INSPECTION AND TESTING OF PRODUCTION WELDS AS PER API 1104

There are several methods for inspecting and testing production welds. Some common methods include:

Visual inspection: This involves examining the welded joint with the naked eye or using a magnifying glass or other visual aids to look for defects such as cracks, porosity, and incomplete fusion.
Dye penetrant inspection: This involves applying a liquid dye to the surface of the weld and then removing the excess dye. Any cracks or other surface defects will allow the dye to penetrate and be visible when the surface is washed with a developer solution.
Magnetic particle inspection: This involves applying a magnetic field to the welded joint and then sprinkling iron oxide or iron oxide-coated plastic particles over the surface. Any cracks or other surface defects will cause the particles to be attracted to the weld and be visible.
Ultrasonic testing: This involves using high-frequency sound waves to inspect the welded joint. The sound waves are transmitted through the weld and any defects will cause reflections that can be detected and analyzed.
Radiographic testing: This involves using X-rays or gamma rays to inspect the welded joint. The rays are passed through the weld and any defects will be visible on the film or detector used to record the image.
Hydrostatic testing: This involves pressurizing the welded joint with water or another liquid and looking for any leaks or other signs of failure.
Bend testing: This involves bending the welded joint to a specified angle and looking for cracks or other signs of failure.

It is important to choose the appropriate inspection and testing method based on the specific requirements of the weld and the application it will be used in.

Methods of Inspection

According to API 1104, the following methods are commonly used for the inspection and testing of production welds:

Visual inspection: This involves examining the welded joint with the naked eye or using a magnifying glass or other visual aids to look for defects such as cracks, porosity, and incomplete fusion.
Dye penetrant inspection: This involves applying a liquid dye to the surface of the weld and then removing the excess dye. Any cracks or other surface defects will allow the dye to penetrate and be visible when the surface is washed with a developer solution.
Magnetic particle inspection: This involves applying a magnetic field to the welded joint and then sprinkling iron oxide or iron oxide-coated plastic particles over the surface. Any cracks or other surface defects will cause the particles to be attracted to the weld and be visible.
Ultrasonic testing: This involves using high-frequency sound waves to inspect the welded joint. The sound waves are transmitted through the weld and any defects will cause reflections that can be detected and analyzed.
Radiographic testing: This involves using X-rays or gamma rays to inspect the welded joint. The rays are passed through the weld and any defects will be visible on the film or detector used to record the image.
Hydrostatic testing: This involves pressurizing the welded joint with water or another liquid and looking for any leaks or other signs of failure.
Bend testing: This involves bending the welded joint to a specified angle and looking for cracks or other signs of failure.

It is important to follow the specific requirements and procedures outlined in API 1104 for the inspection and testing of production welds.

Qualiﬁcation of Inspection Personnel

According to API 1104, inspection personnel must be qualified in accordance with an established welding inspection certification program. The specific requirements for welding inspection certification programs are outlined in API 1104 and include the following:

The program must be recognized by a national or international organization.
The program must include a written examination that covers the knowledge and skills required for the inspection of production welds.
The program must include a practical examination that tests the individual’s ability to apply the knowledge and skills required for the inspection of production welds.
The program must include a continuing education component to ensure that the individual remains current in their knowledge and skills.
The program must include a mechanism for recertification at appropriate intervals to ensure that the individual remains competent in their knowledge and skills.

Inspection personnel who are qualified in accordance with an established welding inspection certification program are considered to be qualified to inspect production welds in accordance with API 1104. It is important to ensure that all inspection personnel are properly qualified in order to ensure the quality and integrity of the welded joints being inspected.

Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel

According to API 1104, nondestructive testing (NDT) personnel must be certified in accordance with an established NDT certification program. The specific requirements for NDT certification programs are outlined in API 1104 and include the following:

The program must be recognized by a national or international organization.
The program must include a written examination that covers the knowledge and skills required for the NDT of production welds.
The program must include a practical examination that tests the individual’s ability to apply the knowledge and skills required for the NDT of production welds.
The program must include a continuing education component to ensure that the individual remains current in their knowledge and skills.
The program must include a mechanism for recertification at appropriate intervals to ensure that the individual remains competent in their knowledge and skills.

NDT personnel who are certified in accordance with an established NDT certification program are considered to be qualified to perform NDT on production welds in accordance with API 1104. It is important to ensure that all NDT personnel are properly certified in order to ensure the quality and integrity of the welded joints being tested.

Following is the reference document of API 1104.

Inspection-and-Testing-of-Production-Welds

Following article are related to API 1104.

Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities According to API 1104

References and Intranational Standard used in API 1104

DEFINITION OF TERMS USED IN API 1104

QUALIFICATION OF WELDING PROCEDURES FOR WELDS CONTAINING FILLER-METAL ADDITIVES

QUALIFICATION OF WELDERS

DESIGN AND PREPARATION OF A JOINT FOR PRODUCTION WELDING

INSPECTION AND TESTING OF PRODUCTION WELDS

ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING

REPAIR AND REMOVAL OF DEFECTS