthat only thewelder(s) whoperformweldingof test joint for arepair weldingprocedure, inaccordancewith
clause10.2, beallowedtoperformrepair weldingonjob?
No.
1104 20th 1104-I-0605-06 Question1: Inwhichconditionsisnecessary or recommendedtorealizeimpact testswithnotchesinV for Charpystests? Question2: Inthe
procedurerequirement of weldingseparation, itsnecessary toqualify againanewprocedureof weldingor theoriginal qualifyisapplicable
(apply)?
Response1: API 1104doesnot addresstherequirementsfor Charpys. Response2: Weareunabletounderstandyour question
1104 19th Section 11.4.7.2 1104-I-0713-06 Isit theintent of theAPI standardthat only thoseultrasonicindicationsthat exceedtheevaluationlevel givenin11.4.7.2beconsideredasa
possibledefect?
Yes, pleasenotethat all proceduresaretobequalifiedprior touse.
1104 20th Sec. 6.2. 1104-I-0514-07 If a welder makes a test weld in the 6G position (inclined fromthe horizontal plane at an angle of not more than 45 degrees), on
pipe with a diameter of 12.750", wall thickness of .375" thick. Is this welder qualified to weld on 24" diameter pipe? If so why and if
not why.
Section 6.2.2(d) lists the essential diameter groups for single qualification. A single qualification test on 12.750" pipe qualifies the welder from2.375" to 12.750"
diameter pipe. 24" diameter pipe is in a separate group than 12.750" diameter pipe and so will require a different single qualification test.
1104 19th 1104-I-0121-09 Question 1: For qualification of welding procedure specifications (WPS) according to API Std 1104 19th Edition Appendix A for
use of a mechanized welding systemto produce 5G joints in a pipeline segment fromAPI Spec 5L line pipe supplied fromtwo
different pipe manufacturers designated as manufacturers A and B, with no other changes in essential variables, is preparing and
destructively testing a set of two test joints described as A B, the set including a test joint with high heat input (HHI) and a test joint
with lowheat input (LHI), sufficient to meet the requirements of the standard and allowfor welding of all possible pipe manufacturer
combinations? Question 2: For qualification of welding procedure specifications (WPS) according to API Std 1104 19th Edition
Appendix A for use of a mechanized welding systemto produce 5G joints in a pipeline segment fromAPI Spec 5L line pipe
supplied fromtwo different pipe manufacturers designated as manufacturers A and B, with no other changes in essential variables,
is preparing and destructively testing three sets of test joints, described as A A, A B, or B B with each of the three sets including a
test joint with high heat input (HHI) and a test joint with lowheat input (LHI), specifically required by the standard to allowfor
welding of all pipe manufacturer combinations? Question 3: For qualification of welding procedure specifications (WPS) according
to API Std 1104 19th Edition Appendix A for use of a mechanized welding systemto produce 5G joints in a pipeline segment from
API Spec 5L line pipe supplied fromthree different pipe manufacturers designated as manufacturers A, B, and C, with no other
changes in essential variables, is preparing and destructively testing two sets of test joints described as A B and C C, with each set
including a test joint with high heat input (HHI) and a test joint with lowheat input (LHI), sufficient to meet the requirements of the
standard and allowfor welding of all possible pipe manufacturer combinations? Question 4: For qualification of welding procedure
specifications (WPS) according to API Std 1104 19th Edition Appendix A for use of a mechanized welding systemto produce 5G
joints in a pipeline segment fromAPI Spec 5L line pipe supplied fromfour different pipe manufacturers designated as
manufacturers A, B, C, and D, with no other changes in essential variables, is preparing and destructively testing two sets of test
joints described as A B and C D, with each set including a test joint with high heat input (HHI) and a test joint with lowheat input
(LHI), sufficient to meet the requirements of the standard and allowfor welding of all pipe manufacturer combinations?
Response 1: Yes. Response 2: No. Response 3: Yes. Response 4: Yes.
