25870-000-4MP-T040-S0323 VT-API 1104 Pipeline (Rev.

0)

1.0 SCOPE
1.1 This procedure provides the minimum requirements for performing direct visual examination of steel girth
welds in pipelines where required by the references of 2.0.
1.2 This procedure is not applicable for remote Visual Examination.

2.0 REFERENCES
2.1 ASME B31.4, "Pipeline Transportation Systems for Liquid Hydrocarbons and other Liquids", 2012 Edition
2.2 ASME B31.8, "Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems", 2012 Edition
2.3 API 1104, "Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities", Twenty-First Edition (September, 2013) through
Errata #3 Including Addendum 1
2.4 ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section V “Nondestructive Examination”, 2013 Edition
2.5 Bechtel Nondestructive Examination Standard, NEPQ, “Personnel Qualification and Certification”

3.0 PERSONNEL
3.1 Bechtel personnel performing Visual Examination in accordance with this standard shall be qualified and
have current certifications as an NDE Level II or III in the Visual Examination method. Bechtel NDE
personnel shall be certified in accordance with Bechtel Nondestructive Examination Personnel Qualification
Standard, NEPQ, which has been developed from guidelines provided by the American Society for
Nondestructive Testing Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A.

4.0 TECHNIQUE REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Surface Condition
4.2 As-welded surface are permitted; however, the surface of the welds shall be sufficiently free from slag,
coarse ripples, spatter, burrs, grooves, overlaps, abrupt ridges, and valleys.
4.2.1 The surfaces of the finished weld shall be suitable to permit proper interpretation of radiographic and other
required nondestructive examinations.
4.3 Direct Visual Examination
4.3.1 Direct visual examination may usually be made when access is sufficient to place the eye within 24 in. (60
cm) of the surface to be examined and at an angle not less than 30° to the surface to be examined. Mirrors
may be used to improve the angle of vision, and aids such as a magnifying lens may be used to assist
examinations.
4.3.2 The specific part, component, vessel, or section thereof under examination shall be illuminated to attain a
minimum of 100 foot-candles (1,000 lx) at the surface. A standard industrial flashlight placed within 28 in.
(71 cm) of the surface being examined may provide this lighting intensity. Ref: NDE-PQR-402.

25870-000-4MP-T040-S0323 (EWS VT API 1104 Rev 0).docx Page 2 Of 6

25870-000-4MP-T040-S0323 VT-API 1104 Pipeline (Rev. 0)

4.4 Visual Examination of Weldments

4.4.1 Welds shall be visually examined on the outside and inside surface, where readily accessible, for
compliance with section 6.0 "Acceptance Criteria". Minimum visual examination of welds shall include the
following:
a) Contour and finish.
b) Surface cracks.
c) Undercutting and overlap.
d) Surface porosity.
e) Excess reinforcement and under-fill.
f) Misalignment.
g) Incomplete penetration.
h) Excessive spatter and arc strikes.
i) Excessive grinding or other thickness reductions.

5.0 RECORDS
5.1 The performance of Visual Examination shall be documented in accordance with project requirements.
When documentation of the examination is required, the form attached to this procedure (WR-33) may be
used.
5.2 Certification records for all Levels of Bechtel NDE personnel are maintained by Welding & NDE Services.
Copies of these records may be maintained in the project files.

6.0 ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

6.1 The following conditions are unacceptable:
6.1.1 Inadequate Penetration without High-low
a) IP shall be considered a defect should any of the following conditions exist:
b) The length of an individual indication of IP exceeds 1 in. (25 mm)
c) The aggregate length of indications of IP in any continuous 12 in. (300 mm) length of weld exceeds 1
in. (25 mm)
d) The aggregate length of indications of IP exceeds 8% of the weld length in any weld less than 12 in.
(300 mm) in length.
6.1.2 Inadequate Penetration Due to High-low
Inadequate penetration due to high-low (IPD) is defined as the condition that exists when one edge of the
root is exposed (or un-bonded) because adjacent pipe or fitting joints are misaligned. IPD shall be
considered a defect should any of the following conditions exist:
a) The length of an individual indication of IPD exceeds 2 in. (50 mm)
b) The aggregate length of indications of IPD in any continuous 12 in. (300 mm) length of weld exceeds
3 in. (75 mm)
6.1.3 Incomplete Fusion Not Due to Cold Lap
Incomplete fusion (IF) is defined as a surface imperfection between the weld metal and the base material
that is open to the surface. IF shall be considered a defect should any of the following conditions exist:
a) The length of an individual indication of IF exceeds 1 in. (25 mm)
b) The aggregate length of indications of IF in any continuous 12 in. length of weld exceeds 1 in. (25
mm)
c) The aggregate length of indications of IF exceeds 8% of the weld length in any weld less than 12 in.
(300 mm) in length.

