SAUDI ARAMCO ID/PID - 18-MAY-05 - REV 0 (Standards Cutoff -March 2010) REV 4 31-Mar-10

SAIC NUMBER DATE APPROVED QR NUMBER

SAUDI ARAMCO INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Review Procedure - Control of Welding Consumables
SAIC-W-2009 31-Aug-11 WELD-
(Storage, Handling, Issuance, Conditioning) - Plant Piping
PROJECT TITLE WBS / BI / JO NUMBER CONTRACTOR / SUBCONTRACTOR

EQUIPMENT ID NUMBER(S) EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION EQPT CODE SYSTEM ID. PLANT NO.

LAYOUT DRAWING NUMBER REV. NO. PURCHASE ORDER NUMBER EC / PMCC / MCC NO.

SCHEDULED INSPECTION DATE & TIME ACTUAL INSPECTION DATE & TIME QUANTITY INSP. MH's SPENT TRAVEL TIME
SAUDI ARAMCO USE ONLY
SAUDI ARAMCO TIP NUMBER SAUDI ARAMCO ACTIVITY NUMBER WORK PERMIT REQUIRED?

SAUDI ARAMCO INSPECTION LEVEL CONTRACTOR INSPECTION LEVEL

ITEM
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA REFERENCE PASS FAIL N/A RE-INSP DATE
No.

A General Requirements (Quality Manager Action as Indicated)

Personnel involved in handling, storage, conditioning, issuance &
controls for use of welding consumables are identified with detailed Sch. Q,
responsibilities & are trained in the procedure as follows: Attachment IV
A) Material Controller
(Receipt, Control, Storage, Handling, Issue, etc) Tables
A1
B) Welding Foreman/Supervisor
(Issue, Distribution, Control, Return) Special
C) QC Inspector (Monitors approved procedure and all Process
activities) (Welding)
D) Welders (Follows approved procedures and controls)
Procedure has provided details on how welding consumables are
controlled by the following but not limited to: Sch. Q,
A) Receipt & Storage requirements - prior to issuance Attachment IV
B) Material controller- Stock
control (First in, First out) & issuance Tables
A2
C) Requestor/User - Receiving of consumables (Daily
Basis) D) Return of un-used Special
consumables, ID system & reconditioning E) Process
Disposal Authorization (Rejected Consumables, etc) (Welding)
SAIC-W-2010, SAIC-W-2009 & SAIC-W-2032 are utilized
Procedure contains these relevant QC Report Forms (Records) for Sch. Q,
documenting & monitoring control of welding consumables: Attachment IV
A) SATR-W-2009 - Rod Oven Calibration (Storage,
A3
Bake, Portable) Tables
B) SATR-W-2010 - Welding Consumable Issuance Record
C) SATR-W-2020 - Recv Insp Detail Form & Special
Electrodes, filler wires, and fluxes shall conform to ASME SEC IIC.
SAES-W-011,
A4 Other consumables may be used only with the approval of
Para. 6.1
CSD
Procedure lists Instruments & Equipment that will be used for storing,
handling and conditioning of welding consumables. Humidity &
temperature control requires use of calibrated hygrometers, temp gauges, SAES-W-011,
A5
ovens and cabinets for Dry Environment. See Att. 1 Para. 6.2
Condition of existing electrodes shall be evaluated per the detailed
requirements of Attachment 1.
Quality Mgr. takes action on items in Attachment 2 for:
A) GTAW consumables & Proper Practices SAES-W-011,
A6
for the Field B) Purging Consumables & Controls Section 6
(as applicable to scope)
GTAW filler metals (*including those cut or partially used) have
SAES-W-016 &
either the AWS/ASME identification or manufacturer's unique ID code
A7 SAES-W-011
marked on each individual rod, by manufacturer, with flags, stencils or
Para. 6.3
stamps. *This has been a big problem on large projects
Procedure contains applicable elements (Notes, etc) SAES-W-011,
Conditioning, Storage & Exposure of SMAW & SAW Consumables. SAES-W-011,
A8
See Attachment 3. Copy & paste in procedure as Para. 6.2
applicable.

