Qualification of modes

welding operations and

personnel according to API 1104

Established by:
BOUHAMIDIS

24/02/2016 1
 GOAL of the CODE

Present the methods of producing high-quality welds

by calling on qualified welders.

Present the inspection methods that ensure a

correct analysis of welding quality.

It applies to both new and ongoing works.

exploitation

2
 1.1 Scope of application

It concerns arc welding and gas welding of butt welds

about, angle and interlocking of steel pipes
weakly allied used in the context of compression,
pumping and transport of crude oil, oil product,
combustible gas, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen.

Arc welding with EE, powder flux, gas shielded

with tungsten electrode, under gas protection with
["fusable electrode","cored wire","plasma welding","welding"]
oxyacetylene (manual, semi-automatic or automatic).

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 4- Specification
Equipment: Welding equipment, both gas and
The bow must be of size and type suitable for the work and held.
in a state ensuring acceptable welds.
•2-Materials: welding of tubes and fittings compliant with:
API 5L Specification.
Applicable ASTM specifications.
•3-supplier metal: All supply metals must be
in accordance with

one of the following specifications:

•AWS A5.1. / B AWS A5.2./ AWS A5.5. / AWS A5.17. AWS A5.18.
AWS A5.20. / AWS A5.28. / AWS A5.29.
4–protective gas 4
 5- Qualification of operating procedures
welding
ButIt is to demonstrate that healthy welds have
appropriate mechanical properties can be achieved through
operating procedure.
•5-4 the essential variables: a procedure must be restored when
of modifying any essential variable.
Welding process
2- Base materials grouped as follows:
A. Specified minimum elastic limit less than or equal to
42,000 psi (290 MPa).
B. Minimum specified elastic limit greater than 42,000 psi
(290 MPa) but lower than 65,000 psi (448 MPa).
C. For materials with a minimum yield strength
specified equal to or greater than 65,000 psi (448 MPa), each
nuance will be the subject of a separate qualification test.

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5- Qualification of operating procedures of
welding
3. Design of the seal
4. Position
5. Wall thickness
6. Filler metal
The following changes in the filler metal constitute variables
essentials:
A change from one metal filler group to another (see table 1).
B. For tube materials for which the specified minimum yield strength is
greater than or equal to 65,000 psi (448 MPa), a change in classification
AWS filler metal (see the base material groups).
7. Electrical characteristics
8. Time between passes
9. Sense of welding
10. Protection gas and flow rate
11. Protection flow
12. Advancement speed
13. Preheating
14. Post-Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT)
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5- Qualification of operating procedures for
welding table 1

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 5-5 PREPARATION OF THE TEST TUBES OF
QUALIFICATION

WELD JOINT CONTROL – BUTT WELDS

To control a butt weld, test specimens must be
cut at the joint at the points indicated in figure 3. The number
minimum test tubes and the tests to which they will be subjected are
indicated in Table 2.

The test tubes must be prepared as indicated in figures 4, 5, 6.

or 7.

For tubes with an outer diameter less than 2.375 inches (60.3 mm),
Two test welds must be performed to obtain the number
test tubes. The test tubes must be cooled to air at the
ambient temperature before being controlled.
For tubes with an outer diameter of less than or equal to 1.315 inches
(33.4 mm), a specimen representing a whole section can
replace the four test tubes of reduced sections for the tests of
rupture with notch and reverse folding.
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Location of butt welding specimens for testing
Qualification of the operating procedure

9
Type and quantity of test tubes for the test of
qualification of the operating procedure

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Type and quantity of test tubes for the test of
qualification of the operating procedure

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Type and quantity of test tubes for the test of
qualification of the operating procedure

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 The requirements

Tensile test: specimen length 9" x width 1"

Requirements: -The tensile strength of welding ≥ R of
tubular material
•Notched break test: specimen 9''x 1'' notched at
each side at the welding center 1/8 "
Requirements: the visible surfaces of each test specimen
must demonstrate full penetration and fusion
The largest dimension of any blowing must not
exceed 1/16’’ (1.6mm) and the combined area does not exceed
2% of the surface.
The slag inclusions must not have a depth
superior 1/32" nor length >1/8" or at half of
the nominal thickness; there must be a separation of at least
½'' between adjacent dairy inclusions
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 The requirements

• Folding tests inside out and right side out: 9''x1'' the excess thicknesses
background and cover passes must be upgraded
Requirements: the essay is considered acceptable if
No crack or other imperfection exceeding value
1/8’’(3mm) of half the wall thickness.
The cracks appearing on the outer radius of the fold
long of the tube during the test < ¼ ''
Bending test on side: 9" x 1/2"
Requirement: Each bending test specimen on the side must comply
to the requirements for reverse and right-side bending tests.

