E-GS-9-5-2 Welded Assembly

E-GS-9-5-2
GENERAL SPECIFICATION Rev. D

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WELDED ASSEMBLY
COVER PAGE
Rev Date Prepared by Approved by Revision

A Apr-02 I. Losada G. Nollet Re-make of SG.395.02 for the European Directive
B 03-Dec-02 S. Rousse S.Rousse Modifications on §2.2 and 3.12.
C 13-Oct-03 S. Rousse S. Rousse Modifications :§2, 2.2.7, 2.2.8, 2.4.2
th
D March 8 04 S.Rousse S.Rousse Modifications:§ 2.2.3; §2.2.4; § 2.2.5 with H2
requirements
DISCLAIMER
The information contained in this document has been prepared by L’Air Liquide S.A. and/or its controlled subsidiaries (“Air
Liquide”), exclusively for their use, and is Air Liquide property. Air Liquide believes the information is current and accurate,
but circumstances may warrant additional requirements or procedures. This document is subject to periodic review and
users are cautioned to obtain the latest edition.
Air Liquide makes no representations or warranties to third parties as to the quality, accuracy or completeness of
information contained in this document and EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, THE WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND THE WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE.
No part of this document may be copied or otherwise shown or disclosed to third parties without the prior consent of Air
Liquide.
Unauthorized use of this document by any third Party, including Air Liquide contractors and subcontractors, shall be at
such Party’s own risk, and Air Liquide assumes no liability in connection with information contained herein. Air Liquide
disclaims any liability for any damage suffered by any company or person as a result of or in connection with the use,
application or implementation of the information contained herein or any part thereof. The benefit of this disclaimer shall
inure to Air Liquide and its affiliates.
This document should not be confused with federal, state, provincial, or municipal specifications or regulations, insurance
requirements or national safety codes.
This document is issued and administered by the Air Liquide Engineering Standards Department.
Paper copies of this document are considered to be “uncontrolled” and users should always
check for the most recent revision.
DISCLAIMER: Prior to using this document, all individuals must refer to the Disclaimer on the first page of this document.
E-GS-9-5-2
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WELDED ASSEMBLY
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION 3
1.1 Scope of Application 3
1.2 Definitions 3
1.3 Codes, Standards, Regulations and Air Liquide Reference Documents 3
1.4 Contradictions, Omissions, Deviations 4
1.5 Subcontractor's liability 4
2 QUALIFICATION 5
2.1 WPS & PQR realization 5
2.2 Specific requirements for welding procedures 5
2.3 Qualification of Welders, Welding Operators 8
2.4 Filler and metal qualification 9
3 WELDING WORKS PREPARATION 11

3.1 General remarks 11
3.2 Valves 11
3.3 Pressure reducing parts 11
3.4 Austenitic Steel 12
3.5 Aluminium Alloys 12
3.6 Positioning of Longitudinal Welds 12
3.7 Positioning of Butt welds 12
3.8 Cutting - Bevelling 13
3.9 Tapping 13
3.10 Tack welding 13
3.11 Socket welds 14
3.12 Branch connections 15
4 WELDING WORKS EXECUTION 18

4.1 Gas shielding 18
4.2 Butt welds 19
4.3 Fillet welds 19
4.4 Welds of instrumentation nipples: 19
4.5 Welding mixed junctions 19
5 WELDING WORKS FINISHINGS 20

5.1 General remarks 20
5.2 Segments elbows for Oxygen service 21
6 SPECIAL CASES 22
6.1 Backing ring 22
6.2 Reinforcement plate “Saddle” 23
6.3 Repairs to Welds 23
7 BRAZING 24
8 APPENDIX 25
8.1 Appendix 1 25
8.2 Appendix 2 26
8.3 Appendix 3 27
8.4 Appendix 4 28
E-GS-9-5-2
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WELDED ASSEMBLY
1 INTRODUCTION
This standard sets the general rules applicable for welds on industrial pipes.
Air Liquide Standard E-GS-9-5-1, Prefabrication and Assembly of Pipes, defines the rules applicable to the
construction of industrial pipes.
1.1 Scope of Application

This standard applies to prefabrication, erection and assembly work.
These rules concern the welds on pipes made of:
 carbon steel
 austenitic steel
 alloyed steel and low alloy steel
 aluminium
1.2 Definitions
See standard AIR LIQUIDE E-GS-9-5-1
WPS Welding procedure specification
PQR Procedure qualification record
1.3 Codes, Standards, Regulations and Air Liquide Reference Documents

