Hi All
Have a question and sorry if it is irritant - is it mandatory to do 100% radiography test of welds for
stainless steel pipes (e.g. joint of two pipes or pipe and flange), and why?
The answer is no, it is unlikely that 100% radiography is mandatory. It is POSSIBLE that somebody has required this though, as a result of relying on 100% joint efficiency in a calculation, or because of the nature of the service.
In general it is not mandatory in most ASME Piping Codes but is for specific applications like severe cyclic service under ASME B31.3. I think in your case, as stated by moltenmetal, that your contract specification requires it.
If it is in the client's spec, you need to carry it out. This is not as per any piping code.
I give you an example for better understanding. Suppose CS piping is upgraded to SS and the service is rich amine. Well, the client removes PWHT however retaining the RT.