Page 1 of 9
SAUDI ARAMCO ID/PID - 18-MAY-05 - REV 0 (Standards Cutoff --March 2010) REV 4 31-Mar-10
SAIC NUMBER DATE APPROVED QR NUMBER
SAUDI ARAMCO INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Review Procedure - Control of Welding Consumables
SAIC-W-2009 31-Aug-11 WELD-
(Storage, Handling, Issuance, Conditioning) Plant Piping
PROJECT TITLE WBS / BI / JO NUMBER CONTRACTOR / SUBCONTRACTOR

ITEM
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA REFERENCE PASS FAIL N/A RE-INSP DATE
No.

B SHIELDING GASES
Shielding gases shall conform to the following requirements:
A) AWS A5.32 Specification for Welding Shielding Gases
1. Carbon dioxide (CO2): Federal Specification BC-C-101,
Type B or
SAES-W-011
B1 Compressed Gas Association CGA G-6.2, Type F.
Para. 6.7
2. Argon (Ar): Compressed Gas Association CGA G-11.1, Grade A.
3. Use of other gases and gas mixtures shall require CSD approval.
B) The requirements for other gases and gas mixtures shall be
submitted to CSD for approval.
C SAW FLUX

Submerged Arc Welding Fluxes

A) Active type Submerged Arc Welding fluxes shall not be used without
approval (obtained prior to welding procedure qualification)
B) Fabricator shall clearly identify the proposed use of SAES-W-011
C1
active fluxes in their welding procedure submissions. Para. 6.5
C) Flux fused during welding is not reused (recrushed slag, etc)
D) SAW fluxes that the flux manufacturer recommends for single pass
welding shall not be used for multiple pass welding.

D SMAW ELECTRODES

All consumables shall be stored and dried, per the requirements of

SAES-W-011,
D1 Table 1 for SMAW electrodes, and Table 2 for other consumables.
Para. 6.2
See Attachment 3. (Repeat of Item A8)

F-Nos. 1 and F-Nos. 2 SMAW electrodes are prohibited on:

SAES-W-011
D2 A) Mat'ls requiring impact* tests (Per Code or spec).
Para. 6.6
B) For Pressure-Retaining welds.
Maximum allowable SMAW electrode sizes that can be used are:
A) Low hydrogen: 5 mm = 1G/1F position; 4 mm
= all other positions.
B) Non-low hydrogen electrodes: 5 mm = all positions. SAES-W-011
D3
Para. 11.1
Sizes larger than those listed are acceptable only if approved by CSD
and only if the PQR was performed using the electrode size and
positions to be used in production. The approval shall be obtained

E Table 1 Conditioning, Storage, and Exposure of Low Hydrogen Electrodes to A5.1 (Notes 1, 2, 3, 4):

Drying & Re-Drying: Prior to use all electrodes shall be dried at 260-
430C for 2 hours minimum. The drying step may be deleted if the
SAES-W-011,
E1 electrodes are supplied in the dried condition in a hermetically sealed
Para. 6.2
metal can with a positive indication of seal integrity or vacuum sealed
package. Electrodes may be re-dried only once.

Storage: After drying, the electrodes shall be stored continuously in SAES-W-011,

E2
ovens at 120C minimum. Para. 6.2

Page 2 of 9
SAUDI ARAMCO ID/PID - 18-MAY-05 - REV 0 (Standards Cutoff --March 2010) REV 4 31-Mar-10
SAIC NUMBER DATE APPROVED QR NUMBER
SAUDI ARAMCO INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Review Procedure - Control of Welding Consumables
SAIC-W-2009 31-Aug-11 WELD-
(Storage, Handling, Issuance, Conditioning) Plant Piping
PROJECT TITLE WBS / BI / JO NUMBER CONTRACTOR / SUBCONTRACTOR

ITEM
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA REFERENCE PASS FAIL N/A RE-INSP DATE
No.