See standard AIR LIQUIDE E-GS-9-5-1.
1.3.1 Codes, Standards, Regulations
1.3.1.1 European Union

In the following order of precedence: European Directives, European Standards, Local Regulations, Recognized
National Construction Codes, ASME Code B 31.3, ASME Code B 31.1.
And more especially
EN 287 Welder qualifications
EN 288.3 Execution of WPS and PQR
EN 10204 Metallic products – Types of inspection documents
EN 13480 Metallic industrial piping – Part 3 : design and calculation
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WELDED ASSEMBLY
1.3.1.2 Ex-European Union
In the following order of precedence: Local Regulations, Recognized National Construction Codes, ASME Code B
31.3, ASME Code B 31.1.
If no codes are laid down by the local regulations, either the European directives and standards or the following
codes will apply:
 ASME IX
 For the welding of stainless steels: ASME VIII division 1
For the requirements specific to the welding of stainless steels for cryogenic service: UHA 51
1.3.2 AIR LIQUIDE Reference Documents
1.3.2.1 European Union

454.21.SD Reinforcement plate according to EN 13480
502.01.GR Use of austenitic steels with hydrogen
502.02.GR Use of carbon steels with hydrogen
E-GS-9-5-1 Prefabrication and assembly of pipes
1.3.2.2 Air Liquide Inspection forms to use (as a minimum)

See E-GS-9-5-1.
1.4 Contradictions, Omissions, Deviations

1.5 Subcontractor's liability

E-GS-9-5-2
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WELDED ASSEMBLY
2 QUALIFICATION
2.1 WPS & PQR realization

MIG and MAG process are not allowed by Air Liquide on field.
If those process are used in workshop, the percentage for the volumetric control (prefabrication & erection) will be
increased to 100% and performed by ultrasonic mode.
Oxyacetylene welding is not authorized.
The welding procedures selected by the Subcontractor and approved by Air Liquide, must be suitable for the project
assemblies, authorized by the code or contractual standards and allow the inspection required for the construction
category of the concerned piping.
The welding procedures are defined and qualified according to local regulations. If no statutory rules apply, the
welding procedures are defined and qualified according to European standards or the ASME code. The
subcontractor is responsible for his welding work and must therefore carry out the necessary tests (PQR) to qualify
the welding procedures before issuing the WPS.
The welding procedures must cover all dimensions, thicknesses and grades of the materials chosen for the project.
They are specific to each material and must be described in a document written by the Subcontractor, made
available to the Inspection organization.
PQR and WPS must be submitted to Air Liquide one month before the beginning of prefabrication.
2.2 Specific requirements for welding procedures
2.2.1 All material grade

Irrespective of the types of piping material, the first two welding passes must be carried out using the TIG process
2.2.2 Aluminium
All passes are carried out with TIG process
2.2.3 Stainless steel for cryogenic service (ASU network: oxygen, nitrogen, argon etc..)
For work on equipment or piping for cryogenic service made of SS, the PQR must meet the specific requirements
and the additional constraints laid down in the codes concerning the cryogenic service, i.e. (non exhaustive list):
 Impact strength at very low temperature -196°C (traceability on the PQR)
 Referenced and compatible filler products < 10% on all the weld seam and measurement of ferrite contents.
 Welding energy during construction less than or equal to the energies used during qualifications.
 Stricter thickness ranges for the qualification of the various processes.
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WELDED ASSEMBLY
 Ferrite contents is measured with “ferritoscope” ref. “Fischer M30” or similar.
2.2.4 Carbon steel for hydrogen service:

The welding procedures must meet the specific requirements and the additional constraints, i.e.:
 Air Liquide standard GR 502.02 and/or 000.500.002 must be applied.
 It’s consider H2 service if (Four conditions shall be meet)
o Partial pressure of hydrogen ≥ 2 bar
o Operating temperature from –260°C to + 150°C
o Oxygen content less than 300 ppm
o No water saturated fluid
2.2.5 Stainless steel for hydrogen service:

The welding procedures must meet the specific requirements and the additional constraints, i.e.:
 Air Liquide standard GR 502.01 must be applied
 It’s consider H2 service if (see here under)
 The nickel content in the filler metals must be  10.5%
 The ferrite content of the internal side of the weld (in contact with hydrogen) must be less than 7%.For weld
connection between two pipes where there is no free access to the inside after welding, the measurement
shall be performed on the top of the GTAW root pass.
 Ferrite contents is measured with “ferritoscope” ref. “Fischer M30” or similar.
2.2.6 Carbon steel for MDEA service

The welds in contact with amine-based products will be systematically stress released after welding.
2.2.7 Heterogeneous welds (carbon steel/stainless steel) are accepted only for non cryogenic services
Heterogeneous welds are accepted on pipe for hot service but are forbidden for cryogenics services.
Filler metal will be 309 L or nuance upper in nickel – TIG process shall be used only one first root pass.
2.2.8 Welds on A 335 Gr P11 & P22

 The PQR shall be done an a sample with two PWHT. (repair simulation)
 The subcontractor shall be sure that he has all welding procedures PQR with two heat treatment in case of
welds repairs in production (repairs done after the first PWHT)
 For pipes with temperature service > 375°C
o Resilience test shall be done at –29°C – the result shall not be less than 55 J and none of the value
of the three results shall be less than 45 J
 For pipes with temperature service < 375°C
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WELDED ASSEMBLY
o Resilience test shall be done at –20°C – the result shall not be less than 30 J and none of the value
of the three results shall be less than 27 J
2.2.9 Requirements for Oxygen service :

It’s consider oxygen service if: (mixture  23.5% oxygen)
For carbon steel piping, backing ring are prohibited. The welds will be full penetration and as regular as possible.
For austenitic steel, see § 6.1.
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WELDED ASSEMBLY
2.3 Qualification of Welders, Welding Operators

The welders and operators must not modify the approved welding procedures.
The Subcontractor's operators and welders already have experience in this similar welding work and have passed
the qualification tests required to weld the materials specified in the procedures. The welders and operators are
qualified in compliance with the contractual codes and standards.
The certificates, valid and signed by a third party authorized inspection, must be presented to the Air Liquide
representative before execution of the work.
The qualification costs are borne by the Subcontractor. He gives the Air Liquide representative the list of welders'
names with their personal numbers.
Air Liquide reserves the right to request qualification of the welders in workshop or on site (non destructive test
according to E-GS-9-5-4) specific for the project
The Subcontractor is responsible for the supply and inspection of "qualification spool" pipes. In the event of doubt
regarding the skill of welders or operators, Air Liquide reserves the right to request new qualification tests and/or
refuse at any time any of the Subcontractor's welders.
It is the subcontractor's responsibility to ensure that the welders and operators are employed according to their
qualifications (materials, thicknesses, diameters, positions, etc.). A welding supervisor is strongly recommended.
Inspectors must have sufficient experience and knowledge of welding. They must be able to give clear,
unambiguous work instructions to the welders and take the measures required to obtain and maintain the necessary
welding quality.
The Subcontractor must ensure traceability (on the as built isometric drawings) of the WPS, PQR, weld number and
welder who executed each weld.
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WELDED ASSEMBLY
2.4 Filler and metal qualification

The filler metals (electrode or wire) must comply with the stipulations of the WPS.
The filler metals (electrode or wire) are delivered with the manufacturer's certificates showing, in compliance with the
applicable provisions, the chemical and mechanical characteristics per lot and per diameter. They are stored in their
original packaging.
The use of filler metals, coating, equivalent fluxes must be approved by Air Liquide.
2.4.1 For cryogenic service:

 The lot must be qualified for cryogenic requirements; the impact strength must be checked with a test piece
at the operating temperature (generally -196°C). If supplier certificates are not provided, the concerned lot
will be qualified by an impact strength test on production piece before commencing work.
It is prohibited to weld austenitic steels with carbon steel filler metals (risk of cold fracture). A procedure indicating
the measures taken to avoid this possibility will be implemented and must be approved by the Air Liquide
representative.
2.4.2 For low allow steel:

For low allow steel with chrome and Molybdenum as P11 (1 ¼ Cr, 1 ½ Mo) & P22 (2 ¼ Cr, ½ Mo), filler metal shall
be chosen in accordance with « Bruscato : x » factor.
 Pour le P11 : X < 20
 Pour Le P22 :X < 12
(10 P  5Sb  4Sn  As )

