By Authority Of

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Legally Binding Document
By the Authority Vested By Part 5 of the United States Code § 552(a) and
Part 1 of the Code of Regulations § 51 the attached document has been duly
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE and shall be considered legally
binding upon all citizens and residents of the United States of America.
HEED THIS NOTICE: Criminal penalties may apply for noncompliance.

e
Document Name:

CFR Section(s):

Standards Body:

Official Incorporator:
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
OFFICE OF THE FEDERAL REGISTER
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Welding of Pipelines and
Related Facilities

Pipeline Segment

API STANDARD 1104

NINETEENTH EDITION, SEPTEMBER 1999
ERRATA 1, OCTOBER 31,2001

American
Petroleum
Institute

Helping You
Get The Job
Done Right,;;M

Reproduced By IHS
Wilh The Permission Of API
Under Royalty Agreement
 SPECIAL NOTES

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and safety risks and precautions, nor undertaking their obligations under local, state, or fed-
erallaws.
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ticular materials and conditions should be obtained from the employer, the manufacturer or
supplier of that material, or the material safety data sheet.
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implication or otherwise, for the manufacture, sale, or use of any method, apparatus, or prod-
uct covered by letters patent. Neither should anything contained in the publication be con-
strued as insuring anyone against liability for infringement of letters patent.
Generally, API standards are reviewed and revised, reaffirmed, or withdrawn at least every
five years. Sometimes a one-time extension of up to two years will be added to this review
cycle. This publication will no longer be in effect five years after its publication date as an
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of the publication can be ascertained from the API Pipeline Segment Itelephone (202) 682-
8000). A catalog of API publications and materials is published annually and updated quar-
terly by API, 1220 L Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005.
This document was produced under API standardization procedures that ensure appropri-
ate notification and participation in the developmental process and is designated as an API
standard. Questions concerning the interpretation of the content of this standard or com-
ments and questions concerning the procedures under which this standard was developed
should be directed in writing to the general manager of the Pipeline Segment, American
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to reproduce or translate all or any part of the material published herein should also be
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API standards are published to facilitate the broad availability of proven, sound engineer-
ing and operating practices. These standards are not intended to obviate the need for apply-
ing sound engineering judgment regarding when and where these standards should be
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without prior written permission/rom the publisher. Contact the Publisher,
API Publishing Services, f 220 L Street, N. w., Washington, D.C. 20005.
Copyright © 1999 American Petroleum Institute
 FOREWORD

This standard was prepared by a fonnulating committee that included representatives of

the American Petroleum Institute, the American Gas Association, the Pipe Line Contractors
Association, the American Welding Society, and the American Society for Nondestructive
Testing, as well as representatives of pipe manufacturers and individuals associated with
related industries.
The purpose of this standard is to present methods for the production of high-quality welds
through the use of qualified welders using approved welding procedures, materials, and
equipment. Its purpose is also to present inspection methods to ensure the proper analysis of
welding quality through the use of qualified technicians and approved methods and equip-
ment. It applies to both new construction and in-service welding.
The use of this standard is entirely voluntary and is intended to apply to welding of piping
used in the compression, pumping, and transmission of crude petroleum, petroleum prod-
ucts, fuel gases, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen and, where applicable, to distribution systems.
This standard represents the combined efforts of many engineers who are responsible for
the design, construction, and operation of oil and gas pipelines, and the committee apprecia-
tively acknowledges their wholehearted and valuable assistance.
From time to time, revisions of this standard will be necessary to keep current with tech-
nological developments. The committee is always anxious to improve this standard and will
give full consideration to all comments received.
An appeal of any API standards action by an interested party shall be directed to the API.
API publications may be used by anyone desiring to do so. Every effort has been made by
the Institute to assure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in them; however, the
Institute makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee in connection with this publication
and hereby expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting
from its use or for the violation of any federal, state, or municipal regulation with which this
publication may conflict.
Suggested revisions are invited and should be submitted to the general manager of
the Pipeline Segment, American Petroleum Institute, 1220 L Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20005.
A7TENT/ON USERS: Portions of this standard have been changed from the previous edi-
tion. The locations of changes have been marked with a bar in the margin, as shown to the
left of this paragraph. In some cases, the changes are significant, while in other cases the
changes reflect minor editorial adjustments. The bar notations are provided as an aid to users
as to those parts of the standard that have been changed from the previous edition, but API
makes no warranty as to the accuracy of such bar notations.

iii
 API-AGA JOINT COMMITTEE ON OIL AND
GAS PIPELINE FIELD WELDING PRACTICES

H. Charles Price, Chainnan

George K. Hickox, Vice-Chainnan
Frank R. Orr, Secretary
American Petroleum Institute
Donald Drake
Gary E. Merritt
David Noble
Gary Perkins
American Gas Association
Marshall L. Farley
Alan C. Holk
Frank R Orr
Eugene L. Smith
American Society for Nondestructive Testing
David L. Culbertson
C. P. Woodruff, Jr.
Scott M. Metzger
William R Tignor
American Welding Society
W. L. Ballis
George K. Hickox
Chuck Brashears
Robert R Wright

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

Craig Dallman
Pipe Manufacturers
Frank M. Christensen
Murali D. Tumuluru
Martin A. Francis
James P. Snyder, II
Pipeline Contractors Association
Ralph Pendarvis
H. Charles Price
Don Thom
Bill Marhofer
Members Emeritus
Jolm K. McCarron
RB. Gwin
M. Jordan Hunter
E. L. Von Rosenberg
Dale Wilson

iv
 CONTENTS

Page

GENERAL ........................................................... .
1.1 Scope .......................................................... .