Exposure: Upon removal from the drying or storage oven or

hermetically sealed containers, the electrodes may not be exposed to
the atmosphere for more than 4 hours. The exposure may be extended
to 8 hours if the electrodes are continuously stored in
SAES-W-011,
E3 a portable electrode oven heated to 65C minimum. Electrodes exposed
Para. 6.2
to the atmosphere for less than the permitted time period may be re-
conditioned. Electrodes exposed in excess of the permitted time period
must be re-dried. Electrodes that have become wet or moist shall not be
used and shall be discarded.

Re-Conditioning: Electrodes exposed to the atmosphere for less than

the permitted time period may be returned to a holding oven maintained
at 120C minimum; after a minimum holding period of four hours at SAES-W-011,
E4
120C minimum the electrodes may be reissued. Para. 6.2
Note: This can allow endless reconditioning the same
electrodes over and over again, resulting in Electrode degradation
After any exposure > permitted time period, the electrodes must be Re-
dried*. Wet or moist electrodes are not used. Break/discard.
System exists to ID any Re-dried electrodes (Coat the
SAES-W-011,
E5 ends). These once re-dried electrodes may be
Para. 6.2
reissued (once). Redried electrodes returned
unused are broken/discarded. Inspectors know
difference between reconditioned & redried
F SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR CONSUMABLES (APPLICATIONS) ... See Note 2 & also SAIC-W-2010
Welding consumables shall be selected based on their mechanical
properties, compatibility with mat'ls to be joined, their suitability for the
intended service, consideration of polarity, position, & direction of SAES-W-011
F1
welding. (Extreme Caution for older electrode lot usage) Para. 6.4
Again, this cannot be emphasized enough to QA/QC
Mgrs.
Welding consumables which are being used outside of their rated
tensile or impact ranges listed in the manufacturing specs must be SAES-W-011
batch tested or have CSD approval. Batch testing must be per the Para. 6.4
F2
ASME SEC II C SFA 5.01 to verify they meet base material reqmts.
Check SAIC-W-2010, Section B & Attachment See Note 1
4
Low hydrogen* consumables, measured per AWS A4.3, are used. SAES-W-011
*Verify Para. 6.4.1
F3
consumables have less than or equal to 8 ml of hydrogen per 100 g of
deposited
Root pass weld metal, measured
of single-sided groove per AWS
welds A4.3 backing in P-No. 1
without See Note 1
carbon steels may be made with an Exx10 electrode. SAES-W-011
F4
Again, check electrode test values (rated values) Para. 6.4.1
closely.
Procedure addresses Dissimilar Metal Welds (as defined):
A) Any weld joint (excluding weld overlays or strip lining) between
SAES-W-011
F5 ferritic steel and either austenitic stainless steel, duplex stainless
Para. 6.4.2
steel, or nickel-based alloys, or
B) Use of SS or nickel-based filler metals on ferritic steels.
Filler metal or deposit chemistries conforming to A-number 2 (ASME
SAES-W-011
F6 SEC IX), i.e., carbon-0.5% Mo, shall not be used for sour service
Para. 6.4.5
applications without PWHT unless specifically approved by CSD.

G Control of Electrode Issuance and Return ... See Note 2

QA/QC Mgrs are tasked with CPI in the Critical Area of Consumable
Sch Q, CPI
G1 Control. Please ensure that procedure contains BEST PRACTICES.
Clause
Several are identified below & in Attachments & SATR-W-2010

Page 3 of 9
SAUDI ARAMCO ID/PID - 18-MAY-05 - REV 0 (Standards Cutoff --March 2010) REV 4 31-Mar-10
SAIC NUMBER DATE APPROVED QR NUMBER
SAUDI ARAMCO INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Review Procedure - Control of Welding Consumables
SAIC-W-2009 31-Aug-11 WELD-
(Storage, Handling, Issuance, Conditioning) Plant Piping
PROJECT TITLE WBS / BI / JO NUMBER CONTRACTOR / SUBCONTRACTOR

