welding weldolets 4

[Downhand]

How full do weldolets need to be welded. Do they need to be flush with the outside of the olet or not? Is there anything in any of the codes that speaks of this?

 

[gtaw]

The applicable ASME construction codes, i.e., B31.1, B31.3, etc. does address the extent of the weld required.

Weldolet is a trade name. The generic term is integrally reinforced branch fitting. A sketch is provided indicating the weld is a complete joint penetration groove weld with a reinforcing fillet weld.

You should also read the literature available from the manufacturer. They usually have illustrations available on their websites depicting the extent of the weld required for them to function properly.

Note one thing, the extent of welding is not a function of the design pressure. That is, whether the system operates at low pressure of high pressure, the same amount of weld is required.


Best regards - Al

 

[Downhand]

Hi Al,

The branch connections in B31.3 are more like pipe stub-ins. Would the amount of weld required for these be different than manufactured olets? As well, the manufacturers name on the olet can't be made out. Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

[metengr]

Yes. If you purchase a weldolet, the size of the attachment weld is predetermined based on the manufactuurer's design. If you have confusion as to how much weld to deposit, check with the supplier or their catalogue. For example, Bonney Forge has an excellent catalogue the depicts the welded attachment and amount of weld metal required.

For nozzles that are manufactured from pipe, the designer needs to perform an area reinforcement calculation to adequately size the wall thickness to provide for reinforcement for the nozzle and main pipe run.

 

[gtaw]

The sketches in B31.1 and B31.3 have changed over the years to be more generic.

Each manufacturer has developed and tested their integrally reinforced branch fittings. The details vary from one manufacturer to another and each has specific welding requirements. For the most part, the fittings are to be complete joint penetration groove welds. If the fitting has multiple groove angles, the fitting is to be welded to the edge of the first groove. A reinforcing fillet is typically deposited over the CJP groove weld. Once again, a word of caution, go to the manufacturer's website to find out what the specific requirements are for the brand being installed.

If you can not read the name of the manufacturer or the size of the fitting, it is time to go to another brand. That is important information. The fitting should not be used if it cannot be properly identified.

Best regards - Al

 

[moltenmetal]

O-let mfgs will insist that you fill the weld bevel because that is what is necessary to develop the FULL strength of the fitting. If you're using 3000# soc-o-lets or thread-o-lets, that's a HUGE weld...