2 REFERENCED PUBLICATIONS ......................................... 1

3 DEFINITION OF TERMS ............................................... 2

3.1 General ......................................................... 2
3.2 Definitions ...................................................... 2

4 SPECIFICATIONS ..................................................... 2
4.1 Equipment. ...................................................... 2
4.2 Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2

5 QUALIFICATION OF WELDING PROCEDURES FOR WELDS CONTAINING

FILLER-METAL ADDITIVES ........................................... 3
5.1 Procedure Qualification ............................................ 3
5.2 Record .......................................................... 3
5.3 Procedure Specification ............................................ 3
5.4 Essential Variables ................................................ 6
5.5 Welding of Test Joints-Butt Welds .................................. 7
5.6 Testing of Welded Joints-Butt Welds ................................ 8
5.7 Welding of Test Joints- Fillet Welds ................................. 13
5.8 Testing of Welded Joints-Fillet Welds ............................... 15

6 QUALIFICATION OF WELDERS ....................................... 15

6.1 General ........................................................ 15
6.2 Single Qualification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 15
6.3 Multiple Qualification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 16
6.4 Visual Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 16
6.5 Destructive Testing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 18
6.6 Radiography-ButtWelds Only .................................... 19
6.7 Retesting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 19
6.8 Records. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 19

7 DESIGN AND PREPARATION OF A JOINT FOR PRODUCTION WELDING .. 19

7.1 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 19
7.2 Alignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 19
7.3 Use of Lineup Clamp for Butt Welds ................................. 19
7.4 Bevel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 19
7.5 Weather Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 19
7.6 Clearance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 19
7.7 Cleaning Between Beads .......................................... 20
7.8 Position Welding ................................................. 20
7.9 Roll Welding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 20
7.1 0 Identification of Welds ............................................ 20
7.11 Pre- and Post-Heat Treatment ...................................... 20

8 INSPECTION AND TESTING OF PRODUCTION WELDS .................. 20

8.1 Rights of Inspection .............................................. 20

v
 Page

8.2 Methods of Inspection ............................................ 20

8.3 Qualification of Inspection Personnel ................................ 20
8.4 Certification of Nondestructive Testing PersOlmel ...................... 21

9 ACCEJYTANCESTANDARDS FOR NONDESTRUCTNETESTING .......... 21

9.1 General ........................................................ 21
9.2 Rights of Rejection ............................................... 21
9.3 Radiographic Testing ............................................. 21
9.4 Magnetic Particle Testing .......................................... 27
9.5 Liquid Penetrant Testing .......................................... 27
9.6 Ultrasonic Testing ................................................ 27
9.7 Visual Acceptance Standards for Undercutting ......................... 28

10 REPAIR AND REMOVAL OF DEFECTS ................................. 29

10.1 Authorization for Repair .......................................... 29
10.2 Repair Procedure ................................................ 29
10.3 Acceptance Criteria .............................................. 29
10.4 Supervision..................................................... 29
10.5 Welder.................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 29

] ] PROCEDURES FOR NONDESTRUCTNE TESTING ...................... 29

11.1 Radiographic Test Methods ........................................ 29
11.2 Magnetic Particle Test Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 34
11.3 Liquid Penetrant Test Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 34
1I .4 Ultrasonic Test Methods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 34

12 AUTOMATICWELDING .............................................. 37
12.1 Acceptable Processes ............................................. 37
12.2 Procedure Qualification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 38
] 2.3 Record.................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 38
12.4 Procedure Specification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 38
] 2.5 Essential Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 39
12.6 Qualification of Welding Equipment and Operators ..................... 40
12.7 Records of Qualified Operators ..................................... 40
12.8 Inspection and Testing of Production Welds ........................... 40
12.9 Acceptance Standards for Nondestructive Testing ...................... 40
12.10 Repair and Removal of Defects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
12.11 Radiographic Testing ............................................. 40

13 AUTOMATIC WELDING WITHOUT FILLER-METAL ADDITIONS ......... 40

13.1 Acceptable Processes ............................................. 40
13.2 Procedure Qualification ........................................... 40
13.3 Record ......................................................... 46
13.4 Procedure Specification ........................................... 46
13.5 Essential Variables ............................................... 46
13.6 Qualification of Equipment and Operators ............................ 46
13.7 Records of Qualified Operators ..................................... 46
13.8 Quality Assurance of Production Welds .............................. 46
13.9 Acceptance Standards for Nondestructive Testing ...................... 47
13.10 Repair and Removal of Defects ..................................... 47
13.11 Radiographic Procedure ...... , .................................... 47

vi
 Page

APPENDIX A ALTERNATIVE ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR

GIRTH WELDS ............................................ 49
A. I General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
A.2 Additional Requirements for Stress Analysis .......................... 49
A.3 Welding Procedure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 50
A.4 Qualification of Welders ........................................... 54
A.5 Inspection and Acceptable Limits ................................... 54
A.6 Record ......................................................... 55
A.7 Example. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 55
A.S Repairs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 59
A.9 Nomenclature ................................................... 59

