Missing B31.1 Welding Documentation

By rn01 Date 04-22-2006 14:30

A B31.1 power piping project was suspended for several years and is now being re-started. The documentation that identified the specific welders that performed each field weld on non-boiler external piping appears to be missing. If the documentation can not be located, can a more stringent inspection program be used to demonstrate that the quality of the existing field welds are B31.1 code compliant?

By spatterbrain (*)

Date 04-23-2006 06:43

You would have to present it to the insurane company or the authorized inspector for approval.
What assurances do you have that the welding procedures were folowed?
You may have to do alot of NDE and/or you may have to take random cut outs and do mechanical tests. Probably hydrotest all the affected lines and/or vessels.
The question is "Why was it suspended in the first place?" Because of budget or Quality concerns?
First thing is to get the opinion of the AI.

By BamaDave (**)

Date 04-23-2006 15:56

If the system was built and designed to B31.1 then there should be nameplates attached or stamped identification in the piping that will assist you in documenting the system.

By rn01 Date 04-24-2006 12:37

There is no indication that welds were stamped. B31.1 provides an alternative to stamping where "the employer shall maintain records which identify the joint with the welder or welding operator." For the case in question, it appears that "weld maps" were created that identified the welds on each piping system (with the welder's symbol included) which would comply with the code requirement. The weld maps now appear to be missing and we are trying to determine the path forward if the maps can not be located.

By rn01 Date 04-24-2006 12:21

Project was suspended for financial reasons not quality.