API 617 - Socket Welds 1

[LostrJrEng]

Hello,

I hope there is someone who can help me with an interpretation issue. On API 617, 7th Ed., Ch. 1, para. 2.3.2.3.4.1 there is a note saying that socket-welds are not allowed due to the possibility of a dirt trap.
Since this paragraph is under item 2.3.2 Pressure Casing Connections, one of my colleagues thinks that the socket-weld is prohibited only for the auxiliary connections to the pressure casing.
My understanding about this note is that you should not have anything socket welded in the entire lube oil system, for example, because a dirt trap may occur at any point that is connected by socket welding and not only at the connection to the casing.

Any thoughts about this matter would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[DBreyer]

I agree with your view.
If it acts as a dirt trap it doesn't really matter where it is exactly in the circuit. When the dirt is mobilised it will still cause issues.
In companies I worked so far connections creating no flow regions (socket welded, Lockring,...) were always prohibited in lube oil circuits.

Daniel Breyer
Inspection Engineer

http://lnkd.in/dFcQA-w