TSPP8

T/SP/P/8
SPECIFICATION FOR
WELDING OF STEEL ONSHORE NATURAL GAS

INSTALLATIONS DESIGNED TO OPERATE AT
PRESSURES GREATER THAN 7 BAR
March 2010
© National Grid plc 2010 – All rights reserved
T/SP/P/8
CONTENTS Page
FOREWORD iii
BRIEF HISTORY iv
KEY CHANGES iv
1. SCOPE 1
2. REFERENCES 2
3. DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS 2
4. QUALITY SYSTEM 2
5. EQUIPMENT 3
6. WELDING PROCESS 3
7. WELDING CONSUMABLES 4
8. TESTING, QUALIFICATION AND APPROVAL OF WELDING PROCEDURES 5
9. TESTING, QUALIFICATION AND APPROVAL OF WELDERS 5
10. PRODUCTION WELDING 6
11. THE EXAMINATION AND TESTING OF WELDS 13
12. WELD ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA 14
13. RECTIFICATION OF DEFECTIVE WELDS 15
14. RECORDS 16
TABLES
1. NATIONAL GRID MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS 17
2. INFORMATION TO BE SUPPLIED BY THE EMPLOYER 18
3. ITEMS SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE EMPLOYER 20
4. WELDING PROCEDURE SPECIFICATION DETAILS AND ESSENTIAL VARIABLES 23
5. WELDING CONSUMABLE CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS 29
6. RANGE OF QUALIFICATION FOR STEEL GROUPS AND SUB-GROUPS 29
7. QUALIFICATION OF SET-ON FITTINGS - MATERIAL STRENGTH AND

THICKNESS RANGE 30
8. ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR WELDS 31
9. WELD JOINT ALIGNMENT TOLERANCES 33
10. TACK WELD REQUIREMENTS 33
11. PRE-HEATING TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS 34
12. THE EXAMINATION AND NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF PRODUCTION

WELDS 35
© National Grid plc 2010 – All rights reserved i

T/SP/P/8
FIGURES
1 CONFIGURATION REQUIRED FOR SOCKET JOINTS PRIOR TO WELDING 36
2 WELDING POSITIONS 36
APPENDICES
A REFERENCES 39
B DEFINITIONS 41
C REQUIREMENTS FOR THE EXAMINATION, TESTING AND APPROVAL OF

WELDING PROCEDURES 43
D GUIDANCE ON POST WELD HEAT TREATMENT 67
E PIPE END MAGNETISM 68
F BELL-HOLE EXCAVATION DETAILS 70
G REQUIREMENTS OF A TYPICAL PIPING FABRICATION AND INSPECTION

SPECIFICATION 71
© National Grid plc 2010 – All rights reserved ii

T/SP/P/8
FOREWORD
This Specification was approved by Gas Engineering Policy Manager on 20/03/2010 for use
by Managers, Engineers and Supervisors throughout National Grid Gas.
National Grid Gas documents are revised, when necessary, by the issue of new editions.
Users should ensure that they are in possession of the latest edition by referring to the
Document Library of safety and engineering documents available on the company intranet.
Compliance with this safety and engineering document does not confer immunity from
prosecution for breach of statutory or other legal obligations.
BRIEF HISTORY
Edition Date Approval

New Document March 2010
KEY CHANGES (Identifies the key changes from the previous document)
Section Amendments
All sections New Document
DISCLAIMER
This safety and engineering document is provided for use by National Grid Gas and such of
its contractors as are obliged by the terms and conditions of their contracts to comply with this
document. Where this document is used by any other party it is the responsibility of that party
to ensure that this document is correctly applied.
MANDATORY AND NON-MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
In this document:
Shall: indicates a mandatory requirement.
Should: indicates best practice and is the preferred option. If an alternative method is used
then a suitable and sufficient risk assessment shall be completed to show that the alternative
method delivers the same, or better, level of protection.
© National Grid plc 2010 – All rights reserved iii

T/SP/P/8
© National Grid plc 2010 – All rights reserved iv

T/SP/P/8
SPECIFICATION FOR
WELDING OF STEEL ONSHORE NATURAL GAS INSTALLATIONS DESIGNED TO
OPERATE AT PRESSURES GREATER THAN 7 BAR
1. SCOPE
This specification contains the requirements for the welding of carbon, carbon manganese
and low alloy steels used in the construction of onshore natural gas installations designed to
operate at pressures greater than 7 bar, but not exceeding 100 bar in accordance with the
recommendations given in IGEM/TD/1 (Section 11 - Installations) and IGEM/TD/13.
The specification is applicable to the welding of:
• Pipeline Off-take installations

• Pressure Reduction installations
• Pipe-work skid units
• Interconnecting or diversionary pipe work within the confines of the installation.
• Pipeline Pigging Facility sites
• Block Valve installations
All welding, excluding connecting field welds of sub-assemblies and diversionary pipe work
within the confines of the installation site, shall be carried out in a workshop.
This specification details requirements for the production of welded joints that meet national
and international welding standards. Welds produced to this specification are considered
equivalent in quality to welds produced to BS 4515-1 or to BS EN 12732 (category D) quality
requirements.
Welding procedure qualification testing shall be in accordance with BS EN ISO 15614-1,

except where amended by the requirements of this specification.
In case of conflict between this specification and the codes, standards and specifications
referenced in Appendix A, the requirements of this specification shall apply.
Subject to the approval of the Employer, Skid Unit pipe-work may be manufactured to an
alternative national or international welding standard. If the use of an alternative welding
standard is agreed by the Employer, then the manufacturer or contractor shall submit a
Project specific welding fabrication and inspection specification to the Employer for approval
(see Appendix G).
2
The SMYS of the pipe shall not exceed 555 N/mm (i.e. grade L555 or X80) and all pipe,
fittings and attachments used shall comply with the National Grid specifications listed in Table
1. Should the Employer approve the use of alternative pipe or fittings not manufactured in
accordance with the specifications given in Table 1, the design of the pipe or fitting shall be fully
compliant with National Grid design requirements and the mechanical and chemical properties
of the pipe or fitting should comply with the applicable specification listed in Table 1.
.
This specification is not intended for the welding of carbon steel pipelines (see T/SP/P/2) or
the in-service welding of pressurised pipe work (see T/SP/P/9) and shall not be used for the
production of pipe work intended for the processing or transportation of sour natural gas.
© National Grid plc 2010 – All rights reserved 1

T/SP/P/8
2. REFERENCES
This specification incorporates requirements from other referenced publications and unless
specified by dated reference, the latest edition of the document, including all addenda and
revisions shall apply. The documents referred to are listed in Appendix A.
3. DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
3.1 Definitions
For the purposes of this specification the definitions given in BS 499-1 and BS EN 13622
apply. Additional definitions of terminology used in this specification are listed in Appendix B.
3.2 Abbreviations
For the purpose of this specification the following abbreviations apply:
• AWT All weld metal tensile test

• CE Carbon equivalent value
• CTOD Crack tip opening displacement
• DN Nominal diameter
• FBE Fusion bonded epoxy
• HAZ Heat affected zone
• MPA Manual Phased Array ultrasonic testing
• MPI Magnetic Particle inspection
• NWT Nominal wall thickness
• NDT Non-destructive testing
• OD Outside diameter
• PT Penetrant testing
• PWHT Post weld heat treatment
• pWPS Preliminary welding procedure specification
• RT Radiographic testing
• SMYS Specified minimum yield strength
• TT Transverse tensile test
• UT Ultrasonic testing
• WPS Welding procedure specification
4. QUALITY SYSTEM
The manufacturer or contractor should apply the quality management system principles stated in ISO
9001. To ensure effective quality control of all *stages of the welding process, a quality management
system typical of that described in BS EN ISO 3834-1 and BS EN ISO 3834-2 shall be adopted. With
prior agreement of the Employer, other technically equivalent supporting standards and documents
may be substituted for the documents specified in BS EN ISO 3834-5.
* To include as a minimum, the planning, design, qualification, execution, inspection, testing and
recording stages.
4.1 Technical information provided by the Employer
The manufacturer or contractor shall ensure that all information necessary to carry out the welding
process to the requirements of this specification is complete and available prior to work commencing
(see Table 2).
4.2 Items subject to approval by the Employer
The manufacturer or contractor shall ensure that their project Quality Plan incorporates the
specific items subject to approval by the Employer (see Table 3).

T/SP/P/8
4.3 Sub-contracting
The use of a sub-contactor by a manufacturer or main works contractor shall be subject to the
approval of the Employer (see Table 3). Any sub-contractor shall work under the order and
responsibility of the manufacturer or main works contractor and fully comply with the relevant
requirements of this specification (see BS EN ISO 3834-2).
5. EQUIPMENT
Welding equipment shall be suitable for the welding process employed and be calibrated and
maintained in a condition that allows production of acceptable welds, continuity of operation
and the safety of personnel. Arc welding equipment shall be capable of operating and
controlling the welding parameters detailed in Table 4 within the limits stated in the approved
WPS sheet. Equipment that does not meet this requirement shall either be repaired or
replaced.
The manufacturer or contractor shall provide calibrated arc monitoring equipment that is
independent of the welding plant. It shall be used to record welding process or procedure
qualification parameters and for the surveillance of production welding. The equipment shall
be made available to the Employers Inspector for monitoring purposes when requested.
Note: Copper contact tips and backing strips when used should be checked regularly for
damage which could indicate copper contamination of welds.
Pipe handling equipment, rollers and line up clamps shall be such that they avoid damage to
the pipe and fittings, ensure that axes are aligned in accordance with 10.4 and Table 9 and
allow the unhindered application of the welding procedure.
6. WELDING PROCESS
This specification covers the following manual or partially mechanised welding processes:
111 Shielded Metal Arc welding
121 Submerged Arc welding
131 Metal Inert Gas welding
135 Metal Active Gas welding
136 Tubular cored Metal Arc welding with active gas shield
137 Tubular cored Metal Arc welding with inert gas shield
141 Tungsten Inert Gas welding
Note: Welding processes are numbered in accordance with BS EN 4063.
6.1 Welding process and welding system approval
When required by the Employer, the manufacturer or contractor shall demonstrate that any
proposed welding process, combined welding process, or welding system has the technical
capability to consistently produce sound welds with the desired metallurgical properties using
the approved welding procedure.
The extent of any welding process or welding system consistency trials shall be agreed
between the manufacturer or contractor and the Employer. This should preferably be agreed
at tender or contract award stage and in all cases shall be prior to the welding of procedure
qualification welds.
As a minimum, the consistency trials shall include sufficient test welds to qualify the proposed
welding procedure, followed by five consistency test welds made using the approved welding
procedure.
6.2 Non-destructive testing and destructive testing requirements for welding

process and welding system consistency trials
All consistency trial test welds shall be subject to full non-destructive testing in accordance
with T/SP/NDT/2, and shall meet the requirements of Table 8 of this specification.

T/SP/P/8
All consistency trial and welding procedure qualification test welds shall be subject to the
destructive tests specified in Appendix C of this specification and in the event of specimen
failure, any additional tests required by the employer. The number of CTOD test specimens
(when required), will be specified by the Employer or shall be agreed between the Employer
and the manufacturer or contractor prior to welding commencing.
One of the five consistency welds (chosen at random by the Employer) shall be subject to full
destructive testing. The extent of CTOD testing for this weld may be varied by agreement between
the Employer and the manufacturer or contractor prior to welding commencing. The test welds shall
fully meet the specified acceptance criteria.
Where a gas or self shielded flux cored wire process is proposed (either individually or as part of a
combined process procedure), all five consistency test welds shall be subject to full destructive
testing. The extent of mechanical testing for these welds may be varied by agreement between the
Employer and the manufacturer or contractor prior to welding commencing.
7. WELDING CONSUMABLES
7.1 General
Welding consumables shall be approved by the Employer before use (see 4.2 and Table 3)
and shall be in accordance with the classification standard applicable to the proposed welding
process (see Table 5).
The chemical composition of the deposited weld metal shall be compatible with the materials
being welded and shall provide adequate resistance to degradation of the pipe work from the
contents under the intended operating conditions. The Employer will indicate whether specific
compositional controls are required (see Table 2).
When tested in accordance with clause C.5.1, the weld metal produced by any of the above
welding processes or combination of these processes, shall have a tensile strength greater
than the parent material.
The weld metal tensile strength of joints between dissimilar materials, when tested in
accordance with C.5.2, shall meet the specified minimum tensile strength of the higher
strength parent material.
When tested in accordance with clause C.5.2 the weld metal yield strength of welds in pipe
material of L555 or X80 grades shall overmatch the SMYS by at least 5%.
Welding electrodes or consumables achieving the low hydrogen requirements of Scale D, as
defined by BS EN 1011: Part 2; shall be used to weld all un-pupped fittings equal to or greater
than 914mm OD (see Appendix B).
When submerged-arc welding wire and flux combinations are proposed for use they shall, as
a minimum, achieve the low hydrogen requirements of Scale C as defined by BS EN 1011:
Part 2 (see Appendix B).
Limitations apply to the use of Cellulosic coated electrodes to weld L555 or X80 pipe grades
and fittings with a diameter equal to greater than 914mm OD (see Table 3).
Shielding gases used shall be in accordance with BS EN ISO 14175.
7.2 Storage and Handling
All consumables shall be identified by type, classification and individual batch number.
Different grades and types of welding electrodes and welding consumables shall be stored
separately.
The manufacturer or contractor shall produce a welding consumable storage and handling
procedure for approval by the Employer. In addition to the requirements of the storage
recommendations provided by the consumable manufacturer, any special measures identified
by the contractor for the storage, handling and the use of welding consumables in the field

T/SP/P/8
(e.g. vacuum packaging of electrodes at a location other than the manufacturers factory) shall
be fully described in this procedure.
At the discretion of the Employer, the manufacturer or contractor shall be required to perform
such additional tests that demonstrate that the storage and handling of welding consumables
has not lead to any deterioration of the required consumable specification or properties.
Welding consumables that show sign of damage or deterioration shall not be used.
Submerged-arc welding flux shall only be recycled or re-dried in accordance with the flux
manufacturer’s recommendations.
Where there is a requirement for mixed gases to produce field welds, the gas mixtures shall
be provided in proprietary pre-mixed gas bottles supplied by the gas manufacturer and shall
not be mixed in the field.
Compressed gases shall only be stored and handled in accordance with industry guidelines
and best practice.
8. TESTING, QUALIFICATION AND APPROVAL OF WELDING PROCEDURES
8.1 GENERAL
All testing qualification and approval of welding procedures shall be in accordance with BS
EN ISO 15614-1 (except where amended by this document) and Appendix C of this
specification.
In case of conflict between this specification and BS EN ISO 15614-1, the requirements of
this specification shall apply.
The welding and testing of all procedure qualification test joints shall be witnessed by the
Employer or the Employer’s representative
8.1.1 Previously qualified welding procedures

Where a manufacturer or contractor proposes the use of a *previously qualified welding
procedure, it shall be offered for the Employer’s consideration at the earliest opportunity,
ideally at project tender or contract award stage. The approval or use of a previously qualified
welding procedure will be at the sole discretion of the Employer.
* That remains valid within the changes affecting approval given in BS EN ISO 15614-1 and Table
4a & 4b of this specification.
Previously qualified welding procedures will not be considered where one or both of the pipe
materials joined are L555 (or X80) grade or an equivalent material.
9. TESTING, QUALIFICATION AND APPROVAL OF WELDERS
9.1 General
All welders and welding operators shall be qualified in accordance with BS EN 287-1, except
where amended by the requirements of this specification.
For the purpose of welder qualification, set-on branch attachment welding shall be classed as
a butt weld. Subject to satisfying the welding procedure essential variables listed in Table 4,
butt welds may qualify fillet welds. Where the majority of the work is fillet welding, the welder
shall be qualified by an appropriate fillet weld test. Simulation of a fillet weld using flat plate is
permitted (see Table 3).
9.2 Positional Welding
The welder’s test for butt welds in pipe shall include the PF and/or PG positions as specified
by the qualified welding procedure (see Figure 2). The test shall demonstrate the ability of the
welder to produce an acceptable joint by welding in all the positions covered by the qualified
welding procedure. Alternatively at the discretion of the Employer, a welder may be qualified

T/SP/P/8
on the first production weld, not to include fittings. This shall include not less than 100% of
one side of a complete weld joint from 12 o’clock through to 6 o’clock position or the
equivalent specified welding positions. The range of qualification for welding positions is given
in BS EN 287-1, Table 7.
9.3 Mechanised welding
For single process mechanised welding, each welder or welding operator shall be qualified for
all parts of the operation of making the joint (except where they are not required to make an
internally deposited root pass).
9.4 Non-destructive testing
Non-destructive testing shall be carried out in accordance with T/SP/NDT/2. All test welds
shall meet the acceptance criteria specified in Table 8.
9.5 Destructive testing
Destructive testing of butt welds shall be carried out in accordance with BS EN 287-1 or when
needed to confirm interpretation of non-destructive testing results.
Fillet welds shall be tested in accordance with BS EN 287-1, Table 10.
If any tests fail to comply with the requirements of BS EN 287-1 and it can be established that
the cause of failure is not due to the welder’s skill level, the welder shall be allowed to
produce one further test weld for examination, with the approval of the Employer or his
nominated representative. No further re-tests shall be permitted until proof of further training
of the welder is submitted by the manufacturer or contractor to the Employer.
9.6 Period of validity
The welder’s qualification shall remain valid for two years from the date of successful testing
of the test piece. Every six months the welder’s production performance shall be reviewed to
confirm that the welder has been satisfactorily working within the initial range of qualification.
Providing that evidence (see BS EN 287-1) is available to confirm this, the welder’s
qualification remains valid. If the required evidence is not available the welder shall be re-
tested.
9.7 Records
A complete record of all tests and re-tests undertaken by the welder shall be produced and
maintained by the manufacturer or contractor on a welder qualification test certificate for each
National Grid contract. The certificate shall satisfy the requirements of BS EN 287-1.
10. PRODUCTION WELDING
10.1 General
Adequate provision shall be made for the removal of welding fumes and dust at the
workplace, the provision of PPE shall be considered a secondary level of employee
protection.
All welding, including tack welding shall be performed by qualified welders in accordance with
the approved WPS.
All fittings shall be welded in accordance with the approved WPS and the weld completed in a
single heat cycle. Welds produced using process 111 (shielded metal arc) for joints in the
fixed horizontal position shall have the root run deposited in the vertical up direction (PF/5G -
see Figure 2).
All fillet welds shall be welded using a low hydrogen process.