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5- Qualification of operating modes of
welding
5-7 CONTROL OF WELDED JOINTS - EDGE WELDS
To check a corner weld joint, test samples must be
cut at the joint at the locations indicated in figure 10. At a minimum,
four test tubes must be collected and prepared as indicated in the
figure 11.

The test tubes can be cut by machine or oxy-cutting. They

must be at least 1 inch (25 mm) wide and sufficiently
long ones to examine the structure of the weld.

For tubes with an outer diameter of less than 2.375 inches (60.3 mm), it
it may be necessary to perform two test welds to obtain the
required number of test tubes.

The test tubes must be cooled in air to room temperature.

before being controlled.

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Welding test tube figures at
angle

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 The requirements

The apparent surfaces of each sample must

demonstrate complete fusion penetration:

-to the largest blowhole dimension < 1/16''

-b- the combined surface of all blowholes < 2%
dairy inclusion must not have a depth >
1/32''(0.8mm) in length > 1/8'' of half the wall.
There must be a separation of at least ½'' between inclusions.
adjacent

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6- Qualification of the welder according to API 1104

Qualification of
welder

Qualification Qualification
simple multiple

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6- Qualification of the welder according to API 1104

6.1 but:to determine the ability of welders to

perform healthy butt or corner welds at
means of previously qualified operating procedures.
6.2 Simple qualification:For simple qualification, a
the welder must perform a test weld using a
qualified operating procedure for assembling two tubes
welder must perform a butt weld in the
the position is either fixed or rotating.
6.3 Fields of Applicationa welder who completed with
success the qualification test will be qualified within the limits
essential variables if one is modified the welder
must be reclassified

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 Essential Variables (simple)
A. Change from one welding process to another or to a
combination of processes, as follows:
1. Change from one welding process to a different process; or
2. Change in the combination of welding processes
unless the welder has qualified through testing for
separate qualifications, by means of each of the processes of
welding to be used for the combination of welding processes.
B. Change in the welding direction from vertical ascending to vertical
descendant, or vice versa.
C. Change of classification of the additional metal from Group 1 or 2 to
Group 3, or from Group 3 to Group 1 or 2 ( see table 1).
D. Change of an outer diameter group to another. These
groups are defined as follows:
Outside diameter less than 2.375 inches (60.3 mm).
2. Outer diameter between 2.375 inches (60.3 mm) and 12.750
inches (323.9 mm).
3. Outer diameter greater than 12.750 inches (323.9 mm).

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 Essential Variables (simple)

[Link] of a wall thickness group to another. These groups

are defined as follows:
1. Nominal wall thickness of tube less than 0.188 inches (4.8
mm).
Nominal wall thickness of tube between 0.188 inch
0.16 inches (4.8 mm) and 0.750 inches (19.1 mm).
3. Nominal wall thickness of the tube greater than 0.750 inch (19.1
mm).
F. Change of position in relation to the one for which the welder is
already qualified (for example, change of rotation position to fixed or
change from vertical to horizontal, or vice versa). Any welder who
successfully passed a qualification test for butt welding in
fixed position with the axis at 45° to the horizontal plane will be qualified
to perform butt welds and overlap corner welds in
all the positions.
[Link] in the design of the seal (for example, removal of a
support band or change of a V-shaped bevel to a bevel in
U).
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 6- Welder qualification according to API 1104
6.3 Multiple QualificationFor multiple qualification, a welder must
:

successfully carry out the two tests described below using modes
qualified operators.
For the first test, the welder must perform a butt weld in
fixed position with the tube axis either in the horizontal plane or inclined
relative to the horizontal plane at an angle not exceeding 45° c. This
butt welding must be done on a tube with an outer diameter of 6.625
inches (168.3 mm) minimum and a wall thickness of 0.250 inches
(6.4 mm) at minimum without a support band. The weld will be acceptable if it
meets the requirements of paragraphs 6.4 and either 6.5 or 6.6. The specimens
can be taken from the test weld at the locations indicated in the figure
12, or they can be chosen at the relative locations indicated in figure 12
but without reference to the upper generator of the tube, or they can
to be chosen from locations spaced equidistantly on
the entire circumference of the tube. The sequence of adjacent specimen types
must be identical to that indicated in figure 12 for the various diameters of
tubes.

