WELD PROXIMITY

Purpose of Welding proximity requirement is:

1 – To avoid the overlapping HAZ, thus the lowering of welding HAZ mechanical which is not
covered in WPS as approval status for welding configuration.

2- To avoid the duplicate of residual stress between two joints which may combine with the load
during service then leading to structure failed due to the total combined local stress exceeding to
allowable stress.

Weld proximity is covered by a number of international standards. Extracts from these standards
are shown below and summarized in the following table:

Minimum distance
Standard Applies to Notes
between weld toes
t= nominal thickness of the
Ferritic steel pipe
BS 2633:1987 4t
pipework See below for notes on
attachment welds.
BS 4515:2009 C-Mn pipelines 4t t= pipe thickness
Carbon steel
BS 2971:1991 Agreed by parties –
pipework
e= design thickness
Pressure 4e or 100mm
PD 5500:2012 Refers to staggering of
vessels whichever is greater
longitudinal welds
Boilers and
ASME B&PV pressure Not specified –
vessels
A B31.1 Interpretation says

Interpretation: B31.1-22-7
Subject: B31.1, 127.4, Welding Requirements
Date Issued: December 10, 1992
File: B31-92-027
Question: Does the B31.1 Code require that a minimum distance be maintained between adjacent
piping welds.
Reply: No. However, refer to paragraph 104.3.1(G.7) for rules regarding the reinforcement of
multiple openings.

A B31.3 Interpretation Says

Interpretation: B31.3-7-02
Subject: B31.3-1987, Paras. 304.3.3 and 328; Spacing of Welds
Date Issued: May 24, 1988
File: B31-87-039
Question: In accordance with B31.3, are there requirements or guidelines on the minimum
distance between welds in a pipe?
Reply: No, except as provided in paragraph 304.3.3(e).
Para 304.3.3(e)refers to overlapping of reinforcement zones.

In oil and gas project, the code is normally not require about this issue, but it’s necessary to notify
in project’s Specification on welding & inspection.
Example:

Because of the HAZ overlapping, thus the weld-zone mechanical will be affected with no any
support documents that proving the soundness of weld specially in welding DSS – high corrosion
material (weld decay).

Because of the design capability and actual narrow arrangement, this issue can’t be avoided 100%.
In such a case, a Technical query has to be issued and supported by a production test. (Hardness
test is normally to be presented for closing this issue).