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Introduction to the subject |
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Welcome to Welding Inspection Technology course. This subject
introduces you to the major tools in welding inspection technology tools The aim of the subject is to provide students with the necessary
knowledge and skills to success in the weld inspection program by imparting
all the knowledge which is fundamental to the welding and inspection field. Student should be able to recognize the
duties, work ethics and responsibilities of a welding inspector. The subject
aims to provide the all necessary knowledge related to welding and inspection
such as duties and responsibilities, destructive test, non-destructive test,
imperfections and weld defects, codes and standard as well as new and advance
testing method and their implementation in industry. In addition this program explains the duties and responsibilities of a welding
inspector; fusion welding processes, typical weld defects, types of
steel, carbon-manganese, low alloy and stainless steels, hardening of steels,
weldability, heat treatment, parent metal defects, visual inspection, testing
parent metals and welds, destructive tests, NDT techniques, welder and
procedure approval, codes and standards, outline of safe working practices,
practice in examination questions, continuous and end-of-course assessment. There are eight (8) Modules in this subject. Module 1 provides a
general introduction and an overview of welding inspector rules and
responsibility. Welding inspectors need to have the ability to understand/interpret
the various QC procedures and also have sound knowledge of welding technology. Module 2 provides the
terms and terminology of weld types, welding joint, joint preparation method,
welding position, weld terminology and weld zone terminology. Module 3 provides how
welds are inspected and what discontinuities and defects are common in fusion
welding process. Module 4 provides a
specification code and standard for API 1104 writing bodies. The standard
fall into six (13) major categories. Module 5 focus on
welding inspection tools, method and recording. Inspection may be carried out
by the use of the eye alone or can be enhanced by using optical systems such
as magnifiers and other visual examination aids. A detailed report has
carried out for plate and pipe visual inspection T –fillet inspection process
and macro specimens defect inspection process. The reports need to evaluate
and proper sentencing as are particularly appropriate for major industry
project. Module 6 provides a most widely used welding methods in
industries and research organizations of welding process such as
Oxy Acetylene, SMAW, GMAW, GTAW and SAW. Module 7 provides
flame, thermal and metal cutting operations. Module 8 provides weld
symbol information on the
welding assembly drawings. Module 9 provides the
knowledge and interpret the material identification and designation
to check compliance with relevant normative documents focus on the development
of the detailed project plan. Texts,
References and other Resources Textbooks The textbook below is an integral part of the
subject, and sections of the textbook are set as required reading for most
topics. Main Textbook: 1.
Welding Inspection Slides (AWS) 2.
Welding Inspection Notes (AWS) 3.
Course Notes: 1.
https://vle.unikl.edu.my/course/view.php?id=27177 |
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Additional
Notes |
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1. Welding: Principles and Application, 8th
Edition, Jeffus, Larry F, Delmar USA (2017) 2. Modern Welding Technology, 3rd
Edition Howard B. Cary (1994) 3. Welding Principles and Practices, 5th
Edition Edward R Bohnard (2018) 4. Welding Skills, 3rd Edition B.J Moniz
& R.T Miller (2004) 5. A Quick Guide to Welding and Weld
Inspection, Steven E. Hughes (2009) 6. Welding of Pipelines and Related
Facilities, API STANDARD 1104 (19th Edition) 7. Welding Essential, Willian Galvery, Frank
Marlow All notes and questions are referred to
the text book. You are required to read the following text book for
additional sources and information. How
to use this study guide This study
guide has been designed to assist you in studying this subject. The study
guide clearly defines the number of topics covered by the subject, the
objective(s) of each topic, specific text and reference materials for each
topic, the amount of work you have to do for each topic, and the sequence of study. The guide gives you a clear idea of the
contents of the subject and the amount of work you are expected to do to
achieve the subject’s objectives. It is NOT meant to be a complete set of
lecture notes for the subject. To study this subject, you need not only this
study guide, but also the resources listed in the section “Texts and
references”. The layout of each Module in the study guide is as
follows: Aim: This outlines
the general concepts and techniques to be covered in the Module. Study Methodology: This outlines
the study process that is recommended for the particular Module. Reading list: This gives you
the details of the relevant texts that you have to study for the topic. Study notes: This provides
the main content of each topic, which will assist you in your reading. Tutorial questions: This
section gives you the coursework requirements and tutorial questions that you
should attempt in order to evaluate your learning A detailed study program is
shown on the following page |
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Learning Schedule
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Topic |
Relevant
Assessments |
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WEEK 1 |
1.
Introduction to the course 1.1 Briefing
session 2.1 Study
guide reference 3.1 Text
book reference 4.1 Assessment
method 5.1 Grading
assessment 6.1 VLE
guideline 2.
Welding Inspection – Overview 1.1 General; 2.1 Specific duties of in
visual inspections; 3.1 Tasks Before, During and
After welding; 4.1 Welding inspector’s tools
& equipment; Outcome(s):
CLO 2, 3 |
·
Discussion
Question 1 ·
Discussion
Question 2 |
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WEEK 2 |
3.
Welding Inspection – Overview (Continuation) 1.1 Quality Assurance &
Control in weld inspection; 2.1 Personnel qualifications
and qualification levels; 3.1 Summary; Outcome(s):
CLO 2, 3 |
·
VLE
–
True
and False –
Multiple
Question –
Missing
words (Discussion Question 3) |
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WEEK 3 |
4.
Weld Terminology 1.1 Types of joint; 2.1 Types of weld; 3.1 Types of joint
preparation; 4.1 Edges preparation tools Outcome(s):
CLO 2, 3 |
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WEEK 4 |
5.
Weld Terminology 1.1 Welding terminology; 2.1 Welding zone terminology; 3.1 Welding position Outcome(s):
CLO 2, 3 |
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WEEK 4 |
6.
Welding Processes 1.1 General; 2.1 Oxy-Fuel welding (OFW); 3.1 Shielded Metal-Arc Welding
(SMAW) ; 4.1 Flux-cored Arc Welding
(FCAW); Outcome(s):
CLO 2, 3 |
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WEEK 5 |
7.
Welding Processes (Continuation) 5.5 Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG/MAG); 5.6 Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG/TAG); 5.7 Plasma Arc Welding (PAW); 5.8 Submerged Arc Welding (SAW); Outcome(s):
CLO 2, 3 |
Group / Individual exercise |
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WEEK 6 |
8.
Welding Processes (Continuation) 6.9 Electro-slag Welding (ESW); 6.10 Friction-Stir Welding
(FSW); 6.11 Friction Welding
(FW); 6.12 Electron Beam Welding (EBW). Outcome(s):
CLO 2, 3 |
Group / Individual exercise |
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WEEK 7 |
9.
Flame and Thermal Cutting
7.1
General 7.2
Flame cutting processes 7.3 Electric arc cutting processes 7.4 Gouging processes: flame, electrode. Outcome(s):
CLO 1, 3 |
Group / Individual exercise |
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WEEK 8 |
10.
Materials Identification & It’s Weldability 8.1 Materials
type and their weldability; 8.2 Guidelines for the welding of
steels and alloys. Outcome(s):
CLO 1, 3 |
Group / Individual exercise |
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WEEK 9 |
11.
Welding Discontinuities, Defects and Imperfections 9.1
Stress: residual stresses, etc.; 9.2
Distortions: warping, etc.; 9.3
Imperfections: Discontinuities; 9.4 Surface and sub-surface defects; 9.5
Internal defects: Lack of sidewall fusion, etc.; 9.6
Cracks: surface, internal; 9.7 Laminations, laps. Outcome(s):
CLO 2, 3 |
Group / Individual exercise |
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WEEK 10 |
12.
Welding Discontinuities, Defects and Imperfections 10.1
Stress: residual stresses, etc.; 10.2
Distortions: warping, etc.; 10.3
Imperfections: Discontinuities; 10.4 Surface and sub-surface defects; 10.5
Internal defects: Lack of sidewall fusion, etc.; 10.6
Cracks: surface, internal; 10.7 Laminations, laps. Outcome(s):
CLO 2, 3 |
Group / Individual exercise |
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WEEK 11 |
13.
Code and Standard 11.1 Understanding the use of
API1104; 11.2 Inspection requirements; 11.3 Acceptance criteria. 11.4 Universal codes. |
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WEEK 12 |
14.
Welding Inspection
practice 12.1
Plates, pipes, fillets, bend and fracture; 12.2
Structures; 12.3 Thump print, evaluation, sentencing and
reports; 12.4 Macro specimens. Outcome(s):
CLO 1 |
Group / Individual exercise |
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WEEK 13 |
Test |
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WEEK 14 |
15.
Welding Inspection
practice (Plate) 13.1
Plates, pipes, fillets, bend and fracture; 13.2
Structures; 13.3 Thump print, evaluation,
sentencing and reports; 13.4 Macro specimens. Outcome(s):
CLO 1 |
Group / Individual exercise |
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WEEK 15 |
16.
Welding Inspection
practice (Fillet) 13.1
Plates, pipes, fillets, bend and fracture; 13.2
Structures; 13.3 Thump print, evaluation,
sentencing and
reports; 13.4 Macro specimens. Outcome(s):
CLO 1 |
Group / Individual exercise |
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WEEK 16 |
Presentation |
Group / Individual exercise |
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WEEK 17 |
Revision
for final examination |
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Test |
MC
Questions |
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Assignment |
Narrative/Case
Studies |
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Revision for final examination |
MC &
Narrative |
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120
hrs |
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Chapter 1 – Overview of Welding Inspection
1.
Study Guide Chapter 1: Welding
Inspection An Overview
2.
Students Slides: Welding
Inspection Technology (Chapter 1)
3. Books: A Quick Guide to
Welding and Weld Inspection, Steven E.
Hughes (2009)
Additional References:
1.
Welding Inspection Notes https://vle.unikl.edu.my/mod/resource/view.php?id=428465
2. Welding Inspection Slides https://vle.unikl.edu.my/mod/resource/view.php?id=428424
1.1
Introduction
A qualification in welding
inspection can open doors to rewarding and varied careers anywhere in the
world. Requiring a high level of skill and knowledge, welding inspection is an
excellent career choice for anyone wishing for a transition from a general
engineering or welding background into a more specialised and prestigious role.
