Codes and Standards Training Institute (CASTI)

Welding 127

General 127.1

The welding requirements in 127 apply essentially to the welding of ferrous materials. The welding
of aluminum, copper, etc., requires different preparations and procedures.

Electrodes and Filler Metal 127.2.1

Welding electrodes, filler metal, and consumable inserts, must conform to the requirements of the
ASME Sec. II, Part C.

An electrode or filler metal not conforming to ASME Sec. II, Part C may be used provided the WPS
and the welders and welding operators who will follow the WPS have been qualified as required by
ASME Sec. IX.

Unless the designer specifies otherwise, welding electrodes and filler metals used must produce weld
metal that complies with the following:

(A) The nominal tensile strength of the weld metal shall equal or exceed the minimum specified
tensile strength of the base metals being joined.
(B) If base metals of different tensile strengths are to be joined, the nominal tensile strength of
the weld metal shall equal or exceed the minimum specified tensile strength of the weaker of
the two.
(C) The nominal chemical analysis of the weld metal shall be similar to the nominal chemical
analysis of the major alloying elements of the base metal [e.g., 21/4%Cr, 1% Mo steels should
be joined using 21/4% Cr, 1% Mo filler metals; see also para. 124.2(D)].
(D) If base metals of different chemical analysis are being joined, the nominal chemical analysis
of the weld metal shall be similar to either base metal or an intermediate composition, except
as specified below for austenitic steels joined to ferritic steels.
(E) When austenitic steels are joined to ferritic steels, the weld metal shall have an austenitic
structure.
(F) For nonferrous metals, the weld metal shall be that recommended by the manufacturer of
the nonferrous metal or by industry associations for that metal.
(G) For unusual materials or combinations of materials, the design engineer shall specify the
weld metal that is required. In addition, when a base metal is selected primarily for its
corrosion resistance, and the media is aggressive towards the material, the use of weld metal
that is electrochemically more noble than the base metal is recommended to ensure that
selective corrosion of the weld metal does not occur (e.g., when using type 316L base metal in
a strong acid, the use of 317L weld metal is preferred).

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Codes and Standards Training Institute (CASTI)
Weld Backing Material 328.3.2

Backing rings must conform to the following:

127.2.2(A) Ferrous metal backing rings must be of weldable quality, compatible with the
base material, with a sulfur content not exceed 0.05%.
127.2.2(B)(c) Nonferrous and nonmetallic backing rings may be used, provided they are
included in the WPS. Nonmetallic or nonfusing rings shall be removed.

Consumable Inserts 127.2.3

Consumable inserts may be used, provided:

they are made from material compatible with the chemical and physical properties of the
base material, and
they must be included in the qualification of the WPS.

Welding electrodes, filler metal, and consumable inserts, must conform to ASME Section IX.

Practice Problem Q1: Filler Metal Code
Which code must welding electrodes, filler metal, and consumable inserts be conformed to, for ASME
B31.1 piping systems?

a) ASME Sec. II, Part A
b) ASME Sec. II, Part B
c) ASME Sec. II, Part C
d) ASME Sec. IX
e) c and d


Practice Problem Q2: Backing Material
What are the ASME B31.1 quality requirements for ferrous metal backing rings used with process
piping?

a) shall be of weldable quality
b) shall meet the AWS backing specification requirements
c) shall be the same material as the base metal
d) shall be of weldable quality with a sulfur content not exceeding 0.05%
e) shall be of weldable and corrosion resistant quality



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Codes and Standards Training Institute (CASTI)
Preparation for Welding 127.3

Cleaning 127.3(B)

Surfaces for welding must be clean and free from any detrimental effects to either the weld or the
base metal when heat is applied. Examples of debris for cleaning include:

paint,
oil,
rust, and
scale.

Alignment of Circumferential Welds 127.3(C)

The inside diameters of piping components to be butt welded must be aligned as accurately as
practicable, within existing commercial tolerances on:

diameters,
wall thicknesses, and
out-of-roundness.

Unless the piping design specifically states a different allowable misalignment, the maximum
allowable internal misalignment of the ends is 1/16 in. (2.0 mm), see Fig. 127.3.

Spacing 127.3(D)

The root opening of the welded joint is as specified in the qualified WPS.

Socket Weld Assembly 127.3(E)

In assembly of socket weld joint, the pipe or tube must be inserted into the socket to the maximum
depth and then withdrawn approximately 1/16 in. (2.0 mm) away from contact between the end of
the pipe and the shoulder of the socket (see Figs. 127.4.4(B) and (C)).

