ASME B31.3 Process Piping Fabrication and Installation

ASME B31.3 Process Piping Fabrication and Installation

Fabrication and Installation

• Welder/Brazer Qualification
• Welding Processes
• Weld Preparation
• Typical Welds
• Preheating & Heat Treatment
• Typical Owner Added Requirements
• Installation
• Flange Joints

Welder Qualification

Welders are required to use an approved procedure in accordance with B&PV Code Section IX

• Prepare the welding procedure specification (WPS)

• Essential variables (P-no., thickness, PWHT, etc.)
• Nonessential variables (Groove design, position, technique, etc)

• Procedure Qualification Test – to determine that weldment is capable of having required properties.
• Test of procedure, not welder (normally done by good welders)
• Must pass tensile test and bend test
• May be required to pass supplemental tests (e.g. impact)
• The test record is documented as Procedure Qualification Record (PQR), which is retained by the employer
• Performance Qualifications Test – to determine that the welder is capable of depositing sound weld metal
• Additional essential variables, e.g. position, pipe diameter 
• The test record is documented as Welder Performance Qualification (WPQ), which is retained by the employer
• Need to weld with manual (or automatic) process periodically, if not for 6 months, re-qualification required (could be on production weld that is X Rayed)
• Procedure and performance qualifications may be by other than the employer under certain conditions if the inspector approves.

Welding Processes – Electric Arc

• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), a.k.a. stick welding
• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), a.k.a. MIG
• Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), a.k.a. TIG

Shielded Metal Arc Welding

• Suitable for windy, outdoor conditions
• Low cost equipment
• All position capabilities
• Good choice for on-site welding

Gas Metal Arc Welding

• Not suitable for windy, outdoor conditions
• Moderate cost equipment
• All position capabilities
• Fast welding speeds possible
• No slag to clean

Flux Cored Arc Welding

• Suitable for windy, outdoor conditions
• Same equipment as for GMAW
• Out of position capabilities
• High metal deposition rate

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

• Not suitable for windy, outdoor conditions
• Moderate cost equipment
• All position capabilities
• Low metal deposition rate
• No slag to clean
• Highest quality, most precise welds

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