X is defined by (Values in ppm) : X 
100
P Phosphor
Sb Antimony
Sn Tin
As Arsenic
A complementary analysis by a specialised laboratory shall be done by the subcontractor if the value of the
chemical elements here above are not mentioned in the mill certificate.
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WELDED ASSEMBLY
2.4.2.1 Additional Requirements for the European Community:

 The welding materials can be supplied with a 2.2 type certificate according to EN 10204 and are not subject
to evaluation by an Organization.
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WELDED ASSEMBLY
3 WELDING WORKS PREPARATION
3.1 General remarks

Welding is not permitted if the welding location is not protected from rain, snow, strong wind or if welding area is
damp and cold (≤5 °C).
The surfaces to be welded must be free from oxidation, oil, grease, paint, incrustation or deposit which could cause
pollution.
The earth clamps of the welding sets must be as close as possible to the weld. Make sure that there is no fragile
equipment nearby, specially the vacuum lines.
The welding set cables must be in perfect condition, to avoid any arcing in contact with the equipment.
The assembly types must be in compliance with the code applied.
3.1.1 Welding consumable storage
3.1.1.1 Filler metal

The filler metals (electrode or wire) are delivered with the manufacturer's certificates showing, in compliance with the
applicable provisions, the chemical and mechanical characteristics per lot and per diameter. They are stored in their
original packaging.
The filler metals and the auxiliary products used must be traced.
3.1.1.2 Welding rods

The electrodes with basic or rutilo-basic coatings and the welding fluxes must be oven dried, in workshop and on
worksite (at the temperatures and durations indicated in the supplier's specifications).
3.2 Valves
The Subcontractor will remove or protect any unit or accessory which could be damaged by temperature increases
due to welding or chemical treatment (inner Teflon lining of valves, etc…).
 While welding the valves bodies the valves flaps will be left open to avoid any damage
 Before welding the internal parts are removed from:
o Valves with small cross section
o High tightness valves.
3.3 Pressure reducing parts

Welds of pressure reducing parts. " Orifice Plate flow meter "
The welds on the inside are ground down to the inner diameter of the tube.
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WELDED ASSEMBLY
The measurement ring must be dismantled and given to Air Liquide before positioning flanges on the pipe.
3.4 Austenitic Steel

Their characteristics, corrosion resistance, mainly depends on the surface condition.
The use of lead, copper alloy or carbon steel tooling is prohibited.
It is recommended:
 to make markings with chlorine free ink systems (which do not affect the material).
 not to use punch marks.
3.5 Aluminium Alloys
The use of scribes and compasses with sharp points is prohibited. Markings must be made with chorine free ink
systems.
Any contact with copper, metals containing copper, or mercury (liquid or vapour) is prohibited.
3.6 Positioning of Longitudinal Welds

The longitudinal welds are directed so as to avoid to cross the tube on tube branch connections, saddles, support
attachments, such as gussets, lugs, etc. For tube on tube connections, the welds are offset by a length equal to the
diameter of the pipe, or at least 50 mm or two times the thickness of the higher thickness elements .
3.7 Positioning of Butt welds
3.7.1 Table Appendix 1 for thicknesses between 1.3 and 5 mm

Special attention must be paid to austenitic steel SCH 5 pipes: since the thickness is very small compared with the
diameter, there may be some ovalization.
Considering the manufacturing tolerances on the tube diameters and thicknesses, it may be necessary to:
 calibrate the ends
 machine off the greater thickness.
These operations must be carried out by the subcontractor.
3.7.2 Table Appendix 2 for thicknesses greater than 5 mm

Considering the manufacturing tolerances on the tube diameters and thicknesses, it may be necessary to:
 Calibrate the ends
 Machine off the greater thickness.
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WELDED ASSEMBLY
These operations must be carried out by the subcontractor.
3.8 Cutting - Bevelling

