Maximum allowable weld weave 1

[qcben]

I am wondering if anyone knows what the maximum weave is for SMAW (specifically ASME Section VIII Div 1). For some reason 3x is sticking in my brain, but I would like to know where to find it in the ASME Codes.

 

[SJones]

It isn't in the ASME codes. It's a 'rule of thumb' requirement aimed at keeping control of arc energy (heat input) and preventing 'blocking out'.

Steve Jones
Materials & Corrosion Engineer

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/8/83b/b04

 

[weldtek]

qcben,
I know of at least one situation where there is a restriction in Sec VIII limiting bead width. In UCS 56 there are certain criteria which must be met for making repairs to PWHT'd vessels or parts, without PWHT. One of the restrictions is to limit the the bead width to 4x core wire diameter.

 

[SJones]

Indeed it is: in item (f), 4, a). My apologies for missing this very specific case since it is adopted as the norm for all our vessel and piping SMAW welding.

Steve Jones
Materials & Corrosion Engineer

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/8/83b/b04

 

[JoeTank]

SJones,
I won't take back the star because you are still right. The "3X weave" business is a Code legend that is applied a lot of times as if it was in the Code. The UCS-56 reference is not the origin of this wive's tale.

Joe Tank

 

[BUTCHCWIQAM]

I agree with Joetank as I once was a boilermaker and I believe this be a very old wives tale because I have ask the old timer that trained me once why and he said that it is the way the old-timers trained him and to stop asking questions and get my butt back to work hahahaha good times… this is a dying art and we are not doing anything about it and I am almost an old-timers myself…. kids now a day do not want to take the time to listen and after I pass it will all fade away