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Weldolet branch connection looks so strange... (photo)

Weldolet branch connection looks so strange... (photo)

Weldolet branch connection looks so strange... (photo)

(OP)
Hi all,

Could this be right (see photo attached)??

Generally speaking, which standard specifies how the weldolet branch connections shall be fitted? I mean when it's set it, set on etc. and what's the proper orientation (meaning which side goes onto run pipe)?

Thanks in advance for all kinds of feedback

JT

RE: Weldolet branch connection looks so strange... (photo)

O'lets similar to that are typically set-on, don't think I've ever seen that style set-in.

Are there any markings left on the o'let? That's a clue to which end should be set on the run pipe.

RE: Weldolet branch connection looks so strange... (photo)

That does look to me like a butt weld-o-let. However, its bevel has not been fully filled out with weld, which is required to develop the full pressure rating of the component as a self-reinforcing branch. If the full rating of the branch is not required (often the case, since the typical butt weld-o-let is 3000#), you will have to determine if the quantity of weld deposited is suitable for the service.

No idea why the welding looks so terrible- there's no scale to indicate how big this thing is...

It is possible that the o-let was set on with an excessive root gap between the end of the bevel of the o-let and the OD of the pipe. No idea why that would have been done.

RE: Weldolet branch connection looks so strange... (photo)

The WOL in the picture can only be installed as a "set on" type of fit up. The part of the fitting that goes on the header is contoured to fit the contour of the pipe it's being installed on. Root opening tolerances are in welding procedure specifications. In all my years in the welding industry, I have never seen this type of fitting used with a "set in" type of fit up.

RE: Weldolet branch connection looks so strange... (photo)

There is no "standard" per se. Bonney forge provide this as guidance http://www.bonneyforge.com/resources/BC.pdf

That thing looks more like a buttweld pipet, see http://www.bonneyforge.com/resources/20140331WFIPr...

Looks horrible but might be OK if it's welded to the weld line.

The branch connection should be flat and the connection to the pipe contoured to match the OD of the pipe ( within certain ranges, e.g. 8" to 12" might be the same fitting)

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

RE: Weldolet branch connection looks so strange... (photo)

The current B31.3 edition, 2014, holds a pi ture on how to install/fit a weldolet.

RE: Weldolet branch connection looks so strange... (photo)

Fig 328.5.4F no less. Learnt something today.

Example is

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

RE: Weldolet branch connection looks so strange... (photo)

Weldolets and their Chinese clones are configured to match-up with a certain size of pipe ......one weldolet size does not work everywhere.

Compare the configuration of a 2" set-on weldolet configuration for a 4" NPS pipe versus one for a 20" pipe.

The weldolet in the picture is not the right size for the run pipe ...

Plus, the welder is an idiot ....

MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer

RE: Weldolet branch connection looks so strange... (photo)

Cut it off, refit and reweld it.

Before it becomes a projectile attached to one end of a pipe.

RE: Weldolet branch connection looks so strange... (photo)

MJCronin - Could well be that this is a serious mismatch of fitting size versus actual pipe size.

QCJT- We could do with some feedback ourselves on the posts and information provided and what the outcome is.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

RE: Weldolet branch connection looks so strange... (photo)

(OP)
Gent's sorry for not reacting to your valuable feedback so long. Due to unknown to me reasons the notification emails were ending up in the junk folder, so I didn't see any feedback till today... This is first time this happens, normally I get it all in my inbox.
Thank you all for practical tips and good answers (with sense of humor too). It's a pity that I can't update you on this matter, since nobody took any action on this piece and it seems it will stay as it is on the pipe, which is now on its way from pre-fab shop to the erection yard. I will advise our construction of course, based on your tips and will let you know what decision was finally taken!

Thank you very much.
JT

RE: Weldolet branch connection looks so strange... (photo)

I hope that this doesn't fail when it's put into service, but that really looks dangerous and incorrect to me. Did it pass hydrotest?

