SAUDI ARAMCO ID/PID - 18-MAY-05 - REV 0 (Standards Cutoff - June 2008) Rev 3 30-Jun-08

SAIC NUMBER DATE APPROVED QR NUMBER

SAUDI ARAMCO INSPECTION CHECKLIST
In-Process Welding Inspection SAIC-W-2069 WELD-
PROJECT TITLE WBS / BI / JO NUMBER CONTRACTOR / SUBCONTRACTOR

EQUIPMENT ID NUMBER(S) EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION EQPT CODE SYSTEM ID. PLANT NO.

LAYOUT DRAWING NUMBER REV. NO. PURCHASE ORDER NUMBER EC / PMCC / MCC NO.

SCHEDULED INSPECTION DATE & TIME ACTUAL INSPECTION DATE & TIME QUANTITY INSP. MH's SPENT TRAVEL TIME
SAUDI ARAMCO USE ONLY
SAUDI ARAMCO TIP NUMBER SAUDI ARAMCO ACTIVITY NUMBER WORK PERMIT REQUIRED?

SAUDI ARAMCO INSPECTION LEVEL CONTRACTOR INSPECTION LEVEL

ITEM
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA REFERENCE PASS FAIL N/A RE-INSP DATE
No.

A Weld Identification … Utilize SAEP-1160 Requirements for Marking & ID … See SAIC-W-2008

Fabricator shall establish and submit for approval an identification SAES-W-010,

A1
system that shall uniquely identify each component and weld joint. Para. 15.2

The identification system shall be used to identify all examinations,

surveys, inspections, etc. This system shall also be used to identify the SAES-W-010,
A2
final position of each piece of pressure retaining material (including each Para. 15.2
heat number) in the completed vessel.

All weld joints shall be marked for identification by a weld number and a
SAES-W-010,
A3 welder symbol. These identifications shall be made with a suitable
Para. 15.1
weather-proof marking material.

Markings shall be placed in a location such that they will be easily SAES-W-010,
A4
observed and remain visible for a time suitable to QA/QC personnel. Para. 15.1

B Documentation required at welding station:

All WPSs, PQRs, Weld Maps, and Weld Descriptions shall be SAES-W-010,
B1
available at the work site for verification at any time by SAPID. Para. 7.1.8

All properly certified contractor welders shall be registered by PID and SAEP-324,
B2
issued a Job Clearance Card (JCC) prior to the start of work. Para. 6.2.5

Welders shall carry an identification card that includes a photo, welders SAEP-324,
B3
name, company identification number, and welders symbol. Para. 6.3.1

C In-process responsibilities:

The Project Inspector shall monitor the initial production work of contract SAEP-324,
C1
welders to determine their ability to make sound welds. Para. 5.1.c)

Temperature-indicating crayons, thermocouples, or calibrated contact SAES-W-010,

C2
pyrometers are used to measure preheat / interpass temps. Para. 12.5

Unless specified otherwise, the maximum interpass temperature shall be

SAES-W-010,
C3 177°C for P-No. 8, P No. 3X and P-No. 4x materials and 315°C for P-No.
Para. 12.8
1, P3, P-4 and P-5 steels.

Each weld pass shall be thoroughly cleaned and all slag or other SAES-W-010,
C4
foreign matter removed before the next pass is deposited. Para. 11.4.1

Coated and clad or overlaid surfaces are protected from the welding arc,
SAES-W-010,
C5 associated weld spatter, and damage from ground clamps or other
Para. 11.11
associated equipment.

Stainless steel and nonferrous materials shall be cleaned with grinding SAES-W-010,
C6
wheels or SS brushes not previously used on other metals Para. 11.4.3

D Welding Environment:

Wind shields or tents shall be required when the wind is strong enough SAES-W-010,
D1
to affect arc stability or shielding gas coverage. Para. 11.2.1

Page 1 of 8
 GTAW, GMAW, and gas shielded FCAW shall not be used for field or SAES-W-010,
D2
yard fabrication unless adequate wind shields are used. Para. 11.2.1

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SAUDI ARAMCO ID/PID - 18-MAY-05 - REV 0 (Standards Cutoff - June 2008) Rev 3 30-Jun-08
SAIC NUMBER DATE APPROVED QR NUMBER
SAUDI ARAMCO INSPECTION CHECKLIST
In-Process Welding Inspection SAIC-W-2069 WELD-
PROJECT TITLE WBS / BI / JO NUMBER CONTRACTOR / SUBCONTRACTOR

ITEM
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA REFERENCE PASS FAIL N/A RE-INSP DATE
No.

