Qualification of welders for certain distribution mains and service lines
I. Basic test. The test is made on pipe 12 inches or less in diameter. The test weld must be made with the pipe in a horizontal fixed position so that the test weld includes at least one section of overhead position welding. The beveling, root opening, and other details must conform to the specifications of the procedure under which the welder is being qualified. Upon completion, the test weld is cut into four coupons and subjected to a root bend test. If, as a result of this test, two or more of the four coupons develop a crack in the weld material, or between the weld material and base metal; that is more than 1/8-inch long in any direction, the weld is unacceptable. Cracks that occur on the corner of the specimen during testing are not considered. A welder who successfully passes a butt-weld qualification test under this section shall be qualified to weld on all pipe diameters less than or equal to 12 inches.
II. Additional tests for welders of service line connections to mains. A service line connection fitting is welded to a pipe section with the same diameter as a typical main. The weld is made in the same position as it is made in the field. The weld is unacceptable if it shows a serious undercutting or if it has rolled edges. The weld is tested by attempting to break the fitting off the run pipe. The weld is unacceptable if it breaks and shows incomplete fusion. overlap, or poor penetration at the junction of the fitting and run pipe.
III. Periodic tests for welders of small service lines. Two samples of the welder's work, each about 8 inches long with the weld located approximately in the center, are cut from steel service line and tested as follows:
(1) One sample is centered in a guided bend testing machine and bent to the contour of the die for a distance of 2 inches on each side of the weld. If the sample shows any breaks or cracks after removal from the bending machine, it is unacceptable.
(2) The ends of the second sample are flattened and the entire joint subjected to a tensile strength test. If failure occurs adjacent to or in the weld metal, the weld is unacceptable. If a tensile strength testing machine is not available. this sample must also pass the bending test prescribed in subparagraph (1) of this paragraph.