A Fundamental Question Regarding Weep Holes
A Fundamental Question Regarding Weep Holes
(OP)
Design Code: ASME Section VIII
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Can someone please tell me if the weep holes at the reinforcing plate is sealed after the vessel is put into operation? Or should it be left open? Why?
I understand the weep hole is to detect leakages in welds during hydrstatic testing but does it serve any purpose after the vessel is put into operation?
Thanks.
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Can someone please tell me if the weep holes at the reinforcing plate is sealed after the vessel is put into operation? Or should it be left open? Why?
I understand the weep hole is to detect leakages in welds during hydrstatic testing but does it serve any purpose after the vessel is put into operation?
Thanks.





RE: A Fundamental Question Regarding Weep Holes
Weep holes serve more than one function. You noted one, others are to aid in release of gases produced during welding of the nozzle/rpad and another is to aid in detection of leakage from the nozzle/shell welds while under pressure. They should not be sealed while under operation.
Regards,
RLS
RE: A Fundamental Question Regarding Weep Holes
RE: A Fundamental Question Regarding Weep Holes
RE: A Fundamental Question Regarding Weep Holes
Cheers,
John
RE: A Fundamental Question Regarding Weep Holes
"X nos. of 1/4 inch NPT tell-tale holes (what you mentioned as weep holes)" to be provided. The holes shall be sealed with grease after pnuematic testing."
I hope this sounds adequate.
RE: A Fundamental Question Regarding Weep Holes
The attachment plate provides additional strength in the longitudinal and circ directions to the shell (compensation) and the welds take that load. If there was a leak in the nozzle then you'd have fluid pressure acting on the reinforcing pad directly and the welds would have to take that force too (pressure times area of reinfocing pad) in a different direction (tending to force the pad radially off of the vessel).