2.1 Specific duties in welding inspector
Welding Inspectors are
employed to assist with the quality
control (QC) activities that are necessary to ensure that welded items will
meet specified requirements and be fit for their application.
Prior to starting a job assignment, the welding
inspector should determine:
a. What code, standard, or specification applies;
b. What inspections should be conducted;
c. When inspections should be conducted;
A Welding Inspector should also ensure that any
inspection aids that will be needed are:
§
In good
condition
§
Calibrated –
as appropriate/as specified by QC procedures
3.1 Stages of welding inspection
Extent of examination and when
required should be defined in application standard or by agreement between the
contraction parties. For high integrity fabrications inspection required
throughout the fabrication process:
a.
Before Welding (Before
assembly & After assembly)
b.
During Welding
c.
After Welding
4.1 Conditions for Visual Inspection
Where access is restricted for direct visual inspection, the use of a
mirrored boroscope, or a fibre optic viewing system, are options that may be
used usually by agreement between the contracting parties.
5.1 Aids to Visual Inspection
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Illumination
·
Inspection
Lenses
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Optical
viewing
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Access
6.1 Summary of duties
It is the duties of a welding
inspection personnel to ensure all the welding and associated actions are
carried out in accordance with the specification and any application
procedures.
A welding Inspection Personnel must:
§ Observe:
§ Record:
§ Compare:
7.1 Repairs
When a defect is identified during the inspection,
three main options exist, depending upon the severity of the defect and A
repair procedure should be in place detailing what actions are required. The
component being welded. The component can be scrapped, it can be given a
concession or it can be repaired.
8.1 Personnel qualification and qualification levels
ISO 9606 is an international standard
that is agreed to be used for the Welder Certification that provides a set of
technical rules for a systematic qualification test of the welder and enables
such qualification to be uniformly accepted independently of the type of
product, location and examiner of examining body.
9.1 The Welding Inspector
When an inspection record
is required it may be necessary to show that items have been checked at the
specified stages and that they have satisfied the acceptance criteria.
10.1
Examination Records
Welding Procedures are the guidelines
used to perform a weld. They are designed to provide a record of the
welding variables used and the inspection results obtained during the procedure
qualification test. Welding procedures are usually divided into two
categories, the Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) and the Welding Procedure
Specification (WPS).
For individual inspection reports, BS EN 970 lists typical details for inclusion
such as:
§ Name of manufacturer/fabricator
§ Identification of item examined
§ Material type and thickness
§ Type of joint
§ Welding process
§ Locations and types of all imperfections not
acceptable
§ Name of examiner/inspector and date of examination
11.1
Components Of A Weld Procedure
Items to be included
in the procedure can be some of the following:
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Parent Metal
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Welding Process
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Joint Design
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Welding Position
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Thermal Treatment
12.1
The
typical types of inspection and testing for each sample for Welding Procedure
Qualification are:
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Inspection and Testing for
Fillet Welds (Tee Joints)
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Inspection and Testing for
Groove welds (Butt Joints)
Discussion Questions
Discussion 1
1.
List four (4) other areas that would generally be covered by
a NDT inspection standard for welds?
2.
List other desirable characteristic that all welding
inspector should possess?
3.
List five (5) other areas of knowledge with which a
proficient welding inspector should be familiar with?
Discussion 2
1.
Give three main attributes, which all welding inspectors must
possess.
2.
Give six main duties of a welding inspector during welding.
3.
List six tools and accessories used for welding inspection
4.
Welding poses a range of hazards to your health. List 5 main
safety precautions conscious for welding inspector before welding inspection
activities.
5.
Give the three main responsibilities of a welding inspector:
6.
Which standard should be used for welding inspector should
refer for welder certification?
7.
Give six main duties of a welding inspector before welding.
8.
How to Become a Certified Welding Quality Assurance Inspector
9.
A code of practice for visual inspection should include
before, during and after welding activities. What are the factors to be taken
when conducting visual inspection on welds?
10. Give six main duties of a
welding inspector after welding
Discussion 3
1.
Why are welding codes (including standards and
specifications) used?
2.
Where do welding codes come from?
3.
Who determines which code to use for an application?
4.
What are some of the most common welding codes?
5.
Where does the qualification and certification cycle begin?
6.
What happens now that a WPS exists?
7.
How can a PQR be developed?
8.
Now that an approved WPS exists, are we ready to test
welders?
9.
What do these documents look like?
10. Can a common qualification
and its welding procedure specification test be described?
11. Where can one find
pre-qualified welds?
12. What positions may be used
to produce the weld in Figure 1?
13. What type of weld testing
is required for qualification?
14. What are the visual
examination’s criteria?
15. If the visual examination
is good, what other testing is needed?
16. Is the welder certified
now that he has passed the welder performance qualification?
17. What is a certified
welder?
18. If I am a qualified
welder, can I weld everything?
19. Who is responsible for the
qualification of welders?
20. What is the duration of a
standard qualification?
VLE questions list for
Chapter 1:
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Types of questions |
Total questions |
Week |
Time |
Durations |
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Multiple choice |
60 |
3 |
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2 hours |
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True and false |
50 |
3 |
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1.5 hours |
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Missing words 1 |
30 |
2 |
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1 hour |
Chapter 2 – Weld Terminology
1.
Study Guide Chapter 2: Welding
Terminology
2.
Students Slides: Welding
Inspection Technology (Chapter 2)
3. Books: A Quick Guide to
Welding and Weld Inspection, Steven E. Hughes (2009)
Additional References:
1.
Welding Inspection Notes https://vle.unikl.edu.my/mod/resource/view.php?id=428465
2. Welding Inspection Slides https://vle.unikl.edu.my/mod/resource/view.php?id=428424
2.1 Weld Joint Design
The term weld joint design refers to the way pieces of metal are put
together or aligned with each other. The five basic joint designs are butt
joints, lap joints, tee joints, outside corner joints, and edge joints.
Some of the factors that affect the selection of a specific weld joint
design include welding process, edge preparation, joint dimensions, metal
thickness, metal type, welding position, codes or standards, and cost.
2.2
Weld Types.
The purpose of a welded joint is to join parts together so that the
completed weldment can withstand the stresses. The forces acting on a weld
cause stresses. Forces cause stresses in five ways: tensile, compression,
bending, torsion, and shear. Weld types include fillet weld, groove weld,
surfacing weld, plug weld, slot weld, flash weld, seam weld, upset weld,
projection weld.
2.3
Joint Edge Preparation.
The area of the metal’s surface that is melted during the welding
process is called the faying surface. The faying surface can be shaped before
welding to increase the weld’s strength; this is called edge preparation. The
edge preparation may be the same on both members of the joint, or each side can
be shaped differently. Reasons for preparing the faying surfaces for welding
include the following:
·
Codes and standards
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Metals
·
Deeper weld penetration
·
Smooth appearance.
2.4
Edge Preparation Tools
Two major techniques are
used for edge beveling and welding preparation: large semi-stationary machines
and angle grinders. The former creates very precise, clean angles at various
bevel depths. Machining should be the first choice in edge
preparation, mainly because it avoids thermal distortion to the material that
is to be welded. Some of edge preparation tools:
·
Grinding
·
Oxyacetylene cutting
·
Machining
2.5 Welding
Terminology
The
base metal is the metal or alloy that is to be welded. An electrode is a
component of the welding circuit that conducts electrical current to the weld
area.
·
A weld bead is a weld that
results from a weld pass. A weld pass is a single progression of welding along
a weld joint
·
A crater is a depression
in the base metal that is made by the welding heat source at the termination of
the weld bead.
·
Joint penetration is the depth of the weld metal
from the weld face into the joint.
·
Weld reinforcement is the amount of
weld metal in excess of that required to fill the joint.
·
Root reinforcement is reinforcement
on the side opposite the one on which welding took place.
·
Face reinforcement is reinforcement
is on the same side as the welding.
·
The root face is the portion of
the groove face within the joint root.
·
The root opening is the distance
between joint members at the root of the weld before welding. The root opening
must be accurate so that excess welding is not necessary.
·
Weld width is the distance from toe to toe across
the face of the weld
·
The weld toe is the point where the weld metal meets
the intersection of the base metal and weld face. The toes are the points where
the base metal and weld metal meet.
·
The weld face is the exposed
surface of the weld, bounded by the weld toes on the side on which welding was
done. The face may be either concave or convex.
·
The weld root is the area where
filler metal intersects the base metal and extends the furthest into the weld
joint.
·
The actual throat is the shortest
distance from the face of a fillet weld to the weld root after welding.
·
The effective throat is the
minimum distance from the face of a fillet weld to the weld root after welding.
The effective throat is the minimum distance, minus convexity between the weld
face and the weld root.
·
A weld leg is the distance
from the joint root to the weld toe. The weld leg is the size of a fillet weld
made in lap or T.
·
A joint root is the portion of
a weld joint where joint members are the closet to each other. A joint root may
be either a point, a line, or an area.
·
A root bead is a weld bead
that extends into or includes part or all of the joint root.
·
A root pass is the initial
weld pass that provides complete penetration through the thickness of the joint
member.
2.6
Welding Microstructure Zone Terminology
A weld joint can
be divided into four different microstructure zones. They are the weld metal
(WM) or fusion zone, weld interface (WI) or fusion line, heat affected zone
(HAZ), and unaffected parent metal (PM) zone or unaffected base metal zone (BM).
The WM is a
mixture of the filler rod, flux, and parent metal that has completely melted
during the fusion process.
The WI is a narrow boundary that separates
the weld metal and the HAZ. This zone
separates the fusion zone and heat affected zone.
The HAZ
is the region that experiences a peak temperature that is well below the
solidus temperature while high enough that can change the microstructure of the
material
The BM
zone surrounding the HAZ is likely to be in a state of high residual stress,
due to the shrinkage in the fusion zone
2.7 Introduction
to Welding Position
The American Welding Society has defined the positions
of welding to include:
i.
Flat. In a flat position, a weld is
performed along largely a horizontal access and from above the joint. It is the
easiest type of weld to perform.
ii.
Horizontal. In the horizontal position, the
weld’s axis is the horizontal plane. Horizontal welding is often used for
fillet or groove welds.
iii.
