thePetroStreet

Dear All,


Is position an essential variable in API 1104 ? ie, If a PQR qualified
on 5G position as per API 1104 qualifies welding on ALL position(2G,5G and 6G) or
not?

As per API 1104 clause 5.4.2.4 for welding procedure qualification, a change in position from roll to fixed,or vice versa,constitutes an essential variable.

In normal case,

Roll welding(1G) - Pipe rolling over rollers and welding carried out by automatic processes like SAW/GMAW.

Fixed (2G,5G,6G) - Normally carried out by SMAW in pipeline industry

So I think a change from 1G to other positions or viceversa means an essential variable.

I think this clause applicable to a change from 1G to other position(ie, 2G,5G,6G) or viceversa .I think we can use a WPS qualified on any position other than rolled (IG) on all positions except 1G.


I really don't know my way of thinking is right or wrong.Expecting some clarification from my seniors and friends in this matter.

Thanks and Regards,

Inconel

My friend Inconel,
Your interpretation is exactly right.
Actually API 1104 only differentiates between rolling and fixed position and not specifying all groove positions that is 1G, 2G, 5G or 6G.
So the answer to your question is:
"Yes position is an essential variable for welding procedure qualification in API 1104 but it only deals the change of rolling or fixed. Whenever you would move between rolling and fixed position of the pipe, you would have to revise the procedure qualification"

Positions like 1G, 2G, 5G or 6G are not listed in API 1104 as described in ASME Sec IX.
API 1104 is only concerned with the pipe position as in rolling or fixed.
If you have qualified the welding procedure in one fixed pipe position then its valid for all fixed positions in API 1104 as far as procedure qualification is concerned.

API 1104 deals everything regarding welding itself that is welding procedure qualification, procedure specifications, welders qualification etc. and mentioning all essential variables also.
And regarding your query, your interpretation is exactly right. You just need to have the qualified welding procedure in either fixed or in rotated position whatever your application is. And for welders qualification, you have to consider a separate qualification for vertical down and vertical uphill position.