1104 19th 1104-I-0122-09 Question 1: For qualification of welding procedure specifications (WPS) according to API Std 1104 19th Edition Appendix A for
use of a mechanized welding systemto produce 5G joints in a pipeline segment fromAPI Spec 5L line pipe supplied froma single
pipe manufacturer designated as manufacturers A, that procured plate to the same specification fromtwo plate manufacturers,
designated as 1 and 2 so that each pipe could be classified as either A1 or A2, with no other changes in essential variables, is
preparing and destructively testing one set of test joints described as A1 A2, the set including a test joint with high heat input (HHI)
and a test joint with lowheat input (LHI), sufficient to meet the requirements of the standard and allowfor welding of all plate
manufacturer combinations? Question 2: For qualification of welding procedure specifications (WPS) according to API Std 1104
19th Edition Appendix A for use of a mechanized welding systemto produce 5G joints in a pipeline segment fromAPI Spec 5L line
pipe supplied froma single pipe manufacturer designated as manufacturer A, that procured plate to the same specification from
two plate manufacturers, designated as 1 and 2 so that each pipe could be classified as either A1 or A2, with no other changes in
essential variables, is preparing and destructively testing three sets of test joints described as A1 A1, A1 A2, or A2 A2, with each se
including a test joint with high heat input (HHI) and a test joint with lowheat input (LHI), specifically required by the standard to allow
for welding of all plate manufacturer combinations?
Response 1: Yes. Response 2: No.
1104 20th 1104-0210-09 Question 1: Can the value parameter Fb bezero? No.
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
1104 20th 7.2 1104-I-0619-09 Please can you clarify section 7.2 in API 1104 Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities. The standard states :
" The alignment of abutting ends shall minimize the offset between surfaces. For pipe ends of the same nominal thickness, the
offset shall not exceed 3 mm. Larger variations are permissable provided the variation is caused by variations of the pipe end
dimensions....."
Our interpretation of this is that if you have more than 1.5 offset on one side of the pipe you will have more than 1.5 on the other
side thus exceeding the 3 mm. Others are interpreting the 3mmin any single location which could lead to hi-lo in well in excess of
3mm.
1104 20th 5.3.2.3 Question 1: Since API 1104 only suggests and does not state that the categories above shall be used, is it acceptable to combine
category 2 and 3 into a single category (2.375 and larger), especially since diameter is not an essential variable? Question 2:
When installing a split sleeve fitting using an in-service procedure, please confirmthat a 6010 filler material is acceptable on the root
pass of the longitudinal joint since this is not being welded directly to the carrier pipe.
Answer 1: Yes. Since diameter is not an essential variablefor welding procedure qualification, the welding procedure can be written to cover any diameter
range regardless of the diameter used for the qualificationtest. Answer 2: The 1104 committee cannot comment on the suitabilityof specific fillermetals such
as 6010. However, note that inthe specificcase mentioned, where the root pass of the longitudinal joint is not being weldeddirectlyto the carrierpipe, this weld
is not considered to be an in-service weld.
1104 19th 5.3.2.9 1104-I-1125-09 Question: In accordance with API 1104 Section 5.3.2.9, the specification must designate the welding direction. If the WPS
designates both uphill and downhill for the welding direction, does API 1104 alloweach half of the WPS qualificationweld to be
welded in a different direction?
No. Explanation: A procedure can be written to include either direction or both directions. The issue is howto qualify the welding procedure. API 1104,
Section 5.4.2.9 makes the direction of travel, uphill or downhill, for vertical welding an essential variable. API 1104, Section 5.5 states To weld the test joint for
butt welds, two pipe nipples shall be joined, following all of the details of the procedure specification. Section 5.7 uses similar wording for qualifying fillet weld
procedures. There is no provision to qualify a welding procedure with only half of the pipe.
A test weld with each half welded in a different uphill-downhill direction will only qualify for production welds with that same uphill-downhill combination of weldin
To be able to make complete welds in the uphill direction and complete welds in the downhill direction will require two qualification welds.
1104 20th 5.4.2.2
Background: It is increasinglycommon for pipe to be certifiedto multiplepipe grades. The multiplegrade certificationsoftenspan
multiple material groups described in 5.4.2.2 a., b., and c. Examples include pipe certified to and stenciled as grade B, X42 and
X52, or grade X60 and X65. As a result there is often confusion regarding which welding procedure specification should be
selected for use on multiple grade pipe.