APPENDIX B IN-SERVICE WELDING .................................... 61

B.l General ........................................................ 61
B.2 Qualification of In-Service Welding Procedures ........................ 62
8.3 In-Service Welder Qualification ..................................... 63
B.4 Suggested In-Service Welding Practices .............................. 64
B.5 Inspection and Testing of In-Service Welds ............................ 67
B.6 Standards of Acceptability: Nondestructive Testing (Including Visual) ...... 67
B.7 Repair and Removal of Defects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 67

Figures
1 Sample Procedure Specification Form .................................. 4
2 Sample Coupon Test Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3 Location of Test Butt-Weld Specimens for Procedure Qualification Test ....... 9
4 Tensile-Strength Test Specimen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10
5 Nick-Break Test Specimen .......................................... 10
6 Root- and Face-Bend Test Specimen: Wall Thicknesses Less Than or Equal to
0.500 in. (12.7mm) ................................................ 11
7 Side-Bend Test Specimen: Wall Thicknesses Greater than 0.500 in.
(12.7 mm) ....................................................... 12
S Dimensioning of Imperfections in Exposed Weld Surfaces. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 12
9 Jig for Guided-Bend Tests ........................................... 13
10 Location of Nick-Break Test Specimens: Fillet-Weld Procedure and Welder
Qualification Test Welds ............................................ 14
11 Location of Nick-Break Test Specimens: Fillet-Weld Procedure and Welder
Qualification Test Welds, Including Size-to-Size, Branch-Connection Welder
Qualification Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 14
12 Location of Test Butt-Weld Specimens for Welder Qualification Test ........ 17
13 Inadequate Penetration Without High-Low (lP) .......................... 21
14 Inadequate Penetration Due to High-Low (IPD) ......................... 23
15 Inadequate Cross Penetration (lCP) ................................... 23
16 Incomplete Fusion at Root of Bead or Top of Joint (IF) ................... 23
17 Incomplete Fusion Due to Cold Lap (IFD) .............................. 23
IS Intemal Concavity (lC) ............................................. 23
19 Maximum Distribution of Gas Pockets: Wall Thicknesses Less Than or Equal to
0.500 in. (12.7 mm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 25
20 Maximum Distribution of Gas Pockets: Wall Thicknesses Greater Than
0.500 in. (12.7 mm) ................................................ 26
21 Standard Penetrameter. ............................................. 32
22A Reference Block for Manual UT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 36
22B Establishing Distance, Refracted Angle, and Velocity ..................... 37

vii
 Page

22C Transfer Procedure ................................................ 37

23 Location of Test Butt-Weld Specimens for Flash-Weld Procedure
Qualification Test: Outside Diameter Greater Than 18 in. (457 mm)
but Less Than or Equal to 24 in. (610 mm) ..... , ....................... 42
24 Location of Test Butt-Weld Specimens for Flash-Weld Procedure
Qualification Test: Outside Diameter Greater Than 24 in. (610 mm)
but Less Than or Equal to 30 in. (762 mm) ............................. 43
25 Location of Test Butt-Weld Specimens for Flash-Weld Procedure
Qualification Test: Outside Diameter Greater Than 30 in. (762 mrn) ......... 44
26 Two-Inch Nick-Break Test Specimen .................................. 45
A-I Location of CTOD Test Specimens ........... , ....................... 51
A-2 Machining Objective for CTOD Test Specimen With Respect to Pipe Wall .... 52
A-3 Location of Notch for Weld-Metal Specimen ............................ 52
A-4 Location of Notch for Heat-Affected Zone Specimen ..................... 52
A-5 Altemative Acceptance Criteria for Circumferential Planar Imperfections ..... 53
A-6 Criteria for Evaluation of Imperfection Interaction ....................... 56
A-7 Length Limit for Deep Imperfections in Heavy-Wall Pipe ................. 58
A-8 Nomenclature for Dimensions of Surface and Buried Imperfections ......... 59
B-1 Examples of Typical Temper-Bead Deposition Sequences ................. 61
B-2 Suggested Procedure and Welder Qualification Test Assembly .............. 64
B-3 Location of Test Specimens-In-Service Welding Procedure
Qualification Test. ............ , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 65
B-4 Macro Test Specimen- In-Service Welds .............................. 66
B-5 Face-Bend Test Specimen ...... , .................................... 66
B-6 Reinforcing Pad .............. , .................................... 67
B-7 Reinforcing Saddle ........... , .................................... 68
B-8 Encirclement Sleeve .......... , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
B-9 Encirclement Tee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
B-10 Encirclement Sleeve and Saddle ...................................... 69
B-l1 Encirclement Saddle ............................................... 70

