Piping Fabrication Shop or Field

IP 3-18-1
Page 1 of 12

INTERNATIONAL
PRACTICE

(This practice is appropriate for attachment to Inquiry or Purchase Document)

Rev. 3

June 1999
Changes shown by

SCOPE
I

1.1

This practice covers the fabrication, inspection and testing of piping.

1.2

An asterisk () indicates that a decision by the purchaser is required or that additional information is specified
by the purchaser.

2.1

Table 1 lists the practices, codes, and standard which shall be used with this practice.

2.2

Table 2 lists the practices, codes, standards, and specifications, which shall be used with this practice as
specified by the Purchaser.

SUMMARY OF ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

I

TABLE 1
PRACTICES
IP 18-7-1
IP 18-10-1
IP 20-1-1
IP 20-1-3

Welding Procedures
Additional Requirements for Materials
Inspection of Equipment and Materials
Quality Programs
CODES AND STANDARD

ASME Codes
Section V
Section VIII
B31.3
ASME Standard
B16.25

Nondestructive Examinations
Pressure Vessels, Division 1
Process Piping
Buttwelding Ends

TABLE 2
PRACTICES
IP 18-12-1
IP 19-3-2
IP 19-7-1

Positive Material Identification

Refractory Linings for Pressure Vessels and Piping
Protection of Stainless Steel During Fabrication, Shipping, Storage, and Field Construction
CODES, STANDARDS, AND SPECIFICATIONS

ASME Codes
Section I
Power Boilers
B31.1
Power Piping Code
ASME Standard
B1.20.1
Pipe Threads, General Purpose (Inch)
ANSI / AWS Code and Specifications
D1.1
Structural Welding Code - Steel
A5.XX Series
Filler Metal Specifications ASTM Standard
E 142
Controlling Quality of Radiographic Testing
PFI (Pipe Fabrication Institute) Standard
ES-24
Pipe Bending Methods, Tolerances, Process and Material Requirements

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2.3

Fabrication of all piping shall be performed in accordance with ASME B31.3, ASME B31.1, or ASME Section
I as applicable, and the additional requirements of this practice.

2.4

When compliance with any code or standard by a local jurisdiction is mandatory, the requirements
prescribed therein shall also be met.

DEFINITIONS
I

3.1

Small piping connections. Any branch connection NPS 2 (50 mm) or less.

THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY

EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

IP 3-18-1

Piping Fabrication Shop or Field

Page 2 of 12
Rev. 3

June 1999

3.2

(This practice is appropriate for attachment to Inquiry or Purchase Document)

INTERNATIONAL
PRACTICE

Dangerous materials, as used herein, includes the following materials:

a.
Toxic materials, such as phenol, hydrogen sulfide, chlorine.
b.
c.

Highly corrosive materials, such as acids, caustic and other similar materials.
Flammable materials (including light hydrocarbons lighter than 68 degrees API).

d.
e.

Combustible liquids.
Boiler feedwater and steam, in systems requiring ASME Class 300 and higher ratings.

f.
Oxygen in concentrations greater than 35%.
Non-dangerous materials, as used herein, include all materials not listed as dangerous in Par. 3.2.

3.3

3.4

Combustible liquids. High flash liquids [flash points 100F (38C) or higher] when handled at temperatures
more than 15F (8C) below their flash point.

3.5

Flammable liquids. Low flash liquids [flash point below 100F (38C)]; and high flash liquids [flash point 100F
(38C) or higher] when handled at temperatures above or within 15F (8C) of their flash points.

3.6

3.7

Flammable materials (including light hydrocarbons lighter than 68 degrees API). Flammable liquids;
hydrocarbon vapors; and other vapors, such as hydrogen and carbon disulfide, that are readily ignitable when
released to atmosphere.
Wet H2S is defined as greater than 50 ppm of H2S in the water phase.

3.8

The term Inspector, as used herein, refers to the Owner's Representative.

4.1

The following information for small piping connections shall be shown on the Engineering Drawings:
a.
Specific location and orientation of small piping connections.

SMALL PIPING DOCUMENTATION

b.
c.

Connection size and schedule.

Valve or fitting type.

d.
e.

Designation of connections to be gusseted and specifications to be used for gussets.