Question 1) For the purpose of selectingweldingprocedures for use on multiplegrade pipe, maya user designatethe grade of the
pipe to be any one of the grades to which the pipe is certified, assuming the designated grade complies with all applicable pipe
designcriteriafor the intended application? (For example, maypipe certifiedto grade B, X42, and X52 be weldedusingprocedures
applicable to either grade B, or X42, or X52?)
Question 2) For multiplegrade pipe, is a user requiredto use a weldingprocedure that is qualifiedfor use on the highest grade to
which the pipe is certified?
Question 3) Assume a welding procedure has been qualified using multiple grade pipe and that the results meet the strength
requirements for each of the grades to which the pipe is certified. May the data fromthe procedure qualificationtest be used to
support welding procedure specifications for each of the grades to which the pipe was certified? For example, the procedure was
qualifiedusing multiple grade pipe certifiedto grade X60 and X65. May the procedure qualificationtest data be used to generate
welding procedure specifications used to weld grade X60 pipe to grade X60 pipe and grade X65 to grade X65?
Question 4) Assume a welding procedure has been qualified using multiple grade pipe, and that the results meet the strength
requirements for each of the grades to which the pipe is certified. May the data fromthe procedure qualificationtest be used to
support welding procedure specifications for any combination of the grades to which the pipe was certified? For example, the
procedure was qualifiedusingmultiplegrade pipe certifiedto grade X60 and X65. Maythe procedure qualificationtestdata be used
to generate welding procedure specifications used to weld grade X60 pipe to grade X65 pipe?
Answer 1: Yes
Answer 2: No
Answer 3: Yes
Answer 4: Yes
1101 20th 1104-I-0222-10 Background: If a welder passes a combination (dual) process GTAW (root) / SMAW (remaining layers) open-butt groove
qualification test using a qualified welding procedure:
Question 1: Does the welder obtain qualificationto weld each process individually(using singleprocess GTAW or SMAW welding
procedures having matching essential variable to the test taken)?
Question 2: If the answer to Question 1 is yes; how is the welders nominal pipe wall thickness qualificationrange determinedfor
each process?
Question 3: If the answer to Question 1 is yes, based on the combination test, would the welder be qualifiedfor weldingopen-butt
groove welds using only the SMAW process?
Response 1: No - the welder is only qualified for that specific combination of processes; the welder is not qualified for the individual processes
separately.
Response 2: Not applicable
Response 3: Not applicable
1104 20th B.3/6.3 1104-I-0928-10 Background: A welder has completed and passed the testing requirements of section6.3 for a butt and a branch weldon a pipe
with an outside diameter of 12.750. The next test required is for in-service welding as per Appendix B.
Question: Is it the intent of Section B.3 that the above described welder performa test on 12.750 diameter pipe to be qualifiedto
weld in-service on all diameters and all thickness?
Response: Section B.3 provides for three qualification paths:
1. Appendix B test on less than 12.750OD qualifies for in-service welding on the tested size and smaller
2. Appendix B test on greater than or equal to 12.750OD qualifies for in-service welding on all sizes
3. Section 6.3 multiple qualification and any size Appendix B test - qualifies for in-service welding on sizes qualified for under Section 6.3.
1104 20th 6.4 1104-I-0912-11 Background: Welders completed the 1st and 2nd bead on a 12.750 Horizontal fixed weld. The weld was cleaned up inside and
out for review. Undercutting was found on the inside of the weld adjacent to the bead. The welder was informed that his services
would not be needed on the project; and he was shown the defect using 6.4 of API 1104 20th Edition. The QC/QA disagreed
claiming that chart 4 must be used to measure the under cutting. It was counter argued that chart 4 is for production radiography;
and that the undercutting is addressed in 6.4 with the statement the there shall be full penetration and complete fusion.
Question: Is the latter argument correct?
