Transport i infrastruktura · 24/03/2010

Pipeline Safety: Girth Weld Quality Issues Due to Improper Transitioning, Misalignment, and Welding Practices of Large Diameter Line Pipe

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is warning owners and operators of recently built large diameter natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines about the risk of girth weld failures due to poor welding quality. PHMSA has identified several recent projects from 2008 and 2009 with pipes larger than 20 inches in diameter, grade X70 and above, where misaligned welding, improper bevels, and other poor welding practices led to failures.