The wind velocity in the weld area for GTAW, GMAW, or gas shielded SAES-W-010,
D3
FCAW shall not exceed 8 kph (2.2 m/s). Para. 11.2.1

Welding is not done during inclement weather e.g., wind blown sand, SAES-W-011,
D4
rain etc. Para. 11.2.2

For field welding, remote current controls shall be used if welding is

SAES-W-010,
D5 more than 30 m from the welding power source, or when welders are
Para. 17.1
working in "remote" locations (e.g., on an elevated piperack).

Welding power supplies used on WPS with impact toughness test

SAES-W-010,
D6 (charpy) is required by the code or standard are verified to have been
Para. 17.2
validated within 1 year in accordance with BS 7570.

E Welding Consumables:

Procedures using any consumable with a "G" or unlisted designation

(ASME SEC IIC) shall be restricted to the brand and type of electrode SAES-W-010,
E1
used for the PQR. NOTE: The nominal chemistry of the specific brand Para. 7.4.7
and type of electrode shall be identified on the WPS.

Filler Metal and other weld consumables at weld site are maintained as Project Quality
E2
per SAIC-W-2066. Plan

Any GMAW electrode to be used for procedures with impact toughness

requirements, and any SAW flux or FCAW electrode, shall be restricted
to the specific brand, type, and maximum size as used for the PQR.
SAES-W-010,
E3 NOTE: If so restricted, the following shall be specified on both the WPS
Para. 7.4.2
and PQR:
i) the brand name and
ii) type of flux or electrode

If the procedure was not qualified in the vertical position, then the SAES-W-010,
E4
direction of welding shall be vertical-up. Para. 7.4.6.1

F Joint Details:

SAES-W-010,
F1 All pressure-containing welds shall be made with multiple passes.
Para. 9.1

For any closure welds without internal access after welding, the welding
SAES-W-010,
F2 and inspection details necessary to ensure proper joint quality shall be
Para. 9.2
submitted to Saudi Aramco for approval.

Consumable inserts may be used for all applications providing the SAES-W-010,
F3
composition matches the weld metal composition. Para. 9.5

For nozzles with reinforcing pads (when permitted), the nozzle

SAES-W-010,
F4 attachment weld shall be completed and inspected, as required, prior to
Para. 9.7
installing the reinforcing pad.

G Technique and Workmanship:

Each welder's ability to use the maximum sizes listed in Item No G2 is SAES-W-010,
G1
checked by the Inspector as early as possible during fabrication. Para. 11.1

Maximum allowable SMAW electrode sizes that can be used are:

a) Low hydrogen electrodes
5 mm for the 1G/1F position. SAES-W-010,
G2
4 mm for all other positions. Para. 11.1
b) Non-low hydrogen electrodes (not normally used)
5 mm for all positions.

All full penetration joints requiring double sided welding shall be SAES-W-010,
G3
ground or gouged to sound metal and inspected by PT or MT. Para. 11.3.3

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SAUDI ARAMCO ID/PID - 18-MAY-05 - REV 0 (Standards Cutoff - June 2008) Rev 3 30-Jun-08
SAIC NUMBER DATE APPROVED QR NUMBER
SAUDI ARAMCO INSPECTION CHECKLIST
In-Process Welding Inspection SAIC-W-2069 WELD-
PROJECT TITLE WBS / BI / JO NUMBER CONTRACTOR / SUBCONTRACTOR

ITEM
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA REFERENCE PASS FAIL N/A RE-INSP DATE
No.

Buttering or weld build-up on prepared surfaces shall not exceed a SAES-W-010,

G4
lesser of ⅓ base metal thickness or 10 mm without CSD approval. Para. 11.3.4.1 a)

Buttering shall be inspected by radiographic testing (RT) & PT or MT SAES-W-010,

G5
after completion of the build-up but before final welding of the joint. Para. 11.3.4.1 b)

Buttering of joints between dissimilar metal joints requires prior approval SAES-W-010,
G6
by CSD. Para. 11.3.4.2

Tack welds that are to be incorporated into the final weld shall be
SAES-W-010,
G7 thoroughly cleaned, prepared at each end, & inspected for cracks.
Para. 11.5.4
NOTE: Any cracked tacks shall be removed before welding a joint.