Special welding requirements.

f.

Temporary valves and nipples that are used only during pressure testing shall be indicated on the
drawings.

ATTACHMENT MATERIALS
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5.1

Unless otherwise specified, lugs, brackets, insulation supports, or other attachments that must be welded
to piping, shall be of the same nominal chemical composition and physical properties as the piping
component to which they are attached.

6.1

Pipe bends shall comply with the following requirements:

BENDS, MITER BENDS, AND ELBOWS

a.

6.2

The centerline radius of pipe bends shall be equal to at least three times the nominal pipe diameter.
Proposals to use smaller radius pipe bends shall be submitted to the purchaser for approval by the
Owner's Engineer.
Miter bends may be used where the pipe diameter exceeds NPS 12 (300 mm) and shall comply with the
following:
a.
Bends exceeding 45 degrees shall be at least 3-piece (2 miter cuts), with not less than 4 times the pipe
wall thickness between the centerlines of the welds at the crotch, or 1 in. (25 mm), whichever is greater.
b.
Bends shall have a centerline radius at least equal to the nominal pipe size.
c.

Fabrication shall be in accordance with ES-24 of the Pipe Fabrication Institute.

b.

6.3

The maximum miter angle (half the change of directions) shall be 22-1/2 degrees up to 200 psig (1380
kPa) design pressure, 15 degrees up to 400 psig (2760 kPa), and 11-1/4 degrees over 400 psig (2760
kPa).

Butt welding elbows shall be of the long radius type unless otherwise approved by the Owner's Engineer.

THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY

EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

IP 3-18-1

Piping Fabrication Shop or Field

INTERNATIONAL
PRACTICE

Page 3 of 12
(This practice is appropriate for attachment to Inquiry or Purchase Document)

Rev. 3

June 1999

DIMENSIONAL TOLERANCES
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7.1

Tolerances for finished fabricated piping shall conform to Figure 1.

LOCATION OF CONNECTIONS
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8.1

All take-off connections for steam, instrument air, fuel gas and other gases containing moisture shall be
from the top of the supply header.

8.2

Condensate line connections into condensate return headers shall be at the top of the header.

BRANCH CONNECTIONS LARGER THAN NPS 2 (50 mm)

9.1

Integrally reinforced branch welding fittings which abut the outside surface of the run wall, in sizes NPS 4
(100 mm) and larger, are not permitted under any of the following conditions, unless approved by the
Owner's Engineer:
a.
b.

The d/D ratio (branch diameter/run diameter) exceeds 0.8.

The run piping wall thickness is less than standard schedule.

c.

The run piping wall thickness is less than 0.75 in. (19 mm) where outside diameter exceeds 36 in. (900
mm).

9.2

Pad reinforced branch connections are not permitted whenever the piping design temperature is 800F
(427C) or greater.

9.3

If pad-type reinforcement is used for full size branch connections, it shall be of the complete-encirclement
type.

9.4

Fabricated branch connections. Reinforcing pads (when required) shall be added as a subsequent
fabrication step after visual inspection of the branch-to-header weld, and shall be provided with a minimum
1/8 in. (3 mm) drilled vent hole in each separate pad section.

SMALL PIPING CONNECTIONS

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10.1

The minimum schedule of nipples that are used for branch connections NPS 2 (50 mm) or smaller shall be
as follows: (does not apply for connections to rotating equipment)
NPS 1-1/2 (40 mm)

NPS 2 (50 mm)

Carbon and low alloy steel

160

80

Stainless and other high alloy steel

80S

40S

MATERIAL

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10.2

Nipples that are threaded over their entire length shall not be used.

10.3

Vibrating service or dangerous materials service. A block valve shall be provided for the purpose of
isolating all piping connections NPS 1-1/2 (40 mm) to main headers of any size. (Excludes control valve
stations.)

10.4

When a valve is provided for the purpose of isolating piping connections NPS 1-1/2 (40 mm), the outlet of
the valve shall be located within 9 in. (225 mm) of the branch connection, measured along the branch pipe
axis. In cases where adhering to the 9 in. (225 mm) dimension (pipe wall to valve outlet) is not practicable, such
deviations shall be approved by the Owner's Engineer.