Vertical. With a vertical position, the weld’s
axis is largely in a vertical or upright position. It is typically more
complicated to perform than flat and horizontal welding.
iv.
Overhead. In this the most complicated of the
four, welding is performed from the underside of the joint.
ASME has defined the four basic welding
position
·
1 = Flat
Position or down hand. (1F/PA,1G/PA)
·
2 =
Horizontal Position (2F/PB,2G/PC)
·
3 =
Vertical Position. (3F/PF,3G/PG)
·
4 =
Overhead Position. (4F/PD,4G/PE)
In addition there are letters that designate the
type of weld you will do in that position. For example:
·
F = Fillet
Weld
For a fillet weld made in the flat
position, the number/letter designation is 1F (F for fillet).
·
G = Groove
Weld
The 1G position refers to a groove
weld that is to be made in the flat position.
2.7.1
Plate Welding Position
Because of gravity, the position in which you are
welding affects the flow of molten filler metal. Use the flat position, if at
all possible, because gravity draws the molten metal downward into the joint
making the welding faster and easier. Horizontal welding is a little more
difficult, because the molten metal tends to sag or flow downhill onto the
lower plate. Vertical welding is done in a vertical line, usually from bottom
to top; however, on thin material downhill or downhand welding may be easier.
2.7.2
Pipe Welding Position
The 1G and 5G horizontal and 2G vertical positions
refer to the pipe position. 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G plate are applicable in the
fabrication and installation of tanks, vessel, structural, shipbuilding and
aeronotics. 1G, 2G, 5G and 6G pipe are applicable in the fabrication and
installation of piping and pipelines for industrial plants, oil and gas
industry, chemical plants and other industry which uses piping and pipelines.
6GR is applicable mainly in the fabrication and installation of offshore
structure and other structure that have the TKY configuration.
Discussion Question (Source:
Welding Skills, 3rd Edition B.J Moniz & R.T Miller (2004)
1.
What factors must be considered when determining the type of
joint to use in welding any structural unit?
2.
What is fillet weld and which joints are suitable to use for
fillet weld? Why fillet welds are easy compare to other welding process?
Describe the application in lap joint.
3.
In what type of joints are groove weld made and how to
prevent excess welding in groove weld?
4.
What is plug weld, when and why we should decide to use?
5.
When is a surfacing weld used?
6.
Why are grooved butt joints better for welding thick plates
than square butt joints?
7.
How T-joints does obtained in welding joint? What are the
basic types of T-joints?
8.
Describe a double fillet lap joint.
9.
Describe a corner joint. Lists three types of corner joint.
Which type of corner joint is the strongest?
10. What is the toe of a weld?
Describe how weld to is located.
11. What is the root of a
weld?
12. What are some of the basic
principles that contribute to good joint geometry?
13. When are double bevel T
joints normally used?
14. Which butt joint requires
the least amount of preparation before welding?
15. What is reinforcement of
the weld?
16. How is the root opening
size determined?
17. Why is proper groove angle
required?
18. What is weld leg? How is
the size of a weld leg determined in fillet weld?
Chapter 3 – Weld Defects and Discontinuities
1.
Study Guide Chapter 3: Weld
Defects and Discontinuities
2.
Students Slides: Welding Inspection
Technology (Chapter 3)
3. Books: A Quick Guide to
Welding and Weld Inspection, Steven E. Hughes (2009)
Additional References:
1.
Welding Inspection Notes https://vle.unikl.edu.my/mod/resource/view.php?id=428465
2. Welding Inspection Slides https://vle.unikl.edu.my/mod/resource/view.php?id=428424
3.1
Introduction
Most defects encountered in welding are
due to an improper welding procedure. Once the causes are determined, the
operator can easily correct the problem. Defects usually encountered include
incomplete penetration, incomplete fusion, undercutting, porosity, and
longitudinal cracking.
3.2
Definition
Classification of imperfections according to BS EN ISO 6520-1:
This standard classifies the geometric imperfections in fusion welding
dividing them into six groups:
1 Cracks.
2 Cavities.
3 Solid inclusions.
4 Lack of fusion and penetration.
5 Imperfect shape and dimensions.
6 Miscellaneous imperfections.
Defect
A flaw or flaws that by nature or accumulated effect render a part or
product unable to meet minimum applicable acceptance standards or
specifications. The term designates reject ability
Discontinuity
An interruption of the typical structure of a material, such as a lack
of homogeneity in its mechanical, metallurgical, or physical characteristics. A
discontinuity is not necessarily a defect. Discontinuity becomes defect when
the total length, number or depth exceeds the minimum acceptance criteria of
the applicable codes and standards.
3.3 Weld
Defects / Imperfections
In conducting
visual inspection on welds, defects / imperfections can be encountered and they
are grouped by the following five headings:
- Root defects
- Contour defects
- Surface irregularities
- Surface crack
3.4 Cracks
Cracks can be classified as either hot or cold types. Hot cracks develop
at elevated temperatures. They commonly form during the solidification of the
weld metal. Cold cracks develop after the solidification of a fusion weld as a
result of residual stresses. Cold cracks in steel are sometimes referred to as
delayed cracks. They are often associated with hydrogen embrittlement. Hot
cracks propagate between the grains (grain boundary or intergranular), while
cold cracks propagate both between the grains and through the grains
(transgranular). Cracks may be longitudinal or transverse with respect to the
weld axis. Longitudinal cracks in the weld metal and the heat-affected zone
occur parallel to the axis of the weld. Transverse cracks are found
perpendicular to the weld axis. Figure
illustrates the common types of cracks and presents the crack terminology
established by the American Welding Society (AWS).
A crack may be defined as a local discontinuity produced by a fracture,
which can arise from the stresses, generated on cooling or acting on the
structure. It is the most serious type of imperfection found in a weld and
should be removed. Cracks not only reduce the strength of the weld through the
reduction in the cross section thickness but also can readily propagate through
stress concentration at the tip, especially under impact loading or during
service at low temperature.
Types of crack:
- Longitudinal.
- Transverse.
- Radiating (cracks
radiating from a common point).
- Crater.
- Branching (group of
connected cracks originating from a common crack).
These cracks can be situated in the:
- Weld metal.
- HAZ.
- Parent metal.
- Fusion zone
- Centerline
Exception:
Crater cracks are found only in the weld metal.
Depending on their nature, these cracks can be:
- Hot (ie solidification
or liquation cracks).
- Precipitation induced
(ie reheat cracks present in creep resisting steels).
- Cold (ie hydrogen
induced cracks).
- Lamellar
tearing.
Preventive Action
1. Remove contaminants from
the joint (rust, grease, moisture, etc.) prior to welding.
2. Apply and maintain
required preheat.
3. Do not allow the base
material to cool too quickly.
4. Maintain filler metal
control requirements.
5. Use correct filler metal
type for the joint.
6. Apply proper bead size
and sequencing to eliminate excessive distortion and/or stress in the base
material.
3.5
Hydrogen induced cracks / Cold Cracking
Hydrogen induced cracking occurs primarily in the grain-coarsened region
of the HAZ, and is also known as cold, delayed or underbead/toe cracking.
Underbead cracking lies parallel to the fusion boundary, and its path is
usually a combination of intergranular and transgranular cracking. The
direction of the principal residual tensile stress can, for toe cracks, cause
the crack path to grow progressively away from the fusion boundary towards a
region of lower sensitivity to hydrogen cracking. When this happens, the crack
growth rate decreases and eventually arrests.
3.6
Lamellar tearing
Lamellar tearing occurs
only in rolled steel products (primarily plates) and its main distinguishing
feature is that the cracking has a terraced appearance. Lamellar tears are
cracks which form in the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) of a weld when the strain
imposed by the shrinkage of the weld exceeds the through thickness ductility of
the parent material. Lamellar tearing only occurs in rolled materials,
principally structural and pressure vessel steels
3.7 Cavity
Weld metal porosity is a cavity-type of welding defect formed by gas
entrapment during solidification as a result of contamination by certain gases,
such as hydrogen, oxygen, or nitrogen.
3.8 Solid
Inclusion
Inclusions are solid materials trapped in the weld metal or at the
interfaces of the weld metal. The foreign materials that are often entrapped include
tungsten, flux, oxide, and slag. Inclusions may be encountered in welds
produced with most arc welding processes but are most common in the flux
shielded processes, such as shielded metal arc welding, flux cored arc welding,
and submerged arc welding.
3.9
Incomplete Fusion / Lack of fusion
Is a lack of union between
the weld metal and the parent metal or between the successive layers of weld
metal. Incomplete fusion, illustrated schematically in Figure 26, is a
discontinuity in which fusion failed to occur between the base metal and the
weld metal or the adjoining weld beads. Failure to obtain fusion may occur at
any point in a groove or fillet weld, including the root.
3.10 Lack
of Penetration
Lack of penetration is the difference between actual and nominal
penetration. If the weld joint is not of a critical nature, ie the required
strength is low and the area is not prone to fatigue cracking, it is possible
to produce a partial penetration weld. In this case incomplete root penetration
is considered part of this structure and not an imperfection. This would
normally be determined by the design or code requirement
3.11
Porosity
Porosity is a cavity-like discontinuity that forms when gas is entrapped
in solidifying weld metal or in a
thermal spray deposit. The discontinuity is generally spherical, but it
may be elongated. Porosity defect occurs due to the entrapment of gas bubbles
by the freezing dendrites during the cooling of molten pad.
This type of weld discontinuity occurs on the surface or in the
subsurface of the weld. The various types of porosity are described below
followed by a discussion of the causes of porosity.
3.12
Imperfect Shape and Dimensions
3.12.1
Undercut
Undercut is often present
as a shape discontinuity at the weld toe which only constitutes a defect if it
exceeds the specification limits. It is usually found at the side wall or face
of a groove, at the edge of a weld or layer, or at the toes of the cover pass,
resulting in a reduction of base metal thickness at the point of undercut. In
fillet welds, it tends to reduce the size and strength of the weld, as well as
promoting stress concentrations at the toes.
3.12.2 Excess weld metal
Excess weld metal is the
extra metal that produces excessive convexity in fillet welds and a weld
thickness greater than the parent metal plate in butt welds. This feature of a
weld is regarded as an imperfection only when the height of the excess weld
metal is greater than a specified limit.