T/SP/P/8
Copies of the approved welding procedures shall be available at the work location. Welders
and Welding Inspectors shall be fully familiar with the approved welding procedures.
10.2 Proximity of welds

All welds should be separated by the maximum possible distance, however the following shall
apply:
Adjacent circumferential welds shall be separated by:
Pipe OD ≥ 323.9 mm: 250 mm minimum.
Pipe OD < 323.9 mm: one pipe diameter minimum.
Full penetration forged set-in branch welds adjacent to circumferential or longitudinal welds
shall normally be not less than 100 mm apart.
Set-on welded attachments and fillet welds shall have a weld toe-to-toe distance from any
other weld of not less than four times the pipe thickness or 25 mm whichever is the greater.
The Employer shall be informed of any deviation to this requirement and will decide whether
the joint may be welded or whether further modification to the pipe-work is required to ensure
compliance.
In-situ welding of fittings (equal to or greater than 457 mm outside diameter) during the
assembly of installation pipe work should have pipe-pups welded to them under fabrication
shop conditions before being welded in the field. The pup length shall be not less than 250
mm.
When space restrictions prohibit bends, tees or valves fitted with pipe-pups being installed or
results in a fitting being welded to a fitting, special care shall be taken with the joint set-up and
the application of pre-heat.
The production route shall be planned to ensure that, where necessary, back grinding of root
beads and inspection of the root weld is maintained. This is particularly important for fittings
e.g. set-in sweep-o-let type (see Table 2). To facilitate welding, repair and inspection, the use
of pipe-pups interposed between fittings and branches is preferred.
10.3 Pipe end preparation
Pipe ends shall be bevelled by machining or machine thermal cutting (which may be manually
or mechanically operated). Manual thermal cutting shall not be used. Alternatively, with the
approval of the Employer the bevel may be produced by grinding to the dimensions specified
in the WPS.
With the approval of the Employer, minor imperfections such as burrs, small score marks,
indentations or similar flaws on the bevel face shall be removed by grinding or the joint shall
be fully *re-prepared. Correction by grinding may be approved providing that the specified
bevel dimensions are maintained within the specified tolerances.
*Most bevel configurations designed for welding by automatic or fully mechanised processes
are produced by machining and subsequently may be intolerant of bevel flaws or damage.
Damage to the surface of the pipe or fitting by bevelling machines shall be repaired by
dressing. After dressing the remaining wall thickness shall be measured to confirm that the
thickness of the pipe or fitting remains within the permitted tolerances of the material
specification.
The manufacturer or contractor shall ensure that the bevelled surface and the adjacent pipe
or fitting surface shall be free of scale, rust, paint, grease, fins, tears, moisture or other foreign
matter immediately prior to welding. Cleaning to base metal shall extend a minimum of 25mm
from the edge of each fusion face on both the external and internal surfaces of the joint.

T/SP/P/8
Pre-fabrication weldable primers may be applied and left on fusion faces provided that it has
been demonstrated during welding procedure qualification that they do not adversely affect
the quality of welding or produce unacceptable fumes.
The non-destructive requirements for ultrasonic testing of cut pipe ends and pipe areas for
welded attachments, is specified in T/SP/NDT/2.
10.4 Fusion Faces

The manufacturer or contractor shall ensure that material adjacent to weld preparations in
pipe is free from lamination or other planar flaws greater than 25 mm in any dimension.
Laminations or other planar defects found in pipe fusion faces are not permitted (see
T/SP/NDT/2).
Fusion faces not complying with these requirements shall be re-prepared before welding.
All coatings other than fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE) shall be cut back not less than 150 mm.
Except for FBE, all coatings and their adhesive mastics shall be prevented from attaining
temperatures sufficient to cause the emission of toxic fumes. Where a non-FBE coating has
been cut back, all traces of adhesive mastic shall be removed. Scraping, blast cleaning or a
suitable stripping agent is an acceptable removal method. The removal by heating shall not
used.
Consideration shall be given to providing personnel protection and effective collection and
disposal of fumes particularly in cases where a polyethylene or urethane coating may be
heated during the welding process to temperatures that cause the emission of toxic fumes.
Fumes from coating removal and welding can be particularly hazardous in confined spaces.
10.5 Alignment
For pipes, fittings and valves of different nominal wall thickness, joint alignment shall be
achieved in accordance with T/SP/P/16.
Prior to welding commencing the manufacturer or contractor shall submit a method statement
for the correction of excessive joint misalignment for approval by the Employer.
Correct joint alignment shall be achieved prior to welding and shall ensure that:
• Line up clamps shall be used to support and align the weld joint wherever possible.
When the internal root offset (after rotation of the abutting ends to achieve best
alignment) is greater than the tolerance range given in Table 9, excessive
misalignment shall be corrected in accordance with the approved method statement
before welding.
• Production routes shall be planned by the manufacturer or contractor to ensure that

longitudinal (SAWL and HFW) and / or spiral welded (SAWH) seams of adjacent
pipes shall be offset by not less than 100 mm at the girth weld.
• No force other than that exerted by approved line up clamps shall be used to spring
or superimpose additional stresses on any component for alignment purposes during
construction.
• Mitres at welded joints are not permitted. Angular misalignment at the weld of less
than 3° is not classed as a mitre, and is acceptable provided that the misalignment is
equally distributed on both sides of the joint to a maximum of 1.5° per side.
• For socket joints, the pipe end must be inserted fully into the socket and then
withdrawn 2.0 mm + 0.5 mm - 0 mm (see Figure 1). This gap is vital to the integrity of
the finished joint. The assembly shall be checked to be squarely aligned and any
necessary adjustment made prior to tack welding (see 10.7 and 10.7.2).

T/SP/P/8
When required by the Employer the contractor shall demonstrate that the correct alignment
and expansion spacing has been achieved for socket welded joints by destructively testing a
production weld chosen at random by the Employer or their representative. Alternatively, the
joint can be examined by radiography to confirm the original joint fit-up.
10.6 Alignment clamps and pipe supports
Line up clamps shall be used where practicable to align and hold components prior to and
during welding. Any other method of alignment shall be approved by the Employer prior to
use (See Table 3). Under no circumstances shall brackets, cleats or other temporary
attachments be welded to the components for alignment purposes.
Internal line up clamps shall not be released before completion of the root run or at a later
stage specified on the qualified WPS. External line up clamps shall not be released until at
least 50% of the root run, equally spaced around the joint, has been completed. The joint
shall remain fully supported either side of the weld during welding.
When external line-up clamps are used, precautions shall be taken to minimize coating
damage. Such clamps, and also earth returns, must not be dragged along the pipe but lifted
into place. When using mechanised welding machines, the support frames shall be
adequately padded and the buttons, on externally fitted bands, shall be profiled to eliminate
coating damage.
10.7 Tack welds

When required the components forming the joint shall be tack welded to maintain alignment
during welding. Only qualified welders will be permitted to carry out tack welding. The
minimum number and size of tack welds deposited shall be as specified in Table 10.
Tack welding (excluding bridge-tacks) shall be carried out in accordance with that part of the
approved welding procedure that is used for the root run. Pre-heating shall be in accordance
with the approved WPS. The tack welds shall be of suitable shape and profile to be
incorporated in the root run and shall be free of cracks or other unacceptable defects. Tack
welds which include unacceptable defects or have cracked shall be completely removed prior
to welding.
When the joint is to be welded using a fully mechanised or automatic welding process, the
type and extent of tack welds (if required) shall be specified in the WPS.
10.7.1 Bridge-tacks
Bridge-tack welding may only be carried out when approved by the Employer. The
manufacturer or contractor shall submit a bridge tack welding procedure for approval by the
Employer.
Bridge–tack welding shall be carried out in accordance with that part of the approved welding
procedure that is to be used for welding the filler passes.
Pre-heating shall be in accordance with the approved bridge tack welding procedure.
The number of bridge-tacks required per joint shall be as specified in Table 10. The bridge-
tack welding procedure shall as a minimum describe the following items:
• The welding procedure to be used.
• The method of bridge-tack welding.
• The type of material to be used as bridging pieces
• The pre-heating temperature to be applied before bridge-tack welding.

T/SP/P/8
• The sequence and *method of bridge-tack removal.
• The maximum diameter of pipe that may be bridge-tack welded and then moved to
another position or location to complete the weld.
* Removal of bridge-tack welds shall be by grinding and care shall be taken to maintain the
original bevel preparation.
10.7.2 Tack welding socket joints
When socket joints have reached the minimum pre-heat temperature, the assembly may be
tack welded in accordance with Table 10 in order to maintain alignment during the welding
cycle. The tack welds must be equally spaced. When welding pipes in the horizontal position,
the tack welds must be placed at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions. The tacks shall be
ground smooth and the ends tapered to ensure fusion of the remainder of the weld run.
10.8 Welding earth connections
Welding return cables shall be of sufficient cross-sectional area to prevent current

concentrations and shall be securely attached to the work-piece to prevent arc burns. Any
accidental arc burn caused by a faulty connection shall be removed in accordance with the
requirements of 10.12.
10.9 Working clearance

Sufficient access shall be provided adjacent to and around the weld for all activities
associated with preparation, welding and NDT inspection of the welded joint.
During the assembly of pipe work and fabrications it may be necessary to work in a trench,. In
such cases the bell hole or excavation shall meet the current statutory and National Grid
requirements. Standing water shall be removed prior to welding commencing. The
recommended dimensions for a bell hole excavation are given in Appendix F.
10.10 Background lighting
Attention is drawn to the need for adequate workplace lighting, both in a workshop and on
site, to provide safe working conditions and to meet specified minimum illumination levels for
the inspection of welds.
Background lighting should be in accordance with T/PM/EL/1 Table 1 for interior illumination
levels and T/PM/EL/1 Table 2 for exterior illumination levels for working areas. T/SP/NDT/2
specifies the required viewing conditions and lighting levels for visual and magnetic particle
inspection.
10.11 Weather conditions
Welding shall not be undertaken when, in the opinion of the Employer and following
consultation with the manufacturer or contractor, the quality of the completed weld may be
impaired by airborne moisture, blowing debris or high winds. The method of providing weather
protection proposed by the manufacturer or contractor shall be approved by the Employer
Weather canopies or habitats must be of adequate size to provide unhindered access for all
heating, welding and inspection activities. Provision shall be made for adequate welding
fume extraction.
10.12 Stray arcs

Arcs shall be struck only on the fusion faces of the joint. In order to reduce the risk of
unintentional arc strikes, electrode holders shall be of the fully insulated type.
Material affected by an arc strike, shall with the agreement of the Employer, either be repaired
or rejected. Not more than one arc strike per weld may be repaired and two or more arc
strikes will be cause for the complete removal of the weld and damaged pipe material.
Where the Employer agrees that an arc strike may be repaired, it shall be removed in
accordance with a documented procedure that defines the methods for mechanical removal

T/SP/P/8
of the defective material, blending of the excavation, magnetic particle inspection and
ultrasonic wall thickness measurement of the dressed area to confirm that the pipe or fitting is
within permitted tolerances.
With the prior agreement of the Employer in each case, weld deposition repairs to restore
pipe wall thickness shall only be carried out to an approved welding procedure specific to this
type of repair. The repaired area shall be examined using complimentary NDT methods
capable of detecting all surface and sub-surface weld defects in any orientation.
The application of a weld deposition repair is limited to pipe material grade ≤ L450 (or X65)
2
and shall not be carried out on pipe material with a SMYS ≥ 485 N/mm (X70).
Weld deposition shall not be applied to pipe work that will be subject to pressure cycling that
could affect the designed fatigue life of the component.
10.13 Preheating
10.13.1 General
Preheating shall be uniformly applied to the components to be welded by gas or electrical
methods. The minimum preheat temperature to be applied and the method of heating shall be
in accordance with the approved welding procedure. A zone of at least 75 mm from each side
of the weld (extending completely around the circumference of the joint for pipe work welds)
shall be maintained at the specified temperature.
The method of electrical heating proposed by the manufacturer or contractor shall be
approved by the Employer.
Oxy-propane heating shall only be used with the agreement of the Employer and when
permitted, used in the qualification of the welding procedure. Measures shall be taken by the
manufacturer or contractor to prevent component materials being overheated and where
applicable to prevent unnecessary damage to the component coating.
The minimum preheating and weld inter-pass temperatures shall be as specified in Table 11
(unless a higher pre-heat temperature is required based on the results of material weldability
trials or if specified in the manufacturer or contractor’s proposed welding procedure).
10.13.2 Preheating
The joint shall be preheated to the minimum temperature specified in the WPS and shall not
exceed this temperature by more than 50°C.
The minimum pre-heating temperature shall be confirmed using temperature-indicating

crayons (which melt when the required temperature is reached) or by *suitably attached
thermocouples. Crayons or paints that indicate temperature by colour change or infra-red
pyrometers are not permitted. The component temperature shall be measured immediately
prior to welding and around the entire periphery of the joint while welding is taking place.
* The method of thermocouple attachment and removal shall be approved by the Employer.
10.13.3 Weld inter-pass temperature
The weld inter-pass temperature shall not fall below the minimum pre-heat temperature
specified in the approved welding procedure specification (see Table 11).
10.13.4 Air-arc gouging
Where air-arc gouging is undertaken, both components shall be pre-heated to the minimum
temperature specified in the repair welding procedure prior to air-arc gouging commencing
(see Table 11).

T/SP/P/8
10.14 Post weld heat treatment

10.14.1 General
The PWHT of welds shall only be required when specified by the design standard or code.
The requirement for the PWHT shall be identified in the approved WPS and shall be defined
in a PWHT specification submitted by the manufacturer or contractor for the Employers
approval.
Guidance is given in Appendix D of this specification for the post weld heat treatment of
welded joints, the PWHT welding procedure shall be to an appropriate standard e.g. BS 2633.
10.14.2 Post weld heat treatment temperatures

Any proposal to use alternative methods for measuring the post-weld heat treatment
temperature shall be agreed by the Employer.
10.15 Branches
All branch connections shall be at right angles to the pipe, they shall be made using
specialised fittings (e.g. forged or pressed tees, or forged set-in or set-on components) in
accordance with the requirements of T/SP/PW/11: Part 1
Where pipes are to be lagged, branch connections shall have not less than 100 mm of plain
pipe before any flanged fittings, to ensure that the fittings are clear of the lagging.
10.15.1 Spacing of branches

Forged set-in branches adjacent to circumferential or longitudinal welds shall not be less than
100 mm apart, unless special circumstances require closer proximity in which case special
consideration shall be given to each application and will require approval by National Grid
(see 10.2).
The spacing of branches on the main pipe and the length of flanged branches shall allow
access for welding and subsequent NDT.
10.15.2 Branch joint preparation
Prior to cutting out a branch opening in a main pipe, ultrasonic examination of the area of
branch attachment shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of T/SP/NDT/2.
Branch connections and branch openings in the main pipe shall be cut by machine or by
thermal cutting methods. The edges of the pipe shall then be prepared by filing or grinding to
the dimensions specified in the approved WPS (see also 10.2 and 10.3).
10.15.3 Branch joint welding
Branch fittings shall be fully supported during alignment and welding. Special jigs or clamps
may be required to support set-in type fittings (see 10.6).
A constant root gap shall be maintained during deposition of the root run. Tack welding shall
be in accordance with 10.7. The use of an internal weld bead shall only be permitted when
specified in the approved WPS.
10.16 Socket welds
The welding of socket joints shall be completed in a single heat cycle, with care being taken
to prevent overheating of the pipe and fitting during welding (see Table 11).
For horizontal socket joints, unless otherwise agreed by the Employer, welding shall be in the
vertical-up direction (PF). Socket fillet weld leg lengths shall be equal. The weld profile shall
not be concave, i.e. the fillet weld throat thickness must be greater than 0.7 times the leg
length. Care shall be taken to prevent the top edge of the socket fitting being removed or
melted.