Adjacent beads of a weld shall be staggered and not started in the same SAES-W-010,
G8
location. Para. 11.13

H Back Purging:

Inert backing gas shall be used for GTAW or GMAW root passes SAES-W-010,
H1
on single-sided groove welds for ASME P-No. 5 mtls and higher. Para. 11.14.1

For P-No. 5 & higher materials, any back purging shall be maintained SAES-W-010,
H2
until at least 10 mm of weld deposit thickness has been completed. Para. 11.14.2

Back purge shall be sufficient to reduce the O2 level < 1%. The method SAES-W-010,
H3
of back purge & flow rate shall be specified on the WPS. Para. 11.14.3

SAES-W-010,
H4 Nitrogen as a backing gas for austenitic SS is prohibited.
Para. 11.14.4

The back purge for stainless steel and nickel alloys shall reduce the
O2 level < 0.05%. An O2 analyzer should be used to determine the O2 SAES-W-010,
H5
content in the back side during purging. See Attachment 1. Para. 11.14.5
No visible oxide tint is found.

REMARKS:

REFERENCE DOCUMENTS:
1. SAES-W-010, Welding Requirements for Pressure Vessels, (14 November 2005)
2. SAEP-324, Certification Review and Registration of Project Welders and Brazers, (30 June, 2003)

ATTACHMENTS: 1 - GTAW PRACTICES (CONSUMABLE CONTROL, TECHNIQUE, PURGING)

2. PROJECT SPECIFIC WELD JOINT MARKING SYSTEM TO BE ATTACHED … See SAIC-W-2008

Contractor / Third-Party Saudi Aramco

Construction Representative* PMT Representative
Work is Complete and Ready for Inspection: T&I Witnessed QC Record Reviewed Work Verified
Name, Initials and Date: Name, Initials and Date:

QC Inspector PID Representative

Performed Inspection Work / Rework May Proceed T&I Witnessed QC Record Reviewed Work Verified
Name, Initials and Date: Name, Initials and Date:

QC Supervisor Proponent and Others

Quality Record Approved: T&I Witnessed QC Record Reviewed Work Verified
Name, Organization,
Name, Sign and Date:
Initials and Date:

*Person Responsible for Completion of Quality Work / Test Y = YES N = NO F = FAILED