3.12.3
Excess penetration
Projection of the root
penetration bead beyond a specified limit can be local or continuous. Note that
the maintenance of a penetration bead having uniform dimensions requires a
great deal of skill, particularly in pipe butt welding. This can be made more
difficult if there is restricted access to the weld or a narrow preparation.
Permanent or temporary backing bars can be used to assist in the control of
penetration.
3.12.4
Overlap
Overlap exists when unfused weld metal protrudes beyond the weld toe or
root. This surface discontinuity forms a severe mechanical notch parallel to
the weld axis, which usually renders the weld unacceptable. Overlap is usually
caused by incorrect welding procedures, inappropriate selection of welding
materials, insufficient travel speed, or improper preparation of the base metal
prior to welding.
3.12.5 Spatter
Globules of
weld or filler metal expelled during welding and adhering to the surface of
parent metal or solidified weld metal. Spatter
defects occur due to scattering of metal around the vicinity of a weld. It
causes poor surface finish. Spatter is caused by
arc instabilities during metal transfer which can cause molten metal droplets
to be generated from the arc and weld pool. Spatter in
itself is a cosmetic imperfection and does not affect the integrity of the
weld. However as it is usually caused by an excessive welding current, it is a
sign that the welding conditions are not ideal and so there are usually other
associated problems within the structure ie high heat input.
Discussion
- How can weld joint
design be adjusted to prevent throat cracks?
- How do crater cracks
form?
- How can crater cracks
be prevented?
- What causes toe
cracks?
- How can toe and root
cracks be prevented?
- What are the two main
types of porosity?
- What can be done to
reduce porosity in a weld?
- What are slag
inclusion?
- How can slag
inclusions be prevented in multiple pass welds?
- What causes tungsten
inclusions?
- Which process more
likely to produce incomplete fusion: SMAW or GMAW in short circuiting
mode, and why?
- What causes
incomplete penetration?
- What is overlap, and
how can it be prevented?
- What is melt through,
and how can it be prevented?
- Why are arc strikes
detrimental to medium carbon or low alloy steels?
VLE questions list for Chapter 2:
|
Types
of questions |
Total
questions |
Week |
Time |
Durations |
|
Multiple choice |
100 |
4 |
|
2 hours |
|
True and false |
50 |
5 |
|
1.5 hours |
|
Missing words |
200 |
4 & 5 |
|
2 hour |
Chapter 4 – Code and Standard (API 1104)
4.1 Introduction
This standard covers the gas and arc welding of butt, fillet,
and socket welds in carbon and low-alloy steel piping used in the compression,
pumping, and transmission of crude petroleum, petroleum products, fuel gases,
carbon dioxide, and nitrogen, and where applicable, covers welding on
distribution systems. It applies to both new construction and in-service
welding.
4.2 Contents in API 1104, 19th
Edition 1999
API standards are published to facilitate the broad availability of proven,
sound engineering and operating practices. These standards are not intended to
obviate the need for applying sound engineering judgment regarding when and
where these standards should be utilized. API 1104 contains 13 sections and two
appendices:
1.
General
2.
References Publication
3.
Definition Of Terms
4.
Specifications
5.
Qualification Of Welding Procedures For Welds Containing
Filler-Metal Additives
6.
Qualification Of
Welders
7.
Design And
Preparation Of A Joint For Production Welding
8.
Inspection And
Testing Of Production Welds
9.
Acceptance Standards
For Nondestructive Testing
10. Repair And Removal Of Defects
11. Procedures For Nondestructive Testing
12. Automatic Welding
13. Automatic Welding Without Filler-Metal Additions
4.3 Section 1 - General
This standard covers the gas and arc welding of butt, fillet, and socket
welds in carbon and low-alloy steel piping used in the compression, pumping,
and transmission of crude petroleum, petroleum products, fuel gases, carbon
dioxide, and nitrogen and, where applicable, covers welding on distribution systems.
This standard also covers the
procedures for radiographic, magnetic particle, liquid penetrant, and
ultrasonic testing as well as the acceptance standards to be applied to
production welds tested to destruction or inspected by radiographic, magnetic
particle, liquid penetrant, ultrasonic, and visual testing methods.
4.4 Section 2 - References
Publication
Code – A body of laws arranged
systematically for easy reference and use. Because a code has a legal status,
it is definition mandatory, and use words such as shall, will, and must to
express certain conditions and requirements, and to verify that those
requirements are being met. Examples of codes includes AWS D1.1, D1.5.
Standard – Is establish for use
as a rule or basis of comparing in measuring quality, quantity, content,
relative value. Examples AWS A30, Standard Welding Terms and Definition.
Specification – Is detailed
description of the parts of a whole. A statement of particulars as to actual or
required size, quality, performance, terms. Thus, a specification describes all
technical information for a material, product, system or service and indicates
hot to determine that the requirements have been met. Examples AWS Filler Metal
Specification A5.1 through A5.32.
4.5 Section 3 - Definition of
Terms
The definition of welding terms used in this API 1101 standard are as defined in AWS A3.0, Standard Welding Terms and Definitions, with additions and
modifications.
4.6 Section 4 – Specification
This section calls for good
judgement, sound engineering, suitable operating practices and attention to
safety. A welding
equipment, both gas and arc, shall be of a size and type suitable for the work
and shall be maintained in a condition that ensures acceptable welds,
continuity of operation and safety of personnel
4.7 Section 5 - Qualification of Welding Procedures for Welds Containing
Filler Metal Additives
A welding procedure is an
activity undertaken according to a set of specific instructions provided in a
welding procedure specification. The quality of the weld shall be determined by destructive test.
4.8 Section 6 - Qualification of Welders
Welders must
pass a qualification test to show that they can use a given welding procedure.
The test should employ the same manipulative techniques that welders will use
in production
4.9 Section 7 - Design and Preparation of a Joint for
Production Welding
The purpose of this section is to establish requirements
for production welding and fabrication. It requires constant attention to the
specific of the welding procedure which is why it must be performed only by
welders who have qualified for that procedure
4.10 Section 8 – Inspection
and Testing For Production Welds
The company
may dictate what kind of inspection will occur, when, how often, and may
require that inspector demonstrate the effectiveness of the inspection
procedure being used and their ability to use those procedure.
4.11
Section 9 ‑ Acceptance Standards For Nondestructive Testing
NDT testing
does not hurt the serviceability or function of a part. When performing a
nondestructive examination, the inspector may find imperfections or
discontinuities which may not require rejection of the part
4.12
Section 10 – Repair and Removal of Defects
The company
must authorize repair of defects in the root and filler beads, but need not
authorize repair cover pass defects. Two conditions require a qualified repair
welding procedure: when the repair employs a welding process different from
that of the original weld, and when a previously repaired area is repaired
again
4.13
Section 11 – Procedures for Non Destructive Testing
Some of the
technologies involved in nondestructive testing of welds especially radiography
and ultrasound. They have similar applicability to welding. Just as welding and
destructive testing require the writing of qualified procedures
4.14
Section 12 – Automatic Welding
Welding
procedures for a given welding process vary with the level of automation
involved. The process involved SAW, GMAW, GTAW, flux core and plasma arc
4.15
Section 13 – Automatic Welding Without Filler Metal Additions
This section
discuss about Automatic welding without filler‑metal additions shall be done
using the flash butt welding process.
Tutorial
Section 4 – Specification
1.
Filler metals are
classified by the American Welding Society (AWS) and ASME according to their chemical composition and assigned a corresponding Filler
Number or F-No. The type of filler metal must be specified by manufacturer. The AWS has set up the
following AWS classification numbers for steel oxyacetylene gas welding rods
(OAW).
a. What does the “RG-65”
filler material classification designate?
b. API 1104 Table 1 Section 5 divides filler metals into nine groups
based on electrode characteristic and the process that employ those electrodes.
List the characteristic and the classifications of the filler metal as shown in
Table 1
Section 5 –
Qualification of Welding Procedures for Welds Containing Filler-Metal Additives
1.
Why is a clamp required for Qualification of
Welding Procedure, when the pipe nipples for the WPS will have been cut from
the same length of pipe and hence the dimension fit up will be very good;
whereas, the field fit ups are from pipes that will vary in dimension, quality,
etc.? Which clause should we referred to this statement?
2.
Nick-break specimens prepared in this manner from welds made
with certain automatic and semiautomatic processes may fail through the pipe
instead of the weld. The sample shall be broken by:
a) Pulling with a tensile machine
b) Supporting at each end and striking the middle;
c) Supporting one end and striking the other end with
a hammer
d) The exposed area of the fracture shall be at least
3/4 in. (19 mm) wide.
i.
Is it the intent of the code to specifically rule out other
methods of causing fracturing through the weldment?
ii.
What is the alternative method for testing specimens that may
fail in the pipe instead of the weld? Stated the instruction qualifying
procedures for semiautomatic and automatic welding process. What the acceptance
criteria stated in the procedures?
iii.
Discuss the acceptance criteria for acceptance of root and
face bend test.
iv.
Identify the preparation and acceptance criteria for side
bend test
v.
Sketch the nick break test specimen and how to prepare the
nick by referred to the standard.
3.
Can a fillet weld procedure qualified using a non-bevel lap
fillet to complete a 45 degree single bevel fillet weld?
4.
Acceptable process in API 1104 Clause No 5.3.2.4 is a joint
specification design. What are the factors must be consider when choosing a
weld joint design?
5.
According to API 1104 Clause No 5.8.1 is a preparation for
fillet welded joint test specimen. The base metal is the metal or alloy that is
to be welded. An electrode is a component of the welding circuit that conducts
electrical current to the weld area. Sketch and describe weld toe, actual
throat, joint root, effective throat, weld root, weld face and weld leg in
fillet weld to identify its various part.
Section 6 – Qualification of Welders
1.
For multiple qualification, a welder must pass
two different types qualification test of weld joints. It allows a welder to
weld in all positions, on all wall thickness, joint designs and fittings.
a.
Identify the clause of this procedure.
b.
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?
c.
Describe the two tests within the limits of the
essential variables.
d.
Is there a standard procedure and welder qualification
report template that is offered pre-printed from API?
Section 7 – Design and Preparation of a Joint for Production
Welding
1.