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6- Qualification of the welder according to API 1104

For the second trial, the welder must mark, cut, adjust, and weld.
a full-size puncture. This test must be performed with a tube of
minimum outer diameter of 6.625 inches (168.3 mm) and a
nominal wall thickness of 0.250 inches (6.4 mm). A full hole
grandeur must be cut in the line. The welding will be done with the axis of
the tube line in a horizontal position and the axis of the tapping in position
descending vertical in relation to the tube line. The finished weld must
having a nice appearance, uniform, well-done work.
The weld must show complete penetration all around.
circumference. The completed background passes must not contain any
drilling larger than ¼ inch (6 mm). The sum of the dimensions
maximum of individual unrepaired drillings over the entire length of
Continuous weld of 12 inches (300 mm) must not exceed ½ inch
(13 mm).
Four rupture test specimens with notch must be taken from the
weld at the locations indicated in figure 10. They will be prepared and
controlled in accordance with paragraphs 5.8.1 and 5.8.2. The surfaces
applicants must meet the requirements of paragraph 5.8.3.

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 6- Welder qualification according to API 1104
Areas of application:
A welder who successfully performs the multiple qualification test.
tube with an OD > 12.75’’ (323.9mm) and a full tube tapping weld
OD>12.75'' will be qualified for welding in all positions:
For all wall thicknesses, design of joints and connections
And on all tube diameters.
If the welder successfully performs butt and tack welding <12.75''
He will be qualified to weld in any position on all diameters ≤ the diameter
used by the welder in the test
If athe following essential variable is modified the welder is requalified:
change in the welding process
change in the direction of welding
Change of metal classification from group 1 or 2 input to
group 3

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6- Qualification of the welder according to API 1104

• 6-4 Visual examination:

The weld must be free of cracks, penetration
insufficient and drilling.
The depth of the ditch adjacent to the edge < 1/32'' or
12.5% of the wall thickness of the tube, and there should not be
more than 2'' of gutter on a continuous weld of 12''.
•6-5 Destructive tests:
End to end: - Tensile test - Texture test - Bending test.
At angle: as procedure qualification.
Requirements:as a qualification of procedure.

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6 - Welder qualification according to API 1104
6.6 butt weld radiography only:
At the company's choice, the end-to-end welding qualification
can be subject to radiographic examination instead of testing
destructive if any of the welds do not meet
au exigences de section 9.3 le soudeur est disqualifier
6.7 repeated test:
If the company believes that a welder does not pass the test
qualification due to exceptional conditions or
unforeseen circumstances, the welder may have
a second chance to qualify. No other attempt
will be repeated until the welder has demonstrated proof
of their further training pleasant to the company.

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 9- the acceptance criteria applying to
defects located by RT, MT, PT, UT, and VT
9-3For radiography
1-lack of penetration without
unevenness (IP) 'inadequate
penetration
Is defined as the lack of filling
from the root the IP is considered as
default if:
The length of IP exceeds 1'' (25mm).
B–the total length of the IPs of all
Weld length 12'' exceeds 1''.
C–the overall length of the IP for length
Welding <12’’ exceeds 8%.

27
 9-the acceptance criteria applying to
defects localized by RT, MT, PT, UT and VT
2-Lack of penetration due to a
inadequate unevenness (IPD)
penetration due:
Is defined as the existing condition
when one side of the root is visible
due to a misalignment. The IPD
it is considered a defect if:
The length of IPD exceeds 2" (50mm)
The overall length of the IDPs on 12''
exceeds 3''.
3- Lack of cross penetration
inadequate cross penetration
defined as subsurface imperfection
between the first inner pass and the
the first outdoor must be considered
as a defect if:
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9 - The acceptance criteria applying to
defects localized by RT, MT, PT, UT, and VT
The length of ICP exceeds 2 inches.
The overall length of the ICP on 12 ’’
exceeds 2''.
4-Lack of fusion (IF) incomplete fusion
is defined as imperfection
superficial between base metal and
solder metal that is free of
the surface is considered defective if:
The length IF>1''
The overall length of IF on 12'' > 1 ''
The global length IF >8% for length
welding <12''.

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 9 - The acceptance criteria applicable to
defects localized by RT, MT, PT, UT and VT
5- Lack of fusion due to a sticking of
cold point (IFD):
Is defined as imperfection between 2
adjacent welding cord is
considered a defect if:
The long. IFD of all lengths 12'' >2''.
The global length of IFD on 12" >2"
The long. Global IFD >8% for s<12''
6- Internal concavity (IC):
any length of concavity
internet is acceptable as long as the
the radio image density does not exceed
the base metal one.