T/SP/P/8
10.17 Inter-run cleaning

Each run of weld metal shall be thoroughly cleaned using hand or power tools before a further
weld run is applied.
The weld shall be visually inspected between runs to ensure that slag and other visible flaws
or deposition faults have been identified and removed before welding continues.
Particular attention shall be paid to the cleanliness of the junction between the weld metal and
the fusion faces. Clusters of surface porosity, individual pores and/or high points shall be
removed by grinding. Where necessary, stops and starts may be ground smooth to ensure
fusion of the subsequent weld run pick up.
The cause of any visible cracks or crack-like indications found during welding shall
immediately be investigated by the manufacturer or contractor and reported to the Employer
or to the Employers representative.
Should a crack be confirmed then the complete joint shall be cut-out and removed. When a
crack-like indication is proven not to be a crack, it may be *removed by grinding and the joint
completed.
* Any delay to the normal welding cycle shall be within the maximum welding time-lapse
requirements specified on the WPS.
If the cause of cracking is not immediately identifiable but is considered to be attributable to

either the WPS being used or the materials being welded, the manufacturer or contractor
shall immediately withdrawn the WPS from use and quarantine any suspect material until a
definitive cause of cracking is established and corrective action agreed with the Employer.
10.18 Partially completed joints

Whenever possible, joints shall not be left partially completed. The welding of fittings shall be
completed in one heat cycle. The specific stage when an agreed weld interruption may occur
shall be clearly stated on the approved WPS.
Where production conditions are such that welds have to be left partially completed, the
following conditions shall apply:
• The minimum number of runs deposited shall be as stated on the approved WPS.
• Upon discontinuation of welding the weld shall be fully supported and allowed to
cool in a slow uniform manner.
• The movement of partially welded joints shall be subject to the approval of the
Employer. Partially completed welds shall not be moved unless the joint can be
fully supported during transportation.
• Prior to recommencement of welding, the joint shall be dry and reheated to within
the specified inter-pass temperature range stated in the approved WPS.
10.19 Completed joints
When the final weld run(s) is completed the joint shall be thoroughly cleaned using hand or
power tools. The weld cap shall be visually examined and any deposition faults or
unacceptable defects remedied before the joint is finally allowed to cool below the minimum
inter-pass temperature. All weld spatter shall be removed taking care not to damage the
component surface in any way.
11. EXAMINATION AND NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF WELDS

11.1 General
The extent of examination and NDT testing of production welds shall be as specified in Table
12. When datum points are required, the method of marking shall be approved by the
Employer.

T/SP/P/8
11.2 Examination of welds

Each weld shall be examined visually during production and upon completion. This is to
ensure compliance with the approved welding procedure specification, to detect unacceptable
defects (see 10.17) and permit remedial work to be carried out while the joint is still within the
original weld cycle inter-pass temperature range.
11.3 Non- destructive testing of welds
Upon completion of welding and subject to any *agreed time delay, each weld shall be
examined by an NDT method approved by the Employer (see Table 12).
* If the Employer requires an alternative time delay prior to the NDT of qualification test welds or
production welds this shall be agreed with the manufacturer or contractor prior to welding
commencing.
When the Employer requires additional and supplementary non-destructive testing

procedures to be applied to examine final tie-in welds, i.e. welds that will be hydrostatically
tested or welds that will *not be hydrostatically tested, the manufacturer or contractor and the
Employer shall agree and document the full extent of NDT required before production welding
commences.
* Supplementary NDT methods to be used to examine welds that will not be hydrostatically
tested (golden welds) are specified in T/SP/NDT/2.
11.4 Non-destructive testing procedures

The manufacturer or contractor shall prepare written NDT procedures and submit them to the
Employer for approval before production welding commences.
Approved NDT procedures shall be subject to satisfactory qualification in accordance with
T/SP/NDT/2.
11.5 Qualification of NDT Personnel
All inspection personnel shall be qualified in the appropriate grade for the duties they are to
perform (see T/SP/NDT/2).
12. WELD ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
12.1 General
The results of all visual inspection and NDT carried out to examine the weld shall be collated
and the quality of the joint determined in accordance with the acceptance criteria given in 12.2
and Table 8. Should the Employer require a higher acceptance standard to be applied for the
flaw types described in Table 8, then this shall be specified by the Employer in the contract
documents.
Engineering critical assessment (ECA) shall not be used to establish acceptance criteria for
welds made in accordance with this specification.
12.2 Right of rejection
The Employer can reject any weld that appears to meet the weld acceptance criteria specified
in Table 8 if, in the opinion of the Employer, the depth of the flaw is considered detrimental to
the weld. In such cases the flaw shall be removed by grinding and repaired in accordance
with the approved WPS.
Should a dispute arise between the manufacturer or contractor and the Employer regarding
the depth of a particular flaw in a weld and it is possible to *accurately measure the depth of
the flaw using a supplementary NDT method then, subject to the approval of the Employer,
the alternative method of measurement shall be employed.
Surface breaking flaws shall not exceed a depth greater than 10% of the pipe thickness, or
1.5 mm whichever is the smaller. Embedded flaws shall not exceed a depth greater than 25%

T/SP/P/8
of the pipe thickness, or 3 mm whichever is the smaller. Branch welds are excluded from
these tolerances and shall either be repaired or removed.
* The accurate measurement of the height or depth of a surface breaking or embedded weld flaw
shall take into account any inherent sizing error ± values associated with the combined system
performance.
13. RECTIFICATION OF DEFECTIVE WELDS
13.1 General
No weld shall be repaired without the approval of the Employer. The manufacturer or
contractor shall record and report to the Employer all remedial and/or repair welding carried
out to each welded joint. Welds that fail to meet the requirements of clause 12 and 13.4 shall
either be repaired locally or the weld shall be completely removed.
The requirements for qualification of remedial or repair welding procedures for butt welds are
given in clause 8, Appendix C , C.3.2 and Table C.2.
13.2 Removal of defects or flaws
Defects or flaws in butt or fillet welds shall be removed by chipping, machining, grinding or air-
arc gouging, followed by grinding. If air-arc gouging is used, preheating shall be applied prior
to metal removal (see 10.13.4 and Table 11). When air-arc gouging is used for a full
penetration repair, the last 3 mm of the original weld shall be removed by mechanical means,
such as grinding.
The weld repair excavation shall be sufficiently deep and long enough to ensure complete
removal of the defect or flaw. A gradually taper (e.g. one in one) shall extend from the weld
surface to the base of the excavation at each end. The angle or slope of the sides of the
excavation shall be in accordance with the approved WPS.
Repairs shall be limited to 30% of the weld length for a partial penetration repair or 20% of the
weld length for a full penetration repair. If repairs cannot be completed within the stated
tolerances the joint shall be completely removed.
Complete welds shall be removed by mechanised thermal or cold cutting methods, such as
machining.
13.3 Re-welding
Weld repairs shall be carried out in accordance with a written repair welding procedure
specification. The welding procedure details contained therein shall be in accordance with the
original approved WPS or to a qualified and approved repair WPS.
During production welding, single woven and multiple pass external weld cap repairs shall
match the original weld profile and width and shall be in accordance with the approved WPS.
Repair welding shall only be performed by qualified welders. Separate welder qualification
tests may be required for repair welding subject to the limitations of clause 9.
Weld repair shall only be implemented under constant supervision and shall be monitored by
the Employer’s and the manufacturer or contactors representative in accordance with the
approved quality plan (see 4.3).
Multiple attempts to repair a weld are not permitted unless specifically approved by the
Employer (See Table 3).

T/SP/P/8
13.4 Re-examination of repair welds
Weld repair areas shall be subject to the same level of inspection as the original weld joint
(see T/SP/NDT/2).
NDT of the repair area shall extend for a minimum of 25 mm from the weld toe on each side
of the repaired portion of the joint and beyond each end of the repair excavation.
Surface weld repairs that do not involve re-welding, for example the removal of excessive
internal root penetration by grinding, may not require examination by the original NDT method
used to establish the presence of the flaw or defect. However, the repair method used to
remove the flaw or defect including the subsequent visual examination and re-measurement
to establish acceptance shall be recorded. The Employer shall approve any proposed repair
methods and subsequent re-examination methods prior to production welding commencing.
Should re-examination of the repair area reveal further flaws or defects they shall be
evaluated as new flaws or defects in accordance with clause 12.
14. RECORDS
Records shall be produced by the manufacturer or contractor to confirm that the requirements
specified in this document for welding, examination, inspection and testing of each weld have
been met. The records shall ensure complete identification and traceability for all activities
associated with the planning, design, qualification, execution, inspection and testing of the
welded components.
The records shall include but not be limited to, when applicable:
• Quality plan.
• Material inspection documents.
• Welding consumable documents.
• Preliminary welding procedure (pWPS).
• Welding-procedure qualification records (WPQR).
• Welding-procedure specifications (WPS).
• Heat-treatment procedure specification and records.
• Welder or welding-operator qualification certificates.
• Non-destructive testing and destructive testing procedures and reports.
• Non-destructive testing personnel certificates.
• Dimensional reports.
• Records of remedial welding, weld repairs and non-conformance reports.
• Any other pertinent documents, when required.
Table 1. National Grid material specifications
Items to be welded Relevant specification(s)
Bends, Tees, Reducers and End T/SP/B/11

Caps T/SP/B/12
Forgings & Forged Components T/SP/F/1
Pipe TS-C4Gas-PIP0 version 4.0
Valves T/SP/V/6

T/SP/P/8
Table 2 Information to be supplied by the Employer

The following information is to be supplied by the Employer and must be fully documented:
Information National Grid requirements

a) Whether batch testing of electrodes and Batch testing is required when welding steels of
filler materials is required (see 7.1). minimum specified yield strengths greater than 485
2
N/mm (L485 or X70 grade).
b) Whether specific compositional controls are Specific compositional control requirements will be
to be applied to the deposited weld metal contract specific.
(see 7.1).
c) The degree of yield strength overmatching For L555 (or X80) pipe material grade the deposited
for welds in pipe materials where weld metal yield strength must overmatch the
installation methods involve plastic SMYS by at least 5%. Any other additional
deformation of the pipe or for welds in requirements will be contract specific.
grade L555 pipe (see 7.1).
d) Whether different batches of electrodes and For L555 (or X80) pipe material grade the individual
filler materials are to be individually batches must be identifiable and completely
identifiable and completely separated separated.
(see 7.2).
e) The type and number of re-tests required in In the event of failure of any of the mechanical
the event of failure (see Appendix C). tests, retests may be permitted at the Employers
discretion. (see Appendix C, C.8).
f) Whether an alternative location is permitted When approved by the Employer, an alternative
for the excavation location for the repair location for the repair excavation would be the
weld test (see Appendix C). same position on the opposite side of the joint.
h) Whether specimens should be allowed to Any alternative duration will be contract specific
cool for durations other than 24 hours (see Appendix C, C.4).
before testing (see Appendix C).
i) The method of weld tensile testing when a All-weld tensile specimens must be prepared and
minimum weld metal yield strength tested in accordance with BS EN 876 and BS EN
requirement is specified (see Appendix C). ISO 6892-1.
j) The number and location of transverse Transverse tensile testing is not required for butt
tensile test specimens required for welding welds in pipe of outside diameter ≤ 114.3 mm (see
procedure testing on pipes up to and Appendix C, C.5).
including of 114.3mm diameter (see
Appendix C).
k) Whether Charpy impact tests are required Charpy impact testing is required for all butt welds
for welding procedure approval of butt joints in pipe of outside diameter greater than 114.3 mm
(see Appendix C) (Appendix C, C.5).
l) The number and location of test specimens Charpy impact testing is not required for butt welds
required for Charpy impact tests on pipes of in pipe of outside diameter 114.3 mm or less
diameter 114.3mm or less (C.5.4.1). (Appendix C, C.5).
m) Charpy toughness and test temperature for The Employer will specify any requirements
conditions other than pipe and wall different to those specified in Appendix C, C.5 on a
thicknesses up to and including 25 mm, contract specific basis.
minimum design temperatures not lower
°
than –10 C and pipe grades up to L555 or
X80 (see Appendix C).

T/SP/P/8
Table 2 (continued) Information to be supplied by the Employer

The following information is to be supplied by the Employer and must be fully documented:
Information National Grid requirements

n) Whether additional NDT methods for fillet No additional methods are required
welds apply (see Table C.1).
o Whether alternative hardness values to The hardness limits shall be as specified in Table
those given in Table C.4 and C.5 are C.4 and C.5 unless otherwise required by the
required (see Appendix C). Employer.
p) Whether a proposed change to a welding Any change in the welding procedure or equipment
procedure or equipment requires re- which, in the opinion of the Employer, makes
qualification of the welders (see 9.0). production of a sound weld more difficult will be
cause for re-qualification of the welder.
q) Whether prevailing weather conditions are The Employer will decide, in consultation with the
such that quality of the completed weld manufacturer or contractor, whether weather
.
would be impaired (see 10.11) conditions are such that work has to cease or
whether with adequate weather protection welding
can proceed or continue.
r) The method(s) and frequency of visual See Table 12 and T/SP/NDT/2: clause 8.1.
inspection and NDT (see 11.1).
s) Whether completed welds are to be ground Welds may be dressed internally or externally to
(see 10.1). assist inspection and interpretation. Set-in fittings
e.g. sweep-o-lets must have the weld cap and root
dressed (internally where access permits see 10.1).
t) Whether alternative techniques are to be Alternative techniques to BS EN 1435: 1997 Class
used for radiographic testing of welded B technique shall not be used without the
butts joints (see 11.1). Employers approval.
u) Ultrasonic testing acceptance criteria See Table 8 and 12.2.
(see 12)
v) Whether NDT acceptance criteria are to be ECA will not be employed.
based on quality control or engineering
critical assessment (see 12.1).
w) Whether a more stringent limit for root When specified by the Employer.
penetration is required (see Table 8 flaw
type c).

T/SP/P/8
Table 3 Items subject to approval by the Employer

The following items are subject to approval by the Employer and must be fully documented:
Item National Grid requirement

a) Welding consumables to be used (see 7.1). Only welding consumables approved by the
Employer may be used.
Cellulosic electrodes shall not be used for the
welding of fittings of 914 mm pipe outside diameter
and above.
For L555 (or X80) grade pipe materials cellulosic
electrodes shall only be used for the root and hot
pass runs. All subsequent runs shall be completed
using low hydrogen welding consumables.
All fillet welds shall be welded with low hydrogen
electrodes only.
b) The definition of a batch when batch testing For consumables designed to match or exceed the
of electrodes and filler materials is required strength of L555 (or X80) grade pipe material, each
(see 7.1) material cast shall be tested. A BS EN 10204 Type
3.1 certificate, giving the chemical analysis, tensile
and Charpy impact properties shall be supplied
(see Table 2 a) of this specification).
c) The tensile strength of weld metals for joints The tensile strength of the higher strength parent
between dissimilar materials if other than material will apply.
that of the higher strength parent metal (see For L555 (or X80) grade pipe material, the weld
7.1) metal yield strength shall exceed the parent
material minimum yield strength by at least 5%.
d) The production of test welds on pipes Full pipe lengths are not required for above ground
shorter than full length (see Appendix C). Installation welding procedure qualification tests
(see Appendix C, C.2).
e) Use of roll welding (see Appendix C). To be approved by the Employer (see Appendix C,
C.3).
f) Use of a test weld for destructive testing or The Employer will decide whether a defective test
re-welding to the same procedure following weld may be used for destructive testing.
NDT failure (see 8.1 h). If the failure is due to cracking, the reason for
cracking shall be established by the contactor.
The results of this investigation shall be submitted
to the Employer before attempting to produce
another test weld using the original welding
procedure (see Appendix C, C.4).
g) The type and number of re-tests of a In the event of failure of any of the mechanical
welding procedure when they are permitted tests, retests may be permitted at the Employers
(see Appendix C). discretion. (See Appendix C, C.7 of this
specification).
h) Welding procedure qualification test details The WPQR and WPS shall be approved by the
and welding procedure specification for Employer prior to production welding commencing.
production welding (see Appendix C).
i) Any deviations from the material grouping The Employer shall review and approve any
range given in PD CEN ISO/TR 15608 (see proposed deviation. Consideration shall be given to
Tables 4, 6 and 7 of this specification). the potential for any deviation to produce an
adverse effect on the integrity of the welded joint.