BRACING
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10.5

Piping connections NPS 1-1/2 (40 mm) shall be braced for the following applications:
a.

For both vibrating and non-vibrating services, bracing is required for piping connections NPS 1-1/2
(40 mm) that are fabricated using a nipple welded directly to the run pipe, except for Category D fluid
services.

b.

Bracing is not required for small piping connections in any service that connect to pipe of the same
size or one size larger.

THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY

EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

IP 3-18-1

Piping Fabrication Shop or Field

Page 4 of 12
Rev. 3

June 1999

(This practice is appropriate for attachment to Inquiry or Purchase Document)

INTERNATIONAL
PRACTICE

SMALL PIPING CONNECTIONS (Cont)

c.

Categories of equipment in vibrating service requiring bracing of piping connections, and the extent
of bracing, shall be per the following:

PRIMARY EQUIPMENT
OR
SERVICE CATEGORY
Reciprocating Compressors

S,R

Connections to interstage, upstream, and downstream piping and equipment

associated with reciprocating compressors (Includes first major piece of equipment
upstream and downstream of compressor).

Centrifugal Compressors and Steam

Turbines

The first nipple and valve shall be braced for: (1) (2)

Connections to piping within the greater of 20 ft (6 m) or 20

pipe diameters, measured along the pipe axis, from the
equipment nozzle.
Design of all connections to piping equal to or greater than
NPS 36 (900 mm) shall be submitted to the purchaser for
approval by the Owner's Engineer.

Reciprocating Pumps

Connections to suction and discharge piping and equipment for reciprocating

pumps. (Includes first major equipment upstream and downstream of pump.)

Centrifugal Pumps and Rotary Pumps

Connections to pump piping within the greater of 20 ft (6 m) or 20 pipe diameters,

measured along the pipe axis, from the equipment nozzle.

Centrifuges

Connections to centrifuge piping within the greater of 20 ft

(6 m) or 20 pipe diameters, measured along the pipe axis, from the equipment
nozzle.

Machinery where rotating or

reciprocating component speed range
is 60 to 1000 rpm (1 to 17 rev/s)

Connections to all piping connected to or supported from any type of rotating

equipment or its supporting structure. (Includes first major piece of equipment
upstream and downstream of machine.)

Piping or Equipment subject to

Process Induced Vibration

Connections to piping or equipment subject to process induced vibration (e.g., fluid

solids units, lines in two phase flow, hydraulic shock from rapid valve operation, high
pressure letdown systems.)

Pressure Relieving (PR) Devices

Connections to PR device inlet and discharge piping within 20 ft (6 m) or 20 pipe

diameters, measured along the pipe axis, from the PR device.

Notes:
(1)
Bracing of connections on the primary equipment shall be done by the equipment supplier.
(2)
Unless specified, bracing of Class 800 integrally reinforced extended body valves or integrally
reinforced extended fittings with Class 800 valves is not required for pressure gage connections,
connections which terminate at the valve or continue as tubing, if the valve centerline is located within
9 in. (225 mm) of the connection.

10.6

Bracing design shall be as follows:

a.
Material for welded gussets shall be of the same nominal chemical composition as the connected parts
except that carbon steel may be used for gusseting P-1, P-3, P-4, and P-5 materials.

THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY

EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

IP 3-18-1

Piping Fabrication Shop or Field

INTERNATIONAL
PRACTICE

Page 5 of 12
(This practice is appropriate for attachment to Inquiry or Purchase Document)

Rev. 3

June 1999

SMALL PIPING CONNECTIONS (Cont)

b.

Unless otherwise specified, connections shall be braced in two planes with gussets having a minimum
thickness of 3/16 in. (5 mm) and a minimum width of 3/4 in. (19 mm), as shown below:
Tw o Pla ne
Gussetin g

Pip e Wall

General Note:
Bracing Detail applic able to
Exte nded Body Type
Valv es, Exte nded Fit in gs, or
Com pact Body Valv e plu s
Nip ple (as il ustr ate d).

CL

1/2 in .
(12 m m ) m ax.
9 in . m ax.
(225 m m )
031801

c.