Practice Problem Q3: Cleaning Welds
Which areas of an ASME B31.1 weld shall be clean and free from paint, oil, rust, scale, and other
material that would be detrimental to either the weld or the base metal when heat is applied?

a) base metal, including a minimum distance of 3 inches in all directions from the weld
b) on those surfaces that will be in contact with the process or, a minimum distance of 3 inches
in all directions from the weld, whichever is greater
c) surfaces for welding
d) I.D. only
e) O.D. only


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Codes and Standards Training Institute (CASTI)
Practice Problem Q4: Weld Alignment
What are the ASME B31.1 tolerance limits for the root opening of the joint for process piping?

a) 1/16 in.
b) 1/8 in.
c) shall be within the tolerance limits in the WPS
d) a minimum of twice the diameter of the electrode size qualified in the WPS for the root pass
e) 3/16 in.


Practice Problem Q5: Socket Welds
The weld joint fit-up gap between the end of a pipe and the bottom of the socket used in ASME B31.1
power piping shall be approximately:

a) 1/32 in.
b) 1/16 in.
c) 1/8 in.
d) 3/32 in.
e) 5/32 in.



Procedure 127.4

WPS Qualification 127.4.1(A)

Qualification of the WPS to be used, and of the performance of welders and operators, is required,
and shall comply with the requirements the ASME Sec. IX, except as modified in 127.5.

External Impingement on Welded Area 127.4.1(B)

No welding is permitted if there is impingement of rain, snow, sleet, or high wind on the weld area.

Tack Welds 127.4.1(C)

Tack welds must meet the following criteria:

tack welds that remain in the finished weld must be made by a qualified welder;
tack welds made by an unqualified welder must be removed;
tack welds that remain must be made with an electrode and WPS that is the same as or
equivalent to the electrode and WPS to be used for the first pass; and
tack welds that have cracked must be removed.

Arc Strikes 127.4.1(D)

Arc strikes outside the area of the intended weld should be avoided on any base metal.

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Codes and Standards Training Institute (CASTI)
Girth Butt Welds 127.4.2(A)

Girth butt welds must be complete penetration welds and must be made with:

a single vee,
double vee, or
other suitable type of groove,
with or without backing rings or consumable inserts.

Fillet Welds 127.4.4

In making fillet welds:

the weld metal must be deposited in such a way as to secure adequate penetration into the
base metal at the root of the weld;
they may vary from convex to concave;
the weld size is determined as shown in Fig. 127.4.4(A).



Seal Welds 127.4.5

Seal welding of threaded joints must be done by qualified welders and the threads must be entirely
covered by the seal weld.
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Codes and Standards Training Institute (CASTI)
Practice Problem Q6: Welding
When is welding prohibited on new ASME B31.1 power piping welds?

a) if there is impingement on the weld area of high wind
b) if the weld area is frosted
c) if the weld area is wet
d) all of the above
e) none required


Practice Problem Q7: Welding
What are the ASME B31.1 requirements for tack welds at the root of the joint?

a) shall be made with filler metal equivalent to that used in the first pass and made by the pipe
fitter or welder
b) shall be made with filler metal equivalent to that used in the first pass and made by a
qualified welder
c) shall be fused with any pass weld, in accordance with the qualified WPS
d) cracked tack welds are not required to be removed, provided they are fused with the root
pass weld
e) as required in the WPS


Practice Problem Q8: Seal Welding
What are the requirements for seal welding ASME B31.1 power piping?

a) seal welding may be done by any trades personal, provided they are inspected visually after
completion
b) seal welding shall cover a minimum of 2 exposed threads or 3/8 in., whichever is greater
c) seal welding shall cover all exposed threads or 3/8 in., whichever is greater
d) seal welding shall be done by a qualified welder and shall cover all exposed threads
e) none

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Codes and Standards Training Institute (CASTI)
Weld Reinforcement 127.4.2(C.2)

The amount of weld metal build-up on or below the base metal surface is referred to as reinforcement
(not convexity). If reinforcement exists on the side from which welding was done it is called face
reinforcement. Build up on the other side is called root reinforcement. The Palmgren weld
reinforcement gage is used to measure groove weld reinforcement, as shown below.



Measuring weld reinforcement with the Palmgren gage.

For ASME B31.1 welds, there are maximum requirements for weld reinforcement. The weld must
develop the strength of the base material. Weld reinforcement is a change in surface contour and
therefore is a stress concentrator: the more severe the build-up, the greater the stress magnification.
Although the Code does not require weld reinforcement, it does require full penetration, i.e.,
complete joint fill.