T/SP/P/8
Table 3 (continued) Items subject to approval by the Employer


j Simulation of a fillet weld joint using flat Simulation plate fillet welds are permitted.
plate fillet welds (see 9.1).
k) Alternative methods of NDT for welder test With the prior approval of the Employer, butt weld
pieces (see 9.4). tests may be examined using MPA ultrasonic
testing.
Fillet weld tests shall be examined visually and by
magnetic particle inspection methods.
l) Giving a welder a second opportunity to The Employer may agree to a second test attempt,
gain approval (see 9.5). where it can be demonstrated that the reason for
failure was beyond the welders' control.
m) All documentation relating to welder Records shall be kept for the period of validity. A
qualification tests (see 9.7) welder’s qualification will remain valid for the period
stated, subject to continued satisfactory
performance and prolongation.
n) Use of manual thermal cutting for pipe end Not permitted.
bevelling and the ability of the operator (see
10.3).
o) The blending out by grinding of minor At the Employers discretion in each case.
imperfections within the joint preparation
area (see 10.3).
p) Method of marking datum points on a joint Marking is not required for welds examined using
for ultrasonic testing (see 11.1). MPA ultrasonic methods. For AUT see T/SP/NDT2:
(clause D7.1).
q) Method of obtaining minimum mis- The manufacturer or contractor shall submit a
alignment other than rotation of the pipes method statement for the Employers approval,
(see 10.5). detailing how excessive pipe misalignment will be
corrected.
r) Method of alignment of pipes other than Wherever practicable, approved external or internal
internal line-up clamps (see 10.6). pipe clamps shall be used (subject to pipe
diameter).
s) The stage at which line clamps are See clause 10.6.
removed (see 10.6).
t) The stage at which support is removed for All pipe and fittings must be fully supported
pipe or fittings (see 10.6). throughout the welding cycle (see 10.6).
u) Repair of places where stray arcs have See clause 10.12 of this specification.
occurred (see 10.12).
v) Means of applying preheat (see 10.13). To be approved by the Employer prior to use (see
clause 10.13.1).
w) Methods of attaching and removing The methods to be used must be submitted to the
thermocouples (see 10.13.2). Employer for approval prior to use (see 10.13.2).
x) The design of branch connections All branches must be made with specialised fittings
(see10.15). e.g. forged or pressed tees, forged set-in or set-on
fittings.

T/SP/P/8
Table 3 (continued) Items subject to approval by the Employer

y) Written ultrasonic examination procedure See T/SP/NDT/2 (clause 10.8).

for pipe material around planned cut out A written procedure must be submitted to the
(see 10.4). Employer for approval prior to commencing.
z) The NDT procedures to be used for See Table 12.
inspection and testing (see 11.1).
aa) All inspection personnel (see 11.5). All inspection personnel must be qualified in the
appropriate grade of the BGAS approval scheme
for the duties they are to perform. See T/SP/NDT/2
(clause 6.1).
bb) The technique in BS EN 1435:1997 + A2 to Alternative techniques must not be used without the
be used for radiographic examination (see Employers approval. See T/SP/NDT/2 (clause
11.1). 9.1.2).
cc) Any method for magnetic particle testing to Magnetic particle testing must be carried out at
be used at above ambient temperature ambient temperature, unless otherwise agreed by
[see 11.1)]. the Employer. See T/SP/NDT/2. (clause 12.3).
dd) Any alternative standard to be used for Not permitted.
engineering critical assessment (see 12.1).
ee Any proposal to repair a weld (see 13.1). Repairs are permitted within the limits stated in
clause 12 and 13 of this specification.
ff) Any alternative limits on repair weld length Not permitted without the Employers approval.
(see 13.2).
gg) Use of root sealing or single run repair Root sealing and single stringer bead cap repair
deposits (see Appendix C). deposits are not permitted (see Appendix C, C.3.2).
hh) More than one attempt at repair Multiple attempts to repair a weld are not permitted
(see 13.0). unless specifically approved by the Employer (see
13.3 and Appendix C, C3.2.4).
ii) The use of sub-contactors (see 4.3) To be approved by the Employer.

T/SP/P/8
Table 4 Welding procedure specification details and essential variables
Item WPS details Essential variable

The specific arc welding
a1 process (or combination of Any change
Welding process processes)
Manual, mechanised or semi-
a2 Any change
automatic
b1 Specified strength grade Any change other than that
A)
b2 Heat treatment condition permitted by the PD CEN
Parent material ISO/TR 15608 grouping
A)
b3 Composition system and Table 6, Table 7
and C.8 of this specification
Any change outside the range
Nominal outside diameter, D,
Diameter c 0.5D to 2D
of pipe
Nominal wall thickness, t, of A change outside the range
Thickness d
pipe 0.75t to 2t
e1 Type of bevel Any change
B) Any change outside approved
e2 Angle(s) of bevel
tolerances
B) Any change outside approved
e3 Size of root face
tolerances
Joint configuration B) Any change outside approved
e4 Width of root gap
tolerances
Any addition, deletion or
e5 Use of backing rings
change of material
B) Any change from a multi-run
e6 Dimensions of fillet welds
deposit to a single run
Number of runs from each A change from single to multi-
Number of runs and f1
side run or vice versa
number of sides
Sequence of welding double Any change to side welded first
welded f2
sided joints or last
g The following information is needed for each weld run:
Any change for the capping
Nominal diameter of layer or the first two layers
g1
electrode or filler core wire Any increase for other weld
runs
Any change when impact
g2 Trade name
testing is required
Any change when impact
Electrode or filler g3 Designation / Classification testing is required (see Table
material C.1)
Any pre-treatment or drying of
g4 hydrogen controlled Any relaxation
electrodes
g5 Number of wires for each run Any change
The addition of metal
g6 Any change
powders (process 121)
Welding with filler material or
g7 Any change
welding without filler material

T/SP/P/8
Table 4 (continued) Welding procedure specification details and essential variables

Qualification is restricted to the
h1 Choice of shielding gas symbol of the gas according to
*BS EN ISO 14175.
Restricted to the symbol of the
gas according to BS EN ISO
Composition of any gas
14175. However the content of
mixture for welding processes
CO2 shall not exceed 10% of
131,135, 136 and 137
that used to qualify the
Shielding gas, procedure test.
C)
backing gas or flux h2 Composition of any gas Restricted to the symbol of the
mixture for welding process gas according to BS EN ISO
141 14175.
*Shielding gases not covered by BS EN ISO 14175 are

restricted to the nominal composition used in the test
B) C)
h3 Gas flow rate Any change exceeding ± 10%
h4 Trade name and flux type Any change (see C.9)
Electrical Current (a.c. or d.c.) and
i Any change
characteristics polarity
The following information is required for each wire size
j B)
(different values may be used for different runs):
B)
j1 **Electrical stick out Any change exceeding ±5mm
B)
j2 **Wire feed speed Any change exceeding ± 10%
**(Processes 121, 135, 136 & 137)
Welding parameters Any change exceeding ± 10%
B)
j3 Welding current (± 15% for cellulosic
electrodes)
B)
j4 Arc voltage Any change exceeding ± 10%
Calculated value of heat input Any change greater or lower
j5 (calculated in accordance than 10% of that tested (see
B)
with BS EN 1011-2 C.9)
Angle of pipe axis to the
Welding Position k Any change exceeding ± 25°
horizontal
Vertical up, vertical down, or
Direction of welding l Any change
horizontal
The following information is needed for each wire size used
m B)
(different values may be used for different runs)
Maximum amplitude of any To be agreed between the
m1
mechanised weave contacting parties
Frequency of any To be agreed between the
m2
Dwell time at the side of any To be agreed between the
m3
Number of welding torches
Welding technique used to deposit a single layer Restricted to the torch system
m4
(e.g. single torch or twin torch used in the procedure test
systems)
Wire system used in the
Restricted to the wire system
m5 procedure test (single wire or
used in the procedure test
multiple wire system)
Dip transfer qualifies dip
Metal transfer mode for solid transfer only. Spray or globular
m6
and metal cored wires transfer qualifies both spray
and globular transfer

T/SP/P/8

Number of welders for each
Number of welders n Any reduction
pass
Time lapse between Time lapse between the start
runs (cellulosic o of the root run and the start of Any increase
electrodes only) the second run
Number of runs before
Partially completed
p cooling to ambient Any reduction
joint
temperature
Internal, external, or A change from internal to
q1 alternative method detailed external, or from clamp to
Line-up clamp on the WPS sheet alternative method
Number of runs before
q2 Any reduction
removal of the clamp
Mechanical manipulators, jigs
Any change from mechanical
Pipe or fitting or other mechanical means of
r to manual methods of
manipulators supporting or moving the joint
manipulation
during welding
Whether by power or hand
s1 A) No restriction
driven tools
Cleaning of bevel
Whether weld back gouging A change from mechanical to
and weld
s2 is carried out using thermal means of metal
mechanical or thermal means removal
Any reduction, or an increase
t1 Preheat temperature
greater than 50°C
A change from an electrical
t2 Method of applying heat heating method to a gas
heating method
Method of controlling
t3 Any change
temperature
Method of measuring
t4 Any change
Preheating temperature
The initial temperature of pipe
t5 Any reduction
not requiring preheat
The upper limit is the maximum
temperature attained during the
Maximum or minimum
test. The lower limit is the
t6 interpass temperature for
minimum preheat temperature
each weld run
used during the test (see Table
11)
The addition or deletion of
u1 Any change
post-weld heat treatment
u2 Method of applying heat Any change
u3 Soaking temperature Any change
Post-weld heat u4 Soaking time Any change
A)
treatment The holding temperature used
u5 Holding temperature in the test ± 20°C unless
otherwise specified
u6 Holding time Any change
u7 Cooling rate Any change
The addition or deletion of Post heating may be added but
v1
post heating not omitted
Post heating for
A) Temperature and duration of
hydrogen release Any reduction
v2 post heating for hydrogen
release

T/SP/P/8

Welding procedure details for Any of the changes affecting
w1
repair welding approval listed above
Any change affecting the
Repair welds approval of the procedure for
Welding procedure details for
w2 the weld on which the repair
the weld to be repaired
welding procedure was
qualified
Notes:
A)
These items shall be specified on the preliminary pWPS sheet but are not mandatory for
the production WPS sheet if they are controlled through other procedures.
B)
These parameters shall be specified as single nominal values on the preliminary WPS
sheet but as qualified ranges (nominal values ± permitted variation) on the production WPS
sheet. In cases where the mean value measured in qualification differs from the nominal
value, the qualified range shall be calculated from the mean value measured in qualification.
C)
A welding procedure test made without backing gas qualifies a welding procedure with
backing gas.

T/SP/P/8
Table 4a Stages in the development of a welding procedure
New welding procedure

Stage 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Review materials Develop Produce pWPS Revise pWPS
to be welded and optimum and submit to when required Inspect and test
Produce test weld or
select appropriate welding Employer for by Employer procedure weld Assess results
welds
welding process parameters if review and and re-submit or welds
and procedure required approval for approval
New procedure 8 9 10
to be qualified
Results acceptable to code or specification Produce WPS
submit to
8a 8b 8c 8d 8e Employer for
Procedure Retest or Re-test acceptable – go to stage 9 Issue for production welding
approval and
unacceptable produce a new Re-test failed or correct any
Review cause of test weld as Reject Return to stage
procedure errors found.
failure applicable procedure No.1
unsuitable
Previously qualified welding procedure
Stage 11 12 13 14 15 17
Produce pWPS
and submit to
Confirm that all All essential variables met Employer with
essential WPQR for
Review materials variables approval
to be welded and Select and relating to the
Previously 14a 16
select appropriate review previous qualified WPS Issue for production welding
qualified WPS
welding process WPQR data meet the Revise pWPS
Essential Return to stage
and procedure requirements for when required
variables No.1 and 2 or 11
the new by Employer
infringed and 12 as
materials and re-submit
appropriate.
for approval

T/SP/P/8
Table 4b A guide to the application of the material grouping system and corresponding T/SP/P/8 Tables
Apply the following stages when assessing the suitability of a previously qualified welding procedure
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3

Check qualified range of the tested steels in T/SP/P/8: Tables 4, 6
and C.8. Providing that the new steel(s) are within the ranges,
progress to stage 4, if not the previously qualified procedure is
Confirm the PD CEN ISO/TR 15608 material
Confirm the PD CEN ISO/TR 15608 material unsuitable.
group number of the steel (s) tested from the
group number of the new steel(s).
WPQR.
Note that previously qualified procedures cannot be used for L555
or X80 grade steels.

Check the qualified range of pipe diameter and *thickness in
T/SP/P/8: Table 4. Providing that the new steel(s) are within the
Confirm the pipe diameter and wall thickness of Confirm the pipe diameter and wall thickness of
range progress to stage 7, if not the previously qualified procedure
the new steel(s). the steel(s) tested from the WPQR.
is unsuitable.

Confirm that the pWPS welding parameter details
If all the essential variables are met; progress to
match the qualified WPQR, taking into account Produce a WPS sheet with details from the approved pWPS and
stage 9, if not revise the pWPS to reflect the
minor changes to accommodate the permitted pipe WPQR and issue for production welding.
qualified parameters.
diameter and wall thickness ranges.
* For set-on fitting welding procedures also see T/SP/P/8; Table 7.

T/SP/P/8
Table 5 Welding Consumable classification standards

Welding process Consumable classification standard
111 Manual Metal Arc welding BS EN ISO 2560 and BS EN 757
121 Submerged Arc welding BS EN 756 and BS EN 760
131 Metal Inert Gas welding BS EN ISO 16834
135 Metal Active Gas welding BS EN ISO 16834
136 Tubular cored Metal Arc welding with
BS EN ISO 17632 and BS EN ISO 18276
active gas shield
137 Tubular cored Metal Arc welding with
BS EN ISO 17632 and BS EN ISO 18276
inert gas shield
141 Tungsten Inert Gas welding BS EN ISO 636
Note: Welding processes are numbered in accordance with BS EN 4063
Table 6 Range of qualification for steel groups and sub-groups

(Extracted from BS EN ISO 15614-1, Table 3.)
b)
Material Range of material groups qualified
group • Denotes approved - Denotes not approved
welded &
tested 1.1 1.2 1.3 2.1 2.2 3.1 3.2
a)
1.1 ● - - - - - -
a)
1.2 ● ● - - - - -
a)
1.3 ● ● ● - - - -
a)
2.1 ● ● ● ● - - -
a)
2.2 ● ● ● ● ● - -
a)
3.1 ● ● ● ● ● ● -
a)
3.2 ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Notes:
a) Covers the equal or lower specified yield strength steels of the same group.
b) The range of qualification may not apply to test welds or production welds which involve post
weld heat treatment.

T/SP/P/8
Table 7 Qualification of set-on fittings - Material strength and thickness range
Thickness range of approval
Dimensions in millimetres
Thickness t of line
pipe tested
Steel Steel Steel
2 2 2
Re ≤ 290N/mm Re >290 to ≤ 360N/mm Re >360N/mm
4.8 to 12.7 4.8 to 12.7 5.5 to 14.3 12.7 to 19.1
14.3 to 19.1 Not applicable 7.1 to 14.3 14.3 to 19.1
20.6 to 28.7 Not applicable Not applicable 12.7 to 28.7
• Standardised line pipe supplied in accordance with T/SP/DAT/6
• Qualification of a higher yield strength material will cover a lower yield strength
material in the same range but not vice-versa.
• Where more than one thickness of project pipe will be used within the yield strength
ranges given above, the thicker pipe shall be used to qualify the welding procedure.
• The range of qualification for the steel materials used shall be that permitted by BS
EN ISO 15614-1 and Table 6.