ITEM
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA REFERENCE PASS FAIL N/A RE-INSP DATE
No.
Procedure contains SATR-W-2010 - Welding Consumable Issuance
Record or an approved equivalent. Take Note of Improvements:
A) List of all Consumables to be used on the Project.
Sch. Q,
(Important) B) Issue & Expiry Times (Critical) &
Att IVTables
Atmospheric Exposure Time C) Batch/Lot/Heat
G2
Numbers (Critical) D) QC
Comments Area (Allows Surveillance)
(Welding)
E) GTAW & Tungsten (SEE ATTACHMENT 2)
F) Stub End Returns Daily (Stub
Buckets) Stop Poor Practices*. G) Color-
A detailed list of checkpoints are added to this checklist after approval of
Sch Q, CPI
G3 the procedure for control of electrode issuance, receiving & return is
Clause
approved. Add best practices.
H CONSUMABLE CONTROL (RECEIVING INSPECTION & CONSUMABLE CERTIFICATION TEST REVIEW)
PROCEDURE UTILIZES RESOURCES OF:
A) SAIC-W-2010 Receiving Insp of Welding
Sch. Q,
Consumables B) SATR-W-2020
Att IV Tables
Welding Consumable Receiving Insp Report
H1
These resources are reviewed and used in the Procedure
as they are applicable to the workscope and this process. Be Prepared
(Welding)
for SA Assessments that check records & details of consumables.
These documents may change the way you do
REMARKS:
NOTES: 1) It is the intention of this checklist & Attachments 1 & 2 to address widespread problems existing in Consumable control today
on IK Projects. SA CSD states that SAES-W-011 cannot possibly contain all of the quality requirements necessary for Welding Consumable
Controls as it is not the intention of the Standard. SA CSD was consulted in preparation of this checklist & has reviewed its content. CSD
recommends that consumables be purchased in such quantities "as they are needed" for IK Projects. The practice of using older, unused
electrodes on projects is not prohibited, but shall be closely monitored with cautions taken for those points addressed in Attachments 1 & 2.
To those Quality Programs who already practice these points, this has not gone unnoticed by Saudi Aramco. Your proactive practices in
the area of consumable control are saving you cost and rework over time by closely following your consumable manufacturer and those
Best Welding Industry Practices. Where a consumable is used but not mentioned in this checklist, it is the intention that Standard Industry
Practice (AWS C5.5 for GTAW, etc) cover those points necessary to maintain quality consumables and their control on the job.
2) This checklist is to be used with SAIC-W-2010, SATR-W-2010, SATR-W-2020 & SAIC-W-2032 for PLANT PIPING
ATTACHMENTS: Attachment 1 - Consumable Control Practices Acceptable to SA
Attachment 2 - Consumable Control Procedural Elements (Tungsten Electrodes & GTAW Filler Metal, Purging Consumables & Control)
Attachment 3 - SAES-W-011 - Conditioning, Storage & Exposure of Consumables (SMAW Att. 1 & SAW Att. 2)
REFERENCE DOCUMENTS: 1. SAES-W-011, Welding Requirements for On-Plot Piping, (04 October 2009)
2. ASME SEC IIC Welding Rods, Electrodes and Filler Metals, (Latest Edition)

Contractor / Third-Party Saudi Aramco

Construction Representative* PMT Representative
Work is Complete and Ready for Inspection: T&I Witnessed QC Record Reviewed Work Verified
Name, Initials and Date: Name, Initials and Date:

QC Inspector PID Representative

Performed Inspection Work / Rework May Proceed T&I Witnessed QC Record Reviewed Work Verified
Name, Initials and Date: Name, Initials and Date:

QC Supervisor Proponent and Others

Quality Record Approved: T&I Witnessed QC Record Reviewed Work Verified
Name, Organization,
Name, Sign and Date:
Initials and Date:
*Person Responsible for Completion of Quality Work / Test Y = YES N = NO F = FAILED