Pipes can be cut and bevelled by:
 machining
 grinding
 thermal cutting (arc cutting with fusible electrode is prohibited).
3.8.1 Carbon steel

if thermal cutting is used the surfaces are ground off to remove any signs of oxidation and spatter. Suitable
protection will be provided to prevent spatter inside the tube.
3.8.2 Austenitic steel

thermal (plasma) cutting can be used; the surfaces are ground off to remove any signs of oxidation and spatter.
Suitable protection will be provided to prevent spatter inside the tube.
3.8.3 Aluminum
Thermal (plasma) cutting or sawing is used, the chamfers are prepared:
 By machine (milling cutter) or manually with a file.
 Grinding with abrasive discs is prohibited, use of saw of mill is obligatory.
 If thermal cutting is used, the surfaces will be cleaned by milling or filing to remove any signs of spatter.
 The ends are prepared in the same way as the welding method used (geometry and machining means).
3.9 Tapping
If components of different thicknesses need to be assembled, tapping (inner and/or outer) is mandatory.
The thicker part is reduced so that the connection slope does not exceed ¼.
However, with prefabricated elbows of small radius (R = D or R = 1.5 D), the slope can be reduced to 1/3.
For pipes subject to pressure cycle, the connection slope is th. + 10 mm.
3.10 Tack welding
3.10.1 Preparation
The sections can be correctly positioned through the use of flanges, with no tension or stress on the parts to be
assembled.
Whether or not the parts to be assembled are positioned or adjusted using temporary parts, the edges are
assembled and prepared according to the welding procedure by qualified personnel.
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WELDED ASSEMBLY
Hammering is not permitted during the tack welding.

Securing devices around the pipes can be used.
3.10.2 Temporary or permanent tack welding

Temporary or permanent tack welds are made with the same filler metals as those used to weld the parts to be
assembled, by a qualified welder or operator.
Arc tack welds with electrode are prohibited on the edges to be welded, since, according to the welding process, the
first welding passes must be carried out using the TIG process.
Tack welds with bubbling on austenitic steel are not permitted.
3.10.2.1 Permanent tack welding

If permanent tack welds are made, the tack welds must be fused with the root pass during the root pass welding
While welding the root pass, any cracked tack weld must be ground off completely before continuing the weld.
The tack welding must necessarily consist of several centimeters long of weld .
3.10.2.2 Temporary tack welding

The temporary tack welding is carried out using temporary bridges made from the same material as the parts being
assembled.
The temporary bridges or clamps must be tack welded with electrode.
Temporary tack welding carried out with mounting pieces in the groove or on the weld line is permitted if the grade
of the material used is the same as that of the metal to be welded.
Tack welding of mounting parts on tube must be minimized and no internal bubbling at the position of the tack weld
is permitted.
The mounting pieces must be removed by grinding off the welds. No other method is permitted.
3.10.3 Tack welding on thin austenitic steels (SCH 5)

The tack welding must be as tight as possible to avoid any overlap of the edges during the welding. It must be
carried out with gas shielding.
The edges to be welded must not be brought together with clamps or local hammering, the edges must be
calibrated before tack welding the parts.
Temporary tack welding using bridges or inserts in the welding area is prohibited for this type of thickness (SCH 5
and 10).
3.11 Socket welds

For the sockets welds a gap shall be kept between end of the pipe and the fitting, this to allow expansion. See
Appendix 4 a).
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WELDED ASSEMBLY
3.12 Branch connections

The welds used to attach nozzles and branch connections on pipes subject to regulations are also subject to the
regulations, irrespective of the diameter.
Full section welds are required for the non penetrating branch connections, irrespective of their diameter. They are
prohibited on shells made from plate for nominal diameters greater than DN 80. They are prohibited for all pipe
networks whose design pressure is greater than 10 effective Bar.
For penetrating branch connections of inner diameter greater than one third of the inner diameter of the collector or
of inner diameter greater than DN 100, full penetration welds are required.
However, full penetration welds are required for the following, irrespective of their diameter:
 branch connections with a relief valve or discharge valve
 inclined and tangential “non perpendicular bypass lines.
The preparation of branch connections and nozzles must comply with the diagram of Annex 5, with the following
tolerance:
m max = 0.5 Th
Th = thinnest thickness of the branch connection with m < 3.2 mm.
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WELDED ASSEMBLY
 Low points presenting a risk of dust/debris build-up are prohibited on O2 gas.
Figure 1
Not acceptable
Acceptable
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WELDED ASSEMBLY
 On horizontal pipes, the pulse inlets must be fitted on the upper generator of the pipe.
Figure 2
Top
Bottom
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WELDED ASSEMBLY
4 WELDING WORKS EXECUTION
4.1 Gas shielding

Gas for shielding what ever the method used are supplied by the Subcontractor
4.1.1 Partial inerting (inerting chamber)

