API-AGA JOINT COMMITTEE ON
OIL AND GAS PIPELINE FIELD WELDING PRACTICES
2007 ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 24 and 25, 2007
Phoenix, Arizona
AttendingCompany
Bill AmendStructural Integrity Assoc.
Gery BaumanU.S. Department of Transportation
Elaine BakewiczPrecision Images
Matt BoringEdison Welding Institute
William A. BruceCC Technologies, Inc.
Bill ByrdT. D. Williamson, Inc.
James A. CoxKinder Morgan
David L. CulbertsonEl Paso Corporation
Don DrakeExxon-Mobil
Mike FahrionChevron
Doug FairchildExxon-Mobil
Marshall L. FarleyConsumers Energy Co.
Doug FairchildExxon-Mobil
Richard T. FairclothCameron
Robert GatlinGlobal Industries
Joe HallWeldsonix
John HammondBP Exploration (Consultant)
Taylor HanesApplied Ultrasonics
Robert HippeArizona Corporation Commission
David HorsleyTransCanada PipeLines Ltd.
Jordan HunterKinder Morgan Energy Partners, LP
Bob HuntleyRMH Welding
Jim IbarraBP America
Andrea M. JohnsonAPI Staff
Wayne KlemckeUniversal Ensco Inc.
Frans KoppShell Exploration & Production
Brian LaingCRC-Evans Automatic Welding
Kenneth Y. LeeLincoln Electric
Dan LilligExxon-Mobil
Mario MaciaExxon-Mobil
Bill MarhoferPipeline Machinery International
Brian MoidelDominion
Robert ParksSouthwest Gas Corporation
Steve ParrisKoch Pipeline Company, LP
Charlie PatilloWeldsonix
Tom ReederCentral NDT Inc.
Gilles RichardTenaris Tamsa
Robert RobinsonTechnip Offshore Inc.
Perry ShethKeyspan Energy Delivery
Ron ShockleyChevron Energy Technology
Attending (continued)Company
Don W. ThornWelded Construction LP
Mark TinneLone Star Steel Company
Jan Van Der EntApplus RTD
Yong-Yi WangEngineering Mechanics Corp. of Columbus
Lewis F. WarrenWelded Tube of Canada
Steve WeinholdWestern Gas Resources, Inc.
Mark WernerApplus RTD
Ronnie WiseGregory & Cook Inc.
C. P. (Chuck) Woodruff, Jr.Seaone Maritime Corp.
2007 ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES
1.0OPENING SESSION – First Day (January 24, 2007)
1.1The meeting was called to order by the Chairman, Dave Culbertson at 1.05 PM.
1.2Dave Culbertson invited everyone to introduce themselves and their affiliation. He welcomed all visitors and encouraged them to participate fully.
1.3Acknowledgement of those member serving twenty years or more:
Scott Metzger - 21 years; Dave Culbertson- 24 years; Bob Wise - 25 years; Tom Reeder - 27 years; Jordan Hunter - 45 years; Robert Wright - 49 years.
1.4IN MEMORIAM - Edgar (Tiny) Von Rosenberg
Edgar (Tiny) Von Rosenberg, Professional Engineer, passed away on March 11, 2006. He had an illustrious career in the oil industry originally in manufacturing and service companies and later at Exxon Production and Research Company as Senior Research Scientist. Still later he formed his own well regarded consulting practice. He held 9 US Patents and was nationally and internationally recognized as an expert in pipelines and welding. He was active in ASTM, AWS, ASM, API, ISO and other Technical and Professional organizations. He served for many years as Chairman of the AGA Pipeline Research Committee NG 18 and as Chairman Emeritus of API 1104.
1.5The Minutes of the 2006 Annual Meeting held in Savannah, Georgia on January 18, 19, and 20, 2006 were approved.
1.6The agenda for the 2007 meeting was approved.
1.7Status of API 1104 20th edition to find areas of changes from those noted in the 19th edition. There was a general agreement that member would like a copy of the 20th edition that shows changes that were made. Chuck Woodruff has attempted to document these changes. Anyone interested in reviewing and making comments to Chuck’s work should contact chairman, Dave Culbertson.
1.8Status of new revisions to Appendix A. A review was given by Robert Gatlin, FractureMechanics subcommittee chairman. His chronology of progress showed the following:
October 2004Attended OPS/PRCI public meeting in Houston.
November 2004Ad hoc meeting in Houston discussed OPS/PRCI.
January 2005Agreed to move forward drafting new Appendix A.
December 2005Yong-Yi Wang produced initial working draft.