Tables
I Filler Metal Groups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2 Type and Number of Test Specimens for Procedure Qualification Test ........ 8
3 Type and Number of Butt-Weld Test Specimens per Welder for Welder
Qualification Test and Destructive Testing of Production Welds. . . . . . . . . . . .. 18
4 Maximum Dimensions of Undercutting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
5 Thickness of Pipe Versus Thickness of ASTM E 1025 Penetrameter ......... 31
6 Thickness of Pipe Versus Thickness of Penetrameter. ..................... 32
7 Thickness of Pipe Versus Diameter of ASTM E 747 Wire Penetrameter ...... 32
8 Type and Number of Test Specimens for Procedure Qualification Test
(Flash Weld Only) ................................................. 41
A-I Acceptance Limits for Buried Volumetric Imperfections ................... 54
A-2 Acceptance Limits for UnrepairedArc Bums ........................... 55
A-3 Imperfection Length Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
A-4 Allowable Imperfection Dimensions for Example ........................ 58
A-5 Acceptable Planar Imperfection Dimensions for Example ................. 58
A-6 Example Altemative Acceptance Criteria ............................... 59
B-1 Type and Number of Specimens-In-Service Welding Procedure
Qualification Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

viii
 Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities

1 General ASNTI
RP SNT-TC-IA Personnel Qualification and Certification
1.1 SCOPE ill Nondestructive Testing
This standard covers the gas and arc welding of butt, fillet, ACCP ASNT Central Certification Program
and socket welds in carbon and low-alloy steel piping used in ASTM2
the compression, pumping, and transmission of cmde petro- E 164 Standard Practice for Ultrasonic Contact
leum, petroleum products, fuel gases, carbon dioxide, and Examination of Weldments
nitrogen and, where applicable, covers welding on distribution E 165 Standard Test for Liquid Penetrant
systems. It applies to both new constmction and in-service Examination
welding.The welding may be done by a shielded metal-arc E709 Standard Guide for Magnetic Particle
welding, submerged arc welding, gas tungsten-arc welding, Examination
gas metal-arc welding, flux-cored arc welding, plasma arc E747 Standard Practice for Design, Manu/ac-
welding, oxyacetylene welding, or flash butt welding process tue and Material Grouping Classification
or by a combination of these processes using a manual, semi- q/ Wire Image Quality Indicators (IQI)
automatic, or automatic welding technique or a combination of Usedfor Radiology
these techniques. The welds may be produced by position or E 1025 Standard Practice for Design, Manufac-
roll welding or by a combination of position and roll welding. ture, and Material Grouping Classification
This standard also covers the procedures for radiographic, of Hole-T.vpe Image Quality Indicators
magnetic particle, liquid penetrant, and ultrasonic testing as (IQI) UsedfiJr Radiology
well as the acceptance standards to be applied to production AWS3
welds tested to destmction or inspected by radiographic, A3.0 Welding, Terms and Definitions
magnetic particle, liquid penetrant, ultrasonic, and visual test- A5.I Covered Carbon Steel Arc Welding
ing methods. Electrodes
The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units are A';.2 Iron and Steel Oryfuel Gas Welding Rods
to be regarded separately as standard. Each system is to be A5.5 Low Alloy Steel Covered Arc Welding
used independently of the other, without combining values in Electrodes
any way. AS. 17 Carbon Steel Electrodes and Flu.xes for
Processes other than those described above will be consid- Submerged Arc Welding
ered for inclusion in this standard. Persons who wish to have AS.I8 Carbon Steel Filler Metals for Gas
other processes included shall submit, as a minimum, the fol- Shielded Arc Welding
lowing infonnation for the committee's consideration: AS.20 Carbon Steel Electrodes for Flux Cored
Arc Welding
a. A description of the welding process. AS.28 Low Alloy Steel Filler Metals for Gas
b. A proposal on the essential variables. Shielded Arc Welding
c. A welding procedure specification. AS.29 Low Alloy Steel Electrodes for FilL><
d. Weld inspection methods. Cored Arc Welding
e. Types of weld imperfections and their proposed accep- BSI4
tance limits. BS 7448: Part 2 Fracture Mechanics Toughness Tests Part
f. Repair procedures. 2, Methodfor Determination of K/c Criti-
It is intended that all work perfonned in accordance with this cal CTOD and Critical J Values qfWelds
standard shall meet or exceed the requirements of this standard. in Metallic Materials

lAmerican Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc., 1711 Arlingate

2 Referenced Publications Lane, P.O. Box 28518, Columbus, Ohio 43228-0518.
2American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor
The following standards, codes, and specifications are
Drive, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania 19428-2959.
cited in this standard: 3American Welding Society, 550 N.W. Lejeune Road, Miami,
Florida 33126.
API 4British Standards Institution. British Standards House. 389
Spec 5L Specification for Line Pipe Chiswick High Road, London, W4 4AL, United Kingdom.
2 API STANDARD 1104