Partial inerting enables the welding to be carried out correctly, using mechanical means positioned each side of the
weld.
These methods can only be used if the following conditions are met:
 Air Liquide approval of the partial inerting procedure.
 Satisfactory test of these methods under identical conditions (diameter, piping complexity, etc.)
To be considered as satisfactory, this procedure must demonstrate:
 that no debris remains inside the pipe,
 that the chamber parts can be removed easily and recovered in a single part,
 that they are not sensitive to the temperature,
 that chamber parts remain in their initial positions during the assembly phase,
 that chamber parts doesn’t mark the pipe and its accessories,
 that the chamber parts are cleaned and degreased. Each part will bear a number (to guarantee traceability)
and will be presented to the Air Liquide Supervisor after the welding,
 that no part touches the weld fusion area.
4.1.2 Inerting
Air Liquide accepts inerting with nitrogen for stainless steel lines. If the WPS stipulates inerting with argon, it is
permitted to replace the argon by nitrogen. This is possible since the inerting gas is not an essential variable and its
purpose is to keep the environment free from oxygen.
In case of specific requirements or in the event of inerting difficulty, a mixture of argon or nitrogen with up to 3%
hydrogen is permitted. (H2 simplifies the removal of O2).
4.1.3 General inerting

General inerting is also allowed.
If the general inerting is necessary, the Subcontrator
SAFETY: During the total or partial inerting the subcontractor will take all necessary measures to detect and
neutralize any leaks of nitrogen / argon, etc. Risk of anoxia.
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WELDED ASSEMBLY
4.2 Butt welds

The inner and outer surfaces of the weld bead must join without toe groove.
The maximum root reinforcement of a weld not given a backing pass is limited to:
th
For circular welds  1 (th = thickness) in millimeters
10
4.3 Fillet welds

Fillet welds can be concave or convex. Concave is preferred as long as the weld cross-section is sufficient to
withstand the forces.
4.4 Welds of instrumentation nipples:

They must be welded on the pipe during prefabrication and are counter-bored after making the fillet weld.
4.5 Welding mixed junctions

A mixed junction is a bimetal part used to weld together two materials of different standards.
For a mixed Aluminium / Stainless steel junction, the Aluminium part must be welded first, leaving the Stainless steel
part free
Before and during welding, the central part of the mixed junction is wrapped with a damp cloth to limit the
temperature increase.
The maximum temperature allowed is 120°C, which will be checked by the graduations on the self-adhesive
temperature indicator.
The mixed junction must be allowed to cool between each intermediate pass.
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WELDED ASSEMBLY
5 WELDING WORKS FINISHINGS
5.1 General remarks

A network is accepted once all the tests have been carried out and when it has been returned to conformity after
testing. Acceptance is impossible if the quality file has not been produced.
All external weld cinder must be removed.
The following defect are prohibited:
Rough or irregular grinding – Trim grinding – Local breaks – Under thickness of the weld seams
5.1.1 Austenitic pipes

The outer seams are stripped and passivated, there must be no signs of oxidation
Carbon pollution, sulphur and iron oxide must be avoided
5.1.2 Aluminium pipes

The outer seams are brushed.
5.1.3 Seam condition

The outer seam must not be ground off unless the surface irregularity is such that it obstructs the interpretation of
the NDT.
5.1.4 Seam width

The bead width must never exceed 3 thicknesses.
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5.2 Segments elbows for Oxygen service

The internal welds on carbon steel piping must be brushed or sand blasted. The particles generated by this cleaning
must be removed: blowing or "Pig".
The welds seams of the 90° segments elbow made of 6 parts (5 welds) or the 45° segments elbow made from 3
parts must have the internal welds smooth or slightly concave.
Figure 3
 < 60°
Interior
 < 30°
Domed Slightly concave Flush Exterior

Not acceptable Acceptable Acceptable
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WELDED ASSEMBLY
6 SPECIAL CASES
6.1 Backing ring
6.1.1 Welds on backing ring