T/SP/P/8
Table 8 Acceptance criteria for welds

1
Flaw type Acceptance criteria
External profile a External weld reinforcement shall be uniform, merge
smoothly with the parent metal and extend beyond the
original preparation by not more than 3 mm on each
side. The excess weld metal shall not exceed 3mm in
height.
Fillet welds shall be not less than the specified
dimensions, regular in form and without undercut.
Internal profile b The root bead or any concavity shall merge smoothly
into the adjacent surfaces.
Root penetration c Not to exceed 3 mm. If service conditions necessitate a
more stringent limit this will be specified by the
Employer (see Table 2, item w).
Root concavity d Length not to exceed 25% of total length of weld. Depth
not to exceed 10% of pipe thickness or 1.5 mm,
whichever is the smaller, but at no point shall the weld,
including the weld cap, be thinner than the pipe
thickness.
Root undercut, e Length not to exceed 25 mm in any continuous weld
Shrinkage groove length of 300 mm or not to exceed 1/12 of the total
length of the weld when this is less than 300 mm. Depth
not to exceed 10% of pipe thickness or 1.5 mm,
whichever is the smaller. For branch welds this flaw is
not permitted.
Incomplete root penetration f Length not to exceed 25 mm in any continuous weld
(single sided welds only) length of 300 mm or not to exceed 1/12 of the total
Lack of root fusion (single length of the weld when this is less than 300 mm. For
sided welds only) branch welds this flaw is not permitted.
Cracks g Welds having defects identified positively as cracks shall
be cut out.
Crater cracks greater than 5mm in any direction shall be
cut out.
Crater cracks less than or equal to 5mm in any direction
shall be removed and repaired or cut out.
Cap undercut h The toes of the weld shall blend smoothly and gradually
into the parent metal. Length not to exceed 50 mm in
any continuous weld length of 300 mm or not to exceed
1/6 of the total length of the weld when this is less than
300 mm. Depth not to exceed 10% of pipe thickness or
1.5 mm, whichever is the smaller. For branch welds the
length shall not to exceed 25 mm in any continuous
weld length of 300 mm or not to exceed 1/12 of the total
length of the weld when this is less than 300 mm.
Elongated linear porosity in i Length of weld affected by any of theses flaws not to
the root run (hollow bead) exceed 50 mm in any continuous weld length of 300 mm
Shrinkage cavity or not to exceed 1/6 of the total length of the weld when
Lack of inter run fusion this is less than 300 mm.
Lack of side fusion
Elongated inclusions For branch welds the length of weld affected by any of
Parallel elongated inclusions these flaws shall not exceed 25 mm in any continuous
(wagon tracks) weld length of 300 mm or not to exceed 1/12 of the total
Incomplete root penetration, length of the weld when this is less than 300 mm.
also known as lack of cross
penetration (double sided Width of elongated inclusions not to exceed 1.5 mm.
welds only)

T/SP/P/8
Table 8 (continued) Acceptance criteria for welds

1
Flaw type Acceptance criteria
Porosity j Not to exceed a total area when projected radially
(other than elongated through the weld of 2% of projected weld area in the
porosity in the root run) radiograph consisting of the length of weld affected by
the porosity, with a minimum length of 150 mm,
multiplied by the maximum width of the weld.
An isolated pore greater than 25% of the pipe thickness

or 3 mm whichever is the smaller, in any direction shall
be considered unacceptable.
Isolated inclusions k Copper inclusions are not permitted (If present, all
(copper, tungsten or non- traces of copper shall be removed and the weld repaired
elongated slag) or cut out).
The width of other inclusions not to exceed 3 mm or half
the pipe thickness, whichever is the smaller. Total length
of inclusions not to exceed 12 mm in any continuous
length of 300 mm and not more than four inclusions of
maximum width in this 300 mm length. Adjacent
inclusions shall be separated by a minimum of distance
of 50 mm.
Burn-through l Not to exceed 5mm in any dimension and only one in
any continuous weld length of 300 mm.
Wormhole m Not to exceed 6 mm in length or 1.5 mm in diameter for
thicknesses not exceeding 25 mm, or a length of 25% of
the thickness or 12 mm, whichever is the smaller, or 3
mm in diameter for thicknesses over 25 mm.
Accumulation of flaws n Any accumulation of flaws, except porosity, affecting a
total length of 100 mm or more of a weld in any
continuous weld length of 300 mm or a total length of
15% or more of the weld length, whichever is the
greater, shall not be accepted.
1. For definitions see BS 499-1 and BS EN 13622:2002

T/SP/P/8
Table 9 Weld joint alignment tolerances
*Permitted misalignment of abutting surfaces
Wall thickness External misalignment Internal misalignment
1.5 mm around entire

T ≤ 10 mm 0.3 x T
circumference
10 mm < T ≤ 24 mm 3.0mm 2 mm over length DN
T > 24 mm 0.125 x T 2.5 mm over length 1/3 DN
* Unless a lower tolerance is specified by the pipe work designer.
Note: T = Pipe or component thickness. DN = Nominal diameter.
Table 10 Tack welding requirements
Outside diameter of Minimum number of tack Minimum length of each

component welds individual tack weld
Socket joints ≤ 48.3 mm 2 12 mm
≤ 114.3 mm 3 25 mm
>114.3 mm to ≤ 457 mm 4 25mm
> 457 mm 4 50 mm
Notes:
1. Tack welds shall be equally distributed around the joint.
2. The tack welds shall be of suitable shape and profile to be incorporated in the root run
(see 10.7).

T/SP/P/8
Table 11 Preheating temperature requirements
Minimum
Minimum
weld
Component Material Grade Wall thickness preheating
1 inter-pass
temperature
temperature
< L450 (or X65) < 19,1 mm 50°C 50°C

1
Pipe ≥ L450 (or X65) ≥ 19,1 mm 100°C 100°C
L555 (or X80) All 100°C 100°C

1
Fitting All All 150°C 150°C
2, 2, 3
Socket joint All All 75°C 75°C
See applicable
Air –arc
All All WPS to be -
gouging
used
Notes:
1. The temperatures stated assume a maximum component nominal wall thickness at

the weld bevel face of 28.3 mm. The need for any higher preheat temperature to be
applied for component thicknesses greater than this shall be determined by
satisfactory welding procedure qualification.
2. Socket joint assemblies shall not be heated above 150°C care shall be exercised to
prevent overheating of the pipe and fitting.
3. When welding socket assemblies adjacent to isolation joints or ball valves, the body
of the component shall not be allowed to exceed a temperature of 50°C for an
isolation joint or 100°C for a ball valve respectively. These components shall only be
welded under constant supervision.

T/SP/P/8
Table 12 Examination and non-destructive testing of production welds
Type of weld Type of test Extent of testing Footnotes
Visual 100%
-
Radiographic or
Production butt ultrasonic testing 100%
1.
Surface crack 100%
2.
detection
Visual 100% -
Surface crack 100% -

Production fillet
detection
Radiographic testing 1 film 3.
-
Visual 100%
‘Golden Weld’ Radiographic and/or

ultrasonic testing 100% 4.
Surface crack 100% 4.

detection
1. The primary method and any supplementary method of weld examination shall be agreed
with the Employer.
2. Surface crack detection of the root run of fitting welds is required subject to safe access to
the internal surface. The manufacturer or contractor shall agree the limits of safe access with
the Employer prior to welding commencing.
3. Radiographic testing is only required when needed to confirm acceptable expansion gap
fit-up of sockets joints (see 10.5).
4. The primary method and any supplementary method of weld examination shall be agreed
with the Employer (see 11.1 and T/SP/NDT/2).

T/SP/P/8
2.0 + 0.5, - 0mm
Figure 1 Configuration required for socket joints prior to welding
Flat
PA
Horizontal vertical Horizontal vertical
PB PB
Horizontal Horizontal
PC PC
PD
PD
Horizontal overhead Horizontal overhead
PE
Overhead
Figure 2 Welding positions

T/SP/P/8
PF / PG
(5F)
PB (2F)
Pipe fixed horizontal position

Welding direction vertical up or down Pipe fixed vertical position
Welding direction horizontal
PD (4F)
PA (1F)
Pipe inclined 45° position Pipe fixed vertical position

Welding direction flat Welding direction horizontal overhead
PA (IG)
PC (2G)
Pipe horizontal position - rolled

Welding direction vertical up or down
PG (5G)
Fixed vertical pipe position

Fixed horizontal pipe position Welding direction horizontal
Welding direction vertical down
H or J-LO (6G)
PF (5G)
Fixed horizontal pipe position

Welding direction vertical up Fixed inclined 45° pipe position
Welding direction up/down
Figure 2 Welding positions (continued)

T/SP/P/8
PF (3F) PD (4F)
PG (3F)
Plate fixed vertical position Plate fixed vertical position Plate fixed overhead position
Welding direction vertical up Welding direction vertical Welding direction overhead
down
PB (2F)
PA (1F)
45°
Plate fixed horizontal/vertical position
Plate fixed inclined 45° position Welding direction horizontal
Welding direction flat
Figure 2 Welding positions (continued).

T/SP/P/8
APPENDIX A REFERENCES
This specification incorporates requirements from other referenced publications and unless
specified by dated reference, the latest edition of the document, including all addenda and
revisions, shall apply. The documents referred to are listed below in Table A.1
Table A.1 References
External standards
Reference Title
Welding terms and symbols Part 1 – Glossary for welding, brazing, and
BS 499-1:2009
thermal cutting
Class 1 arc welding of ferritic steel pipe work for carrying fluids
BS 2633 + A1 to 5
BS 4515-1 Part1: Carbon and carbon steel pipelines
BS EN 287-1 Qualification test of welders – Fusion welding Part: 1 Steels
Welding consumables - Solid wires, solid wire flux and tubular cored
BS EN 756 electrode-flux combinations for submerged arc welding of non-alloy and fine
grain steels - Classification
Welding consumables - Covered electrodes for manual metal arc
BS EN 757
Welding of high strength steels - Classification
Welding consumables - Fluxes for Submerged Arc Welding -
BS EN 760
Classification (F)
Destructive tests in welds in metallic materials – Impact tests – Test
BS EN 875
specimen location, notch orientation and examination
Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials – longitudinal tensile
BS EN 876
test of weld metal in fusion welded joints
Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials – Transverse tensile
BS EN 895
test
Welding – Recommendations for welding metallic materials: Part 2: Arc
BS EN 1011-2
welding of ferritic materials
BS EN 1435 Non-destructive testing of welds – Radiographic testing of welded joints -
Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials – Macroscopic and
BS EN 1321
Microscopic examination of welds
Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials – Hardness testing Part 1:
BS EN 1043-1
Hardness test on Arc Welded joints
Welding and allied processes – Nomenclature of processes and
BS EN 4063
reference numbers
Charpy impact test on metallic materials – Part 1: Test method (V and U
BS EN 10045-1
notches)
BS EN 10204 Metallic products – Types of inspection documents
BS EN 12732 Gas supply systems – Welded steel pipe work – Functional requirements
Gas welding equipment – Terminology – Terms used for gas welding
BS EN 13622
equipment
Welding consumables – Rods, wires and deposits for tungsten gas
BS EN ISO 636
welding of non-alloyed and fine grain steels - Classification
Welding consumables – Covered electrodes for manual metal arc welding
BS EN ISO 2560
of non-alloyed and fine grain steels - Classification
Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials Part 1:
BS EN ISO 3834-1
Criteria for the selection of the appropriate level of quality requirements
BS EN ISO 3834-2
Comprehensive quality requirements
BS EN ISO 3834-5 Documents with which it is necessary to conform to claim conformity to
ISO 3834-2, ISO 3834-3 or ISO 3834-4
Metallic materials – Tensile testing Part 1: Method of test at ambient
BS EN ISO 6892-1
temperature

T/SP/P/8
Table A.1 References (continued)
Welding consumables – Gases and gas mixtures for fusion welding and
BS EN ISO 14175
allied processes
Specification and qualification of welding procedures of metallic materials
BS EN ISO 15609-1
- Welding procedure specification – Part 1: Arc welding
Specification and qualification of welding procedures for metallic
BS EN ISO 15614-1 materials – Welding procedure test Part 1: Arc and gas welding of steels and
arc welding of nickel and nickel alloys
Welding consumables - Wire electrodes, wires, rods and deposits for gas-
BS EN ISO 16834
shielded arc welding of high strength steels - Classification
Welding consumables – Tubular electrodes for gas- shielded and non-gas
BS EN ISO 17632
shielded metal arc welding of non-alloyed and fine grain steels
Welding consumables – Tubular cored electrodes for gas- shielded and non
BS EN ISO 18276
gas shielded metal arc welding of high strength steels - Classification
PD CEN ISO/TR
Welding – Guidelines for a metallic grouping system
15608
The Institution of Gas Engineers Recommendations on Transmission
IGEM/TD/1
and Distribution Practice – Steel pipelines for high pressure gas
transmission
The Institution of Gas Engineers Recommendations on Transmission and
IGEM/TD/13 Distribution Practice – Pressure regulating installations for transmission and
distribution systems
National Grid Documents

Procedures for the selection, maintenance and installation of luminaires
T/PM/EL/1
and lamps
Specification for steel bends, tees, reducers and end-caps for operating
T/SP/B/12
pressures greater than 7 bar
Specification for carbon and carbon manganese steel bends 200 mm
T/SP/B/11 nominal size and above produced from pipe by induction bending for
operating pressures greater than 7 bar
Specification for carbon and carbon manganese steel forgings and forged
T/SP/F/1
components for operating pressures greater than 7 bar
T/SP/NDT/2 Non-destructive testing of welds on construction and fabrication projects
Welding of steel land pipelines designed to operate at pressures greater
T/SP/P/2
than 7 bar (supplementary to BS 4515-1)
Specification for the welding of fittings to pipelines operating under
T/SP/P/9
pressure (Supplementary to BS 6990)
The dimensions and applications of standard weld end preparations for
T/SP/16
steel pipe, fittings and valves
Pipework systems operating at pressures exceeding 7 bar Part 1 –
T/SP/PW/11: Part 1
Design and materials
The sampling of steel pipe and fittings for material testing for pipelines
T/SP/Q/10
and pipe work designed to operate above 2 bar.
TS-C4Gas-PIPO
Specification for steel pipes for pipelines
version 4.0

T/SP/P/8
APPENDIX B DEFINITIONS
Approved welder: A qualified welder who has demonstrated competence by

producing a test weld or welds that meet the requirements of the
welding standard or specification.
Design temperature: The minimum test temperature required by the designer for weld
metal and HAZ impact testing.
Employer: National Grid plc or its nominated representative.
Installation: The fabricated assembly of pipes, fittings and equipment normally

situated within a fenced enclosure excluding that which forms part
of the pipeline.
Lack of cross penetration: The un-fused area between an internally applied weld bead and
the external passes.
Welding operator: Person who controls fully mechanised or automatic fusion welding
processes
Workshop: A permanent building or semi-permanent enclosed site structure

provided with adequate lifting and handling equipment that has
established factory or site welfare facilities available in the
immediate vicinity.
Bell-hole: An excavation that permits access to below ground pipe work to

facilitate the welding, inspection, coating or any other activity
required to conduct the works.
Consistency trials: A series of consecutive welds of repeatable quality made to the

satisfaction of the employer, to demonstrate that the proposed
welding process or welding system has the technical capability to
consistently produce sound welds with the desired metallurgical
properties using the approved welding procedure.
Dressing: Light grinding in the weld area where the parent pipe is not
reduced in wall thickness below the minimum allowed in the pipe
purchase specification.
Golden weld A production weld that will not be subject to hydrostatic testing.
Internal repair: A repair from the internal surface of the original weld consisting of
two weld runs only, one on top of the other.
Inspector: The body, association or employee which monitors that the

materials and construction are in accordance with this
specification.
Low hydrogen For manual welding processes considered to be a diffusible

hydrogen content equal to or less than 5 ml/100g of deposited
weld metal.
For the submerged-arc welding process the wire and flux

combination shall produce a diffusible hydrogen content equal to or
less than 10 ml/100g of deposited weld metal.

T/SP/P/8
APPENDIX B DEFINITIONS (continued)
Multi-pass backweld repair: An internal weld repair consisting of three or more weld runs.
Pipeline: The extent of all fabrication up to and including block valve

assemblies, terminating at the attachment weld to a pig trap as
defined by the Pipeline Safety Regulations 1996 or as modified by
the Employer.
Remedial welding: Welding carried out to correct visual defects while the weld is still
above the original minimum inter-pass temperature stated in the
approved welding procedure.
Statutory Authority: The body or organisation that, through the power vested in it by
Government Statute regulates the requirements with which
particular pipelines have to comply.
Supply condition: This term is taken to mean the heat-treated condition of the materials to be
welded.
Tie-in weld: A welded joint that connects two sections of pipe work together in such a
manner that direct access to that internal surface of the joint is precluded.

