Rick,
6G is the pipe position and has the pipe fixed at a 45-degree angle from horizontal. You may need to know more than that to get ready though. since the weld procedure may vary quite a bit depending on what kind of welds will be made on the job. The test supervisor will usually go over the requirements prior to starting the test. You could have an open root with GTAW, SMAW or GMAW root pass, with fill passes made using GTAW, SMAW, GMAW or FCAW. Or a backing ring may be used and the same welding process used for the whole weld. Nominal pipe size varies from one job to another and typically is 2" or 6" NPS. Wall thickness also varies, and the examination requirements vary. If guided bend tests are performed, the test specimens will be removed from approximately the 45, 135, 225, and 315-degree positions measured around the pipe from the top or 0-degree position. You may want to keep your stops/starts out of these areas if bend tests will be used. Some companies use radiography instead of bend tests. The qualification codes are typically ASME Section IX or D1.1, but there are others. Try to find out as much as you can about the test in advance from the test supervisor or other welders that work there.
Typically the test supervisor will give you the coupons to clean up and tack into position, you will call him to inspect the tack welds and mark the top of the pipe prior to welding the root pass. When you get the root pass welded, the test supervisor will visually inspect and tell you to finish the weld if the root was acceptable. Then a final visual inspection for undercut, reinforcement height, bead appearance, complete fusion, etc. will be performed when you finish. If the weld passes final visual, the pipe will be taken down from the test stand and either bend specimens will be cut, or radiography will be performed. Whatever the results, don't argue with the test supervisor and keep a professional attitude. Even if you don't pass, you'll know more about the test and be better prepared for the next time. The codes permit retest after additional training or an immediate retest with 2 weld coupons for each failed position. But it is entirely up to the contractor which one they want to do, and entirely in their authority to not allow any retest. If you don't pass, find out what their policy is on retests. You may be able to go home, practice a bit more, then go back for a retest.
There's probably a ton of other tips that would help if you knew more about the test. I'm sure others will add their advice here also.
Good luck on the test,
Marty
Hi Rick,
Marty has pretty much laid out the test for you, including questions you should ask the individual supervising the test. Your depth of penetration question would be included in those questions.
There are a couple of tips I’d offer you:
1.Practice. Figure out where your body, hands, and head should be in relation to the joint around the coupon’s circumference because it will change.
2.Regardless of the welding process you’re using or the technique (stringer or weave), maintain a level (or nearly so) puddle regardless of where you’re at around the coupon’s circumference. Do not weld square to the joint! By using this technique, you allow gravity to help keep your puddle free of sag that initiates slag entrapment or lack of fusion depending on the process! You’ll understand this technique far better after your first practice coupon.
Rick,
You are getting some good advice from the guys here. I just thought I would throw my two cents in. If you are having trouble with a weave try to run stringers. Just make shure you start from the bottom and work up. Kinda like building a brick house you always start at the bottom, this will help keep the weld from sagging. Another tip is keep the high spots down if you dont keep each pass fill uniform by the time you put your last pass on you will have high and low spots.