Acceptance
Criteria is a document necessary in performing weld and NDT
inspection. In
one acceptance criteria, “excess weld metal” or “crown” or “reinforcement” of a
butt weld must not exceed 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) above the base metal surface. To
solve this problem, stripper beads is required. Describe the minimum height of
weld crown. Why both beads shall not be started at the same location?
Section 8 – Inspection and Testing of Production Welds
1.
Rights of inspection and testing of production welds,
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?
2.
Production weld may be inspected by using non-destructive
testing provided that the method can produce indications of imperfections that
can be accurately interpreted and evaluated. This section states that" Non-destructive testing may consist
of radiographic inspection or method specified by company"
a.
Is Automated UT substituted for RT is required in
Welder Qualification program to a qualified welding procedure?
b.
Stated the acceptance criteria for imperfections
discovered by destructive testing.
c.
Who should determine the frequency of inspection?
Section 9 - Acceptance Standard for NDT
1.
In accordance to API 1104, the acceptance standards presented
in this section apply to imperfections located by radiographic, magnetic
particle, liquid penetrant, and ultrasonic test methods. They may also be
applied to visual inspection.
a.
Listed the NDT testing method of acceptable
standard for imperfections. Described how those methods encountering an imperfection
in weld material.
b.
Define the terms “Imperfections” as stated in
Section 9.1.
c.
How does the inspector determine the disposition
of particular imperfections?
d.
Describe how the Acceptance Standards in Section
9 applies to imperfections detected by visual inspection.
2.
In accordance to API 1104, an Acceptance Standard for
Radiographic Testing (RT) are based on negative images.
a.
Describe the radiographic test method and how it
is used to inspect weld imperfections.
b.
An Inadequate Penetration without High-low (IP)
and, an Acceptance Standard for Inadequate Penetration Due to High-low (IPD)
are joint root conditions where the weld metal does not extend entirely through
the thickness of a groove weld joint.
i.
What is the causes of Inadequate Penetration without High-low
(IP)?
ii.
How does radiographic image appear for this imperfections?
iii.
What is the imperfections condition of IP and IPD of groove
weld joint?
c.
An Acceptance Standard for Inadequate Cross Penetration
(ICP) shall be considered as a defect when the length of an individual
indication of ICP exceeds 50mm.
i.
How does Inadequate cross penetration occurs between the weld
joint?
ii.
What is the causes of Inadequate Penetration without High-low
(IP)?
iii.
How does radiographic image appear for this imperfections?
d.
Incomplete Fusion (IF) is a discontinuity and
surface imperfection between the weld metal and the base metal that is open to
the surface.
i.
How Incomplete Fusion does occurs
between the weld metal and weld beads?
ii.
What is the causes of Incomplete
Fusion (IF)?
iii.
How does radiographic image appear for this imperfections?
iv.
How can a notch cause incomplete fusion?
e.
In accordance to API 1104, Incomplete fusion is
defined as a surface imperfection between the weld metal and the base material
that is open to the surface.
i.
When they should be considered as a defect?
ii.
Sketch the example of Incomplete
Fusion at Root of Bead
f.
Internal Concavity (IC) is acceptable, as long as
the density of the radiograph negative image showing internal concavity does
not exceed of the thinnest adjacent base metal.
i.
How Incomplete Fusion does occurs
between the weld root and weld surface?
ii.
What is the causes of Internal
Concavity (IC)?
iii.
How does radiographic image appear for this imperfections?
g.
Burn-Through (BT) is a characterized by visible
root reinforcement in a joint welded from one side or a hole in the
weld bead where excessive penetration has caused the weld puddle to be blown
into the pipe.
i.
How Burn-Through (BT) collapse
in root area of the weldment?
ii.
What is the causes of Burn-Through
(BT)?
iii.
How does radiographic image appear for this imperfections?
h.
API 1104 breaks Slag Inclusions (SI) into two
main groups. Acceptance criteria for slag inclusion depend on the outside
diameter of the pipe
i.
What are Slag Inclusions (SI)?
ii.
Names two types of Slag Inclusions (SI)
iii.
What is the causes of Slag
Inclusions (SI)?
iv.
How does radiographic image appear for this imperfections?
v.
How can slag inclusion be prevented in multiple pass welds?
i.
Porosity is defined as gas trapped by solidifying weld metal
before the gas has a chance to rise to the surface of the molten puddle and
escape. It takes many shapes on a radiograph.
i.
How can porosity form in a weld, and not be seen by the
welder?
ii.
Which welding process can cause porosity to form?
iii.
How is piping porosity formed?
iv.
What type of porosity has been distinguish by API 1104?
v.
How does radiographic image appear for this imperfections?
vi.
What are the factors of acceptance and rejection of
individual porosity?
vii.
Which section should be apply when cluster porosity cannot be
proven?
viii.
What type of porosity indicate in root pass?
ix.
Porosity may or may not be visible to the naked eye.
Occasionally porosity can be found in the face of the weld or sometimes the
face may appear porosity free, but deep inside the weld porosity may exist.
Define what is porosity?
x.
Sketch the medium size of the gas pocket for maximum
distribution wall thickness less than or equal to 0.500 inch (12.7mm)
j.
Cracks are fracture-type
discontinuities. They can be readily identified by their sharp tip and their
high ratio of length and width to the displacement of the opening. Cracks occur
in weld and base metals when localized stresses exceed the ultimate strength of
the metal.
i.
How longitudinal or transverse crack should occurs between
the weld joint?
ii.
Why cracks is most critical imperfection?
iii.
List the characteristic of cracks.
iv.
What type of cracks may acceptable without repair in API
1104?
v.
How does radiographic image appear for this imperfections?
k.
In accordance to API 1104, cracks
including crater and star cracks
shall be considered a defect if they are: -
l.
Undercut consists of a groove
melted into the base metal adjacent to the weld toe or root and left unfilled
by weld metal.
Undercut may often be seen only in metallographic tests
in which etched weld cross sections are examined under
magnification.
i.
What is undercut, and described how undercut is measured?
ii.
How does internal and external undercut appear in weldment?
iii.
What is the cause of undercut?
iv.
How does radiographic image appear for this imperfections?
3.
API 1104 is the standard used to
entirely voluntary and is intended to apply to welding of piping used in the
compression, pumping, and transmission of crude petroleum, petroleum products,
and fuel gases and, where applicable, to distribution systems. Refer to the
standard and ANSWER the following:
a.
In accordance to API 1104, an individual or scattered porosity shall be considered a
defect should the size of the pore is:
b.
Is it correct to interpret that the spacing of the
larger acceptable sized of porosity, be spaced such that the distance is
similar?
Section 10 – Repair and removal of defects
1. In accordance
to API 1104, repair and removal of weld defect is a commonly used technique in
which the cracked material is removed by arc gouging and the element is welded
to re-join the material on either side of the crack
i.
Accordance to section 10.1.2. Describe two conditions that
require a qualified repair welding procedure
ii.
Accordance to section 10.1.1, what is the
acceptable value for cracks after evaluation and repaired? And what types of
cracks are permitted?
2. A qualified
repair procedure must include the minimum requirements listed in 10.2.1 through
10.2.6. Destructive testing is necessary to demonstrate that the procedure is
adequate.
i.
Accordance to section 10.2.1, what is the method of
exploration of the defect?
ii.
Accordance to section 10.2.3, what type of inspection should
be used to confirm completion removal of the defect?
iii.
Accordance to section 10.2.4, why it is necessary to used
preheat and interpass heat treatment after repairing the weld defect?
Discussion Question.
1.
Which welding process may be done in common application in
industry for the permitted process?
2.
Which NDT may be done in common application in industry for
the permitted technique?
3.
API 1104 applies to the welding of pipe and fittings that
conform to which specification?
4.
Atmospheres for shielding an arc may consist of ____________:
5.
Which of the following represent changes in essential
variables for a manual welding procedure?
6.
A welding procedure test is being performed on 3 inch
schedule 80 pipe (0.300” wall). What is
the total number of specimens required for testing?
7.
For procedure qualification, the exposed surfaces of each
nick-break specimen shall ____________
8.
What is the criteria to test fillet-welded joints for
qualification of a welding procedure?
9.
The bend test shall be considered acceptable if:
10. The exposed surfaces of
each fillet-weld-break specimen shall show:
VLE questions list for
Chapter 2:
|
Types of questions |
Total questions |
Week |
Time |
Durations |
|
Multiple choice |
100 |
4 |
|
2 hours |
|
True and false |
50 |
5 |
|
1.5 hours |
|
Missing words |
200 |
4 & 5 |
|
2 hour |
Chapter 5 – Weld Inspection Practice (ISO 5817)
5.1 Introduction
Methods of weld testing and analysis are used to assure
the quality and correctness of the weld after it is completed. This term
generally refers to testing and analysis focused on the quality and strength of
the weld.
•
To
ensure development of quality weld by collecting qualitative and quantitative
data.
–
Qualitative - Non destructive tests
–
Quantitative
- Hardness, tensile strength,
ductility, toughness, fracture toughness
•
To
asses suitability of welding for specific application.
Stages of Inspection
-
Before
Welding – Cleaning, Edge preparation
-
During
Welding - Selection of input parameters,
welding speed
-
After
Welding – Removal slag, Peening, Pwht
Types of weld inspection
-
–
Destructive
o
•
Physical damage to w/p and welded join.
o
•
Quantitative data obtained
-
–
Non Destructive
o
•
Without Physically damaging the workpiece and joint
o
•
Qualitative data is obtained
5.2 Visual Inspection
Visual examination of the test weld is a requirement for
welder qualification and generally precedes preparation and testing of samples
for mechanical testing. If the visual examination reveals that the weld
contains imperfections that exceed the limits given in 6.4, rejection is
automatic and no additional testing need be performed.
5.3.1 Visual
Inspection (VT)
Visual inspection is often
the most cost-effective method, but it must take place prior to, during and
after welding. Visual examination of the test weld is a requirement for welder
qualification and generally precedes preparation and testing of samples for mechanical
testing. Before the first welding arc is struck, materials should be examined
to see if they meet specifications for quality, type, size, cleanliness and
freedom from defects. Grease, paint, oil, oxide film or heavy scale should be
removed. The pieces to be joined should be checked for flatness, straightness
and dimensional accuracy.
