×
INTELLIGENT WORK FORUMS
FOR ENGINEERING PROFESSIONALS

Log In

Come Join Us!

Are you an
Engineering professional?
Join Eng-Tips Forums!
  • Talk With Other Members
  • Be Notified Of Responses
    To Your Posts
  • Keyword Search
  • One-Click Access To Your
    Favorite Forums
  • Automated Signatures
    On Your Posts
  • Best Of All, It's Free!
  • Students Click Here

*Eng-Tips's functionality depends on members receiving e-mail. By joining you are opting in to receive e-mail.

Posting Guidelines

Promoting, selling, recruiting, coursework and thesis posting is forbidden.

Students Click Here

Jobs

Weld repairs per B31.3

Weld repairs per B31.3

Weld repairs per B31.3

(OP)
Does B31.3 limit the number of times a defective weld can be repaired? We have stainless welds in the fuel gas system where some welds were repaired twice.

RE: Weld repairs per B31.3

No.

RE: Weld repairs per B31.3

(OP)
Metengr,thanks but the client is insisting on cutting out the joint as two repairs (or in other words one re-repair) has been done to some of the welds before their acceptance. If we have to cutout the pipe section from the existing line and replace with a pup piece does B31.3 or any relevant ASME code give guidance on the minimum distance between two butt welds?

RE: Weld repairs per B31.3

No. the ASME Codes and Standards do not address minimum axial distance between butt welds. Follow good engineering practice by spacing them apart so as not to interfere with NDE.

RE: Weld repairs per B31.3

qualitypro,
Check your piping specification - as metengr stated there is no code requirement to reject a weld based on multiple repairs so if the client has just decided they don't like something the rework is at their cost.
I frequently see that requirement (1 x repair only allowed) in piping specifications for Duplex, Super Duplex and Titanium materials but cannot remember seeing it listed for stainless welds.
As for the spacing between welds, that again should be listed in the piping specification if it is considered critical.
Regards,
DD

RE: Weld repairs per B31.3

Review your Contract specification. If it only permits one repair, you must comply. If it does not limit the number of repairs, inform the Client in writing that the cut out will be charged to him at $$X as it is a Contract Change.
In most such contract requirements, only the complete, defective weld need be cut out and you do not need to replace with a pup piece; why make two welds unless dinensional requirements cannot be met?

RE: Weld repairs per B31.3

With an austenitic stainless the number of repairs shouldn't be an issue. As someone else stated the Duplex grades are often limited to 1 or 2 repairs maximum. I believe this relates to the transformation of ferrite to austenite that occurs in these materials at elevated temperature. Regardless, if the customer insists you have to do it their way, make them pay if you can.

Red Flag This Post

Please let us know here why this post is inappropriate. Reasons such as off-topic, duplicates, flames, illegal, vulgar, or students posting their homework.

Red Flag Submitted

Thank you for helping keep Eng-Tips Forums free from inappropriate posts.
The Eng-Tips staff will check this out and take appropriate action.

Reply To This Thread

Posting in the Eng-Tips forums is a member-only feature.

Click Here to join Eng-Tips and talk with other members!


Resources