10.7

10.8

In cases where PWHT of structural attachment welds to a pressure boundary is required, gusset stubs
(or pads) may be welded to the component prior to PWHT, and then may be used to permit later gussetto-stub (or pad) attachment without PWHT. Proposals to use special welding procedures in lieu of
PWHT shall be submitted to the purchaser for approval by the Owner's Engineer.
d.
Proposals to use clamped or bolted gusset designs shall be submitted to the purchaser for approval
by the Owner's Engineer.
Bracing design for piping connections NPS 1-1/2 (40 mm) requiring double block valves shall be
submitted to the Purchaser for approval by the Owner's Engineer.
Unless otherwise specified, all small piping connections in services that are ASME Class 900 and above
shall be braced. The bracing design shall be submitted to the Purchaser for approval by the Owner's Engineer.

SEAL WELDING THREADED CONNECTIONS

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11.1

11.2

11.3

All threaded piping connections shall be seal welded except seal welding is not necessary for the
following:
a.
Category D fluid services as defined in ASME B31.3.
b.
Instruments or piping components that require periodic removal for maintenance.
c.
Union ring threads.
d.
Thermowells.
e.
Plugs and caps for drain and vent valves. Plugs and caps for drain and vent valves that are used only for
hydrostatic testing and are in dangerous materials service shall be seal welded.
f.
Miscellaneous other connections identified by the Owner's Engineer.
If piping assemblies will be PWHT, seal welding shall be given the necessary heat treatment as well.
However P-1, P-3, P-4, P-5A and P-9 materials may be seal welded without subsequent PWHT provided all
of the following requirements are met:
a.
The minimum preheat meets either the required" or the recommended" preheat listed in ASME B31.3.
b.
A temper beading technique is employed for all materials except P-1.
c.
Low hydrogen electrodes or welding processes are used.
d.
For all alloy steels, either low carbon electrodes with matching chemistry (i.e., E8018-B2L) or high nickel
electrodes (i.e., ENiCrFe-3) are selected.
Connections requiring seal welding shall be made up without the use of sealing compound or PTFE
tape. All cutting oil shall be removed prior to assembly. After the joint has been tightened to full thread
engagement, seal welding shall cover all exposed threads, and a minimum of two weld passes are required.

THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY

EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

IP 3-18-1

Piping Fabrication Shop or Field

Page 6 of 12
Rev. 3

June 1999

(This practice is appropriate for attachment to Inquiry or Purchase Document)

INTERNATIONAL
PRACTICE

VALVES, FLANGES, AND JOINTS

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12.1

12.2

12.3

12.4

12.5

Welding is not permitted on valves that are equipped with soft seats, unless the seats have been removed
or precautions that are recommended by the valve manufacturer have been taken to prevent damage to the
soft seats.
Taper pipe threads (NPT) per ASME B1.20.1 shall be used for all threaded pipe joints, including thermowell
nozzles.
Slip-on flanges shall be positioned so that the distance from the face of the flange to the pipe end shall be
equal to the nominal pipe wall thickness, plus 1/8 in. (3 mm).
Flange bolt holes shall straddle the established centerlines (horizontal, vertical, or layout centerlines),
except when required for matching orientation at equipment flanges.
Stub-ends for lap-joint flanges, if fabricated by welding, shall be made with complete penetration welds.

12.6

Pipe unions between process vessels, lines, or equipment and the first block valve are prohibited.

12.7

The use of proprietary type piping joints shall be approved by the Owner's Engineer.

12.8

Drip rings shall not be used unless approved by the Owner's Engineer.

WELDING JOINTS
13.1

Welding end preparation. Unless otherwise required by the piping material or welding processes to be used,
welding ends shall be prepared per ASME B16.25.

13.2

Radial misalignment at the joining ends of piping components shall be limited to 1/8 in. (3 mm) or 1/4 of the
pipe wall thickness, whichever is less. Internal radial misalignment exceeding 1/16 in. (1.5 mm) shall be taper
trimmed so that the adjoining internal surfaces are flush; however, the resulting thickness of the welded joint
shall not be less than the minimum design thickness plus corrosion allowance.

13.3

Minimum spacing of girth butt welds. The clear distance between the edges of adjacent girth butt welds shall
not be less than four times the pipe wall thickness, or 1 in. (25 mm), whichever is greater.