During fabrication, visual examination of a weld bead and the end crater
may reveal problems such as cracks, inadequate penetration, and gas or slag
inclusions. Among the weld defects that can be recognized visually are
cracking, surface slag inclusions, surface porosity and undercut.
5.3.2 Conditions for Visual
inspection
The conditions for visual
inspection can are affected mainly by the following:
i.
Lightning
ii.
Angle and distance of viewing
Light
It is essential that their
is adequate illumination (lighting) present during inspection and that the
access and angle of viewing are suitable. BS EN 970 states that the minimum
light conditions shall be 350 lux. (500 lux similar to normal shop).
Angle and Distance
BS EN 970 states that
viewing conditions for direct inspection shall be within 600mm of the surface
and the viewing. For general visual inspection of welds there is generally an
optimum viewing range of 150 – 500 mm where inspection can comfortably be
carried out. It should be remembered that it is very good practice to carry out
visual inspection using a variety of viewing angles as some imperfections
particularly mechanical damage can only be identified when viewed in reflected
light.
5.3.3 Visual Inspection Tools
To visually inspect
and evaluate welds, adequate illumination and good eyesight provide the basic requirements.
In addition, a basic set of optical aids and measuring tools, specifically
designed for weld inspection can assist the inspector. Listed below are some
commonly used tools or methods with VT of welds:
·
Optical Aids
o
Lighting
o
Mirrors
o
Magnifiers
o
Borescopes and Fiberscopes
·
Mechanical Aids
o
Steel ruler
o
Vernier scale
o
Combination square set
o
Thickness gauge
o
Levels
·
Weld Examination Devices
o
Inspector’s kit
o
Bridge cam gauge
o
Fillet weld gauge
§
Adjustable fillet weld
gauge
§
Skew-T fillet weld gauge
§
The weld fillet gauge
§
Hi-lo welding gauge
§
Digital pyrometer or
temperature sensitive crayons
5.4 ISO 5817
ISO (the International Organization
for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally
carried out through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a
subject for which a technical committee has been established has the right to
be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO
collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
5.5 Visual Inspection
Report Form
The requirement for
examination records/inspection reports will vary according to contract and type
of fabrication and there may not always be a need for a formal records. When a
records is required it may be necessary to show that items have been checked at
the specified stages and that they have been checked at the specified stages
and that they have satisfied the acceptance criteria, The form of this record
will vary possibly a signature against an activity on an Inspection Check List
or Quality Plan or an individual report for an item. Typical lists details for
inclusions as:
a)
Name of the component manufacturer
b)
Examining body, if different
c)
Identification of the object examined
d)
Material
e)
Type of joint
f)
Material Thickness
g)
Welding process
h)
Acceptance criteria
i)
Imperfections exceeding the acceptance criteria and their
location
j)
Extent of examination with reference to drawing as
appropriate
k)
Examination devices used
l)
Result of examination with reference to acceptance criteria
m) Name of examiner/inspector
and date of examination
When it is required by
contract to produce and retain permanent visual records of a weld as examined,
photographs, accurate sketches or both should be made with any imperfections
clearly indicated.
5.6 Fillet Welded Tee
Joint
In this type of connection one plate element "T"'s into
another. The joint can be made with fillet, partial penetration, or full
penetration welds. Fillet welded joints such as 'T', lap and corner joints are
the most common connection in welded fabrication. In total they probably
account for around 80% of all joints made by arc welding.
To assess a Fillet welded T Joint for sizes and visual acceptance of the
weld and joint, several guidance should be considered.
1)
Firstly, the plate reference number must be recorded in the
top left hand corner of the report sheet, then thickness of the plate is
measured and then entered in the top right hand corner of the report sheet in
the boxes provided.
2)
Secondly, both fillet weld leg lengths must be measured to
find both maximum and minimum leg lengths in both Vertical and Horizontal legs.
These values are entered in the boxes provided on the report sheet. Use the
gauge as shown below:
(i)
Fillet Weld
Leg Length: The gauge may be used to measure
fillet weld leg lengths of up to 25mm, as shown on left. (ii)
Fillet Weld
Leg Length: The gauge may be used to measure
fillet weld leg lengths of up to 25mm, as shown on left.
3)
Thirdly, the maximum and minimum throat thickness is measured
and entered in the boxes provided on the report sheet. These values are
measured as shown below:
5.7
Macro-examination
Macro-etching is the procedure in which a specimen is etched and evaluated
macrostructurally at low magnifications. It is frequently used for evaluating
carbon and low alloy steel products such as billets, bars, blooms and forgings
as well as welds. Macro-examinations are also performed on a polished and
etched cross-section of a welded material. During the examination, a number of features
can be determined including weld run sequence, important for weld procedure
qualifications tests.
5.7.1
Micro-examination
This is performed on samples either cut to size or
mounted in a resin mould. The samples are polished to a fine finish, normally
one-micron diamond paste and usually etched in an appropriate chemical solution
prior to examination on a metallurgical microscope. Micro-examination is
performed for a number of purposes, the most obvious of which is to assess the structure
of the material. It is also common to examine for metallurgical anomalies such
as third phase precipitates, excessive grain growth, etc.
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Chapter 6 – Welding Process
6.1 Oxy Fuel Arc Welding (OAW)
The oxyacetylene welding process uses a combination
of oxygen and acetylene gas to provide a high temperature flame. The high
temperature flame melts the metal faces of the work-pieces to be joined,
causing them to flow together. A filler metal alloy is normally added and
sometimes used to prevent oxidation and to facilitate the metal union.
6.2 Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
SMAW is manual arc welding in which the heat for
welding is generated by an electric arc established between a flux-covered consumable
metal rod called the electrode and the work. For this reason, the process is
also called stick electrode welding. The combustion and decomposition of the
electrode creates a gaseous shield that protects the electrode tip, weld
puddle, arc, and the highly heated work from atmospheric contamination.
6.3 Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) uses the heat
generated by a DC electric arc to fuse the metal in the joint area, the arc
being struck between a continuously fed consumable filler wire and the
workpiece, melting both the filler wire and the workpiece in the immediate
vicinity. The entire arc area is covered by a shielding gas that protects the
molten weld pool from the atmosphere. FCAW is a variant of the MIG process and,
while there are many common features between the two processes, there are also
several fundamental differences.
6.4 Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
The complete name for GMAW is gas metal arc welding
as shown in Figure 11. Slang and trade names are often applied, such as MIG for
metal inert gas (aluminum and magnesium are typical when only an inert gas is
used) or MAG for metal active gas [carbon steel and stainless-steel welding
when carbon dioxide (CO2) and/or oxygen (O2) is added to the inert gas]. Some
slang names relate more specifically to the part of the process like CO2 or
wire welding.
6.5 Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
The necessary heat for Gas Tungsten
Arc Welding (TIG) is produced by an electric arc maintained between a non
consumable tungsten electrode and the part to be welded. Consequently, GTAW is
commonly known as TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding. The heat-affected zone, the
molten metal, and the tungsten electrode are all shielded from the atmosphere
by a blanket of inert gas fed through the GTAW torch. Inert gas is that which
is inactive, or deficient in active chemical properties. The shielding gas
serves to blanket the weld and exclude the active properties in the surrounding
air. GTA welding is efficient for welding metals ranging from sheet metal up to
1/4 in.
6.6 Plasma Arc Welding
If a high voltage is applied between
the electrode and the workpiece while the plasma gas is flowing, the gas is
ionized and becomes conductive, then a plasma arc is generated. Since the
plasma arc is restricted by the nozzle, it had higher energy density, compared
to MAG and TIG and can be used as a heat source of ultra high temperature
(above 20,000°C) having high heat concentrating performance.
6.7 Submerged Arc Welding
The controlled welding
current provides the heat to fuse the filler rod, parent metal and flux which
is supplied from flux hopper. The flux forms a slag than deposited the weld
metal and floats on the surface as a protective cover against oxidization of
the steel. The wire speed controlled by a wire feeder to adjust the deposition
rate according to different heat input. The infused flux is collected by vacuum
for recycling and thus keeping the working area air clean.
Discussion Question
SMAW
1. SMAW is manual arc welding in which
the heat for welding is generated by an electric arc. What is the factors to successful for
Smaw welding?
2. The size of the electrode generally
depends on the thickness of the section being welded, and the thicker the
section the larger the electrode required. What is the application of electrode
for AWS E7024?
3. Name
three types generic of flux covering of consumable electrodes for Smaw welding
process.
4. The
flow of electrons through the circuit is the welding current, measured in
Amperes (I). What types of defects will
appear when amperage too high?
5. Arc
voltage is the voltage required to maintain the arc during welding and is
usually between 20-40V. What types of defect will appear when arc voltage too
low?
6. What
are the most common stick electrodes? And give the examples.
7. What
do AWS E7018 stick electrode
classifications mean?
8. What
function does the flux surrounding a stick electrode serve?
9. What
are the two methods of striking an arc?
10. What
are the two primary kinds of beads? How are they made?
FCAW
/ GMAW
1.
Sketch the FCAW-G and
FCAW-S process schematics and label and highlight the differences.
2.
Describe the three main
modes of metal transfer used with the GMAW process.
3.
Describe how bird
nesting can be eliminated.
4.
Describe the crater
filling technique.
5.
Describe the use of the
following GMAW and FCAW machine controls: wire-feed speed control, voltage
control, slope control, inductance control.
6.
List five items
necessary for the constant voltage power source and constant speed wire feeder to
function properly to sustain the welding arc.
7.
Describe the indicator
you will have if the proper arc length (voltage) is set when a spray arc mode
of metal transfer is being used.
8.
List the safety concerns
for GMAW that are different than those for the SMAW and GTAW processes.
9.
List the types of metal
that can be welded with the GMAW process.
10. List the four causes of incomplete penetration and fusion when
welding aluminum with the GMAW process.
Chapter 7 – Welding Cutting Process
Cutting
of metals implies severing or removal of metal. Cutting is the process of
separating metals, i.e., a metal piece is separated or split into two parts.
Cutting of metals is an everyday practice in industry.
When
it comes to cutting metal, several processes are available today. Two of the
most widely used thermal cutting technologies are oxyfuel and plasma. Although
oxyfuel is a tried-and-true method, plasma is a more versatile – and less
expensive – alternative with an equally good performance record.