NACE5 discovered by visual or nondestructive testing and is beyond

MROl75 Sulfide Stress Cracking Resistant Metallic this standard's limits of acceptability.
Materialsfor Oil Field Equipment
3.2.13 roll welding: Welding in which the pipe or assem-
bly is rotated while the weld metal is deposited at or near the
3 Definition of Terms top center.
3.1 GENERAL
3.2.14 root bead: The first or stringer bead that initially
The welding terms used in this standard are as defined in joins two sections of pipe, a section of pipe to a fitting, or two
AWS A3.0, with the additions and modifications given in 3.2. fittings.
3.2.15 semiautomatic welding: Arc welding with
3.2 DEFINITIONS
equipment that controls only the filler-metal feed. The
3.2.1 automatic welding: Arc welding with equipment advance of the welding is manually controlled.
that perfonns the entire welding operation without manual
3.2.16 shall: Tenn that indicates a mandatory require-
manipulation of the arc or electrode other than guiding or
ment. The term should indicates a recommended practice.
tracking and without a manual welding-skill requirement of
the operator. 3.2.17 weld: The completed weld joining two sections of
pipe, a section of pipe to a fitting, or two fittings.
3.2.2 company: The owner company or the engineering
agency in charge of construction. The company may act 3.2.18 welder: A person who makes a weld.
through an inspector or another authorized representative.
3.2.3 contractor: Includes the primary contractor and any 4 Specifications
subcontractors engaged in work covered by this standard. 4.1 EQUIPMENT
3.2.4 defect: An imperfection of sufficient magnitude to Welding equipment, both gas and arc, shall be of a size and
warrant rejection based on the stipulations in this standard. type suitable for the work and shall be maintained in a condi-
tion that ensures acceptable welds, continuity of operation,
3.2.5 imperfection: A discontinuity or irregularity that is
and safety of personnel. Arc-welding equipment shall be
detectable by methods outlined in this standard.
operated within the amperage and voltage ranges given in the
3.2.6 indication: Evidence obtained by nondestructive qualified welding procedure. Gas-welding equipment shall be
testing. operated with the flame characteristics and tip sizes given in
the qualified welding procedure. Equipment that does not
3.2.7 internal concavity: A bead that is properly fused
meet these requirements shall be repaired or replaced.
to and completely penetrates the pipe wall thickness along
both sides of the bevel, but whose center is somewhat below
4.2 MATERIALS
the inside surface of the pipe wall. The magnitude of concav-
ity is the perpendicular distance between an axial extension of 4.2.1 Pipe and Fittings
the pipe wall surface and the lowest point on the weld
This standard applies to the welding of pipe and fittings
bead surface.
that conform to the following specifications:
3.2.8 position welding: Welding in which the pipe or
a. API Specification 5L.
assembly is held stationary.
b. Applicable ASTM specifications.
3.2.9 qualified welder: A welder who has demonstrated This standard also applies to materials with chemical and
the ability to produce welds that meet the requirements of mechanical properties that comply with one of the specifica-
Sections 5 or 6. tions listed in items a and b above, even though the material is
not manufactured in accordance with the specification.
3.2.10 qualified welding procedure: A tested and
proven detailed method by which sound welds with suitable
4.2.2 Filler Metal
mechanical properties can be produced.
4.2.2.1 Type and Size
3.2.11 radiographer: A person who performs radio-
graphic operations. All filler metals shall conform to one of the following spec-
ifications:
3.2.12 repair: Any rework on a completed weld that
requires welding to correct a fault in the weld that has been a. AWSA5.1.
b. AWSAS.2.
5NACE Intemational, 1440 South Creek Drive, Houston, Texas 77084. c. AWSAS.5.
 WELDING OF PIPELINES AND RELATED FACILITIES 3

d. AWSA5.17. 5.2 RECORD

e. AWSA5.18.
The details of each qualified procedure shall be recorded.
f. AWSAS.20. The record shall show complete results of the procedure qual-
g. AWS AS.28. ification test. Fonns similar to those shown in Figures 1 and 2
h. AWSAS.29. should be used. The record shall be maintained as long as the
procedure is in use.
Filler metals that do not confonn to the specifications
above may be used provided the welding procedures involv- 5.3 PROCEDURE SPECIFICATION
ing their use are qualified.
5.3.1 General
4.2.2.2 Storage and Handling of Filler Metals The procedure specification shall include the infonnation
and Fluxes specified in 5.3.2, where applicable.
Filler metals and fluxes shall be stored and handled to
avoid damage to them and to the containers in which they are 5.3.2 Specification Information
shipped. Filler metals and fluxes in opened containers shall be 5.3.2.1 Process
protected from deterioration, and filler metals that are coated
shall be protected from excessive changes in moisture. Filler The specific process or combination of processes used
metals and fluxes that show signs of damage or deterioration shall be identified. The use of a manual, semiautomatic, or
shall not be used. automatic welding process or any combination of these shall
be specified.
4.2.3 Shielding Gases
5.3.2.2 Pipe and Fitting Materials
4.2.3.1 Types
The materials to which the procedure applies shall be identi-
Atmospheres for shielding an arc are of several types and fied. API Specification 5L pipe, as well as materials that con-
may consist of inert gases, active gases, or mixtures of inert fonn to acceptable ASTM specifications, may be grouped
and active gases. The purity and dryness of these atmospheres (see 5.4.2.2). provided that the qualification test is made on the
have great influence on welding and should be of values suit- material with the highest specified minimum yield strength in
able for the process and the materials to be welded. The the group.
shielding atmosphere to be used shall be qualified for the
material and the welding process. 5.3.2.3 Diameters and Wall Thicknesses
The ranges of outside diameters and wall thicknesses over
4.2.3.2 Storage and Handling
which the procedure is applicable shall be identified. Exam-
Shielding gases shall be kept in the containers in which they ples of suggested groupings are shown in 6.2.2, items d. and e.
are supplied, and the containers shall be stored away from
extremes of temperature. Gases shall not be field-intennixed 5.3.2.4 Joint Design
in their containers. Gases of questionable purity and those in
The specification shall include a sketch or sketches of the
containers that show signs of damage shall not be used.
joint that show the angle of bevel, the size of the root face,
and the root opening or the space between abutting members.
5 Qualification of Welding Procedures for The shape and size of fillet welds shall be shown. If a backup
Welds Containing Filler-Metal Additives is used, the type shall be designated.