The use and location of support rings of the same type as the base material are subject to Air Liquide approval.
Installation of backing plates is not prohibited, but their use must be anticipated to ensure they are not installed in
risk areas (highly stressed areas, permanent impurity trap)
All backing ring must be permanent.
6.1.2 The backing ring may be authorized for the following reasons
To protect the weld on the penetration side, to avoid bubbling of the austenitic steel if inerting inside the pipe is
technically impossible.
To maintain the puddle and regularity of the root pass for aluminium only when making closing welds.
Unless otherwise indicated, the support ring must have the same thickness as the tube to be welded (stainless steel
only).
Backing ring can only be used for tube with tube assemblies (same outer diameter) and tube with accessory
assemblies on condition that they have a minimum straight length of 15 mm.
The longitudinal closure weld of the backing ring is made under the same quality conditions as the pipe weld
(approved welding process, carried out by qualified welders). The Air Liquide representative can request, at the
subcontractor's expense, an examination of the longitudinal weld by dye penetration test. The weld is ground down
on the outside to allow insertion and radiographed for possible repair of any faults (spot check).
6.1.3 Installation of backing ring

With vertical pipes, the backing ring will be continuously welded on the upper part, irrespective of the fluid direction.
Backing ring must be installed as far as possible from anchor points (i.e. a column nozzle, other equipment or fixed
support).
The pipe diameter must be greater than 6 inches
6.1.4 They cannot be installed

On horizontal pipe
On vacuum pipe
On half-parts which have a change of axis
On pipes which must undergo pickling
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WELDED ASSEMBLY
6.1.5 Repair to the weld root

If the weld root must be repaired, the section of pipe with the backing plate is removed and replaced by a new
sleeve.
If the radiography indicates that the weld has crossed the backing plate, the same replacement as above is made.
6.2 Reinforcement plate “Saddle”

The following constraints apply to saddle welds:
 Limit the clearance between this ring and the collector to a value compatible with the tolerances permitted
by the ring execution method
 If necessary grind down the weld of the nozzle / collector assembly
Make the saddle / nozzle connection weld before the saddle / collector weld.
It is essential to provide a venting hole to evacuate hot gases (often corrosive).
If the saddle is made from several sections, they must be joined together before fitting the reinforcing plate.
The branch connection reinforcing plates must be fastened to the tube, by a full penetration weld joining the branch
connection weld or by a weld respecting the tolerance of g = 0.5 e.
 g = bead thickness
 e = branch connection thickness
The outer circumference of the reinforcing plate must be attached to the main pipe by a fillet weld of size g > 0.5 e.
See standard SD. 454.21.
While making the outer reinforcing weld, stainless steel pipes must be inerted.
6.3 Repairs to Welds

Welding defects which are considered welding faults must be repaired according to standard E.GS.9.5.4. and must
be inspected again after repair.
Repair procedures must be submitted to Air Liquide for examination and approval before starting the repair.
After two unsuccessful repairs, the bad weld is cut off completely.
Strict application of the additional non destructive tests in case of repair, taking the welds already made into
account. (See E-GS-9.5.4)
Air Liquide reserves the right to increase the percentages of non destructive tests in the event of repetitive faults,
lack of qualification of the personnel and non-respect of procedures.
A recovery procedure is required in case of major repair involving damage to the penetration pass. For carbon or
austenitic steel, one centimeter of metal is removed from each side of the area of fusion. For aluminium, two
centimeters are removed.
The welds, the equipment and the consumables used for these repairs are the Subcontractor's responsibility. Faults
are evaluated according to the toughest standards, codes and specifications. The faults not mentioned or not
defined in the standards, codes and norms are covered by the Air Liquide specifications: E-GS-9-5-4.
E-GS-9-5-2
Page 24 of 28
WELDED ASSEMBLY
7 Brazing
For all this kind of job Air Liquide asks for welder qualification.
Brazing used: 45% Silver
The filler metal must be able to melt and flow freely at the temperature indicated in the brazing procedure and adapt
perfectly to the type of flux.
This metal must wet and adhere perfectly the surfaces to be joined.
The flux is a fluid chemically active at the brazing temperature. It is used to remove any oxidation from the rod and
the surfaces to be joined. It helps the brazing metal to flow between the parts.
To minimize oxidation, the joint to be brazed must be raised to the correct temperature as quickly as possible
without excessive overheating.
Any remaining flux must be brushed or filed off.
E-GS-9-5-2
Page 25 of 28
WELDED ASSEMBLY
8 APPENDIX
8.1 Appendix 1
Figure 4
FOR ALL CONSTRUCTION CATEGORIES