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Codes and Standards Training Institute (CASTI)
Permitted weld reinforcement in accordance with Table 127.4.2 is as follows.

Table 127.4.2 Reinforcement of Girth and Longitudinal Butt Welds

Thickness of Base Metal,
in. (mm)
Maximum Thickness of Reinforcement
for Design Temperature
> 750F
(400C)
350F750F
(175C400C)
< 350F
(175C)
in. mm in. mm in. mm
Up to 1/8 (3.0), incl. 1/16 2.0 3/32 2.5 3/16 5.0
Over 1/8 to 3/16 (3.0 to 5.0), incl. 1/16 2.0 1/8 3.0 3/16 5.0
Over 3/16 to 1/2 (5.0 to 13.0), incl. 1/16 2.0 5/32 4.0 3/16 5.0
Over 1/2 to 1 (13.0 to 25.0), incl. 3/32 2.5 3/16 5.0 3/16 5.0
Over 1 to 2 (25.0 to 50.0), incl. 1/8 3.0 1/4 6.0 1/4 6.0
Over 2 (50.0) 5/32 4.0
The greater of 1/4 in. (6 mm) or 1/8 times
the width of the weld in inches (mm).
General Notes:
(a) For double welded butt joints, this limitation on reinforcement given above shall apply
separately to both inside and outside surfaces of the joint.
(b) For single welded butt joints, the reinforcement limits given above shall apply to the outside
surface of the joint only.
(c) The thickness of weld reinforcement shall be based on the thickness of the thinner of the
materials being joined.
(d) The weld reinforcement thicknesses shall be determined from the higher of the abutting
surfaces involved.
(e) Weld reinforcement may be removed if so desired.

Practice Problem Q9: Weld Reinforcement
What is the ASME B31.1 maximum weld reinforcement for a girth welded pipe joint with a nominal
thickness of 0.750 inch and design temperature of 350F?

a) 3/32 in.
b) 1/8 in.
c) 5/32 in.
d) 3/16 in.
e) 5/16 in.



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Codes and Standards Training Institute (CASTI)
Repair Welding 127.4.1

Defect Removal (During Fabrication) - 127.4.1(A)

All defects in welds or base materials requiring repair shall be removed by:

flame or arc gouging,
grinding,
chipping, or
machining.

When a defect is removed but welding repair is unnecessary, the surface must be contoured to
eliminate any sharp notches or corners. The contoured surface must be reinspected by the same
means originally used for locating the defect.

Repair Welds (During Fabrication) - 127.4.1(B)

Repair welds during fabrication shall:

be made in accordance with a WPS using qualified welders or welding operators, recognizing
that the cavity to be repair welded may differ in contour and dimension from a normal joint
preparation and may present different restraint conditions;
use the types, extent, and methods of examination in accordance with Table 136.4,
Mandatory Minimum Nondestructive Examinations for Pressure Welds or Welds to
Pressure-Retaining Components;
use as a minimum, the same examination method that revealed the defect in the original
weld; and
use as a minimum for repairs to base material, the same examination method as required for
butt welds.

Practice Problem Q10: Repair Welds
What examination technique shall be used for repairs to welds during ASME B31.1 piping
fabrication?

a) as required in the qualified WPS
b) as required in the design specification
c) as required by ASME Sec. IX
d) the appropriate method to detect any suspected internal defects
e) the same method that revealed the defect in the original weld


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Codes and Standards Training Institute (CASTI)
Welding Procedure Specification Qualification 127.5

Qualification of the WPS to be used and of the performance of welders and welding operators shall
comply with the requirements of the ASME Sec. IX except as modified herein.

Certain materials listed in Appendix A do not appear in ASME Sec. IX P-Number listing in QW/QB-
422. Where these materials have been assigned P-Numbers in Appendix A, they may be welded
under this Code for nonboiler external piping only without separate qualification as if they were
listed in ASME Section IX.

Welding Responsibility 127.5.2

Each employer is responsible for the welding performed by their organization and the performance of
welders or welding operators employed by that organization.

Practice Problem Q11: Welding Responsibilities
Who is responsible for ASME B31.1 piping welding done by the personnel and shall conduct the tests
required to qualify welding procedures, and to qualify or requalify welders and welding operators?

a) each employer
b) purchaser
c) jurisdiction
d) welding inspector
e) a and d



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