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Telltale hole: when to use it

Telltale hole: when to use it

Telltale hole: when to use it

(OP)
thread809-255764: API 650 telltales - to plug or not to plug

Dear fellows,

According to API-650,

5.7.2.10 Reinforcing plates for shell openings, or each segment of the plates if they are not made in one piece, shall be provided
with a 6 mm (1/4 in.) diameter telltale hole. Such holes shall be located on the horizontal centerline and shall be open to the
atmosphere.


5.8.11.4 All non-circular miscellaneous pads shall have rounded corners with a minimum radius of 50 mm (2 in.). Pads that
must cover shell seams shall be provided with a 6 mm (1/4 in.) telltale hole (see 5.7.3.4).


Is that a reccomended practice?

RE: Telltale hole: when to use it

(OP)
I'm in a big problem, the pads are already welded. How can we proceed with the leak test?

RE: Telltale hole: when to use it

You need holes to do the test and you are not supposed to post the same question in more than one forum.

RE: Telltale hole: when to use it

(OP)
I'm sorry. I was in the heat of the moment. Please ignore my last post. My first post prevails.

API-650 says:
"Pads that must cover shell seams shall be provided with a 6 mm (1/4 in.) telltale hole (see 5.7.3.4)."

I'm confused. All pads must have telltale holes, isn't that right?

RE: Telltale hole: when to use it

Where are you reading this? In the current version, 5.7.3.4 does not contain this language. In any case, all repads need holes to test the welds and provide a path for leak detection. Leave them open perhaps with a plug of grease to keep moisture from getting between the pad and the shell.

RE: Telltale hole: when to use it

(OP)
I saw in 5.8.11.4

About leave them open,

Our assembly supervisor wants to close the holes. I told him not to close them (API is crystal clear). But he insists, saying he is an experienced 70 years old engineer and did that in more than 10 sites here in Brazil with sucess. He called me nuts when I told him to put grease in the holes.

RE: Telltale hole: when to use it

I believe that this reference is for repads on the tank bottom.

RE: Telltale hole: when to use it

You should never insert a plug or weld the hole shut. It's called a telltale hole for a reason. The grease is to help deter crevace corrosion.

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