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SAUDI ARAMCO ID/PID - 18-MAY-05 - REV 0 (Standards Cutoff - June 2008) Rev 3 30-Jun-08
SAIC NUMBER DATE APPROVED QR NUMBER
SAUDI ARAMCO INSPECTION CHECKLIST
In-Process Welding Inspection SAIC-W-2069 WELD-
ATT. 1 - GTAW PRACTICES (CONSUMABLE CONTROL, TECHNIQUE, PURGING)
GTAW CONSUMABLES (CONTROL & SURVEILLANCE)
Welders shall prevent tungsten electrode contact with work (including molten pool). If this happens, welders shall extinguish the arc &
repair/replace the electrode by means listed below in Tungsten Repair section. If weld is to be of RT quality then the tungsten inclusion shall
be ground out (repair). Power source & current used shall be specified on the WPS & shall be that used in the field.
Tungsten electrode & Consumable Preparation & Redressing/Repair: Tungsten electrode preparation (before welding) and repair
or redressing of contaminated and/or oxidized tips is an area frequently overlooked by organizations unfamiliar with proper shop practices.
Contaminated electrodes produce an erratic arc & dirty, contaminated welds of inconsistent quality. Cutting and grinding contaminated and
or oxidized tungsten electrode tips using the common unacceptable practice of silicon carbide grinding wheels spreads contamination and
does not produce quality GTAW welds because of a tendency for tip fracturing & splintering & thus the need for frequent redressing. Use
of silicon carbide type* grinding wheels results in contamination of tungsten & inconsistent tip quality. *Prohibited per CSD.
Quality Step (CSD approved, Required for shop approval): Procedures & surveillance shall ensure proper shop & field practices:
1. Properly prepare new tungsten electrodes by using diamond type cutting equipment specifically designed for Tungsten (Piranha, etc)
These commercially available and inexpensive tungsten cutters/grinders utilize diamond technology to provide clean, contamination free,
separation and grinding finish that prevents splintering/shattering of tips, prevents cross contamination, provides precise tip geometry for
desired weld shape, size, and penetration for consistency in welding (Cost savings in time, fewer repairs, extended electrode life).
2. QC surveillance shall ensure that the following GTAW practices regarding Tungsten consumables are carried out on SA Projects
A) Issue of properly prepared Tungsten electrodes (AWS A5.12 specification) is included in Consumable control measures. Use Issue slips
B) Prohibited are: 1) The unacceptable practice of field grinding tungsten. 2) The improper methods of removing contaminated or oxidized
tungsten tips such as breaking with wire cutters, breaking by hand with a hammer, or grinding off with silicon carbide wheel.
C) Early identification of welders using improper techniques (retrain and monitor welders until they produce quality results).
D) Redressing of contaminated or oxidized tips is done at a specified location using proper tip geometry.
Filler metal contamination: See Section 5 below for detailed In-Process GTAW Surveillance
IN-PROCESS MANUAL GTAW TECHNIQUE SURVEILLANCE
FOR MANUAL GTAW TECHNIQUE, there are SIX (6) basic areas for In-Process Surveillance (Page 3 covers purging practice):
Poor Practice shall be identified and corrected ASAP as part of an ongoing effort toward Continuing Process Improvement on IK Projects.
(1) ARC INITIATION & EFFECTS (5 types GTAW equipment are listed below): GTAW equipment for specific P-No is listed below.
High Frequency (HF) Start: Use for all P-No GTAW manual welds, mandatory* for P-No 5 & above, including dissimilar welds.
Use high frequency start & post-purge gas flow for the torch. SAES-W-011, Para 5.2.1 & SAES-W-016 Para 6.2 Also, a remote contactor
and current level control (pedal or torch mounted) is required. Pre-set power source current start/rise and decay/stop controls triggered by
a foot switch (remote foot pedal rheostat) or torch mounted control (finger control rheostat) is an acceptable alternative for remote control.
Note: GTAW for P-No 1, P-No 3 & P-No 4 materials shall utilize HF Start (above) or equipment below Except Touch or Scratch start.
Pulse Start/Capacitor Discharge: Used for machine or automatic welding (DC), not for manual GTAW
Automatic Pulsed (GTAW-P): When used for root pass welding of single-sided joints, welding shall be performed with the same make
and model of welding system using same equipment and/or program settings as those used in procedure quals. Comment: The need to
specify make & model, program, equipment settings & pulse waveform is based upon the effects these variables have on welding arc
performance, especially sidewall fusion and out-of-position welding. Studies verify considerable variation in arc characteristics when one
make or model of welding system is compared to another. Variation can lead to welding defects difficult to detect by RT (API 582 Par 5.2.1)
Touch or scratch start (Prohibited by CSD): With power source energized, contactor closed, & shielding gas flowing from cup, torch
is lowered toward the work piece until the tungsten electrode contacts with work piece. The torch is quickly withdrawn a short distance
to establish the arc. Depending on the instantaneous short circuit current capability of the welding power source, the current through the
welding electrode upon arc initiation may cause damage to the weld or the electrode. This is corrected by limiting the current upon arc start.
Touch starting has a tendency for electrodes to stick to the work causing electrode contamination & tungsten transfer.
Touch & Retract Starters: Touch and retract starters are similar to contact starting in that the tip of the electrode is lowered to make
contact with the work piece. However, the controls in this starter do not allow current to flow until the electrode begins to be withdrawn,
thus striking the arc. This eliminates the tendency for electrode contamination. Another variation involves a low current to be passed thru
the electrode, which heats the electrode tip and allows the arc to more easily be initiated upon retraction. Acceptable method per CSD
(2) CURRENT SELECTION (WPS ESSENTIAL VARIABLE) & CURRENT CONTROLS
Selection: Direct current electrode negative (DCEN*) & Direct current electrode positive (DCEP**) are two types of direct current used in
GTAW. WPS terminology using DCSP* or straight polarity and DCRP** or reverse polarity is no longer standard terminology. *DCEN = DCSP
A) DCEN produces the greatest heat, deep joint penetration & faster welding. This is the most common configuration in SA, almost all WPS.
B) DCEP (DCEP = DCRP or reverse polarity) is extremely limited in use (3mm & less extremely thin aluminum & magnesium alloys)
C) AC is used in GTAW process at Saudi Aramco in similar applications to DCEP such as for P- No 23 Aluminum materials (ER4043 filler)
D) PROGRAMMED CURRENT - Combines AC & DC. Variable Polarity or VP is a type of programmed current. Not used in SA applications.
Programmable controllers: Programmable controllers control weld sequence, pulse, arc voltage, arc length, and other parameters)
Current Controls (See also HF Start): Current Control Mechanisms are listed below for GTAW process:
Remote foot pedal type & Finger control type rheostats - Arc control in DC welding machines uses a rheostat in welding circuit.
Contactor - A device that opens and closes an electrical circuit (Used in Touch Start Methods)