25870-000-4MP-T040-S0323 (EWS VT API 1104 Rev 0).docx Page 3 Of 6

25870-000-4MP-T040-S0323 VT-API 1104 Pipeline (Rev. 0)

6.1.4 Incomplete Fusion Due to Cold Lap

Incomplete fusion due to cold lap (IFD) is defined as an imperfection between two adjacent weld beads or
between the weld metal and the base metal that is not open to the surface. IFD shall be considered a
defect should any of the following conditions exist:
a) The length of an individual indication of IFD exceeds 2 in. (50 mm)
b) The aggregate length of indications of IFD in any continuous 12 in. (300 mm) length of weld exceeds
2 in. (50 mm)
c) The aggregate length of indications of lFD exceeds 8% of the weld length.
6.1.5 Cracks
Cracks (C) shall be considered a defect should any of the following conditions exists:
a) The crack, of any size or location in the weld, is not a shallow crater crack or star crack.
b) The crack is a shallow crater crack or star crack with a length that exceeds 5/32 in. (4 mm)
Note: Shallow crater cracks or star cracks are located at the stopping point of weld beads and are the result of weld metal contractions
during solidification.

6.1.6 Undercutting
Undercutting adjacent to the cover pass (EU) or root pass (IU) shall be considered a defect should any of
the following conditions exists:
a) The aggregate length of indications of EU and IU, in any combination, in any continuous 12 in. (300
mm) length of weld exceeds 2 in. (50 mm)
b) The aggregate length of indications of EU and IU, in any combination, exceeds one-sixth of the weld
length.

Maximum Dimensions of Undercutting

Depth Length
> 1/32 in. (0.8 mm) or >12.5% of pipe Not Acceptable
wall thickness (whichever is smaller)
> 1/64 in. (0.4 mm) or >6% but ≤ 12.5% 2 in. (50 mm) in a continuous 12 in. (300 mm) weld
of pipe wall thickness (whichever is length or one-sixth the weld length, whichever is
smaller) smaller.
 1/64 in. (0.4 mm) or 6% of pipe wall Acceptable regardless of length
thickness (whichever is smaller)
Note: When both mechanical and radiographic measurements are available, the mechanical
measurements shall govern.

25870-000-4MP-T040-S0323 (EWS VT API 1104 Rev 0).docx Page 4 Of 6

25870-000-4MP-T040-S0323 VT-API 1104 Pipeline (Rev. 0)

Exhibit 1
Work Req # Nondestructive Examination Report Report #
[1] Visual Examination [WR-33] [2]
Job # Job Name Surface Condition [5] Date
[3] [4] Ground As Welded [6]
Iso / Dwg # Item / Comp ID Fabrication Code Acceptance Std
[7] [8] [9] [10]
Material Thickness Component Configuration Matl Type [13] Procedure & Revision
Stainless St
[11] [12] Carbon Steel [14]
Part or Weld # Acc Rej Remarks

[15] [16] [17] [18]

Sketch / Comments [19]

Examiner Level Date

[20] [21] [22]
Review Date
[23] [24]

25870-000-4MP-T040-S0323 (EWS VT API 1104 Rev 0).docx Page 5 Of 6

25870-000-4MP-T040-S0323 VT-API 1104 Pipeline (Rev. 0)

Exhibit 1 (Cont’d)
Instructions

1. Enter the number of the work request here.

2. If a unique report identifier exists, it may be entered here. If not applicable, enter “NA”.
3. Enter the Bechtel job number here.
4. Enter the project name here.
5. Check the box corresponding to the surface condition (ground or as-welded) at the time of examination.
6. Enter the date that the examination was performed.
7. Enter the applicable drawing number for the component examined. The Sketch / Comments section may be used
for additional references, if necessary.
8. Enter the weld, piping, structural member, or component identification here.
9. Enter the alphanumeric designation of the governing fabrication code, e.g. ASME B31.3, AWS D1.1, etc.
10. Enter the reference to the applicable acceptance criteria; e.g. “statically-loaded non-tubular”, “normal fluid
service”, “black-cell”, etc.
11. Enter the material thickness of the material(s) undergoing examination. If for a transition joint, enter weld
thickness plus that of both sides.
12. Describe component; e.g. pipe-to-pipe, elbow-to-pipe, plate, Stud, etc.
13. Check the box corresponding to the type of material where examination was conducted. If other than carbon steel
or stainless steel, enter material type above check boxes.
14. Enter the identification and revision of the applicable examination procedure; e.g. VT-AWS D1.1 Rev. 2.
15. Enter the identification of the part or weld which was examined. e.g. “Pump SI-11 Shaft” or “FW-14”.
16. Place a mark (“check” or “X”) in this space if examination results indicated component or weld acceptance.
17. Place a mark (“check” or “X”) in this space if examination results indicated component or weld rejection.
18. Insert any remarks or comments that may be deemed pertinent to the examination.
19. Use this space to provide sketches or additional comments that are significant to the examination.
20. The certified individual who performed the examination shall sign the report here.
21. Insert appropriate NDE certification level, e.g. I, II, or III.
22. Insert date that report was signed.
23. This space shall be signed by the reviewing individual.
24. Reviewer shall insert date that review and signature was performed.

25870-000-4MP-T040-S0323 (EWS VT API 1104 Rev 0).docx Page 6 Of 6