Page 4 of 9
SAUDI ARAMCO ID/PID - 18-MAY-05 - REV 0 (Standards Cutoff --March 2010) REV 4 31-Mar-10
SAIC NUMBER DATE APPROVED QR NUMBER
SAUDI ARAMCO INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Review Procedure - Control of Welding Consumables
SAIC-W-2009 31-Aug-11 WELD-
(Storage, Handling, Issuance, Conditioning) Plant Piping
Attachment 1 - Consumable Control Practices Acceptable to SA
1. All Welding Consumables (electrodes*, filler wires, and fluxes) shall conform to ASME SEC IIC. (SAES-W-011, Para. 6.1) & shall meet an
applicable AWS specification & classification as packaged. Identification labelling shall clearly identify the product & Manufacturer certs (test reports)
shall attest to the correct AWS specification & classification. When "other" Non-ASME electrodes have been specified & are CSD approved
(through the WPS process), the same general controls shall apply. A Roster or Log shall be kept for each project(s) with documentation available for
Receiving (SATR-W-2010) and storage. Storage shall conform to the mfg detailed storage requirements as listed and available (attach to records
with Mfg Certs for all consumables). All welding consumables shall have manufacturer data sheets that show detailed storage requirements
(temperature & humidity limits at a minimum), or correspondence to provide adequate instruction in this regard. Shelf life shall be considered.
Note: * Electrodes shall include tungsten electrodes for GTAW process per AWS A5.12
Note: Welding Consumables shall have a SAP ID number to show their purchase from an approved vendor for specific consumable.
Best Practice for Vendor Uninspectable Welding Consumables is close receipt inspection & test report review, and by Inspection visit* to
Vendor at least once (CSD recommended). Currently, inspection visits are not required. Best Practice for electrodes* is their purchase specifically
for new projects in quantities based on Workscope using CSD-approved WPS as a basis for ordering consumables.
2. New consumables shall be received into Contractor's Quality system by recording pertinent information as listed on SATR-W-2020.
3. Existing consumables (shelf life) intended for use on Saudi Aramco Projects shall be evaluated for their quality and condition as follows & they
shall meet CSD, Welding Industry & Manufacturer recommended minimum quality requirements (with disposition) as follows:
When meeting applicable quality conditions, existing consumables shall be recorded into the Contractor's Quality
System.
A) Electrodes without proper AWS Spec/Class labelling and/or traceability to manufacturer certs (records shall be kept for all consumables)
shall not be used on Saudi Aramco Projects and shall be removed from site to prevent their inadvertent use on Project work.
B) Electrodes older than 2* years shall not be used to make production welds on Saudi Aramco Projects. Electrodes shall be discarded or
removed from site to prevent their inadvertent use. Contractor shall assure electrode issue control follows a "First In, First Out" Rule.
*Note 1: Three (3) years shelf life is acceptable when demonstrated that mfg storage guidelines were met. (Temp/Humidity Controls)
*Note 2: When storage climate is questionable* (*Dry Environment = Air conditioned/dehumidified with calibrated hygrometer in
use) electrodes shall be limited to a shelf life of 2 years (max). See AWS Table for acceptable "storage before opening" limits.
*Note 3: Lincoln currently recommends a 3-year shelf life in certain brands of SMAW electrodes. When a
manufacturer data sheet specifically states detailed storage conditions (humidity & temperature) and a shelf life beyond three years, and storage
requirements have been followed (as verified by Quality), electrodes may be used for a period per manufacturer's instructions (to a three-year limit).
C) Electrodes found open and stored outside acceptable Manufacturer & Welding Industry recommended ranges shall be declared unfit for
use and removed from site to prevent their inadvertent use on Saudi Aramco Projects. Check E6010 storage closely.
Dry Environment Note: Air conditioned or climate controlled storage in cabinets within recommended temp ranges and relative humidity values
(verified by hygrometer) shall be demonstrated. In any disagreement, Electrode Mfg recommendations shall be made available and CSD shall
resolve all conflicts. Unacceptable is storage of Electrodes in open buildings subject to wide humidity ranges.
Typically, relative humidity can range from 5%-nearly 100% in Saudi Arabia in open areas without climate controls

