Bryon,
If you are the clients rep you need to talk to the project engineer and find out how much weld he requires.
You are working with s/s and excessive weld on weldolets / sockolets will turn the run pipe into a banana.
Regards,
Shane
The purpose of the integrally reinforced fitting is to replace the material in the run pipe that was removed to make the hole for the branch. It reinforces the run pipe. The piping codes allow small branch fitting to be used without reinforcement up to a certain size provided it is less than a specified ratio of the diameter of the branch to run pipe. Beyond that, reinforcement is required. How the reinforcement is achieved is the designer's problem to resolve. Hence the integrally reinforced fittings; the manufacturer has done the calculations and the testing to verify the design results in a joint that does not weakened the system. It provides an option to the designer and provides the erector with a "quick" method of meeting the code requirements.
The integrally reinforced fitting only serves it function properly if it is welded per the manufacturer's requirements. Different manufacturer's have slightly different designs, hence slightly different welding requirements. It should be noted that the fittings are not typically ready to weld as received. Most fitting fit a range of run pipe diameters. If the run pipe is on the small end of the diameter range the root opening along the cheeks (sides) will be open while the heels (and toe) will be tight. Conversely, if the run pipe is on the larger end of the diameter range the root opening on the cheeks (sides) will be tight while the heels (and toe) are open. It is required by most manufacturer's specifications that the installer/erector fit the branch fitting to the run pipe with a uniform root opening by grinding the fitting to fit the run pipe. Unfortunately, it is a rare occasion that the mechanic (fitter) or the inspector has taken the time to fit/inspect the integrally reinforced branch fitting as it is supposed to be. It is rarer yet that I see the IRBF properly fitted and welded. What I typically find is a partial joint penetration groove weld that consists of a nice "root pass" but little else.
While we're on the subject, we should look at the size of the fillet weld used to join the branch to the socket fitting. Each piping code requires a different fillet weld size. Most piping drawings do not specify weld sizes. It is left up to the welder to deposit the required fillet weld size. Since it is not rare to encounter field crews that haven't a clue as to what piping code they're working to, it isn't uncommon to find the fillet welds are undersized. A quick look at the various piping codes will clearly show either the size of the fillet leg required or the theoretical throat dimension of the fillet weld. When the throat is specified by the applicable code, the detailer or welder has to multiply the TT by 1.414 to obtain the proper leg dimension. Once again, if the welder isn't cognizant of what specific pipe code applies, it is reasonable to assume the weld size is not per code as well.
The most common refrain I hear from the field crew (or shop crew for that matter) is, "It's only pipe." or "It's a low pressure system." Then when pressed they can't tell me what the operating pressure or temperature is nor can they tell what specific code their working to beyond "ASME". Thank you "Lord" for safety factors.
I apologise for the rant, but the situation seems to be deteriorating with time. Smaller less qualified companies are entering the field. Owners, usually the least knowledgeable about code requirements, need to be wary of hiring the lowest priced contractor and they need to check the qualifications of the individual inspecting the pipe on their behalf.
Best regards - Al
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