13.4

Minimum spacing of branch connections. The clear distance between the edges of attachment welds for
adjacent branch connections shall not be less than four times the thickness of the run wall, or 1 in. (25 mm),
whichever is greater. Deviations from this spacing requirement shall be approved by the Owner's Engineer.

13.5

Backing rings may be used only for the following applications:

a.
For piping under the jurisdiction of the ASME Code Section I.

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b.

For piping in clean steam and air service.

c.

For castable lined pipe.

13.6

d.
Other applications when approved by the Owner's Engineer.
Backing rings, when used, shall be fused into the joint for the entire circumference.

13.7

Backing rings are prohibited for the following applications:

a.
b.
c.

13.8

Pigged" lines.
Auxiliary piping for machinery, including (but not limited to) piping systems such as jacket cooling water,
fuel, lube oil, seal oil, instrument and starting air servicing compressors, turbines, engines, and gears.
Intake and interstage piping for reciprocating, and rotary screw compressors.

Consumable inserts are not classified as backing rings, and may thus be used for all applications.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CEMENT-LINED CARBON STEEL

PIPE AND FITTINGS
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13.9

For pipe diameters < NPS 24 (600 mm) the welding arc shall not come into direct contact with the cement
lining. This shall be accomplished by the use of partial penetration welding or backing rings. To insure that a
sufficient amount of weld metal is deposited for the integrity of the joint while still maintaining partial penetration,
a mockup test together with joint and welding details shall be submitted to the Inspector for approval prior to
production welding.

13.10

For pipe diameters NPS 24 (600 mm) the lining shall be cut back 2 to 4 in. (50 to 100 mm) from the end prior
to welding to permit full penetration welding, with or without backing rings. This area shall be manually
cement lined after welding is completed.

13.11

The cement-lined joints shall be made up using any of the following procedures:

THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY

EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

Piping Fabrication Shop or Field

INTERNATIONAL
PRACTICE

a.

b.

IP 3-18-1
Page 7 of 12

(This practice is appropriate for attachment to Inquiry or Purchase Document)

Rev. 3

June 1999

Butted joints. The root faces of the adjoining pipe walls shall be tightly butted (no gap for welding), and
the ends of the cement linings shall be smooth and flush with the ends of the root faces. No coating or
gasketing of the cement lining faces shall be done.
Sodium silicate coated, gasketed joint. Both ends of the lining shall be coated and a 1/16 in. (1.6 mm)
gasket installed between the facings of the lining. The gasket shall not extend between the ends of the
pipe walls.

c.

13.12

Epoxy cement coated joint. A uniformly applied layer of epoxy cement, approximately 1/16 in. thick, shall
be applied to both ends of the cement lining. Initial set of the epoxy cement must take place before
welding.
Alternative welding procedures for butt joints. For cement lined carbon steel pipe welding, welding
procedure specifications and performance qualifications per ANSI / AWS D1.1 is an acceptable alternative to
ASME B31.3 requirements.

HEAT TREATMENT
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14.1

When PWHT is required, it shall be done in an enclosed furnace or by electrical resistance heating
methods. The use of other methods to perform PWHT shall be approved by the Owner's Engineer.

S,R

14.2

PWHT is required for all welds in carbon steel piping in wet H 2S service, except as specifically
exempted in a. through d. below. The PWHT procedure outlined in ASME B31.3, Par. 331.1 shall be
followed; however, the exceptions provided in Table 331.1.1, based on nominal wall thickness, are not
permitted. The minimum PWHT temperature shall be per ASME B31.3 for the material used, but not less
than 1150F (620C).
The specific types of welds listed in a. through d. below are exempt from the special PWHT requirements of this
paragraph. However, this does not exempt these welds from PWHT which is required by ASME B31.3, or other
applicable requirements.
a.
Multipass girth welds in seamless piping, welded from the outside surface only.
b.

External attachment welds, when the weld metal is not in contact with wet H2S.

c.
d.

Multipass seal and socket welds.

Multipass welds for set on branch connections [e.g., see ASME B31.3, Figure 328.4.4 (a)], provided all
welding is performed from the outside.