Note: The Table above applies to AWS A5.1 & AWS A5.5 and is intended for reference only relative to the COMPANY requirement for a DRY
ENVIRONMENT. SAES-W-011 Attachments 1 & 2 shall be affixed to procedures and followed.
4. STORAGE & HOLDING TEMPS AFTER OPENING: 1. Per Lincoln, Electrode cans shall never be placed in ovens as cardboard liners char &
electrode temps are not uniform. CSD concurs with this point. 2. Per Lincoln, store non low hydrogen electrodes (6010, 7010, etc) from freshly
opened containers in heated cabinets at 100 to 120 degrees F (40 50 degrees C). AWS table above suggests 75 to 125 F.
SAES-W-011 states Dry Environment. CSD concurs that AWS & Lincoln temp ranges & a 50-70% relative humidity (typical air
conditioned room) constitute a "dry environment" acceptable for storage of opened non low hydrogen electrodes. CSD also concurs that
opened non low hydrogen electrodes (6010, 7010, etc) shall never be stored above 130F or below 50%RH
Best Practice is to operate a small oven (Bench, cabinet or Portable type) set at 100 F to maintain these
conditions.
Page 5 of 9
SAUDI ARAMCO ID/PID - 18-MAY-05 - REV 0 (Standards Cutoff --March 2010) REV 4 31-Mar-10
SAIC NUMBER DATE APPROVED QR NUMBER
SAUDI ARAMCO INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Review Procedure - Control of Welding Consumables
SAIC-W-2009 31-Aug-11 WELD-
(Storage, Handling, Issuance, Conditioning) Plant Piping
Attachment 2 - Consumable Control (Procedural Elements)
TUNGSTEN ELECTRODES & GTAW FILLER METAL CONSUMABLES
Welders shall prevent tungsten electrode contact with work (including molten pool). If this happens, welders shall extinguish the arc &
repair/replace the electrode by means listed below in Tungsten Repair section. If weld is to be of RT quality then the tungsten inclusion shall
be ground out (repair). Power source & current used shall be specified on the WPS & shall be that used in the field.
Tungsten electrode & Consumable Preparation & Redressing/Repair: Tungsten electrode preparation (before welding) and repair
or redressing of contaminated and/or oxidized tips is an area frequently overlooked by organizations unfamiliar with proper shop practices.
Contaminated electrodes produce an erratic arc & dirty, contaminated welds of inconsistent quality. Cutting and grinding contaminated and
or oxidized tungsten electrode tips using the common unacceptable practice of silicon carbide grinding wheels spreads contamination and
does not produce quality GTAW welds because of a tendency for tip fracturing & splintering & thus the need for frequent redressing. Use
of silicon carbide type* grinding wheels results in contamination of tungsten & inconsistent tip quality. *Prohibited per CSD.
Quality Step (CSD approved, Required for shop approval): Procedure & surveillance ensures proper shop & field practices:
1. Properly prepare new tungsten with diamond type cutting equipment specifically designed for Tungsten (Piranha, etc)
Many available & inexpensive tungsten cutters/grinders utilize diamond technology to provide clean, contamination free,
separation & grinding finish that stops splintering/shattering of tips, cross contamination, & gives precise tip geometry &
desired weld shape, size, penetration for consistency (Results are cost savings in time, repairs, extended electrode life).
2. QC surveillance shall monitor GTAW practices and Tungsten consumable control as follows on SA Projects (procedure)
A) Issue properly prepared Tungsten electrodes (Incl Consumable Control Procedure). Issue per SATR-W-2010.
B) Prohibited are: 1) Unacceptable practice of field grinding tungsten. 2) The improper methods of removing contaminated
or oxidized tungsten tips (breaking with wire cutters, breaking by hammer, or grinding off with silicon carbide wheel.
C) Early identification of welders using improper technique (retrain & monitor welders until they produce quality results).
D) Redressing of contaminated or oxidized tips is done at a specified location using proper tip geometry. (Procedure)
3. Filler metal contamination follows Filler Metal Addition Practices (In-Process GTAW Surveillance & Consumable Control)
FILLER METAL ADDITION (For manual GTAW, only cut length Filler Wire is covered. Wire feed or autogenous welding is not allowed)
A) Filler Metal Addition: When retracting weld filler rod from the pool, care shall be exercised to ensure the hot end of the rod is not