T/SP/P/8
APPENDIX C
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE EXAMINATION, TESTING AND APPROVAL
OF WELDING PROCEDURES
C.1 GENERAL
The examination, testing and approval of butt welds, fillet welds, remedial and repair welds shall
be in accordance with BS EN ISO 15614-1 and the requirements of this specification.
Unless specified by National Grid, transverse bend tests are not required.
In case of conflict between this specification and BS EN ISO 15614-1, the requirements of this
specification shall apply.
The preliminary welding procedure specification (pWPS) shall be prepared in accordance with BS
EN ISO 15609-1 and taking into account the requirements specified in this document.
The welding and testing of all procedure test welds shall be witnessed by the Employer or the
Employer’s representative.
C.2 MATERIALS
Welding procedure qualification tests shall be carried out on pipe or fittings made from the same
material and of the same outside diameter and thickness as that to be used in production.
When approved by the Employer, the range of approval specified in PD CEN ISO/TR 15608 may
be applied to qualified welding procedures (see Table 4 item b and Table 6). Separate welding
procedure qualifications are required for each parent material or combinations of parent material
not covered by the grouping system.
When the pWPS proposes the application of PWHT of the completed weld, the ability of the
PWHT to affect the properties of the original pipe or fitting material and cause unacceptable
degradation shall be considered and avoided.
When a welding procedure will be used on existing installation pipe material, confirmation of the
pipe chemical analysis and estimated material grade is required. This may be confirmed through
the production of the original mill certificate or by material sampling in accordance with
T/PM/Q/10.
The length of any pipe or pipe pup used for procedure qualification shall be agreed with the
Employer prior to welding and should be of suitable size to allow simulation of production welding
conditions and to accommodate the required mechanical test specimens. The minimum individual
pup length permitted is 150 mm.
C.3 PREPARATION, SET-UP AND WELDING OF PROCEDURE TEST WELDS
C.3.1 Preparation and set-up
The procedure test weld shall be prepared and set-up in accordance with the requirements of BS
EN ISO 15614-1, the approved pWPS and clause 8 of this specification.
The qualification of all welding procedures shall simulate the intended production application. If it
is intended that tack welds are to form part of the final joint, then they shall be included in the test
piece. A calibrated welding arc monitor that provides a printed record shall be used to record the
welding parameters of all welding procedure qualification test welds (see 5.0).
A test weld shall be produced that demonstrates that the welding system is capable of producing
a sound weld at the extremes of joint fit-up tolerances.
C.3.1.1 Welding of test welds
The procedure test weld shall be welded in accordance with the requirements of BS EN ISO
15614-1, the approved pWPS and clause 8 of this specification.
The procedure test weld(s) for semi-automatic or mechanised welding systems shall qualify the
minimum and maximum welding parameter range to be used. Should the proposed limits of the

T/SP/P/8
welding parameter range need to be more tightly controlled or be outside the tolerances permitted
by BS EN ISO 15614-1 and Table 4 of this specification, the limits of the range shall be agreed
between the Employer and the manufacturer or contractor prior to welding commencing (see also
C.9).
The manufacturer or contractor shall produce sufficient test welds to fully qualify the proposed
welding process or procedure in accordance with this specification.
When a qualified welding procedure is intended to be used outside the workshop environment, a
minimum of two welders shall be used to weld pipe or fittings ≥ 457 mm OD.
Roll welding of joints shall only be permitted by the approval of the Employer. If allowed, the
components to be welded shall be fully supported with the axial alignment of the joint maintained
throughout the welding cycle.
The sequence of joint completion shall be agreed between the Employer and the manufacturer or
contractor prior to welding procedure qualification tests commencing.
Where production conditions are such that pipe-to-pipe joints cannot be completed in one welding
heat cycle, the welding of the procedure test welds shall simulate the number of heat cycles
where the joint has been allowed to cool to ambient temperature before completion.
Minimum preheat and weld inter-pass temperatures used in the qualification of a welding
procedure test weld shall be in accordance with Table11 of this specification. The actual minimum
and maximum preheat and weld inter-pass temperatures attained during the welding of the test
joint shall be measured and recorded on the welding procedure qualification record sheet.
When the qualified welding procedure is intended to cover a range of thicknesses, it may be
necessary to complete the cap with a split or multi run cap rather than a single weave cap, the
welding procedure qualification tests shall cover both capping options.
The welding of branch *set-on fittings (e.g. weldolets) and branch set-in fittings (e.g. sweepolets)
procedure test welds shall be welded in accordance with the approved pWPS and clause 10.
* Note: National Grid specification T/SP/PW/11: Part 1 limits the maximum size of a set-on fitting to
80mm DN.
All fillet welds shall be welded using a low hydrogen process. The procedure shall provide for a
minimum of two passes. The major portion of the first pass shall be deposited preferentially on
the pipe or major component body.
C.3.2 Welding of remedial and repair procedure test welds
C.3.2.1 Remedial welding procedure qualification
Remedial welding carried out to the joint during the original weld heat cycle shall only require
procedure qualification testing when the pWPS contains changes that affect the essential
variables of the original joint WPS (see Table 4).
Qualification of a single pass root bead remedial procedure is only permitted for mechanised
welding systems that use internal welding heads. For vertical-down welding the test weld shall be
made at the 12 o’clock pipe position and for vertical-up welding the test weld shall be made at the
3 o’clock pipe position. The length of the test weld shall be of sufficient length to accommodate all
necessary destructive tests.
The qualification of remedial welding procedures shall simulate the production welding conditions
and shall be subject to the same qualification and testing requirements as repair procedures.
Note: Remedial procedures are those that will be used to correct defects or flaws while the
production joint is still above the minimum inter-pass temperature specified on the WPS.

T/SP/P/8
C.3.2.2 External repair welding procedure qualification
Full penetration and partial penetration repairs shall only require procedure qualification testing
when the pWPS contains changes that affect the essential variables of the original joint WPS
(see Table 4).
Single stringer bead cap repair deposits shall not be permitted.
When required, full penetration repairs and partial penetration repairs shall be made between the
4 o’clock and 6 o’clock pipe position. Partial penetration repair welds shall be centred on the weld
cap fusion line and shall be equal or greater in depth than 50% of the pipe wall thickness (see
Figure C.8 d).
C.3.2.3 Internal repair welding procedure qualification
Single pass (root sealing) internal repair procedures shall not be permitted, except for those
welds covered by the remedial welding procedure identified in C.3.2.1.
Multi-pass internal partial penetration repairs to double sided joints shall only require procedure
qualification testing when the pWPS contains changes that affect the essential variables of the
original joint WPS (see Table 4).
Multi-pass internal partial penetration repairs to single sided joints shall be prepared and welded
in accordance with the approved pWPS. The excavation shall be centred on the weld root
between the 4 o’clock and 6 o’clock pipe position and shall be equal or greater in depth than 50%
of the pipe wall thickness (see Figure C.7 c).
Where it is proposed to carry out a root repair at the inner surface of the original weld, the test
weld to qualify this type of repair shall be made into an excavation sufficiently deep to
accommodate two individual weld runs deposited one on top of the other (see Figure C.7 d).
When the internal repair is carried out in accordance with the original WPS parameters for
deposition of the root run, the test weld shall be subject to macro and hardness testing only (see
C.5.3.1 and C.5.5). For the vertical down welding direction the test specimen shall be removed
from the 12 o’clock pipe position. For the vertical up welding direction the specimen shall be
removed from the 3 o’clock pipe position.
C.3.2.4 Multiple repairs
Multiple attempts to repair a weld are not permitted unless specifically approved by the Employer.
This option shall only be considered in exceptional circumstances and will require full technical
justification to be supplied by the manufacturer or contractor before further welding. Where a re-
repair is permitted by the Employer, it is conditional on further repair welding procedure
qualification tests (that simulate the additional number of heat cycles applied), being satisfactorily
carried out. All supplementary testing records, including the new repair WPS and the technical
justification for a multiple repair attempt shall be submitted for the approval of the Employer.
C.4 EXAMINATION AND TESTING OF PROCEDURE TEST WELDS
The extent of examination and testing of a procedure test weld shall be in accordance with BS EN
ISO 15614-1: Table 1 and as applicable, Table C.1 and Figures C.1 to C.10 of this specification.
The NDT examination techniques used shall be in accordance with T/SP/NDT/2.
All test welds not subject to PWHT shall have a delay of at least 24 hours from completion of
welding to commencement of *final non-destructive testing. If the Employer requires an
alternative delay prior to NDT this shall be agreed with the manufacturer or contractor prior to
welding the test joint (see 11.3).
* Note: The manufacturer or contractor may decide to carry out provisional NDT examination of a
weld (for quality control purposes) prior to the final NDT after 24 hours.

T/SP/P/8
In order to be deemed acceptable, welding procedure test welds shall meet the defect
acceptance criteria specified in Table 8 (see also Table 3 item f) and the destructive test
requirements of this appendix.
Due to the geometry of a typical set-on fitting, limited mechanical tests can be obtained from the
test weld. When required by the Employer a butt weld test, using the same welding consumables
and parameters shall be qualified on equivalent materials to provide further information with
respect to the joint impact and tensile properties.
When the qualified welding procedure is intended to cover both woven and split or multi-pass
capping options, the intended primary method of weld capping will be tested as part of the original
procedure qualification test. To test the alternative capping method, two additional macro
specimens shall be removed from the weld, one taken from the area of highest heat input and
one taken from the area of lowest heat input. Both macro specimens shall be hardness tested
(see C.5.3 and C.5.5).
C.4.1 Examination and testing of remedial or repair procedure test welds
The extent of examination and testing of a remedial or repair procedure test weld shall be in
accordance with Table C.2 and as applicable, Figures C.7 to C.9 of this specification. NDT shall
be carried out in accordance with T/SP/NDT/2.
C.5 DESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF PROCEDURE BUTT WELDS
C.5.1 Transverse tensile test
The preparation and testing of transverse tensile specimens for butt joints shall be in accordance
with BS EN 895.
• For pipes > 114.3 mm OD, the weld reinforcement shall be removed on both faces to
give the test specimen a thickness equal to the wall thickness of the pipe.
• Transverse tensile testing is not required for butt welds in pipe ≤ 114.3 mm OD.
C.5.1.1 Transverse tensile test requirements
• The tensile strength of the test specimen shall not be less than the corresponding
specified minimum value for the parent metal.
• The tensile strength of the weld, including the fusion zone of each specimen, shall be
equal to or greater than the minimum value specified for the parent metal.
• For dissimilar parent metal joints the tensile strength of the parent metal shall not be less
than the minimum value specified for the parent metal having the lower tensile strength.
• For dissimilar parent metal joints the tensile strength of the weld metal shall not be less
than the minimum value specified for the parent metal having the higher tensile strength
(see Table 3 item c of this specification).
C.5.2 All weld tensile testing

When required by the Employer two all-weld tensile specimens shall be prepared and tested in
accordance with BS EN 876 and BS EN ISO 6892-1. AWT testing will typically be required to
evaluate welding process consistency trial welds, where L555 (or X80) pipe material grade is
used, to qualify flux cored wire welding procedures or when CTOD tests are specified by the
Employer.
C.5.2.1 All weld tensile testing requirements
The weld metal yield strength for butt welds in L555 (or X80) grade pipe material shall overmatch
the nominal specified minimum yield strength of the pipe by at least 5%.
C.5.3 Macroscopic examination

Macro-examination shall be in accordance with BS EN 1321. The specimens shall be prepared,
polished and etched on one side to clearly reveal the fusion line, the HAZ and the weld deposition
sequence.

T/SP/P/8
Macro specimens shall be taken from the applicable locations shown in Figure C.1 to C.4 and
Figures C.7 to C.9). All specimens shall be hardness tested in accordance with C.5.5.
All macro test specimens shall be examined at a magnification of x 5. Photographs of each macro
specimen showing the location of the hardness impressions shall be provided with the
mechanical test records. The degree of photographic magnification of the specimens shown on
the test report shall be accurately recorded.
Where L555 (or X80) grade material is examined, a macro specimen shall be removed at the
intersection of the pipe seam weld and girth weld location for hardness testing. Where there are
two seam welds junctions, the specimen shall be removed from the side of the joint with the
highest carbon equivalent percentage.
C.5.3.1 Macro test requirements
The macro specimens shall be free of cracks or lack of fusion. Any other defects revealed shall
be within the limits specified in Table 8.
C.5.4 Impact testing

C.5.4.1 General
Charpy impact testing is required for all butt welds in pipe of outside diameter greater than 114.3
mm.
The dimensions of impact test specimens and requirements for testing shall be in accordance
with BS EN 875. Test specimens shall be taken and prepared in accordance with BS EN 10045-1
in such a way that the axis of the notch is perpendicular to the pipe surface. The location for the
removal of test specimens from the test weld is specified in C.5.4.2.
The Charpy V-notch test specimens for weld metal and HAZ testing shall be notched in the
through thickness direction (see Figure C. 5). In the HAZ the notch shall be a maximum of 1 mm
from the fusion line and in the weld metal the notch shall be at the weld centreline.
From each specified Charpy impact location, each impact test set shall comprise of three
individual test specimens.
C.5.4.2 Specimen location
The locations for the removal of Charpy impact test specimens is dependent on welding direction
(see Figures C.1 to C.4, C.7, C.8 and C.9)
Specimens with Charpy V-notch shall be used and taken within 1 mm to 2 mm above the inner
surface of the parent metal and transverse to the weld (see Figure C 5 a).
C.5.4.2.1 Additional test specimens for thicknesses greater than 20 mm
For thicknesses > 20 mm, two additional sets of specimens shall be taken, one from weld metal
and one from the HAZ, taken within 1mm to 2 mm below the outer surface of the parent metal
and transverse to the weld (see Figure C.5 b).
When the welding is in the vertical up direction the additional specimens shall be taken from the 3
o’clock position. When the welding is in the vertical down direction the additional test specimens
shall be taken from the 6 o’clock position.
C.5.4.2.2 Additional test specimens for combined welding processes or direction

For joints greater than 15.9mm NWT, when the welding procedure includes a *combination of
welding directions and/or a combination of welding processes, two additional sets of specimens
shall be taken, one from weld metal and one from the HAZ, taken within 1 mm to 2 mm below the
outer surface of the parent metal and transverse to the weld (see Figure C.5 b).
* Other than the composite procedure where the root pass is welded vertical–up and the remainder
of the passes are welded in the vertical-down direction

T/SP/P/8
When the majority of welding is in the vertical up direction the test specimens shall be taken from
the 3 o’clock position. When the majority of welding is in the vertical down direction the test
specimens shall be taken from the 6 o’clock position.
When the volume of weld deposited in different directions is approximately equal, the root impact
specimens shall be taken from the appropriate position corresponding with the direction of the
majority of welding in the lower half of the joint. The additional cap impact specimens shall be
taken from the position that corresponds with the direction of the majority of welding in the upper
half of the joint.
C.5.4.3 Impact test temperature
Unless otherwise *indicated, the impact test temperature shall be 0°C for buried pipelines, minus
10°C for pipe-work for use in outdoor ambient conditions, or the actual gas temperature,
whichever is the lesser.
* Note: Circumstances may exist that require various minimum impact test temperatures at different
pipe work locations. The manufacturer or contractor shall confirm the required minimum weld metal
impact test temperature(s) for test welds in discussion with the installation designer and the Employer
prior to testing taking place.
C.5.4.4 Absorbed energy requirements

When tested at the minimum design temperature the absorbed energy requirements for Charpy
impact tests are given in Table C.3 of this specification.
C.5.5 Hardness testing
Hardness testing is required on all macro specimens. Vickers hardness testing with a load of
*HV10 shall be performed in accordance with BS EN 1043-1. Hardness measurements shall be
taken in both parent metals, the weld metal and in both heat affected zones, to evaluate the
range of hardness values across the welded joint. The hardness survey shall include two rows of
indentations made at a depth of up to 2 mm below the upper and lower surfaces of the welded
joint (see Figure C.6). For double sided welds or internal weld repairs one additional row of
indentations shall be made through the root area (see Figure C.6).
Each row of the hardness survey shall have at least one individual indentation in both parent
metals and three individual indentations in both heat affected zones and in the weld metal. The
first indentation in each HAZ shall be placed as close to the fusion line as possible (see Figure
C.6 a).
* Due to the narrow HAZ in some welds made by mechanised processes it may be necessary to carry
out hardness testing using a 5 kg load, in such cases this shall be clearly indicated in the test house
report.
C.5.5.1 Hardness test requirements
The results of the hardness test shall meet the requirements of Table C.4
C.5.6 Additional tests required for information purposes

C.5.6.1 General
When required to meet particular project requirements or to provide necessary information, the
Employer may specify that additional mechanical test specimens be removed and tested from
procedure test welds.
C.5.6.2 Consumable batch testing comparison test
When the Employer specifies that batch testing of welding consumables is required (e.g. for the
welding of L555 (or X80) grade material), one set of weld metal, and one set of HAZ, cap Charpy
impact specimens (positioned in accordance with Figure C.5 b) shall be taken from the
approximate location shown in Figure C.3 of this specification and tested at –20°C. These tests
are for information purposes only and the need for these tests shall be agreed with the Employer
prior to commencing procedure qualification welding.