Response: Only undercutting criteria of a weld adjacent to the bead on the outside of the pipe is specifically addressed in API 1104, Section 6.4 for
qualification of welders. The weld shall meet the visual examination requirements of undercutting depth and length. Section 6.4 is silent on the evaluation of
undercutting adjacent to the bead on the inside of the pipe. Therefore, it is implied that the weld shall be free fromcracks, inadequate penetration and burn-
through, and that judgment would be visually applied as to whether the weld (outside or inside the pipe) demonstrates a neat workman-like appearance.
Reasoning: API 1104, Section 6.2 states that for single qualificationthe weld shall be acceptable if it meets the requirements of 6.4 and either 6.5 or 6.6.
Since the standard does not explicitly state to the contrary, there is no expectation that the depth of undercutting adjacent to the final bead on the inside of the
pipe would be measured differently fromthat on the outside of the pipe. Therefore, section 6.4 must be minimally satisfied and would apply to the inside weld.
Table 4 (as referenced in Section 9.7.2) is only applicable when both visual and mechanical means are used to determine depth. This must be taken in context
with Section 9.7.1 which states that acceptance standards of 9.7.2 supplement but do not replace visual inspection requirements found elsewhere in this
standardwhich further emphasizes the preference given to visual examination, including those criteria defined in 6.4.
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
1104 20th 5.3.2.16 Background: Section 5 of API-1104 20th Edition states that before any production welding is started, a detailed procedure
specification shall be established and qualified to demonstrate that welds with suitable mechanical properties (such as strength,
ductility, and hardness) and soundness can be made by the procedure.
For the WPS, Section 5, 5.3.2.16 (Speed of Travel) requires the range for speed of travel, in inches per minute be specified for
each pass. Section 5, 5.4 lists essential variables and states in 5.4.1 (General) a welding procedure must be re-established as a
newprocedure specification and must be completely re-qualified when any of the essential variables listed in 5.4.2 are changed.
Final WPS written with Travel Speeds being more restrictive than those qualified during Procedure Qualification
During procedure qualification, a travel speed range was established from3 to 10 inches per minute. The WPS was written with a
more restrictive specified Travel Speed range of 7 to 10 inches per minute. The WPS was written with tighter Travel Speed ranges
for heat input control. In each welding pass, the more restrictive range was always within the wider range established on the PQR.
Question 1: Can the specifiedTravel Speed range listed on the WPS be more restrictive than that recorded in the procedure
qualification record, so long as the restricted range is within the range established in the PQR?
Question 2: If the Travel Speed range specified on the WPS is more restrictive than the recorded Travel Speed range established
on the PQR, has an essential variable (Speed of Travel) been violated requiring a newWPS be qualified per 5.4.1?
Response 1: Yes, the range listed in the procedure qualification may be narrower than that used on the qualification test.
Response 2: No.
Reasoning: API 1104, Section 5.3.2.16 requires that the Company specify the range of travel speed in the welding procedure specification. API 1104 does no
set the welding procedure travel speed range based on the actual range used in the qualification test. The pipe diameter, wall thickness, electrode diameter,
travel speed, voltage and amperage are interdependent. The travel speed range actually used on the qualification test may need to be adjusted in the welding
procedure specification to account for different pipe diameters, wall thicknesses, electrode sizes etc that are covered by the welding procedure specification.
There are different approaches to welding procedure qualification:
a) The Company may choose to qualify using a typicalwelding speed range and list a wider range in the welding procedure specification to allowfor different
electrode sizes, voltages and amperages that might be used for different pipe diameters and wall thicknesses.
b) The Company may choose to qualify using a very wide range of travel speed (e.g. explore the usable travel speeds) and then list a tighter range in the welding
procedure specification to get more average production welds.
c) The Company may choose to shift just the high end or lowend of the travel speed range depending on the Companys relative concern for lowor high heat
input.
d) The Company may choose to write two specifications froma single test weld, one with a wide range and one with a narrowrange, to use for specific
applications.
All of these approaches to procedure qualification are allowed by API 1104. The Company sets the travel speed range listed in the welding procedure
specification as they feel appropriate.
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities
API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipeline and Related Facilities