5.1 PROCEDURE QUALIFICATION

5.3.2.5 Filler Metal and Number of Beads
Before production welding is started, a detailed procedure
The sizes and classification number of the filler metal and the
specification shall be established and qualified to demonstrate
minimwn number and sequence of beads shall be designated.
that welds with suitable mechanical properties (such as
strength, ductility, and hardness) and soundness can be made
5.3.2.6 Electrical Characteristics
by the procedure. The quality of the welds shall be deter-
mined by destructive testing. These procedures shall be The current and polarity shall be designated, and the range
adhered to except where a change is specifically authorized of voltage and amperage for each electrode, rod, or wire shall
by the company, as provided for in S.4. be shown.
4 API STANDARD 1104

Reference: API Standard 1104, 5.2

PROCEDURE SPECIFICATION NO.

For Welding of Pipe and fittings
Process
Material
Pipe outside diameter and wall thickness
Joint design
Filler metal and no. of beads
Electrical or flame characteristics
Position
Direction of welding
No. of welders
Time lapse between passes
Type and removal of lineup clamp
Cleaning and/or grinding
PreheaVstress relief
Shielding gas and flow rate
Shielding flux
Speed of travel
Plasma gas composition Plasma gas flow rate
Plasma gas orifice size
Sketches and tabulations attached

Tested Welder
Approved Welding supervisor
Adopted Chief engineer

<! , ~I i ~ '''e' (1,6 mm)

'I,,· - 'M' (0,8 - 1.6 mm)

c~ L
Approximately 1/16" (1.6 mm) ~ l~ 1/16" ± 1132" (1.6 mm ± 0.8 mm)
Standard V-Bevel Butt Joint

r Approximately 1/S"

i .~. t
(3mm)

Sequence of Beads
Note: Dimensions are for example only.

ELECTRODE SIZE AND NUMBER OF BEADS

Electrode Amperage
Size and and
Bead Number Type Voltage Polarity Speed

Figure 1-Sample Procedure Specification Form

 WELDING OF PIPELINES AND RELATED FACILITIES 5

COUPON TEST REPORT

Date Test No.
Location
State Weld Position: Roll 0 Fixed LJ
Welder Mark
Welding time Time of day
Mean temperature Wind break used
Weather conditions
Voltage Amperage
Welding machine type Welding machine size
Filler metal
Reinforcement size
Pipe type and grade
Wall thickness Outside diameter

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Coupon stenciled

Original specimen dimensions

Original specimen area

Maximum load

Tensile strength

Fracture location

o Procedure o Qualifying test [J Qualified

o Welder o Line test 0 Disqualified

Maximum tensile Minimum tensile Average tensile

Remarks on tensile-strength tests
1.
2.
3.
4.
Remarks on bend tests
1.
2.
3.
4.
Remarks on nick-break tests
1.
2.
3.
4.

Test made at Date

Tested by Supervised by

Note: Use back for additional remarks. This form can be used to report either a procedure qualification test or a welder qualification test.

Figure 2-Sample Coupon Test Report

6 API STANDARD 1104

5.3.2.7 Flame Characteristics 5.4 ESSENTIAL VARIABLES

The specification shall designate whether the flame is neu- 5.4.1 General
tral, carburizing, or oxidizing. The size of the orifice in the
A welding procedure must be re-established as a new pro-
torch tip for each size of rod or wire shall be specified.
cedure specification and must be completely requalified when
any of the essential variables listed in 5.4.2 are changed.
5.3.2.8 Position Changes other than those given in 5.4.2 may be made in the
procedure without the need for re-qualification, provided the
The specification shall designate roll or position welding.
procedure specification is revised to show the changes.

5.3.2.9 Direction of Welding 5.4.2 Changes Requiring Requalification

The specification shall designate whether the welding is to 5.4.2.1 Welding Process or Method of Application
be pelfonned in an uphill or downhill direction.
A change from the welding process or method of applica-
tion established in the procedure specification (see 5.3.2.1)
5.3.2.10 Time Between Passes constitutes an essential variable.
The maximum time between the completion of the root
bead and the start of the second bead, as well as the maxi- 5.4.2.2 Base Material
mum time between the completion of the second bead and the
A change in base material constitutes an essential variable.
start of other beads, shall be designated.
When welding materials of two separate material groups, the
procedure for the higher strength group shall be used. For the
5.3.2.11 Type and Removal of Lineup Clamp purposes of this standard, all materials shall be grouped
as follows:
The specification shall designate whether the lineup clamp
is to be intemal or extemal or if no clamp is required. If a a. Specified minimum yield strength less than or equal to
clamp is used, the minimum percentage of root-bead welding 42,000 psi (290 MPa).
that must be completed before the clamp is released shall be b. Specified minimum yield strength greater than 42,000 psi
specified. (290 MPa) but less than 65,000 psi (448 MPa).
c. For materials with a specified minimum yield strength
5.3.2.12 Cleaning and/or Grinding greater than or equal to 65,000 psi (448 MPa), each grade
shall receive a separate qualification test.
The specification shall indicate whether power tools or
Note: The groupings specified in 5.4.2.2 do not imply that base mate-
hand tools are to be used for cleaning, grinding, or both.
rials or filler metals of different analyses within a group may be indis-
criminately substituted for a material that was used in the qualification
5.3.2.13 Pre- and Post-Heat Treatment test without consideration of the compatibility of the base materials
and filler metals from the standpoint of metallurgical and mechanical
The methods, temperature, temperature-control methods, properties and requirements for pre- and post-heat treatment.
and ambient temperature range for pre- and post-heat treat-
ment shall be specified (see 7.11). 5.4.2.3 Joint Design
A major change in joint design (for example, from V
5.3.2.14 Shielding Gas and Flow Rate groove to U groove) constitutes an essential variable. Minor
changes in the angle of bevel or the land of the welding
The composition of the shielding gas and the range of flow
groove are not essential variables.
rates shall be designated.

