Section 10 Welding and fabrication

10.1.1 Welding, weld procedures, approval of welders and the fabrication of pipelines to be in accordance with a recognized code, standard tor specification acceptable to LR. For example, API STD 1104 — Standard for Welding Pipelines and Related Facilities. Weld procedures are to be qualified under the survey of LR.

10.1.2 The type of disposition of connections and sequences of welding are to be planned so that any restraint during welding operations is reduced to a minimum.

10.1.3 Where primers are applied over areas which will subsequently be welded, they are to be of a quality accepted by LR as having no significant deleterious effect on the finished weld.

10.1.4 Tack welding should be kept to a minimum and, where used is to be equal in quality to the finished welds. Tack welds should normally be removed before completing the weld unless otherwise agreed and without damage to the pipe.

10.1.5 The proposals for NDE procedures are to be agreed with LR prior to the commencement of construction.

10.1.6 All butt welds are to be subjected to 100 per cent NDE by radiography is to be to a standard acceptable to LR, for example BS 2910 — Methods for Radiographic Examination of Fusion Welded Circumferential Butt Joints in Steel Pipes, with acceptance criteria as detailed in the construction code of BS 4515 — Specification for Process of Welding of Steel Pipelines on Land and Offshore, if not specified in the Code, proposals for examination by ultrasonics are to be submitted for review and acceptance.

10.1.7 All defective sections of welds are to be cut out, carefully re-welded and re-examined.

10.1.8 All radiographs of field butt welds are to be stored by the pipeline Owner for at least 2 years following start up of the pipeline. Adequate care should be taken to ensure that the radiographs do not deteriorate in storage.

10.1.9 Weld procedures for repairs and alterations are to be qualified and approved by LR.