Trick to passing a 'no grind' pipe test (stick)?

Date 07-29-2008 22:16

IMHO this is pure BS on the companies part. There is no code I've ever seen that doesn't allow a grinder. The language in some states "There shall be no visible marks on the cap" and that is all. This is a case of opinion and not a correct interpretation of the code. Way to many inspectors out there have "developed" their own little set of standards and pet peeves. I saw this for 20 years as a welder, and I hate to say it but I see it now with my colleagues as an inspector. If it ain't in the book it's allowable folks. . . . .and as far as I know that ain't in the book. Man I sure would like to see inspectors and engineers take the test(s) they spec for the welders sometime!!! Where I'm at it's hard enough to find a welder that can even pass a test let alone one who doesn't use a grinder. How bout we make them hammer the landing on the coupons too?? There's no reason they need a grinder fer that. . . .any good welder should be able to make that test!!!

By okiewelder2 (**)

Date 07-30-2008 00:04

the inspector said when we were taking that stainless test that he didnt know why we had to take it, but it was company policy. we wernt going to use stainless stick in there plant.

By dbigkahunna (****)

Date 08-01-2008 17:43

Grinder marks outside the bevel, especially on a test is poor workmanship. On high grade pipe, X60 and above it is a stress riser. When you get on the really high grade stuff, you can cause some serious problems with nicking the pipe. Also higher grade pipe tends to be thinner, and polishing the grinder mark may decrease the wall thickness where it is too thin for its service.
I believe grinding will make a better weld, but for a standard 1104 5G test, grinding, other then the starts and stops on the tacks, is unnecessary. However, it is now the industry standard accepted practice to allow grinding, so we change with the times.
When I see welder after welder do their test and hit the stops and starts then do a light grind on the bead and pass their test, I have little sympathy for the guy that uses the grinder to make up for his lack of welding skill.
Somebody doing a LH or Tig/LH ASME Section IX test on schedule 80 is a different story. You need to be able to get to the sides especially on the hot pass of a open root LH test and a grinder is the only way to do that. Again, when you see so many who can do it right you loose your sympathy for those who dont.
BABRT's

By 522029

Date 08-01-2008 19:21

Well said!!!!!!!

Griff

By Danny Lilly (*)

Date 10-12-2008 21:18

It all sounds like a power trip to me. Why make it more complicated than it needs to be? As long as it past the xray,who cares? These inspectors keep makeing things up as they go, they will run off everyone. Let THEM try some of it, and if they can get it done by all means lets get it.

By K.Sexton26 (**)

Date 10-12-2008 21:54

in the power plant industry this is a common practice especially for tube welders theres not much room when welding in a boiler most of the time you do good to get a file in betwen tubes. the inspectors aren't on a power trip the company makes the rules if your a good tube or pipe hand you shouldn't need a grinder in a test booth, if a welder has to grind all over his cupon in a test booth i could imagin what his field welds will look like