5.4.2.4 Position
5.3.2.15 Shielding Flux
A change in position from roll to fixed, or vice versa, con-
The type of shielding flux shall be designated. stitutes an essential variable.

5.3.2.16 Speed ofTravel 5.4.2.5 Wall Thickness

The range for speed of travel, in inches (millimetres) per A change from one wall-thickness group to another consti-
minute, shall be specified for each pass. tutes an essential variable.
 WELDING OF PIPELINES AND RELATED FACILITIES 7

5.4.2.6 Filler Metal Table 1-Filler Metal Groups

The following changes in filler metal constitute essential AWS

variables: Group Specification Electrode Flux C
AS.I E6010, E60ll
a. A change from one filler-metal group to another (see AS.S E7010, E70ll
Table 1).
2 AS.S ESOIO, ESOII
b. For pipe materials with a specified minimum yield
E9010
strength greater than or equal to 65,000 psi (448 MPa), a
change in the AWS classification of the filler metal 3 AS.l or AS.S E701S, E70l6, E701S
(see 5.4.2.2). AS.5 ESOlS,ESOI6,ESOIS
E90lS
Changes in filler metal within filler metal groups may be
4a AS.17 ELS P6XZ
made within the material groups specified in 5.4.2.2. The
ELSK F6XO
compatibility of the base material and the filler metal should
EL12 F6X2
be considered from the standpoint of mechanical properties.
EMSK F7XZ
EM12K F7XO
5.4.2.7 Electrical Characteristics EM13K F7X2
EMISK
A change from DC electrode positive to DC electrode neg-
ative or vice versa or a change in current from DC to AC or AS.IS ER70S-2
vice versa constitutes an essential variable. AS.1S ER70S-6
AS.2S ERSOS-D2
AS.2S ER90S-G
5.4.2.8 Time Between Passes
6 AS.2 RG60, RG6S
An increase in the maximum time between completion of
the root bead and the start of the second bead constitutes an 7 AS.20 E61T-GSd
essential variable. E71T-GSd

S AS.29 E71TS-K6
5.4.2.9 Direction of Welding
9 AS.29 E9ITS-G
A change in the direction of welding from vertical down- Note: Other electrodes, filler metals, and fluxes may be used but
hill to vertical uphill, or vice versa, constitutes an essential require separate procedure qualification.
variable. aAny combination of flux and electrode in Group 4 may be used to
qualify a procedure. The combination shall be identified by its com-
plete AWS classification number, such as F7AO-EL12 or F6A2-
5.4.2.10 Shielding Gas and Flow Rate
EMI2K. Only substitutions that result in the same AWS classifica-
A change from one shielding gas to another or from one tion number are permitted without requalification.
mixture of gases to another constitutes an essential variable. bA shielding gas (see 5.4.2.10) shall be used with the electrodes in
Group 5.
A major increase or decrease in the range of flow rates for the
CIn the flux designation, the X can be either an A or P for As Welded
shielding gas also constitutes an essential variable.
or Post-Weld Heat-Treated.
dFor root-pass welding only.
5.4.2.11 Shielding Flux

Refer to Table 1, Footnote a, for changes in shielding flux

that constitute essential variables. 5.4.2.14 Post-Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT)

5.4.2.12 Speed of Travel The addition of PWHT or a change from the ranges or val-
ues specified in the procedure shall each constitute an essen-
A change in the range for speed of travel constitutes an tial variable.
essential variable.
5.5 WELDING OF TEST JOINTS-BUTT WELDS
5.4.2.13 Preheat
To weld the test joint for butt welds, two pipe nipples
A decrease in the specified minimum preheat temperature shall be joined, following all the details of the procedure
constitutes an essential variable. specification.
8 API STANCARD 1104