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SAUDI ARAMCO ID/PID - 18-MAY-05 - REV 0 (Standards Cutoff - June 2008) Rev 3 30-Jun-08
SAIC NUMBER DATE APPROVED QR NUMBER
SAUDI ARAMCO INSPECTION CHECKLIST
In-Process Welding Inspection SAIC-W-2069 WELD-
VERIFY that current type, current controls, electrode type, & shielding gas match a CSD approved WPS. - See Table below

(3) TORCH MANIPULATION (TECHNIQUE & APPLICATION): Notes for inspector awareness are identified with an asterisk *
Walking the Cup*: A technique for manipulating the torch when manually welding groove & fillet welds. With this technique, the electrode
extension is adjusted* to allow the proper arc length* while the edge of the cup* rests on the side of the joint. The torch is manipulated in a
manner to swing the tip of the tungsten back & forth across the side of the joint by “walking-the-cup” on each edge of the joint. The left or
right edge of the gas nozzle/cup is in constant contact with the members giving the cup a walking motion on the weld joint. One limitation of
this technique is that it is very difficult* to walk-the-cup when welding pipe less than 2 in. [50 mm] in diameter*.
Dragging the Finger: A technique used in manual welding of all types of joint configurations. It can be used when welding all diameters
of pipe & tubing. A fingerstall is made by overlapping a “sleeve” of fiberglass mat’l approx 8 in. [200 mm] long. Fingerstall is placed over the
middle finger & should extend about 1 in. [25 mm] beyond the end of the finger. A Fingerstall stabilizes the hand holding the torch as it is slid
along during welding and provides added insulation and protection for the welder.
Brace Technique: Used in manual welding of vessels, very large pipe diameters and structures. In this technique, the welder stabilizes
the torch by resting his wrist, arm or elbow as far away from the weld zone as possible & sliding the wrist in the direction of welding.
Freehand Technique: This technique should be used only when no other technique is feasible. Very few welders create quality welds
without technique to stabilize the torch. Uncontrolled torch motion can lead to tungsten contact with work or filler. Ensure only the best
welders make joints in difficult field locations where freehand technique is used. Also increase surveillance and NDE as needed.
(4) WORK PIECE MANIPULATION
Planning for production: During the planning of welding operation sequence & qualifying welding procedures & welders, the welding
engineer must establish in which welding position the joint will be welded in production. Shop handling practices are found in SAIC-L-2031.
Manual Manipulation: For small pipe welds that can be rotated, it may be economical to make the welds using pipe rollers. Weld the top
quarter, then manually rotating the pipe & completing the weld in quarters. Other ways the weld joint can be manually positioned are by
physically moving the component or using lifting devices such as overhead cranes or universal balance positioners (manually operated).
(5) FILLER METAL ADDITION (For manual GTAW, only cut length Filler Wire is covered. Wire feed or autogenous welding is not allowed)
Filler Metal Addition: When retracting weld filler rod from the pool, care shall be exercised to ensure the hot end of the rod is not
removed from within the welding torch’s protective gas envelope. If the end of the filler wire should become oxidized, then the oxidized end
shall be cut prior to using the remaining wire. Typically a pair of cutting pliers* is used in this process. (*Prohibited for cutting tungsten).
When welding a root pass, filler metal is normally held in one position and not manipulated. When welding filler and cover passes, filler metal
may be manipulated a slight amount based on joint opening. During welding, the welder must be careful not to touch the filler wire to the
tungsten electrode, since the electrode would become contaminated (Repair or replace).Prior to using filler wire, verify that the type of the
filler wire matches the filler material specified on the welding procedure. Additionally, assure cleanliness of filler material (no visible rust,
discoloration, or evidence of atmospheric contamination such as dust or residues. GTAW Filler metals shall be issued & stored in a portable
container such as a capped PVC tube. Welder training assures that approved consumable id and storage procedures are followed.
(6) EXTINGUISHING THE ARC: Care is taken to avoid forming crater cracks, porosity & start/stop weld defects. Perform close visual check
Welders can achieve this in several ways. After the arc has been extinguished, it is good practice to flow the shielding gas from the torch
over the end of the weld to permit this area to cool* under the protective gas. At the same time, this allows the tungsten electrode to cool
under the shielding gas and prevents its oxidation. Filler material ends are maintained under shielding gas to prevent their oxidation OR
any oxidized filler metal ends shall be cut (cutting tool pliers) each time arc is extinguished & filler becomes oxidized (every tack, stop, etc).
*Inert gas flow time over an extinguishing arc follows the "15 second rule" = Zero Contamination ... QC surveillance point*
Note: 15* seconds cooling under gas flow will result in zero oxidation. Time is dependent on application & can be less to achieve quality.
Decreasing the Current (Down Slope, Down Ramp): Decreasing current is one of the most effective methods for extinguishing the
arc. In this method, the size of the weld pool is decreased by decreasing the current with a foot or hand controlled rheostat.
Weld Tie-In: Moving the arc up and over to the side of the joint (while remaining in the joint) or over the previous pass or back stepping is
effective in minimizing disturbance of the final weld pool. A gradual breaking of the arc will reduce the possibility of porosity & crater crack.