T/SP/P/8
C.5.6.3 Material toughness testing for fracture mechanics calculations

The Employer may require additional destructive tests (i.e. CTOD and/or all-weld tensile tests).
They may be specified for particular projects, welding processes or welding systems, particularly
where one or both of the pipe materials joined are a L555 (or X80) grade. When CTOD testing is
required by the Employer for material toughness information the requirements for testing shall be
as specified in T/SP/P/2.
When required for procedure qualification the Employer will specify the CTOD and AWT
acceptance or re-testing criteria.
C.5.7 Forged set-on branch attachments
The destructive tests required when qualifying a small diameter (21.3 mm to 88.9 mm OD) branch
attachment welding procedure, (e.g. a weld-o-let fitting) shall consist of two macro sections taken
at 90º to each other (the specimens shall be taken from the top and side of the weld as shown in
Table C. 4 for set-in fittings).
A hardness survey is required on both macro sections in accordance with C.5.5.
C. 5.8 Forged set-in branch attachments
The destructive tests required for the qualification of the skirt and branch welds of forged set-in
branch attachments (i.e. sweep-o-let fittings) shall be as specified in Table C.1 and Figure C.4.
The designed shape of some sweep-o-let fittings may limit the extent of practical destructive tests
that may be carried out. In such cases, any variation to the type or number of specimens tested
shall be agreed with the Employer prior to production of any test welds.
C.6 DESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF PROCEDURE REPAIR WELDS
C.6.1 General
Destructive testing for the qualification of full penetration, partial penetration and two pass internal
repair welds shall be in accordance with Table C.2. The specimens shall be removed from the
appropriate locations shown in Figures C.8 and C.9. Alternatively, the repair may be located at
the same position on the opposite side of the joint.
Where a repair welding process or procedure is not identical to a mechanised or semi-

mechanised welding procedure used to make the original joint, the number of specimens required
to test the repair weld shall be as specified in Table C.2. The specimens shall be removed from
the appropriate locations shown in Figures C.8 and/or C.9.
The Employer may require additional destructive tests (i.e. CTOD and/or all-weld tensile tests)
from weld repair procedures joints. When CTOD testing is required by the Employer the
requirements for testing shall be as specified in T/PS/P/2.
When required for procedure qualification the Employer will specify the CTOD and AWT
acceptance or re-testing criteria.
C.7 DESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF PROCEDURE FILLET WELDS
Destructive testing shall be in accordance with BS EN ISO 15614-1, except where amended by
the requirements of this specification.
The extent of destructive testing of fillet welds and the location within the test joint shall be as
shown in Table C.1 and Figure C.10.
C.7.1 Fracture test specimens
Fracture test specimens shall be taken from the locations shown to have the greatest and the
least root gap.
Test specimens shall be prepared as shown in Figure C.10 and shall be at least 25 mm wide and
at least 50 mm long.

T/SP/P/8
The test specimens shall be prepared by machine or thermal cutting, followed by grinding. The
sides of the specimens shall be smooth and parallel.
C.7.2 Fracture test
The specimen shall be broken using one of the following methods in such a way that the root of
the weld is in tension:
a) supporting both ends and striking the centre of the specimen;
b) gripping one end of the specimen and striking the other.
C.7.2.1 Fracture test requirements
The exposed surface of each broken specimen shall be free of cracks, lack of fusion and lack of
penetration. Other defects in the weld metal shall be within the following limits:
a) Inclusions. Inclusions shall not exceed 1 mm in depth and 3 mm or 50% of the pipe
thickness in length, whichever is the shorter. There shall be at least 12 mm of sound
weld metal between adjacent inclusions.
b) Gas pores. The greatest dimension of any gas pore shall not exceed 20% of the
pipe thickness or 3 mm, whichever is the smaller. The combined area of all pores
shall not exceed 5% of the exposed face cross-sectional area.
C.7.3 Macro-examination
Macro test specimens shall be taken from the location shown in Figure C.10. They shall be
prepared, tested and examined in accordance with C.5.3.
C.7.3.1 Macro test requirements
The profile, dimensions and number of runs of the fillet weld shall be as specified in the welding
procedure. The specimen shall be free from cracks, lack of fusion and lack of penetration. The
total area of any cavities or inclusions shall not exceed 5% of the fillet weld cross-sectional area.
C.7.4 Hardness testing

Vickers hardness testing with a 10 kg load shall be performed in accordance with BS EN 1043-1
on all macro specimens. The hardness survey shall include two rows of indentations one made at
a depth of up to 2 mm below the upper surface of the weld and one traverse across the root area
of the weld made at a depth of up to 2 mm above the limit of root penetration. Hardness
measurements shall be taken in both parent metals, the weld metal and in both heat affected
zones to evaluate the range of hardness values across the welded joint (see Figure C.6).
The required number and location of indentations in each hardness traverse shall be as shown in
Figure C.6 d.
C.7.4.1 Hardness test requirements
The results of the hardness test shall meet the requirements of Table C.5.
C.8 DESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF WELDING PROCEDURES, PERMITTED RE-TESTS
In the event of a failure of any destructive test specimen, the type and number of re-tests required
shall be as specified in Table C.7.
In the event of the failure of any destructive test specimen the Employer shall be informed.
Subject to meeting the criteria given in Table C.7 of this specification and the following
requirements, a re-test will be allowed:
• The reason for the original failure shall be established and reported to the employer. All
re-test results shall be reported to the Employer who will determine if the welding
procedure can be approved, or whether complete re-qualification of the welding
procedure is required.
• If there is insufficient material available for any re-test a new test piece shall be produced
using the same welding procedure and a replacement specimen or set of specimens for
the failed specimen, as appropriate, shall be tested.

T/SP/P/8
• Should any of the additional test specimens not comply with the requirements of this
specification, the proposed welding procedure shall be rejected.
C.9 CHANGES AFFECTING QUALIFICATION AND APPROVAL

(ESSENTIAL VARIABLES)
In addition to the requirements of BS EN ISO 15614-1 and the essential variables listed in Table
4 of this specification, the conditions listed below shall apply:
• L555 (or X80) grade pipe material is supplied to specific manufacturers target chemistry.
Where the Employer identifies a significant change in the target chemistry of individual
pipe production runs, then additional welding procedure qualification shall be required.
• The range of approval for the CEV of materials tested by the welding procedure
qualification test shall be within the tolerances specified in Table C.8, or the welding
procedure shall be re-qualified.
• Consideration shall be given to the compatibility of equivalent materials that may be

grouped in accordance with PD CEN ISO/TR 15608 (even though they fall within the
CEV range), to ensure that the design, post-weld heat treatment, metallurgical and
mechanical properties will meet service requirements.
• Even though a new material is considered equivalent to the procedure material tested
and may be grouped in accordance with PD CEN ISO/TR 15608 and Table 6 of this
specification, when required by the Employer, a weld (or welds) shall be produced using
the approved welding procedure and tested in accordance with this specification to
confirm that welds made in the new material meet the service requirements.
• Procedure qualification of partial penetration and full penetration repair welds shall only
be required when the proposed repair procedure contains changes that would affect the
qualification and approval of the original welding procedure (see Table C.2).
• When impact requirements apply, the upper limit of the heat input shall be a maximum of
10% greater than the range qualified by the test weld (see C.3.1.1).
• When hardness requirements apply, the lower limit of heat input qualified is 10% lower
than that used in welding the test weld (see C.3.1.1).
• When welding procedure tests have been carried out in accordance with the pWPS at
both a high and a low heat input level, then all intermediate heat input values are also
qualified.
• When impact testing is not required, with the approval of the Employer, filler materials
that have equivalent mechanical properties, the same type of covering, core or flux,
nominal composition and the same or lower hydrogen content, according to the
designation or classification in the appropriate standard for the original filler material
concerned, may be substituted for the original filler material without the need for further
testing. Where this is approved by the Employer the original WPS sheet shall be revised
to show the permitted filler material.
C9.1 Range of approval for set-on fittings
The range of approval for set-on fittings shall be as specified in Table 7. The range of approval for
the welding position of set-on branch connections is ± 25° of the position tested except for
position PB according to BS 499-1 which is qualified by position PE, PF or PG (see
Figure 2).
C.10 WELDING PROCEDURE QUALIFICATION RECORD (WPQR)
A complete record of the welding procedure qualification test shall be produced by the
manufacturer or contractor, this shall include all tests and re-tests undertaken during the

T/SP/P/8
qualification of the welding procedure. The WPQR (an example of which may be found in BS EN
ISO 15614-1) shall detail all relevant items required to produce a WPS in accordance with BS EN
ISO 15609-1. The WPQR shall be submitted along with the pWPS, the WPS and other necessary
records (e.g. material and consumable certificates) for approval by National Grid.

T/SP/P/8
Table C.1 Examination and destructive testing of procedure qualification test welds
Test piece Type of test Extent of testing Footnote

Visual 100% -
Radiographic or ultrasonic 100% a
Surface crack detection 100% b
All weld tensile test 2 specimens c and d
Full penetration butt
Transverse tensile test 2 specimens -
welds
Impact test 4 sets e
CTOD test 2 sets f
Macroscopic examination 3 specimens -
Hardness test Required -
Visual 100% h
Set-on branch Radiographic or ultrasonic 100% a,h and i
attachment weld with full
penetration Surface crack detection 100% b and h
(e.g. weld-o-let) Macroscopic examination 2 specimens h
Hardness test Required h
Visual 100% -
Radiographic or ultrasonic 100% a
Set-in branch Surface crack detection 100% b
attachment weld with full
penetration Transverse tensile test 2 specimens -
(e.g. sweep-o-let) Impact test 4 sets f
Hardness test Required -
Visual 100% h
Surface crack detection 100% b and h
Fillet welds Fracture test 1 or 2 specimens g and h
Hardness test Required h
a Ultrasonic testing shall not be used for t < 8 mm unless specifically approved by the Employer.
b Magnetic particle testing in accordance with T/SP/NDT/2.
c Not required for full penetration butt welds ≤ 114.3 mm OD.
d When required by the Employer the specific requirements for AWT are given in Appendix C .
e Specific requirements for the number and location of impact tests are given in Appendix C .
f When required by the Employer specific requirements for CTOD tests are given in T/SP/P/2.
g Specific requirements for fracture tests are given in Appendix C.
h The tests detailed do not provide information on the mechanical properties of the joint. Where
these properties are relevant to the application an additional qualification shall also be held e.g. a
butt weld qualification.
i For OD ≤ 50 mm ultrasonic testing is not required. For OD > 50 mm the method of NDT shall be
agreed with the Employer.

T/SP/P/8
Table C.2 Examination and destructive testing of remedial and repair procedure
qualification test butt welds
Type of welding procedure

Multi- Two-
Full Partial
Internal External Cap pass pass
1 1 penetration penetration 2
remedial remedial 2 2 repair backweld internal
repair repair 2 3
repair repair
Type of tests required
Visual 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
RT /UT 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
MPI/PT 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
TT - 1 1 1 - 1 -
4
AWT - - 1 - - - -
Impact 2 sets 3 sets 2 sets 3 sets - 3 sets -
5
CTOD - 2 sets 2 sets 2 sets - 2 sets -
Macro 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Hardness 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Notes:
1. Testing of a remedial procedure shall only be required where the pWPS contains changes
that affect the essential variables of the original WPS (see Table 4).
2. Testing of a repair procedure shall only be required where the pWPS contains changes
affecting the essential variables of the original WPS (see Table 4).
3. When an internal two-pass repair pWPS contains changes that affect the essential variables
of the original WPS, testing shall include weld and HAZ impact tests.
4. When required by the Employer the specific requirements for AWT are given in C.5.2.
5. When required by the Employer the specific requirements for CTOD tests are given in
C.5.6.3.
Table C.3 Charpy impact specimen test requirements
1 Charpy vee-notch Minimum Impact energy requirement (J)

Pipe thickness
specimen size Individual value Average value
≥ 12.5 to < 25mm 10mm x 10mm 30 40
2 2
≥ 12.5 to < 28mm 10mm x 10mm 45 56
≥ 10mm to < 12.5mm 10mm x 7.5mm 24 32
10mm x 5.0mm 21 28
≥ 6.3mm to < 10mm
10mm x 2.5mm 11 15
1. For pipe thickness ≥12.5 mm full size specimens must be used. The dimensions of
sub-sized specimens shall be largest size specimen possible that can be taken from
the available pipe section.
2. Requirement for L555 (or X80) grade materials only.
3. The sub-sized specimen impact requirements apply only to materials with a SMYS ≤
2
448 N/mm .

T/SP/P/8
Table C.4 Permitted maximum hardness values (HV10) for butt welds
Non-sour natural gas service

Hardness location Weld metal Heat affected zone
Root Cap Root Cap
Manual welding with
275 275 275 325
Cellulosic electrodes
1
Other welding processes 275 275 350 350
1.
For pipe grade L555 (or X80) the maximum permitted weld hardness shall be 300 HV10
Table C.5 Permitted maximum hardness values for fillet welds on the external surface
of the pipe
Non-sour natural gas service

Hardness location Low hydrogen welding
processes HV10
1
Weld metal 275
Heat-affected Zone 350
1.
300 HV10 for welds on pipe grade L555 (or X80)
Table C.6 Test specimens for procedure approval of repair welds not identical to the
original mechanised or semi mechanised welding procedure
Pipe outside Number of specimens

diameter
Charpy
All weld Macro &
> 323.9mm 1 Tensile Weld HAZ 2
tensile Hardness
(sets) (sets)
Full Penetration 1 1 1 1 1
3
Repair
Partial Penetration 1 1 1 2 1
1
Repair
3
Internal Root Repair 0 0 1 1 1
1. AWT testing only for L555 (or X80) grade material or when required by the Employer.
2. Hardness survey made on macro-examination specimen.
3. For typical locations see Figures C.8 and C.9.
4. CTOD testing shall only be required when specified by the Employer.

T/SP/P/8
Table C.7 Destructive testing of welding procedure test welds – Permitted re-tests
Re-test Re-testing requirements

Type of test Failure type
allowed
Any specimen type Failure due to a geometric

1
or volumetric weld Yes Two additional specimens
imperfection
Transverse tensile test
Failure to meet test 2
All weld tensile test Yes Two additional specimens
requirements
One set of Charpy Failure to meet test One additional set of

Yes 3
impact test specimens requirements specimens
Failure to meet test
Fracture test No Welding procedure rejected
requirements
Failure to meet test
Macro specimen No Welding procedure rejected
requirements
Failure to meet test 4
Hardness survey Yes Additional hardness survey
requirements
1: For each invalid specimen, a further two specimens shall be tested. Where three individual
specimens comprise a set of specimens and failure is due to an invalid specimen, one additional
set of three individual specimens shall be tested.
2: Providing that not more than one of the original valid specimens tested failed to meet test
requirements, two additional test specimens shall be taken from a location either side of the failed
specimen.
3: Where three individual specimens comprise a set of specimens and a single specimen has
failed, one additional set of three individual specimens shall be tested. If two of the original
individual test specimens fail to meet specification requirements the test weld shall be rejected.
Each additional specimen shall meet the individual minimum value required and the combined
average value of all six specimens tested (the additional set and the original set) shall meet the
required minimum average value for a set.
4: If a single hardness impression fails to meet test requirements, two additional hardness
impressions, one either side of the original failed impression may be tested. The additional
hardness impressions shall not be influenced by deformation caused by the failed impression.
Should it be impractical to re-test adjacent to the original failed hardness impression e.g. due to a
narrow HAZ or more than one failed impression, the original macro specimen surface shall be
reground (or with the approval of the Employer the specimen reversed), re-prepared in
accordance with C.5.5 and re-tested.
Table C.8 Qualified range of chemical analysis – Carbon Equivalent Value (CEV)
Parameter Value tested Values qualified

±0.05 % of that tested up to a
≤ 0.43%
maximum CEV of 0.45%
CEV
not greater than 0.02% above
> 0.43% that tested or 0.05% below that
tested
CEV = %C + %Mn + %Cr+%Mo+%V + %Ni+%Cu

6 5 15

T/SP/P/8
Top of weld
Specimen Position Mechanical Test

Location
1 90° Macro and hardness
Notes:
a) The hardness survey is made on the macro-specimen.
b) A photograph is required of each macro specimen (see C.5.3)
Figure C.1 Locations for test specimens for butt welds ≤ 114.3 mm outside diameter.

T/SP/P/8
Top of weld

Location
1 0° Set of Charpy impact tests, weld metal centre line
3 0° Set of Charpy impact tests fusion line pipe side
4 Typically 45° Transverse tensile
a,b
a,b
8 Typically 135° Transverse tensile
a,b
a,b
a) The location for removal of specimens is dependent on welding direction (see 5.4).
b) When the pipe wall thickness exceeds 20mm or combined welding processes or welding
directions are used, additional Charpy impact test sets are required (see 5.4).
Figure C.2 Locations for test specimens for butt welds > 114.3 mm outside diameter.

