Tolerance of Weld Repair of SAWH Pipes

[zebmahar]

Hello,

I have a questing regarding weld repair allowed by API 5L in Annex C, Clause C.4.3

C.4.3 The total length of repaired zone on each pipe weld shall be < 5% of total weld length for SAW and COW weld seams.

Submerged Arc Welded Helical (SAWH) pipe have inside and outside welds and obviously weld length (spirally) is larger than pipe length. E.g. 12 m pipe has 18 m weld length (spirally) and if we calculate inside and outside welds separately it would be 36 meters.

Is < 5 % tolerance allowed for both welds? And < 5 % of 18 m or 36 m to be considered.

Kind Regards
zebmahar

 

[metengr]

Total weld length means total weld length regardless of a double vee or single vee weld joint configuration.