14.3

PWHT for piping handling alkaline solutions shall be governed by the following:
a.
The postweld heat treatment procedure outlined in ASME B31.3, Par. 331.3, shall be followed. The
exemptions provided in Table 331.3.1 based on nominal wall thickness are not permitted. Socket welded
and seal welded threaded connections for all pipe sizes shall also be postweld heat treated. The minimum
holding time at the full postweld heat treatment temperature shall be 1 hour.
b.
Attachment of clips, brackets, or other devices requiring welding directly to the inside or outside of
vessel or piping walls after postweld heat treatment is not permitted unless the heat treatment is repeated
on the equipment or material after welding.

14.4

Dissimilar materials. Any heat treatment proposed for joints involving dissimilar materials shall be approved by
the Owner's Engineer.

14.5

Materials not covered by ASME B31.3. Heat treatment requirements for welded joints or bends of materials
not covered by ASME B31.3 shall be submitted to the purchaser for approval by the Owner's Engineer.

14.6

Exposed machined and threaded surfaces shall be protected from oxidation during heat treatment.

14.7

Proposals to weld or heat piping, after final heat treatment, shall be submitted to the purchaser for approval
by the Owner's Engineer.

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THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY

EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

IP 3-18-1

Piping Fabrication Shop or Field

Page 8 of 12
Rev. 3

June 1999

(This practice is appropriate for attachment to Inquiry or Purchase Document)

INTERNATIONAL
PRACTICE

INSPECTION AND TESTING

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15.1

All final inspection and testing shall be performed after any required postweld heat treatment. However,
radiographic examination may be performed prior to postweld heat treatment provided:
a.
b.

15.2

Such action does not conflict with the applicable code(s) or regulation(s) and
If any materials other that carbon steel (P-1) are involved, the final weld area will be dye penetrant or
magnetic particle inspected after postweld heat treatment.
Inspection, examination and testing of all piping shall be per ASME B31.3, except as modified in this practice.

RADIOGRAPHIC EXAMINATION
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15.3

The minimum required radiographic inspection for girth-butt and miter bend welds, and branch connection
welds that are suitable for radiography, shall be per ASME B31.3 and the following requirements: (Category D
fluid services shall be solely to ASME B31.3 requirements)
MATERIAL (1)

% SHOP WELDS (2)

Carbon Steel (P-1)

Low Alloy Steel (P-3, P-4, P-5, and P-9)

20 (3)

50 (3)(4)

Stainless Steels and Nickel Alloys (P-8 & P-4X)

20 (3)

20 (3)

10

20 (4)

Aluminum Alloys (P-2X)

Notes:
(1)
For materials that are not listed, the radiographic requirements and acceptance criteria will be specified by the
Owner's Engineer.
(2)
The first weld for each WPS and each position for each welder shall be radiographed. The percent of specified
radiography shall apply to each P-Number and welding process.
(3)
If approved by the Owner's Inspector, once the minimum radiography requirements per ASME B31.3 and Note 2
have been met, any additional radiography may be met by the random spot radiography method.
(4)
The field weld radiography percentage may be reduced to the shop weld percentage if the welders are qualified
per AWS QC7-93 Supplement F.

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% FIELD WELDS (2)

15.4

Progressive sampling (tracer examination), as required by ASME B31.3, shall be in addition to the
minimum required radiographic inspection.

15.5

15.6

Radiographic acceptance criteria shall be in accordance with ASME B31.3 for normal fluid service unless
severe cyclic service is specified.
All bimetallic welds (ferritic to non-ferritic) shall be 100% radiographed.

15.7

Spot Radiography, when permitted, shall be in accordance with the following:

NOMINAL PIPE SIZE (NPS)
in.
mm

15.8
15.9

18

450

20 - 36

500 - 900

36

900

The length of film for each spot radiograph shall be ten (10) in. (250 mm) or half the pipe circumference,
whichever is less.
For girth-butt, miter, and longitudinal welds in piping which is to be pneumatically field tested.
a.
b.

MINIMUM NUMBER OF
SPOT RADIOGRAPHS

Inspection shall meet the acceptance criteria specified by ASME B31.3 for Severe Cyclic Conditions.
All welded longitudinal joints which have not been previously hydrotested or radiographed shall be
radiographed along the entire length of the weld. Ultrasonic examination or eddy current examination
may be substituted for radiography.

c.

