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API 1104 tests for qualification

Q: What is the procedure to qualify welding procedure specifications (WPS) as well as a welder to American Petroleum Institute (API) Standard 1104, Welding Pipelines and Related Facilities? What tests are necessary to qualify?

A: Your questions are good ones. I often receive similar questions about AWS and ASME standards. Answering them often requires far more information. Qualifying a procedure or welder to API 1104 typically has fewer steps than most AWS or ASME requirements.

Testing in API Procedures

Some API procedures can be completed without the added expense of nondestructive (ultrasonic and radiographic) testing. You’ll need to become familiar with bend and nick-break testing. Knowing material types and thicknesses, pipe diameters, weld positions encountered, and, of course, the process used on your project also is important. These are just some of the essential variables. The code will lay out the ranges of each and when additional testing is necessary.

As always, the only way to answer your questions would be to review your copy of API 1104. An electronic version can be downloaded directly from the American Petroleum Institute, or hard copies are available through AWS.

About the Author
Braun Intertec

Paul Cameron

Braun Intertec

4210 Highway 14 East

Rochester, MN 55904