Weld on a UL tank 1

[Weldinspect]

Hello, I recently observed a weld on a new UL 142 Diesel tank (picture attached), but the manufacturer does not agree that welds should be ruled by AWS D1.1 and of course it does not say so in UL 142 but for me any weld at the end should be inspected by it. Opinions?

 

[JStephen]

I don't see any picture, so can't comment there.
Generally, tanks are welded per ASME rules, not per AWS D1.1. Not that the welding is that not (edited!) much different. But there are some details required by one while prohibited by the other, etc.
Where some of that comes from is that the AISC Code of Standard Practice defines "Structural Steel", and tanks are specifically excluded from that definition.
Meanwhile, the API and AWWA codes refer back to ASME B&PV Code, Section IX. I don't recall what UL 142 specifies.

 

[MintJulep]

My opinion is that an inspector's job is to confirm compliance to already defined requirements.

An inspector cannot impose new requirements onto already completed work.

 

[Weldinspect]

I don't see any picture, so can't comment there.
Generally, tanks are welded per ASME rules, not per AWS D1.1. Not that the welding is that much different. But there are some details required by one while prohibited by the other, etc.
Where some of that comes from is that the AISC Code of Standard Practice defines "Structural Steel", and tanks are specifically excluded from that definition.
Meanwhile, the API and AWWA codes refer back to ASME B&PV Code, Section IX. I don't recall what UL 142 specifies.

 

[Weldinspect]

Now that the picture is attached you may see another side of my question and thanks for your comment

 

[Weldinspect]

My opinion is that an inspector's job is to confirm compliance to already defined requirements.

An inspector cannot impose new requirements onto already completed work.

Yes but well the designer selected UL 142 and it doen´t say much about the weld but a weld is a weld and the basics for them is AWS right?

 

[MintJulep]

basics for them is AWS right?

The basis for welds and the inspection of welds for any specific thing is whatever is specified in the contract.

As you've discovered, UL 142 is rather weak at defining weld and weld inspection requirements.

Are you inspecting on behalf of the buyer?

Look in the purchase order and any other contract documents for something that defines weld inspection requirements. If you can't find anything then it's time for a discussion with the buyer. "The welding on this tank looks bad, but your contract doesn't define any inspection criteria, so I have no way to reject them. What do you want to do?"

 

[Weldinspect]

Good points thanks

Yes I represent the buyer

Shamefully the project design is very poor but even thoug the tank passed a pressure test I am very concerned about this weld so I am looking for opinions if it won´t fail and I could aprove the tank. It is a Disel one and horizontal

 

[David3399]

Is this a shell joint? If so which No. of figure 6.1 did they use? Then ask if there weld looks like the weld indicated in the figure.

 

[Weldinspect]

Is this a shell joint? If so which No. of figure 6.1 did they use? Then ask if there weld looks like the weld indicated in the figure.

It´s Number 4 from table 6.1, which has a fillet weld that should be continues

 

[MintJulep]

It´s Number 4 from table 6.1

Then you need to confirm "complete fusion", which requires probably UT.

 

[Weldinspect]

Thank you, I see the weld as non uniform but complete fusion though