7.1 Flame Cutting
The process often called Flame Cutting is known by many names, such as
Oxy Acetylene Cutting, Oxy Fuel Gas Cutting, Oxygen Burning, Steel Burning and
other terms too numerous to mention. It is an oxygen cutting process wherein the
severing of metals is effected by means of the chemical reaction of oxygen with
the base metal at elevated temperatures, the necessary temperature being
maintained by means of a gas flame obtained from the combustion of a fuel gas
(such as acetylene, hydrogen, propane, etc.) and oxygen.
7.2 Thermal Cutting
The thermal processes and the oxy-fuel gas process in particular share
two disadvantages. First, heat changes the structure of metal in a
"heat-affected zones" adjacent to the cut. This may degrade some
metallurgical qualities at the cut's edge, requiring pre-treatment or trimming.
Secondly, tolerances may be less accurate than a machined cut, except for laser
cutting.
7.3 Plasma cutting
Plasma is defined as a gas which has been heated to an extremely high
temperature and ionized so that it becomes electrically conductive. The plasma
arc cutting and gouging processes use this plasma to transfer an electric arc
to the workpiece. The metal to be cut or removed is melted by the heat of the
arc and then blown away. By forcing the plasma gas and electric arc through a
small orifice, the torch delivers a high concentration of heat to a small area.
Discussion
1.
What principle makes possible the cutting of metal by OFC?
2.
How does a cutting torch differ from a welding torch?
3.
What determines the oxygen and acetylene pressure that must
be used for cutting?
4.
What is the benefits to facilitate an even cut?
5.
How can it be determined that the cut is penetrating through
the metal?
6.
What is the position of the torch when cutting round stock?
7.
What is the possible steps to making a bevel angle cut with
cutting torch?
8.
Describe the operation for piercing small holes with a
cutting torch.
9.
Describe the operation for cutting cast iron, assuming a good
grade of iron?
10. How is the torch held when
cutting cast iron?
11. What types of metals can
be cut by Plasma Arc Cutting?
12. What type of electrode is
used in the Air Carbon Arc Cutting processes?
13. What does the term
“washing” mean when using Air Carbon Arc Cutting?
14. What are some of the
precautions that should be observed before engaging in any cutting operation?
Chapter 8 – Weld Symbol
8.1 Introduction
The use of welding symbols enables a designer
to indicate clearly to the welder, important detailed information regarding the weld. The information in the welding symbol can include details for the weld such as length,
depth of penetration, height of reinforcement, groove type, groove
dimensions, location, process, filler metal, strength, number of welds, weld shape, and surface finishing. All of this information would normally be included on the welding
assembly drawings.
It is important to study and understand each part of the welding symbol.
Figure 1 is a table showing basic weld symbols that are
used with the
AWS welding symbol to direct the
welder in producing the proper weld joint. The arrow of the welding symbol
indicates the point at which the weld is to be made. The line connecting the
arrow to the reference line is always at an angle.
Figure 1 shows the basic components of welding
symbols, consisting of a reference line with an arrow on one end. Other
information relating to various features of the weld are shown by symbols, abbreviations,
and figures located around the reference line. A tail is added to the basic
symbol as necessary for the placement of specific information.
8.2 Indicating Types Of Welds
Welds are classified as follows:
fillets, grooves, flange, plug or slot, spot or protecting, seam, back or
backing, and surfacing. Each type of weld has a specific symbol that is used on
drawings to indicate the weld. A fillet weld, for example, is designated by a
right triangle. A plug weld is indicated by a rectangle. All of the basic symbols
are shown in Figure 2.
8.3 Weld Location
Welding symbols are applied to the
reference line at the base. All reference lines have an arrow side (near side)
and other side (far side). Accordingly, the terms arrow side, other side, and
both sides are used to locate the weld with respect to the joint. The reference
line is always drawn horizontally. An arrow line is drawn from one end or both
ends of a reference line to the location of the weld. The arrow line can point
to either side of the joint and extend either upward or downward. If the weld
is to be deposited on the arrow side of the joint (near side), the desired weld
symbol is placed below the reference line, Figure 3A.
FIGURE 3 Designating weld location. American Welding Society
8.4 Location Significance Arrow
In the case of fillet and groove
welding symbols, the arrow connects the welding symbol reference line to one
side of the joint. The surface of the joint that the arrow point actually
touches is considered to be the arrow side of the joint. The side opposite the
arrow side of the joint is considered to be the other (far) side of the joint.
Discussion
1.
What is meant by the arrow side of the welding symbol?
2.
What is meant by the other side of the welding symbol?
3.
Indicate the meaning of the following welding symbols.
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What type of weld do these symbol indicate?
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5.
These symbols represent for what weld specification?
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These symbol represent for what weld specifications?
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7.
Draw completed welding symbols including necessary information,
to describe the following welds.
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Indicates flare vee groove weld joint |
8.
What do these welding symbols mean?
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9.
What do these welding symbols represent?
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10. Identify the parts of the
master welding symbol shown
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Chapter 9 – Material Identification
9.1 Introduction
During welding inspection,
the inspector should verify the conformance of the base material and filler
metal chemistries with the selected or specified alloyed materials. This should
include reviewing the certified mill test report, reviewing stamps or markings
on the components.
9.2
Material type and weldability
A welding inspector must understand and interpret
the material designation to check compliance with relevant normative documents.
For example materials standards such as BS EN, API, ASTM, the WPS, purchase order,
fabrication drawings, quality plan/contract specification and client requirements.
A commonly used material standard for steel
designation is BS EN 10025 – Hot rolled
products of non-alloy structural steels.
9.3
Material condition and dimensions
The condition of the
material could have an adverse effect on the service life of the component so
is an important inspection point. The points for inspection must include:
General inspection.
Visible imperfections.
Dimensions.
Surface condition.
There
are four grades of rusting which the inspector may have to consider:
Rust
Grade A: Steel surface largely covered with adherent
millscale with little or no rust.
Rust
Grade B: Steel surface which has begun to rust and from
which mill scale has begun to flake.
Rust
Grade C: Steel surface on which the mill scale has rusted
away or from which it can be scraped. Slight pitting visible under normal
vision.
Rust
Grade D: Steel surface on which mill scale has rusted
away. General pitting visible under normal vision.
Chapter 10 – Documents
Related to Welding Inspection
10.1 Introduction
It is essential for the
welding inspector to have an opportunity to study all applicable documents
before the start of the job. This pre welding effort provides the welding
inspector with information about the upcoming inspection. Some of the
information that can be gained from this document review includes the
following:
•
Part
size and geometry
•
Base
and filler metals to be used
•
Requirements
for hold points
•
Processing
details
•
Processes
to be used
•
Specification
for nondestructive inspection
•
Extent
of inspection
•
Acceptance/rejection
criteria
•
Qualification
requirements for personnel
•
Procedure
and welder qualification
•
Materials
control requirements
10.2 Drawing
Drawings describe the part
or structure in graphic detail. Drawing dimensions, tolerances, notes, weld and
welding details, and accompanying documents should be reviewed by the
inspector. This gives the welding inspector some idea of the part size and configuration.
Dimensions provided on a
blueprint have two basic functions:
·
To provide the sizes needed to fabricate the parts.
·
To indicate locations where the individual components of each
part should be placed.
Welding details shown on
drawings or other documents include locations, lengths and sizes of welds,
joint configurations, material call-outs, specification of non-destructive
examination, and special processing requirements. Some materials require
special techniques such as preheating. The welding inspector should be aware of
this before the start of any welding.
10.3 Codes
The
American Welding Society (AWS) publishes numerous documents covering the use
and quality control of welding. These documents include codes, specifications,
recommended practices, classifications, methods and guides.
The welding inspector will
often inspect work according to some code. Several organizations including AWS
and ASME have developed codes for various areas of concern. AWS has published
nine codes, each of which covers different types of industrial welding
applications:
·
AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code—Steel
·
AWS D1.2 Structural Welding Code—Aluminum
·
AWS D1.3 Structural Welding Code—Sheet Steel
·
AWS D1.4 Structural Welding
Code—Reinforcing Steel
·
AWS D1.5 Bridge Welding Code
·
AWS D1.6 Structural Welding
Code—Stainless Steel
·
AWS D1.8 Structural Welding
Code—Seismic Supplement
·
AWS D1.9 Structural Welding Code—Titanium
·
AWS D9.1 Sheet Metal Welding Code
Many codes are issued by professional organizations such as
the American Welding Society (AWS) and the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers (ASME) and trade associations like the American Petroleum Institute
(API).
They are known as consensus standards. Committees of senior
engineers and scientists within these organizations establish and update these
codes.
With so many different sections
involved, it is imperative that the welding inspector understand where each
specific type of information can be found. It should be noted that Section II,
Part C, is essentially identical to the AWS Filler Metal Specifications; ASME
adopted the AWS specifications almost in their entirety. If the inspector
specializes in a certain area, then only the section covering the topic
concerned needs to be reviewed
10.4
Standard
A standard is treated as a
separate document classification; however, the term standard also applies to
numerous types of documents, including codes and specifications. Other types of
documents considered to be standards are procedures, recommended practices,
groups of graphic symbols, classifications, and definitions of terms.
Some standards are
considered to be mandatory. This means the information is an absolute
requirement. A mandatory standard is precise, clearly defined and suit-able for
adoption as part of a law or regulation. There-fore, the welding inspector must
make judgments based on the content of these standards. These mandatory
standards use such words as “shall” and “will” because their requirements are
not a matter of choice. Codes are examples of mandatory standards because they
have legal status.
Another common standard
used by certain welding inspectors is the American Petroleum Institute’s API
1104, Standard for Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities. As the name
implies, this standard applies to the welding of cross-country pipelines and
other equipment used in the transportation and storage of petroleum products.
This standard covers the requirements for qualification of welding procedures,
welders and welding operators. It applies to gas and arc welding of butt and
T-joints in pipe used in the compression, pumping, and transmission of crude petroleum,
petroleum products, and fuel gases. API 1104 also includes requirements for the
visual and radiographic inspection of these welds.