15.10

15.11

All field girth-butt and miter welds shall be 100 percent radiographed unless otherwise specified.
Welds that cannot be radiographed shall be inspected by the liquid penetrant or magnetic particle method.
Wire type image quality indicators (IQIs) equal to those meeting EN462-1, DIN 54109, or JIS-Z3104
requirements may be substituted for those specified in ASME Section V provided an equivalent sensitivity is
met.
A minimum of 5 percent of all socket welds shall be radiographed to inspect for the presence of a gap after
welding and for weld defects such as lack of penetration.

THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY

EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

IP 3-18-1

Piping Fabrication Shop or Field

Page 9 of 12

INTERNATIONAL
PRACTICE

(This practice is appropriate for attachment to Inquiry or Purchase Document)

Rev. 3

June 1999

VISUAL EXAMINATION
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15.12

Maximum allowable projections of weld metal into the pipe bore at welded butt joints shall be per ASME
B31.3 and the following:
a.

15.13

The maximum internal projection shall be 1/16 in. (1.5 mm) for:
1.
Piping NPS 2 (50 mm) and smaller
2.
3.

Pigged" lines
Plastic or elastomeric lined pipe

4.
5.

Orifice flanges
Intake and interstage piping for reciprocating and rotary screw compressors

b.
Internal welds for Meter Tubes shall be ground smooth and flush with the pipe I.D.
Undercutting of welds in intake, recycle, interstage, and start-up bypass piping for reciprocating and rotary
screw compressors is not permitted.

ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION
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15.14

Ultrasonic examination may be substituted for radiographic examination when approved by the Owner's
Inspector.

15.15

All welds, where the pipe wall thickness exceeds 1-1/4 in. (32 mm), shall be 100 percent ultrasonically
examined in lieu of radiographic examination when a single wall radiographic technique cannot be used.

15.16

15.17

Branch connection welds, not suitable for radiography, shall be ultrasonically examined to the same
percentages that are specified for radiographic examination. In-process magnetic particle examination or inprocess liquid penetrant examination may be substituted for ultrasonic examination where the branch diameter
does not exceed 50% of the run diameter and for all integrally reinforced branch connections when the ID can
be visually examined.
When ultrasonic examination is substituted for spot radiography, the length of the weld joint spot shall be 10
in. (250 mm) or half the pipe circumference, whichever is less.

MAGNETIC PARTICLE EXAMINATION

R

R
R

15.18

For non-magnetic materials, and if approved by the Owner's Engineer for magnetic materials, liquid penetrant
examination may be substituted for magnetic particle examination.

15.19

The D-C prod method shall not be used for P-3, P-4, P-5, and P-9 materials.

15.20

In-process magnetic particle examination. When magnetic particle examination is substituted for ultrasonic
examination, the root pass, intermediate passes (if specified by the Owner's Engineer), and the final pass shall
each be examined by the magnetic particle method.
All double welded joints in magnetic materials shall be magnetic particle examined prior to back welding.

15.21

15.22

All fillet welded connections (magnetic materials only), such as socket welds, seal welds, and slip-on flange
welds, shall be inspected as follows:
a.
b.

Five (5) percent of carbon steel, P-1, welds shall be examined.

Ten (10) percent of magnetic materials, other than carbon steel (e.g., P-3, P-4, P-5, P-9, etc.), shall be
examined.

LIQUID PENETRANT EXAMINATION

R

15.23

In-process liquid penetrant examination. When liquid penetrant examination is substituted for ultrasonic
examination, the root pass, intermediate passes (if specified by the Owner's Engineer), and the final pass shall
be examined by the liquid penetrant method.
All double welded joints in non-magnetic materials shall be liquid penetrant examined prior to back welding.

15.24

15.25

Ten (10) percent of all fillet welds (non-magnetic materials only), such as socket welds, seal welds, and welds
for slip-on flanges, plus one weld from each forging heat, shall be examined by the liquid penetrant method.

SHOP PRESSURE TESTING

C

15.26

Hydrostatic testing of individual sections of shop fabricated piping systems is not required, except as
may be specified. If specified, the test shall be per ASME B31.3.