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9-the acceptance criteria apply to the
defects localized by RT, MT, PT, UT, and VT
•7-drilling (hole) BT burn-through: For OD tube <2.375'' as a defect
is defined as a portion of the yes
background pass where a penetration A. The dim max. >¼ inch and the densit
excessive caused the blowing of the the image of the BT exceeds that of
melting bath in the tube.
adjacent base material most
For OD tube ≥ 2.375'' (60.3mm) ground meat.
as a defect:
A-dimension max > 1/4'' density B. The [Link].> the thinnest of
base metal. nominal wall thicknesses
assemblies and the density of the image
B–the max dimension >the thinnest
nominal wall thicknesses of the BT > that of the base material
C–the maximum dimension sum BT of which the thinnest adjacent.
the image density exceeds that of C. More than one BT of any size
base metal > 1/2'' on length is present and the density of more
12 inches of one of the images > that of the material
the thinnest adjacent base.
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9-the acceptance criteria applicable to
defects identified by RT, MT, PT, UT, and VT
8- dairy inclusion (ESI) elongated slag The long-term. Global ESI and ISI >8%
inclusions (ISI) isolated slag For tube <2.375’’
inclusion The long. ESI exceeds 3 times the most
is defined as a non-solid mince wall thicknesses
metallic trapped in metal of The width ESI > 1/16''
Welding is considered a defect
if The global long ESI >2 times the most
thin thickness.
For OD≥2.375’’
The overall length ESI and ISI >8%
The length of ESI >2''
The total length of ESIs in 12''>2''
The width ESI >1/16'' (1.6mm)
Long. Global ISI on 12'' > 1/2''
The width ISI >1/8''
More than 4 ISI of width 1/8'' are
present on 12''

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9-the acceptance criteria applying to
localized defects by RT, MT, PT, UT and VT
9- Porosity: is defined as gas trapped
for soldering metal it is gle
spherical can be elongated and
irregular
Individual porosity (P)
At the size of a pore >1/8’’
B - the individual pore size > 25% of
the thinnest of the walls
C- The distribution of sparse porosity
exceeds the permitted concentration
in figures 19 or 20.
Porosity nest (CP) cluster porosity
The diameter of the nest >1/2 ’’
The [Link] on 12'' >1/2''

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9-the acceptance criteria applicable to
defects localized by RT, MT, PT, UT, and VT
An individual pore within a nest 10fissure (C)
size >1/16''(2mm) Cracks are considered as
Hollow cord porosity (HB) defects if:
hollow bead linear porosity A/ The crack, regardless of its
elongation that occurs in the size or its location in
background pass the welding is not a crack to
-The long. Dune HB >1/2 ’’ shallow or star-shaped crater.
The long. Global HB on 12 '' The
> fissure is a crater fissure.
2'' shallow or star-shaped whose
Individual indications HB length exceeds 5/32 inches (4
each >1/4'' are separated mm)
less than 2''
The long. Global all HB>8%

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9-the acceptance criteria applying to
defects localized by RT, MT, PT, UT, and VT
•11-Gutter : It will be a flaw if
is defined as molten groove The long global indications on
in the base material up to the 12'' > 2''
edge or at the root (EU) goes from
The long global >8%
definition (UI) at the root is13- imperfection of pipes or fittings
considered a defect:
The imperfections of tubes and fittings
•The global longitude of the EU and IU on
detected by radiographic control
12'' > 2'' must be reported to the company. The
The global length of the EU and IU exceeds
The way to dispose of it must follow the
1/6'' of the weld length. company instructions
12-Acc accumulation of imperfection (AI)
Except for lack of penetration
due to the leveling and gutters
all imperfections

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 9 - the acceptance criteria applying to the
defects located by RT, MT, PT, UT, and VT
9.4 CONTROL MT C - Linear indications are
The indications produced by MT control considered as IF and have
a long. > 1'' on 12''
-

are not necessarily

imperfections. 9.5 CONTROL PT
Any indication of a [Link]≤1/16 " Acceptance Standards
must be classified as no Linear indications A
admissible. evaluated as cracks of
The relevant indications are those crater or star-shaped cracks
caused by imperfections. have a long. >5/32’’
Acceptance standards: Linear indications are
A - Assessed linear indications assessed as cracks
like crater cracks or other than crater cracks
star-shaped fissures have a length. > or star-shaped cracks.
5/32''(4 mm). Linear indications are
B -Linear indications are evaluated considered as IF and have a
like cracks other than long. total >1'' on 12'' or 8% of
crater fissures or fissures in the length of welding.
star.
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9-the acceptance criteria applying to the
defects localized by RT, MT, PT, UT, and VT
•9.6 CONTROL by UT D- the transverse indications T
will be considered volumetric
The indications must be
considered as defects E- volumetric indications
grouped VC dimension max
To any indication determine 1/2''
like a crack.
F- volumetric indications
B–The indications of linear surface individual VI dimension >1/4 ''
LS:
G- volumetric indications at the
The overall length over 12'' > 1'' root VR
The global long. > 8% -dimension VR>1/4''
C–linear internal indication LB total length VR >1/2'' on 12''
-Global long LB on 12'' >2'' H- all accumulations AR
Long global >8% -long global >2'' on 12''
-global long >8%

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9 - the acceptance criteria applying to
defects localized by RT, MT, PT, UT, and VT

Visual acceptance standards for gutters

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