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SAUDI ARAMCO INSPECTION CHECKLIST
In-Process Welding Inspection SAIC-W-2069 WELD-
Filling the Crater: A small quantity of filler can be added just as the electrode is withdrawn (& cools under gas) to compensate for weld
pool solidification shrinkage & provide a little extra filler material to help prevent a shrinkage cavity.
Inspect completed welds for undercut, underfill, excess penetration or reinforcement, crater cracks, & porosity
GTAW PURGING PRACTICES
Acceptance Criteria (Oxidation)
The purge shall achieve actual oxygen levels inside or exiting the joint (via the vent) never greater than 50 ppm O2 (maximum 0.005%) prior
to and during welding, as measured with an O2 analyzer with low-level read-out capability. The actual oxygen levels achieved in
production shall be measured periodically (i.e., at the start of production work for each welder, and thereafter, on a random basis for the
number of joints to be performed). Analyzers shall be used for all joints if excessive internal oxidation is observed on any joints based on
the visual appearance of the oxide tint. Use the AWS C5.5 Figure 40 Oxidation Table for guidance, comparison & reporting.
1. 12 ppm O2 = No oxide tint ... ACCEPTABLE
2. 60-70 ppm O2 = Slight oxide tint visible ... Unacceptable
3. 70-90 ppm O2 = Slightly more visible oxide tint ... Unacceptable
4. 200 ppm O2 = Dark oxide tint ... Unacceptable
5. 250 ppm O2 = Almost Black oxide tint ... Unacceptable
6. 500 ppm O2 = (0.05%) = Black or “sugared” ... Unacceptable ... Likely will be a "Cut out" or weld metal repair
Comment: Discoloration (oxide tint) is dark at 200 parts per million or ppm O2, with a discernible tint at 60-70 ppm .
Welding procedure shall cover “additional testing” or disposition of those welds found with “oxide tint” or discoloration.
If no such procedure exists: See Disposition Below
Disposition of Oxidized Root Pass & Welds
“Welds with internal oxidation, based on visual appearance of oxide tint as Inspected, shall be repaired or treated by CSD approved method
Treat or Passivate using an approved method such ASTM A380 practice or other CSD approved method.
PURGE DAM DETAILS
Purge Dams shall follow the detailed practices of AWS D10.11, Recommended Practices for Root Pass Welding. Due to a common problem
of leakage with proprietary dissolvable water-soluble dams, these shall be avoided whenever possible. If purge dams are to be used but
cannot be retrieved after welding, then proprietary dissolvable (water soluble paper such as rice paper, etc) dams shall be used and the
following stringent conditions for their application shall apply:
A) In addition, water-soluble approved “low chloride” glues* shall be used to hold the dams in place (Elmer’s glue is accepted in our Industry
for this exact purpose) or proprietary water soluble adhesive tape shall be applied to purge dams. Dams shall be located far enough from
the joint to prevent their failure during the welding process, usually 150-300 mm.
B) Before decreasing purge gas pressure and closing the weld joint, a “visual inspection window” shall be left open for Inspection to
verify acceptable root pass condition. This is an extremely quick inspection with a mini-light that determines any root oxidation.

Inspector specifies a 25 mm visual "window" & identifies visible oxide tint. Pass/Fail.
COMMENTARY: Currently, tape is being used in many instances on large bore pipe to hold these dams in place ... This is the only way the
dams “stay put”. Dams using rice paper often allow a high rate of gas escape & require multiple layers “glued” together to maintain purge.

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SAUDI ARAMCO INSPECTION CHECKLIST
In-Process Welding Inspection SAIC-W-2069 WELD-

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