Old Welds

By Tyler1970 (***)

Date 09-20-2009 00:36

We are demoing a 24 in crude oil line in exxon tank farm. we cut close to a weld. The cap looked pretty good. But the bead is another story. Now when they probly putting this line in was 30 or so years ago. The bead had Huges amounts of IP and undercut concave bead. Back then was the code alot more leinent (sorry cant spell)? im try and get pics i dont have camera phone and i wanna show you guys. thanks

By 52lincoln (***)

Date 09-20-2009 01:53

man i would love to c pics.dont b bashfull

By dbigkahunna (****)

Date 09-20-2009 19:18

Back then tank farm welds on the suction side of the pumps were not xrayed. You welded the fit up you got with a hand torch cut and sometimes that meant using up to re-bar to fill in the gap. I have seen these welds hold when the pipe yields. Especially pre 70ERW or lap welded pipe. You did not weld to code you welded to the speed the lead man wanted you to go and how backed up operations was. You can fix a lot of chit with a grinder and a good cap. Not saying it was good, just that the way it was.
If you are on heritage Exxon property that would have been Humble Pipeline.

By Tyler1970 (***)

Date 09-21-2009 00:38

Im in the Anchorage Tank farm in PortAllen Louisiana.