5.6 TESTING OF WELDED JOINTS-BUTT WELDS which failure occurs. The tensile strength shall be computed
by dividing the maximum load at failure by the smallest
5.6.1 Preparation cross-sectional area of the specimen, as measured before the
To test the butt-welded joint, test specimens shall be cut load is applied.
from the joint at the locations shown in Figure 3. (See Section
13 for testing requirements for the flash welding procedure.) 5.6.2.3 Requirements
The minimum number of test specimens and the tests to which
The tensile strength of the weld, including the fusion zone
they shall be subjected are given in Table 2. The specimens
of each specimen, shall be greater than or equal to the speci-
shall be prepared as shown in Figure 4,5,6, or 7. For pipe less
fied minimum tensile strength of the pipe material but need
than 2.375 in. (60.3 mm) in outside diameter, two test welds
not be greater than or equal to the actual tensile strength of
shall be performed to obtain the required number of test speci-
the material. If the specimen breaks outside the weld and
mens. The specimens shall be air cooled to ambient tempera-
fusion zone (that is, in the parent pipe material) and meets the
ture prior to being tested. For pipe less than or equal to
minimum tensile-strength requirements of the specification,
1.315 in. (33.4 mm) in outside diameter, one full-section spec-
the weld shall be accepted as meeting the requirements.
imen may be substituted for the four reduced-section nick-
break and root-bend specimens. The full-section specimen If the specimen breaks in the weld or fusion zone and the
shall be tested in accordance with 5.6.2.2 and shall meet the observed strength is greater than or equal to the specified
requirements of 5.6.2.3. minimum tensile strength of the pipe material and meets the
soundness requirements of 5.6.3.3, the weld shall be accepted
as meeting the requirements.
5.6.2 Tensile-Strength Test
If the specimen breaks below the specified minimum ten-
5.6.2.1 Preparation sile strength of the pipe material, the weld shall be set aside
and a new test weld shall be made.
The tensile-strength test specimens (see Figure 4) shall be
approximately 9 in. (230 mm) long and approximately 1 in.
5.6.3 Nick-Break Test
(25 mm) wide. They may be machine cut or oxygen cut, and
no other preparation is needed unless the sides are notched or 5.6.3.1 Preparation
are not parallel. If necessary, the specimens shall be machined
so that the sides are smooth and parallel. The nick-break test specimens (see Figure 5) shall be
approximately 9 in. (230 mm) long and approximately 1 in.
5.6.2.2 Method (25 mm) wide and may be machine cut or oxygen cut. They
shall be notched with a hacksaw on each side at the center of
The tensile-strength test specimens shall be broken under the weld, and each notch shall be approximately 1/8 inch
tensile load using equipment capable of measuring the load at (3 mm) deep.

Table 2-Type and Number of Test Specimens for Procedure Qualification Test

Outside Diameter of Pipe Number of Specimens

Tensile Nick- Root Face Side
Inches Millimetres Strength Break Bend Bend Bend Total
Wall Thickness :0: 0.500 inch (12.7 mm)
< 2.375 <60.3 Ob 2 2 0 0 4a
2.375-4.500 60.3-114.3 Ob 2 2 0 0 4
> 4.500-12.750 114.3-323.9 2 2 2 2 0 8
> 12.750 > 323.9 4 4 4 4 0 16
Wall Thickness> 0.500 inch (12.7 mm)
:0:4.500 :0: 114.3 Ob 2 0 0 2 4
> 4.500-12.750 > 114.3-323.9 2 2 0 0 4 8
> 12.750 > 323.9 4 4 0 0 8 16
aOne nick-break and one root-bend specimen shall be taken from each of two test welds, or for pipe less than or equal to 1.315 inches (33.4 mm)
in diameter, one full-section tensile-strength specimen shall be taken.
bFor materials with specified minimum yield strengths greater than 42,000 psi (290 MPa), a minimum of one tensile test shall be required.
 WELDING OF PIPELINES AND RELATED FACILITIES 9

Top of PiPe~ Root or

side bend See Note 2
~ Nick-break
~----t- __

Face or
Sidebend~
Root or
side bend~

Nick-break /)f'
Root or /
side bend
Greater than 4.500" (114.3 mm)
Greater than or equal to 2.375" (60.3 m
but less than or equal to 4.500" (114.3 mm); I
but less than or equal to
also, less than or equal to 4.500" (114.3 mm 12.750" (323.9 mm)
when wall thickness is greater than I
0.500" (12.7 mm)

"~~otor
N"k~b"ak ~ ~ebend
Face or
Tensile side bend

Top of pipe
Root bend or side bend Face or side bend
~
Nick-break

Tensile

Fa" ,'d, b,"d;;"

0'
~X /
--1'--- / U/

/ /
Tensile

Root or side bend

Nick-break

G"a'" 'h~ "ISO' (323.9 m"'i

Root or side bend / ~Face or side bend

Nick-break» ~. Nick-break

Tensile / ~Tensile

Face or side bend Root or side bend

Notes:
1. At the company's option, the locations may be rotated, provided they are equally spaced around the pipe; however, specimens
shall not include the longitudinal weld.
2. One full-section tensile specimen may be used for pipe with an outside diameter less than or equal to 1.315 in. (33.4 mm).

Figure 3-Location of Test Butt-Weld Specimens for Procedure Qualification Test

10 API STANDARD 1104

r
Specimen may be machine or oxygen cut,
edges shall be smooth and parallel

•
/ Approximately
9" (230 mm) - - - - - - - - - - - -.... 1
,
Approximately
1" (25 mm)

Figure 4-Tensile-Strength Test Specimen

Notch cut by hacksaw;

Approximately 1/8"
(3mm)
~------~====~
;; T specimen may be machine or
oxygen cut; edges shall be
smooth and parallel

Approximately 1/8"
13 :1

1
Approximately 9" (230 mm)

Wall thickness
~----------+-~~II~--------------~ ,
Weld reinforcement '!'
should not be removed
on either side of specimen

Approximately 1/8" (3 mm)

Transverse notch not to

exceed 1/16" (1,6 mm) in depth

Optional nick-break test

specimen for automatic and
semiautomatic welding

Figure 5-Nick-Break Test Specimen