WELDING OF PIPELINES AND RELATED FACILITIES 31

6.5.6 Sampling of Test Fillet Welds

To test fillet welds, specimens shall be cut from each test weld. Figure 10 shows the locations from which the
specimens are to be removed if the test weld is a complete circumferential weld. If the test weld consists of segments
of pipe nipples, an approximately equal number of specimens shall be removed from each segment. The specimens
shall be air cooled to ambient temperature prior to testing.

6.5.7 Test Method and Requirements for Fillet Welds

The fillet weld specimens shall be prepared and the test shall be performed as described in 5.8.

6.6 Nondestructive Testing (NDT)—Butt Welds Only

6.6.1 General

At the company’s option, the qualification butt weld may be examined by radiography or automatic ultrasonic testing
using a qualified NDT procedure in lieu of the tests specified in 6.5.

6.6.2 Inspection Requirements

When radiography is utilized, radiographs shall be made of each of the test welds. The welder shall be disqualified if
any of the test welds do not meet the requirements of 9.3.

When automatic ultrasonic testing is utilized, each test weld shall be fully examined. The welder shall be disqualified if
any of the test welds do not meet the requirements of 9.6.

Radiographic testing or automatic ultrasonic testing shall not be used for the purpose of locating sound areas or areas
that contain imperfections and subsequently making tests of such areas to qualify or disqualify a welder.

6.7 Retesting

If, in the mutual opinion of the company and the contractor’s representatives, a welder fails to pass the qualification
test because of unavoidable conditions or conditions beyond the welder’s control, the welder may be given a second
opportunity to qualify. No further retests shall be given until the welder has submitted proof of subsequent welder
training that is acceptable to the company.

6.8 Records

A record shall be maintained of the tests given to each welder and of the detailed results of each test. A form similar
to that shown in Figure 2 should be used. (This form should be developed to suit the needs of the individual company
but must be sufficiently detailed to demonstrate that the qualification test met the requirements of this standard.) A list
of qualified welders and the procedures for which they are qualified shall be maintained. A welder may be required to
requalify if a question arises about the welder’s competence.

7 Design and Preparation of a Joint for Production Welding

7.1 General

Piping shall be welded by qualified welders using qualified procedures. The surfaces to be welded shall be smooth,
uniform, and free from laminations, tears, scale, slag, grease, paint, and other deleterious material that might
adversely affect the welding. The joint design and spacing between abutting ends shall be in accordance with the
welding procedure specification used.