RE: Weldolet branch connection looks so strange... (photo)

(OP)
Hi gwalkerb,

It hasn't been hydrotested yet and I do not think that the hydrotest will be a problem.

Best regards,
JT

RE: Weldolet branch connection looks so strange... (photo)

Probably not a problem on hydrotest, only that the fitting doesn't meet the design code requirements and if it fails in service it will be your (you or your company) fault??

Looking at this again, whilst there might be a manufacturers weld line hidden below the top line of the weld, the concave nature of the weld is not permitted. This should be straight down as per the drawing in B 31.3. Otherwise you don't have enough metal for the area replacement design.

I don't think we've ever understood the branch and header sizes involved here, the wall thickness, the pressures, the contents or the design code (b31.3?) Also what is the branch? Does it have high vibration or stresses?

It still think that in the diagram below you are in the incomplete welding. Then compare your picture with the completed on below - compare and contrast.... If you saw an incomplete butt weld as shown on the diagram would you just let it go as well??

Does it need a lot of welding - yes it does.



Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

RE: Weldolet branch connection looks so strange... (photo)

(OP)
Hi LittleInch,

Thank you for the post. Good one! However in our case I think the weldolet was installed upside down and without the due machining. My recommendation was to redo it and I'm trying to get the info now as to what has actually happenned...

JT

RE: Weldolet branch connection looks so strange... (photo)

"I think the weldolet was installed upside down"

Meaning that nobody noticed the curvature on one end of the 'olet? Or that maybe it's actually a 'Flat-o-let'?

RE: Weldolet branch connection looks so strange... (photo)

QCJT,
There have been a lot of "opinions" thrown out there but you know the old story - opinions are like ass.....!
You have an "integrally reinforced fitting" ( As per B31.3) and the only requirement is the material and weld metal thicknesses meet codes requirements and the weld is complete penetration.
Prior to posting this question did you actually look inside to check the root penetration or lack of ?
If the root is completely fused and there is sufficient weld metal (as per code requirements) - who cares if it is an ugly fitting made from recycled baked bean cans cast in a foundry somewhere in the upper Himalayas (sorry, always wanted to slip that one in)
Cheers,
DD

RE: Weldolet branch connection looks so strange... (photo)

Great. Thanks for the updates and good to know it has all worked out as it should.

LI

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

RE: Weldolet branch connection looks so strange... (photo)

Thanks for posting the resolution, which makes all of us happier- and likely, also makes the end user of that piping safer too.

RE: Weldolet branch connection looks so strange... (photo)

QCJT,
Your original post questioned the correctness of the orientation of the fitting and then later you mentioned it was installed upside down.
Then it was supposedly removed, installed correctly and rewelded ?
Unless there is something wrong with my eyes both photos show the fitting installed the same way - the first shows the weld is incomplete and the second shows the weld completed ?
Cheers,
DD

RE: Weldolet branch connection looks so strange... (photo)

Maybe "upside down" meant "on the underside of the pipe"? Attached sketches with notes are always a good idea especially if there's a language barrier.

RE: Weldolet branch connection looks so strange... (photo)

(OP)
Gator, well spotted - they didn't turn it. Simply completed the welding. And to be honest, we are confused with this "orientation" thing. In the first image it seems that the weldolet should be flipped but now, when they filled up and completed the weld it looks allright...
Agree?

RE: Weldolet branch connection looks so strange... (photo)

QCJT,
The final photo does not appear to have a radius at the weld to main juncture as is indicated in the sketch posted by Littleinch. So there is still a stress raiser at this junction. Hopefully there is no significant cyclic loading. Once seen a 6"nb weldolet on a 12"nb line completely snapped off due to a combination of circumstances, all because of a stress raiser.

RE: Weldolet branch connection looks so strange... (photo)

(OP)
Denstan, thanks. I agree, it is not the smoothest transition but this isn't for cyclic loads so should be fine. And it is much better that what was there before.

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