T/SP/P/8
Top of weld
4 1
3 2

Location
1 45° All weld tensile
2 Typically 135° Set of weld metal Charpy impact tests at –20° C
3 225° All weld tensile
4 Pipe weld seam Macro and hardness
Notes:
a) The above specimens represent the minimum requirements and may increase
depending on wall thickness and the use of any mixed welding processes.
b) The all weld tensile specimens shall only be tested when specified by the
Employer and shall be taken from as high up in the weld body as practicably
possible without compromising specimen size.
c) The hardness survey is made on the macro-specimen.
d) Specimens from location 2 will only be required when batch testing of welding
consumables is specified by the Employer.
e) Unless specified otherwise by the Employer, specimens from location 4 will only
be required for L555 (or X80) grade pipe joints.
Figure C.3 Location of additional test specimens for butt welds made with a mechanised
welding process

T/SP/P/8
Top
Fitting
Pipe
Top
Side
Fitting
Pipe
Side
Location Specimens
1 Macro and hardness
a
2 Set of Charpy impact tests, weld metal centre line
a
3 Top Set of Charpy impact tests fusion line pipe side
a
4 Set of Charpy impact tests fusion line fitting side
b
5 Transverse Tensile
6 Macro and hardness
a
7 Set of Charpy impact tests, weld metal centre line
a
8 Set of Charpy impact tests fusion line pipe side
Side a
9 Set of Charpy impact tests fusion line fitting side
b
10 Transverse Tensile
c
11 All weld metal tensile specimen
a When the pipe wall thickness exceeds 20mm or combined welding processes or welding
directions are used, additional Charpy impact test sets are required (see 5.4).
b Due to fitting geometry it may be necessary to employ reduced section tensile specimens.
2
c When required by the employer (i.e. for fitting material of 555N/mm SMYS), an all weld
metal tensile specimen (taken from a convenient side location of the fitting weld) shall be
tested in accordance with C.5.2.
Figure C.4 Location of test specimens for forged set-in branch connections

T/SP/P/8
Figure C.5 a) Location of notch for Charpy test specimens

T/SP/P/8
1 to 2 mm
Impact test notch location; Repair weld metal centre line
Notch maximum 1mm from fusion line 1 to 2 mm
Impact test notch location; Weld HAZ 1
Notch maximum 1mm from fusion line

1 to 2 mm
Impact test notch location; Weld HAZ 2
Figure C.5 b) Location of notch for Charpy test specimen from a partial penetration weld
repair.

T/SP/P/8
a) Location of hardness impression for a single sided butt weld
b) Location of hardness impression for a double sided butt weld
c) Location of hardness impression for an internal root repair
Figure C.6 a) Location of hardness surveys for a butt weld.

T/SP/P/8
a) Full penetration repair
2 6 5
4 3
5 6
Key b) Partial penetration repair
1 Top of Weld
2 Charpy 6 5 5 6
3 Tensile
4 Macro/hardness
5 Original weld fusion line
6 Original weld heat-affected zone
t Wall thickness of test pipe c) Multi-pass backweld repair
d) Internal (two pass) root repair
Figure C.7 Location of test specimens for butt weld repairs.

T/SP/P/8
1
Specimen Location
2 Set of Charpy Tests Weld Metal Centre Line 1

Set of Charpy Tests Weld Fusion Line 2
3 All Weld Tensile 3

Macro and Hardness 4
4
Set of CTOD, Weld Centre Line Tests (Fig 1) 5
5 Set of CTOD, Weld Fusion Line Tests (Fig 1) 6

Tensile 7
6
Note 1: The minimum requirement may increase depending
7 on wall thickness and the use of any mixed welding
process
Note 2: The hardness survey is made on the macro
specimen.
Note 3: The number of CTOD specimens required may be
varied by National Grid agreement
Figure C.8 Location and number of additional test specimens for full penetration repairs
to butt welds made with a mechanized welding process
Specimen Location
Macro Hardness 1
1
Set of Charpy Tests Weld Centre Line 2
2 Set of Charpy Tests Weld Fusion Line 3
3 Set of Charpy Tests Weld/Weld Fusion Line 4
4 All Weld Tensile 5

Set of CTOD Weld Centre Line (Fig 2) 6
5
Set of CTOD, Weld Fusion Line (Fig 2) 7
6
Set of CTOD Weld/Weld Fusion Line (Fig 2) 8
7 Tensile 9
Note 1: The minimum requirement may increase depending
8 on wall thickness and the use of any mixed welding
process
9 Note 2: The hardness survey is made on the macro
specimen.
Note 3: The number of CTOD specimens required may be
varied by National Grid agreement
Figure C.9 Location and number of additional test specimens for partial penetration repairs to
butt welds made with a mechanized welding process.

T/SP/P/8
a) Typical arrangement of fillet weld test specimens
B
A
Notes: 1. The fracture specimens shall be at least 25mm wide by 50mm in length.
2. The off-cut sections may be used to prepare the macro specimens.
3. The macro specimens shall be used for the hardness surveys.
b) Preparation of fillet weld fracture test specimen
c) Locations of hardness survey for a fillet weld.
Figure C.10 Preparation of fillet weld test specimens.

T/SP/P/8
APPENDIX D
GUIDANCE ON POST WELD HEAT TREATMENT
D.1 Post-weld heat treatment of circumferential butt welds may be required in the following
circumstances:
a) When the carbon equivalent of the material based on ladle analysis is greater than
0.53%.
b) When the pipe thickness is greater than 32 mm.
c) When hardness limitations cannot be met in the as-welded condition.
When materials of differing thickness or carbon equivalents are to be welded, the greater
thickness or carbon equivalent should be used in determining the post-weld heat treatment
requirements.
D.2 Where residual stresses are to be controlled, it is normally necessary to carry out a
stress relieving heat treatment which will involve heating the pipe or component to a temperature
within the range 580 °C to 620 °C, maintaining this for a period of time followed by controlled
cooling. This heat treatment procedure can take some hours to complete.
Reference should be made to an appropriate standard (e.g. BS 2633) for the details of carrying
out such heat treatment.
Where hardness reduction is required, normally a short term tempering procedure is used. This
involves rapid heating of the pipe to a temperature higher than 450 °C followed by air-cooling.
The extent of this heat treatment should be ascertained by experimental work to ensure that the
required properties are achieved for a specific application.
D.3 When there is a high risk of cold cracking, hydrogen release may be accelerated by
either maintaining the minimum inter-pass temperature or raising the temperature to 200 °C to
300 °C immediately after welding and before the weld region cools to below the minimum inter-
pass temperature. The duration of post-heating should be at least 2 hours and is a function of the
thickness. Large thicknesses require temperatures at the upper end of the stated range as well as
prolonged post-heating times.
D.4 The methods of applying heat treatment are:
a) Furnace, with slow heating and cooling times.

b) Induction coils, produce rapid through-thickness heating and the ability to treat a
narrow band of material, however, a large power supply is needed.
c) Resistance coils, very controllable but slower than induction coils.

T/SP/P/8
APPENDIX E
PIPE END MAGNETISM
E.1 Introduction
Excessive magnetism at the pipe ends can prevent satisfactory weld deposition; this is
particularly so when a magnetic pig has been passed through an existing pipeline but also may
be present in new components.
To overcome this magnetic effect, a number of alternative actions may be carried out, depending
upon the strength of the effect.
E.2 Low levels of magnetism

At low levels of magnetism (less than 50 gauss), which probably are sufficient to hold a paper clip
to the pipe end, no precautions are usually needed.
E.3 Medium levels of magnetism

At medium levels of magnetism (50 gauss to 120 gauss), there is sufficient magnetism to hold a
large diameter welding rod to the pipe end. Under these circumstances, the easiest method of
overcoming the effect is to use ac welding for the root, using an electrode that is suitable for the
purpose. The use of ac welding shall only be carried out with prior approval of the Employer and
re-qualification of the welding procedure may be required.
Sometimes ac is not effective at these levels and it must then be treated as a high level effect.
E.4 High levels of magnetism

High level of magnetism (over 120 gauss) is the usual level of magnetism that is found after a pig
run with a magnetic cleaning pig or the on line inspection vehicle. AC welding is usually not a
satisfactory solution and de-magnetisation or de-gaussing must be carried out. One such method,
which is field proven, is as follows:
a) Step 1
Separate all components and de-magnetize them all, if necessary, before setting
up the joint. The pipe and component ends need to be not less than 300 mm
apart during de-magnetization.
b) Step 2
Measure the magnetic field at a number of points round the pipe, taking the
readings on the root face. Keep the gaussmeter in line with the pipe and the end
of the probe holder should be in gentle contact with the pipe. Identify the area
where the field is at its maximum, mark the position and note the reading.
c) Step 3
Wrap welding cable of 300 A minimum capacity round the pipe to give 18 to 20
turns. The edge of the coil must be 50 mm to 80 mm from the end of the pipe.
Aluminium cored cable is not recommended but can be used if necessary on
larger diameters. Short lengths of pipe (pups) may not require a full number of
turns. The amount of cable needed is as given in Table E.1.
d) Step 4
Connect the coil to a welding generator and, setting a low current (less than 80
A), switch on using the polarity change switch. Observe the change in reading
shown on the gauss-meter. If the reading reduces or reverses, note the position
of the polarity switch. If the reading increases, reverse the polarity and check the
decrease. Note the polarity. Switch off.
e) Step 5
Turn the generator controls to maximum and, using the polarity switch, turn on
the current to the same polarity as noted in operation d) above. After 10 s switch
off. The current level must drop immediately. Do not reduce current gradually.
f) Step 6

T/SP/P/8
Take gaussmeter reading at the point noted in operation b) above and compare
with original reading. If everything has been done correctly, the field should have
reduced or reversed. If not, return to operation b) above and repeat operations
b), d) and e) above.
g) Step 7
Check the reading and:
1) If reading after de-magnetization is less than 50 gauss, welding is possible
with dc durrent - no further action necessary.
2) If reading is less than 120 gauss, welding should be possible with ac current.
At this stage, there is the choice of either welding with ac or carrying out the
procedure in operation h) below.
4) If reading is greater than 120 gauss, further de-magnetization is necessary
as in operation h) below. If polarity has reversed, return to operation d)
above.
h) Step 8
If reading is greater than 400 gauss, repeat operations e), f) and g) above.
If reading is between 120 gauss and 400 gauss, reduce current to 60% and
repeat operation e) above.
NOTE - If there has been a field reversal, the procedure should be modified so
as to use opposite polarity as used in operation e) above.
i) Step 9
Degauss other components where necessary prior to fitting up.
E.5 Non-destructive testing

Where the magnetic field still affects the welding arc, the radiography must be
supplemented with ultrasonic testing.
TABLE E.1 - Minimum length of cable required for de-magnetization (de-gaussing)
Minimum length of Minimum length of

Pipe OD (mm) Pipe OD (mm)
cable (m)* cable (m)*
114.3 5 610 40
168.3 10 762 50
219.1 15 914 60
273.1 20 1067 70
323.9 25 1219 80
457 30 1422 90
*The above cable lengths refer only to the coils. Additional cable is necessary to connect the
coil to the welding generators.

T/SP/P/8
APPENDIX F
TYPICAL BELL- HOLE EXCAVATION DETAILS
Plan view
Trench Girth weld
2.0m 2.0m Pipe
Sectional View
Minimum of 2.0m
for rain cover
cover
2.0m 2.0m
0.6m

T/SP/P/8
APPENDIX G
TYPICAL REQUIREMENTS OF A PIPING FABRICATION AND INSPECTION SPECIFICATION
Contents should include but is not limited to the following:
G.1 Scope
G.2 Related codes, Standards and Specifications
G.3 Materials:
• Contract piping & material specifications.
• Company specific or international standards.
• Material certification.
• Receipt inspection.
• Storage & preservation.
G.4 Fabrication:
• Fit up.
• Alignment of bores and fabrication tolerances for pipework.
• Permitted misalignment.
• Proximity of welds.
G.5 Welding:
• Preparation of pWPS, WPS and welding procedure qualification.
• Arc monitoring equipment.
• Welding consumables.
• Weld metal & parent material requirements, impact energy values, minimum test
temperature.
• Welder qualification.
• Material control and handling.
• Production welding.
• Pre heating.
• Post Weld Heat Treatment.
G.6 NDT
• Inspection personnel qualifications.
• Visual examination.
• UT, RT, MPI, PT.
• Acceptance criteria.
• Golden Welds.
G.7 Pressure Testing

• Applicable specification, acceptance criteria.
• Method statement.
• Personnel qualification.
G.8 Pipe Supports

• Design and fabrication of pipe supports by the manufacturer or contractor.
G.9 Shop and Field coatings
• Applicable specification.
• Materials to be used.
• Method statement, including environmental considerations and acceptance criteria
• Personnel qualification.

T/SP/P/8
ENDNOTE
Comments
Comments and queries regarding the technical content of this document should be directed to:
Safety and Engineering Registrar

SHE Directorate
National Grid
National Grid House
Warwick Technology Park
Gallows Hill
Warwick
CV34 6DA
Buying Documents
Contractors and other users external to National Grid should direct their requests for further
copies of National Grid documents to the department or group responsible for the initial issue of
their contract documentation. Alternatively, enquiries may be made to the Asset Specifications
Manager, GNI Transmission Asset Management at the above address.
Copyright National Grid ©, all rights reserved. No part of this publication may by reproduced in any material form
(including photocopying and restoring in any medium or electronic means and whether or not transiently or
incidentally) without the written permission of National Grid plc except in accordance with the provisions of the
Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

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WELDING OF STEEL ONSHORE NATURAL GAS

3. DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS 2

8. TESTING, QUALIFICATION AND APPROVAL OF WELDING PROCEDURES 5

9. TESTING, QUALIFICATION AND APPROVAL OF WELDERS 5

10. PRODUCTION WELDING 6

11. THE EXAMINATION AND TESTING OF WELDS 13

12. WELD ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA 14

13. RECTIFICATION OF DEFECTIVE WELDS 15

1. NATIONAL GRID MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS 17

2. INFORMATION TO BE SUPPLIED BY THE EMPLOYER 18

3. ITEMS SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE EMPLOYER 20

4. WELDING PROCEDURE SPECIFICATION DETAILS AND ESSENTIAL VARIABLES 23

5. WELDING CONSUMABLE CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS 29

6. RANGE OF QUALIFICATION FOR STEEL GROUPS AND SUB-GROUPS 29

7. QUALIFICATION OF SET-ON FITTINGS - MATERIAL STRENGTH AND

8. ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA FOR WELDS 31

9. WELD JOINT ALIGNMENT TOLERANCES 33

10. TACK WELD REQUIREMENTS 33

11. PRE-HEATING TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS 34

12. THE EXAMINATION AND NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING OF PRODUCTION

© National Grid plc 2010 – All rights reserved i

1 CONFIGURATION REQUIRED FOR SOCKET JOINTS PRIOR TO WELDING 36

C REQUIREMENTS FOR THE EXAMINATION, TESTING AND APPROVAL OF

D GUIDANCE ON POST WELD HEAT TREATMENT 67

E PIPE END MAGNETISM 68

F BELL-HOLE EXCAVATION DETAILS 70

G REQUIREMENTS OF A TYPICAL PIPING FABRICATION AND INSPECTION

© National Grid plc 2010 – All rights reserved ii

Edition Date Approval

All sections New Document

MANDATORY AND NON-MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

Shall: indicates a mandatory requirement.

© National Grid plc 2010 – All rights reserved iii

© National Grid plc 2010 – All rights reserved iv

The specification is applicable to the welding of:

• Pipeline Off-take installations

Welding procedure qualification testing shall be in accordance with BS EN ISO 15614-1,

© National Grid plc 2010 – All rights reserved 1

3. DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

For the purpose of this specification the following abbreviations apply:

• AWT All weld metal tensile test

4.1 Technical information provided by the Employer

4.2 Items subject to approval by the Employer

© National Grid plc 2010 – All rights reserved 2

6.2 Non-destructive testing and destructive testing requirements for welding

© National Grid plc 2010 – All rights reserved 3

© National Grid plc 2010 – All rights reserved 4

8. TESTING, QUALIFICATION AND APPROVAL OF WELDING PROCEDURES

8.1.1 Previously qualified welding procedures

9. TESTING, QUALIFICATION AND APPROVAL OF WELDERS

© National Grid plc 2010 – All rights reserved 5

9.3 Mechanised welding

9.4 Non-destructive testing

9.5 Destructive testing

Fillet welds shall be tested in accordance with BS EN 287-1, Table 10.

9.6 Period of validity

All fillet welds shall be welded using a low hydrogen process.

© National Grid plc 2010 – All rights reserved 6

10.2 Proximity of welds