removed from within the welding torchs protective gas envelope. If the end of the filler wire should become oxidized, then the oxidized end
shall be cut prior to using the remaining wire. Typically a pair of cutting pliers* is used in this process. (*Prohibited for cutting tungsten).
When welding a root pass, filler metal is normally held in one position and not manipulated. When welding filler and cover passes, filler metal
may be manipulated a slight amount based on joint opening. During welding, the welder must be careful not to touch the filler wire to the
tungsten electrode, since the electrode would become contaminated (Repair or replace).Prior to using filler wire, verify that the type of the
filler wire matches the filler material specified on the welding procedure.
B) Procedure assure cleanliness of filler material (no visible rust, discoloration, or atmospheric contamination such as dust or
residues. GTAW Filler metals shall be issued & stored in portable containers such as a capped PVC tubes (labelled with filler ID)
or other cost effective measures to assure minimum cleanliness and prevent atmospheric contamination.
Note: Similarly, issue Tungsten electrodes in small plastic bags or paper envelopes to assure cleanliness and prevent contamination.
Welder training assures that approved consumable id and storage procedures are followed in the field after issuance.
PURGING CONSUMABLES & CONTROLS (GTAW PRACTICES)
Purge Dams & Other Water-Soluble Consumables are listed in AWS D10.11, Recommended Practices for Root Pass Welding. Due to
a common problem of leakage with proprietary dissolvable water-soluble dams, these shall be avoided when possible. If purge dams are
to be used but cannot be retrieved after welding, then proprietary dissolvable (water soluble paper such as rice paper, etc) dams shall be
used and the following stringent conditions below for their application (Procedure shall detail these and other similar steps):
A) In addition, water-soluble approved low chloride glues* shall be used to hold the dams in place (Elmers glue is accepted in our Industry
for this exact purpose) or proprietary water soluble adhesive tape shall be applied to purge dams. Dams shall be located far enough from
the joint to prevent their failure during the welding process, usually 300 mm on either side of the weld. (Procedure Point)
B) Before decreasing purge gas pressure and closing the weld joint, a visual inspection window shall be left open for Inspection to verify
acceptable root pass condition exists without any evidence of visible oxide tint or discoloration (Inspector shall verify that the consumable
dam is intact prior to closure of root pass. Procedure Hold Point!
Caution: Currently, tape is being used in many instances on large bore pipe to hold these dams in place. This is the only way the dams
stay in place. Dams using rice paper often allow a high rate of gas escape and require multiple layers glued together to maintain an
adequate purge. Many cone-shaped dams now used allow effective sealing and assurance that root pass oxidation will not occur.
C) When first using new materials, the effectiveness of the procedure & water soluble consumables shall be demonstrated. Mock-up!
Ensure ONLY water-soluble consumables (dams, tapes, glues) are used. Ensure Low-Chloride content below 50ppm
when consumables are used in Stainless systems. Data sheets shall be available and attest to material composition.
GTAW & GMAW Consumables for P-No. 1 Materials
GMAW Process shall utilize ER70S-2 & ER70S-3 Consumables. ER70S-6 is restricted* & not recommended** for use at SA.
CSD allows use of ER70S-2, 3 without requalification. *Reason: NACE SP0472 Table 2 restricts base material Composition as
follows: Carbon (C) 0.10 wt% max --- Manganese (Mn) 1.60 wt% max --- Silicon (Si) 1.00 wt% max ** Reason: Frequently,
Brinnell Hardness testing results are well above 200 BHN using this electrode (unfit for sour service) & PWHT is required.
Page 6 of 9
SAUDI ARAMCO ID/PID - 18-MAY-05 - REV 0 (Standards Cutoff --March 2010) REV 4 31-Mar-10
SAIC NUMBER DATE APPROVED QR NUMBER
SAUDI ARAMCO INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Review Procedure - Control of Welding Consumables
SAIC-W-2009 31-Aug-11 WELD-
(Storage, Handling, Issuance, Conditioning) Plant Piping
Attach. 3 - SAES-W-011 - Conditioning, Storage & Exposure of Consumables (SMAW Att. 1 & SAW Att. 2)