The American Society for
Testing and Materials (ASTM) produces many volumes of specifications covering
numerous materials and test methods. These standards include both metal and
nonmetal products for many industries. As their name implies, they are also
involved in the details of methods for evaluating these materials. These
specifications are widely recognized by both buyers and suppliers. The result
is a better under-standing of the requirements for particular materials and
test methods. When a specific material or test is required, it is easier to
communicate the necessary information if the specification exists and is
readily available.
10.5
Specifications
The final document
classification to be discussed is the specification. This type is described as,
“a detailed description of the parts of a whole; statement or enumeration of
particulars, as to actual or required size, quality, performance, terms, etc.”
A specification is a detailed description or listing of required attributes of
some item or operation. Not only are those requirements listed, but there may
also be some description of how they will be measured.
Other organizations that
have developed specifications for their particular industries are API and AWS.
API specifications govern the requirements for materials and equipment used by
the petroleum industry.
The American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private organization responsible for
coordinating national standards for use within the United States. ANSI does not
actually prepare standards. Instead, it forms national interest review groups
to determine whether proposed standards are in the public’s interest. If the
consensus is reached for the general value of a particular standard, then it
may be adopted as an American National Standard. However, adoption of a
standard by ANSI does not, of itself, give it mandatory status.
Other industrial countries
also develop and issue standards on the subject of welding. There is an
International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its goal is the
establishment of uniform standards for use in international trade and exchange
of services. ISO is made up of the standards-writing bodies of more than 80
countries and has adopted or developed over 4000 standards. ANSI is the
designated U.S. representative to ISO. ISO standards and publications are
available from ANSI.
The American Welding
Society (AWS) publishes numerous documents covering the use and quality control
of welding. These documents include codes, specifications, recommended
practices, classifications, methods and guides. AWS publications cover the
following subject areas: definitions and symbols; filler metals; qualification
and testing; welding processes; welding applications; and safety.
10.6
Control of Materials
Materials for welded
fabrication are often ordered with the stipulation that they meet a particular
standard or specification. To demonstrate this compliance, the sup-plier can
furnish documentation that describes the important characteristics of the
material. This documentation for metals is sometimes referred to as an “MTR,”
which is the abbreviation for Material (or Mill) Test Report, or “MTC,” which
is the abbreviation for Material (or Mill) Test Certificate.
When material ordered to
some specification arrives at the fabrication site, the inspector may be
responsible for reviewing the accompanying MTRs. This review can aid in determining
whether or not the material meets all the applicable requirements of that
specification. Normally, the material will be physically identified as to its
type, grade, heat number, etc. This identification may be painted, stenciled,
or otherwise noted in some conspicuous location on the material’s surface. The
inspector should compare that identification with the information contained on
the MTR to ensure that the proper documentation has been provided and that the
material is actually that which was ordered.
For a material control
program to be successful there must be some system whereby the received
material can then be traced through the various fabrication steps. The goal is
to be able to trace each piece of material used in some fabricated component
all the way back to the MTR, and therefore, its manufacturer. Positive Material
Identification (PMI) is finding its way into the industry. Those using PMI do
not rely on MTRs solely for material identification. There have been instances
where Notarized MTRs have been wrong. In some critical applications such as
chemical plants and refineries the material is checked 100% to verify its
chemistry.
A short, specific
alphanumeric code can be assigned to a specific group of material to simplify
the operation while still maintaining traceability. When material of a given
type, grade, heat, etc., is received, it is assigned some code such as A1, A2,
A3, …, D1, D2, etc. The material information is then listed on a log sheet and
associated with its proper alphanumeric code. Once this relationship is
established, the specific code is all that is needed to trace that material
through the fabrication steps.
10.7
Alloy Identification
Alloy identifications are
usually developed by industry associations such as the Society of Automotive
Engineers (SAE), American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), and the Copper
Development Association (CDA). Alloy identification systems were created to
assist those working within a particular industry, and often with little regard
to industries outside their sphere of influence. The Unified Number System
(UNS) was developed in 1974 to help interconnect many nationally used numbering
systems that are currently supported by societies, trade associations, and
individual users and producers of metals and alloys. The UNS is a means to
avoid confusion caused by the use of more than one identification number for
the same material, or the same identification numbers appearing for two or more
entirely different materials.
The standard practice
initiated by the Unified Numbering System aids the efficient indexing, record
keeping, data storage, retrieval and cross referencing of metals and alloys.
The system is not, however, a specification regarding form, condition, quality,
etc., of the materials covered. It is for basic identification purposes only.
10.8 Typical Steel Specification
The welding inspector is
sometimes required to compare actual material properties with the requirements
of the specified material specification. ASTM has developed numerous material
specifications; those referring to metals contain much the same types of
information. To become familiar with what type of information is pro-vided as
well as how it is presented; a typical steel specification will be discussed.
For this example, the ASTM
specification A 514, Standard Specification for High Yield Strength,
Quenched and Tempered Alloy Steel Plate, Suitable for Welding, will
be used to illustrate some of the details which may be included in a typical
steel specification.
Scope. This statement explains
exactly what is to be described by the specification. That is, it
defines the limits of the specification’s coverage.
Applicable Documents. This is a listing of other
documents which may be referred to within the text of the specification.
General Requirements for
Delivery. Here,
there is a statement regarding the required condition of the material if
ordered to comply with this specification. Steel specifications will normally
refer to ASTM A 6 rather than including all of those requirements in each
individual specification.
Process. The approved method(s) of
producing this product are listed.
Heat Treatment. For alloys requiring heat
treatment, the details of that treatment will be stated.
Chemical Requirements. This section refers you to
a table which lists the actual chemical composition requirements. It is
important to note that several grades will usually be listed, and each grade
has a separate required chemical composition.
Tensile Requirements. This paragraph refers to a
table which defines the required tensile values for the alloy. Required
tensile values are usually different for various thickness ranges.
Brinell Hardness
Requirements. For materials requiring Brinell hardness testing, the extent and
requirements are stated.
Test Specimens. Any information relating
to the location, preparation and treatment of test specimens is stated here.
Number of Tests. The number of test
specimens required to show compliance is stated.
Retest. This paragraph describes what
procedures will be followed if any of the test specimens fail
Marking. A statement is made
regarding how this material will be identified.
Supplemental Requirements.
Any
additional details which may be required by the purchaser are stated.
These are not considered to be requirements unless so stated by the purchaser
in the purchase order.
10.9
Typical Filler Metal Specification
The welding inspector may
also be required to review welding filler metal properties to check for
compliance with the applicable specification. One of these specifications, AWS
A5.1, Specification for Covered Carbon Steel Arc Welding Electrodes,
will serve as an example of the type of information provided as well as
a description of the meaning of that information.
Some of the important
features of this specification are described below.
Scope. This describes the
coverage of the specification.
Section A—General
Requirements
Classification. The basis for
classification is stated. Reference is made to various tables which list these
classifications, based on type of current, type of covering, welding position,
chemical composition, and mechanical properties.
Acceptance. States that electrodes
will be accepted if they comply with the requirements of AWS A5.01.
Certification. States that the
manufacturer must certify that his product meets all of the requirements
of this specification.
Retests. If any test fails, two
retests must be conducted and each must pass.
Method of Manufacture. Any method of manufacture
which produces a product in accordance with this specification is
satisfactory.
Marking. States what minimum
identification must be visible on the outside of each package.
Packaging. Describes suitable
packaging, including standard sizes and configurations.
Rounding-off Procedures. Explains how tensile data
will be rounded to the nearest 1000 psi.
Section B—Required Tests
and Test Methods. Describes the various chemical and mechanical tests which may
be required to judge the acceptability of a filler metal with this
specification. Tests include chemical composition, all-weld-metal tensile,
impact, sound-ness, transverse tensile, longitudinal guided bend, and fillet
weld tests.
Section C—Manufacture,
Packaging, and Identification. Details the specification requirements for these features.
Section D—Details of
Tests. Describes
the actual details of performing the various tests used to measure the
suitability of a filler metal to meet this specification. It also describes
which of those tests are required for each classification.
Appendix. Contains additional
descriptive information about certain requirements found in the main
body of the specification. Includes information related to the actual care and
use of electrodes complying with this specification.
10.10
Qualification of Procedures and
Welders
Part of every major
welding project, whether completed in the shop or field, is the qualification
of welding procedures and welders, or welding operators. It is one of the most
important preliminary steps in the fabrication sequence. Too often projects are
begun without the bene-fit of proven welding procedures and personnel. This can
result in excessive reject rates in production due to some unsuspected
deficiency in the technique, materials or operator skill.
During the performance of
this qualification testing, the welding inspector may become involved.
Individual company structures will dictate the degree of involvement in this
process. Some codes require that the weld-ing inspector witness the actual
qualification welding and testing. Consequently, the welding inspector should
be aware of the various steps in the qualification of welding procedures and
welding personnel.
Most codes place the
burden of responsibility for qualification on the fabricator or contractor.
Therefore, welding qualifications are statements by the company verifying that
the welding procedures and personnel have been tested in accordance with the
proper codes and specifications and found to be acceptable.
The welding inspector may
also become involved with these qualifications from a document review
standpoint. One of the responsibilities may be to review both welding procedure
and welder qualification forms to deter-mine if they are in accordance with the
code and job specifications. Experienced welding inspectors realize that
numerous problem spots can be detected and corrected prior to welding if this
review is done carefully. Further, most codes give the welding inspector the
authority to request that welders be prequalified in the event they continue to
produce substandard work.
10.11
Procedure Qualification
The very first step in the
qualification process is the development of the welding procedure. This must
pre-cede both the welder qualification and the production welding because it
will determine if the actual technique and materials are compatible. In
general, the welding procedure qualification is performed to show the
compatibility of:
· base metal(s),
· weld or braze filler metal(s),
· process(es), and
· techniques.
Before we can evaluate the skill of welders to make a joint, we must
first define the joint itself and the process to make it. To do this we must
develop a welding procedure specification (WPS). There are three general
approaches to procedure qualification. These include prequalified procedures,
actual procedure qualification testing, and mock-up tests for special
applications. The mock-up tests may be used to supplement the other more
standard methods of procedure qualification.
A video that does a little
bit of a deep dive into Prequalified Welding Procedure Specifications, mainly
focusing on Clause 3 of AWS D1.1 Structural Steel Welding Code