TOLERANCES EXPRESSED IN MM
ALIGNMENT
FAULTS
BUTT
WELD
e
a and b =< [ e / 13 +0.2]
b
B) INNER AND OUTER REDUCING
SLOPE
25% max
45° max
1.5e
a =< 0.3mm
a=0.3 mm max uniform SLOPE

25% max
E-GS-9-5-2
Page 26 of 28
WELDED ASSEMBLY
8.2 Appendix 2
Figure 5
FOR ALL CONSTRUCTION CATEGORIES

TOLERANCES EXPRESSED IN MM
ALIGNMENT
DEFECT
A/ Butt Welds
a
e
a and b =< [ e / 50 +0.5]
b
B) INNER AND OUTER BEVELLING
SLOPE
25% max
45° max
1.5e
a =< 0.6mm
SLOPE
a=0,8mm max uniform
25% max
E-GS-9-5-2
Page 27 of 28
WELDED ASSEMBLY
8.3 Appendix 3
The welding angle is greater than 120 °.
Figure 6
>120°
D
This type of defect most noticeable on thin austenitic steels must remain less than the following limits:
Table 1
DN 15 to 50 65 to 150 > 150 > 500

D < 1 mm < 1.5 mm < 2 mm < 2.5 mm
E-GS-9-5-2
Page 28 of 28
WELDED ASSEMBLY
8.4 Appendix 4
Figure 7
a) g 1.5 to 3
g>=0.7e
g 1.5 to 3
b)
g>=0.7e

E-GS-9-5-2 Welded Assembly

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E-GS-9-5-2 Welded Assembly

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E-GS-9-5-2

GENERAL SPECIFICATION Rev. D

Rev Date Prepared by Approved by Revision

3 WELDING WORKS PREPARATION 11

4 WELDING WORKS EXECUTION 18

5 WELDING WORKS FINISHINGS 20

1.1 Scope of Application

1.3 Codes, Standards, Regulations and Air Liquide Reference Documents

1.3.1 Codes, Standards, Regulations

1.3.1.1 European Union

1.3.1.2 Ex-European Union

1.3.2 AIR LIQUIDE Reference Documents

1.3.2.1 European Union

1.3.2.2 Air Liquide Inspection forms to use (as a minimum)

1.4 Contradictions, Omissions, Deviations

1.5 Subcontractor's liability

2.1 WPS & PQR realization

2.2 Specific requirements for welding procedures

2.2.1 All material grade

 Ferrite contents is measured with “ferritoscope” ref. “Fischer M30” or similar.

2.2.4 Carbon steel for hydrogen service:

2.2.5 Stainless steel for hydrogen service:

2.2.6 Carbon steel for MDEA service

2.2.8 Welds on A 335 Gr P11 & P22

2.2.9 Requirements for Oxygen service :

2.3 Qualification of Welders, Welding Operators

2.4 Filler and metal qualification

2.4.1 For cryogenic service:

2.4.2 For low allow steel:

 Pour le P11 : X < 20

 Pour Le P22 :X < 12

(10 P  5Sb  4Sn  As )

2.4.2.1 Additional Requirements for the European Community:

3 WELDING WORKS PREPARATION

3.1 General remarks

3.1.1 Welding consumable storage

3.1.1.1 Filler metal

3.1.1.2 Welding rods

3.3 Pressure reducing parts

3.4 Austenitic Steel

3.5 Aluminium Alloys

3.6 Positioning of Longitudinal Welds

3.7 Positioning of Butt welds

3.7.1 Table Appendix 1 for thicknesses between 1.3 and 5 mm

3.7.2 Table Appendix 2 for thicknesses greater than 5 mm

These operations must be carried out by the subcontractor.

3.8 Cutting - Bevelling

3.8.1 Carbon steel

3.8.2 Austenitic steel

3.10 Tack welding

Hammering is not permitted during the tack welding.

3.10.2 Temporary or permanent tack welding

3.10.2.1 Permanent tack welding

3.10.2.2 Temporary tack welding

3.10.3 Tack welding on thin austenitic steels (SCH 5)

3.11 Socket welds

3.12 Branch connections

 Low points presenting a risk of dust/debris build-up are prohibited on O2 gas.

4 WELDING WORKS EXECUTION

4.1 Gas shielding

4.1.1 Partial inerting (inerting chamber)

4.1.3 General inerting

4.2 Butt welds