Engineering Standards Manual ISD 341-2 Chapter 13, Welding & Joining
Section WFP 2-01 – Welding Fabrication Procedure Rev. 1, 10/27/06
Attachment 2, ASME B31.3, “Process Piping” Acceptance Criteria
1.0 ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR COMPLETED WELDS
1.1 Butt Welds
1.1.1 As-welded surfaces are permitted; however, the surface of welds shall be sufficiently free from coarse ripples, grooves, overlaps, abrupt ridges, undercut, and valleys.
1.1.2 The surface condition of the finished welds shall be suitable for the proper interpretation of radiographic and other nondestructive examinations when nondestructive examinations are required. In those cases where there is a question regarding the surface condition on the interpretation of a radiographic film, the film shall be compared to the actual weld surface for interpretation and determination of acceptability.
1.1.3 Undercuts shall not exceed 1/32 in. and shall not encroach on the minimum required section thickness.
1.1.4 For single-welded joints (i.e., butt joints welded from one side), concavity of the root surface shall not reduce the total thickness of the joint, including reinforcement, to less than the nominal thickness of the thinner component being joined. (This applies only when inside surface of the weld is readily accessible or the weld has been radiographed.)
1.1.5 For single welded joints, the excess root penetration shall be limited to the lesser of 1/8 in. or 25 % of the nominal wall thickness of the thinner component being joined, down to ¼ in. wall thickness. For any nominal wall thickness less than ¼ in., the excess penetration shall be limited to 1/16 in. (applies only when inside surface of the weld is readily accessible or the weld has been radiographed).
1.1.6 Weld reinforcement greater than the amounts specified in the weld reinforcement table at the end of this attachment shall be considered unacceptable.
1.2.1 As-welded surfaces are permitted; however, the surface of welds shall be sufficiently free from coarse ripples, grooves, overlaps, abrupt ridges, undercut, and valleys.
1.2.2 The surface condition of the finished welds shall be suitable for the proper interpretation of nondestructive examinations.
Attachment 2, ASME B31.3, “Process Piping” Acceptance Criteria
Page 2 of 4
WELD REINFORCEMENT TABLE
ASME B31.3
Thickness of
Base Material
Thickness of Reinforcement
or Internal Weld Protrusion
¼ in. and under
1/16 in.
Over ¼ in. to ½ in.
1/8 in.
Over ½ in. to 1 in.
5/32 in.
Over 1 in.
3/16 in.
Note: External weld reinforcement and internal weld protrusion shall be fused with and shall merge smoothly into the component surface.