15.27

Piping that is to be internally coated shall be hydrostatically tested prior to installation of the coating,
unless otherwise approved by the Owner's Engineer.
THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY
EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

IP 3-18-1

Piping Fabrication Shop or Field

Page 10 of 12
Rev. 3

June 1999

(This practice is appropriate for attachment to Inquiry or Purchase Document)

INTERNATIONAL
PRACTICE

SHIPMENT AND STORAGE

PREPARATION FOR SHIPMENT
R

16.1

16.2

Protection of openings. After completion of inspection, all shop fabricated piping (i.e., piping not fabricated at
the job site) shall be prepared for shipment as follows:
a.

Beveled ends and flange gasket surfaces shall be protected from mechanical damage over their entire
surface by firmly attached covers.

b.

Threaded-end or socket welding-end connections shall be fitted with metal, wood, or plastic, plugs or
caps.

Machined or threaded exterior surfaces of carbon steel, and ferrous alloys with a nominal chemistry of
12Cr and below, shall be protected from corrosion during shipment and subsequent storage by coating with
a rust preventive of a type: (1) to provide protection during outdoor storage for a period of twelve months
exposed to a normal industrial environment, and (2) to be removable with mineral spirits or any Stoddard
solvent.

STORAGE
R

16.3

Storage of austenitic stainless steel piping shall be as follows:

a.
Piping shall be stored under cover and out of contact with the ground.
b.
c.

9/68
6/69
6/70
6/71
1/73
6/76
6/78
6/95
6/97
3/98
6/99

Openings shall be blanked to prevent the entry of moisture.

Exposure to salt water, salt spray, or other chlorides shall be prevented.

Revision Memo
Original Issue of Basic Practice
Revision 1
1/82
Revision 7
Revision 2
1/84
Revision 8
Revision 3
1/86
Revision 9
Revision 4
3/90
Revision 10
Revision 5
12/90
Revision 11
Revision 6
Revision 0 - Original Issue of International Practice
Revision 1
Revision 2
Revision 3
Par. 10.1 clarifies application intent. Par. 10.3 clarifies intent/current usage. Par. 10.5c added steam turbines as
applicable equipment; Notes 1 and 2 clarified to intent and applicability to Class 800 valves only. Par. 10.6b 9 inch max
dimension now to center of valve to not exclude acceptable inlet fittings. Par. 15.3 clarified intent. Par. 15.12 restructured
weld projections allowed based on current usage; grinding only needed for meter tubes.

Exxon Research and Engineering Company, 1998, 1999

THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY

EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

Piping Fabrication Shop or Field

INTERNATIONAL
PRACTICE

Page 11 of 12
(This practice is appropriate for attachment to Inquiry or Purchase Document)

FIGURE 1
DIMENSIONAL TOLERANCES

NORMAL SERVICE

SPECIAL SERVICES
a. Design Temperature
850F or Flange Rating
1
ASME Class 900
b. Where plastic or elastomeric liner
(lapped over the flange faces)
provides the gasket for the joint.
c. Piping over NPS 3 to be connected
to rotating machinery.

2
1

5
031801F1

ITEM

IP 3-18-1

1/8 in. max. from indicated dimensions for face to face,

center to face, location of attachments, etc.

THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY

EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

Rev. 3

June 1999

IP 3-18-1

Piping Fabrication Shop or Field

Page 12 of 12
Rev. 3

June 1999

(This practice is appropriate for attachment to Inquiry or Purchase Document)

Bend flattening tolerance shall be in accordance with the

applicable Code.

1/8 in. max. lateral

translation of
branches or
connections.

1/16 in. max. rotation of flanges from the indicated position,

measured as shown.
1/64 in. for piping over NPS 3 to be connected to rotating
machinery.

Per the applicable

Code.

1/16 in. max. lateral translation of

branches or connections.

1/64 in. max. out of alignment of

flanges from the indicated position,
measured across any diameter.

Acceptable Metric Equivalents

in.

1/64

1/16

1/8

850F

NPS 3

mm

0.4

1.5

454C

80

THIS INFORMATION FOR AUTHORIZED COMPANY USE ONLY

EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY FLORHAM PARK, N.J.

INTERNATIONAL
PRACTICE