January 2006Conducted extensive review of Revision 1.
February 2006Revision 2 included additional comments.
March 2006Robert and Yong-Yi meet with Shell/Frans Kopp.
April 2006Held ad hoc meeting addressed Shell’s proposals.
June 2006Yong-Yi conducted extensive cyclic stress analysis.
July 2006Yong-Yi incorporated comments into Version 5.
December 2006Sent Version 5 to full committee for review.
January 2007Conducted online meeting to produce Version 6.
1.9Status of General Interest Group (Don Thorn)
This group will provide a recommendation before the next meeting.
1.10There was a review of the subcommittee roster. Dave Culbertson strongly recommended that all attend and participate.
1.11Andrea Johnson reminded everyone that when website is used, the username is the email address. Passwords will be sent by API if needed.
1.12Alan Beckett has asked to be replaced as chairman of repair welding task group. Robert Gatlin mentioned that there is an ISO 13847 document for repair. Andrea Johnson indicated that she would obtain a copy of the ISO for everyone on the repair task group.
1.13The rooms available for sub committee meetings were identified. Any assistance with audio or visual equipment should come from the API office.
1.14Meeting locations for each subcommittee were announced.
1.15Dave Culbertson announced that the meeting time for the Main committee meeting on Thursday was being changed to 1:00 PM, to complete the meeting on Thursday. This would mean that the Friday meeting would be eliminated.
1.16Andrea Johnson will be leaving API, and taking a position at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. A special thanks was extended by Dave Culbertson on behalf of API 1104 for her OUTSTANDING work with us. Andrea received a standing ovation by entire committee.
2.0Second Session Main Committee – (Thursday - January 25, 2007).
2.1Dave Culbertson convened the opening session continuation of the meeting at 1:10 PM.
A special thanks to Pipeline Machining International , represented by Bill Marhofer, for sponsoring the breakfast.
We plan to finish all our reports today, and eliminate the necessity for a meeting on Friday morning.
2.2Technical Presentation for Thursday Afternoon Session
“Applied Ultrasonics” –Taylor Hanes (Esonix UIT Business Development )
“Improvement of Fatigue Resistance Of Welded Details by Ultrasonic Impact Treatment (UIT)”
The principle of Esonix UIT is based on the instrumental conversion of harmonic oscillations of an acoustically tuned body into resonant impulses of ultrasonic frequency. The acoustically tuned body is brought to resonance by energizing an ultrasonic transducer. The energy generated from these high frequency impulses is imparted to the treated surface through the contact of specially designed steel pins. These transfer pins are free to move axially between the resonant body and the treated surface leaving a thin film of metal on the surface which is left in compression.
Depending on the desired effects of treatment a combination of different frequencies and displacement amplitude is applied. These frequencies range between 27 kHz and 55kHz, with the displacement amplitude of the resonant body of between 22 and 50 microns.
The following list describes the effects that can result due to UIT treatment. The controlled action of the application allows one to define the exact combination of effects listed below by altering the configuration of the control and treatment parameters. Thus, the user only gets those effects that are desired:
|1|Formation of a white layer up to 10 microns in depth with exceptional corrosion resistance, abrasion resistance, and lubricity.
|2|Plastic deformation of the surface.
|3|Elimination of tensile stress and the introduction of compressive stress up to 12 millimeters in depth thus improving fatigue life.
|4|Alteration of the surface finish resulting in a smoother surface and eliminating defects.
2.3PHMSA-DOT Activities Report - Gery Bauman (Phone: 1-740-587-0275)
2.3.1Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement and Safety Act of 2006
2.3.1.1Regulation required for low stress pipelines
2.3.1.2Grants authority for new civil penalties regarding 3rd party damage
2.3.1.3Provides grants for damage prevention and damage prevention technology development
2.3.1.4Strengthens PHMSA authority
2.3.1.5Provides technical assistance grants for local entities related to pipeline safety
2.3.1.6Enforcement transparency – post to the web monthly summaries of pipeline enforcement actions.
2.3.1.7Defines gas direct sales lateral
2.3.1.8Mandates gas distribution integrity management regulations by end of 2007
2.3.1.9Requires adoption of some NTSB recommendations API RP 165 – standardized graphics for SCADA systems
2.3.1.10Creates a pipeline ombudsman to deal with pipeline construction and repair permitting issues
2.3.1.11Cost recovery for design reviews of LNG facilities
2.3.1.12Sets limits on work schedules for SCADA operators
2.3.1.13Provides for emergency waivers of regulations
2.3.1.14Provides money for promoting the 811 phone number
2.3.1.15Provides for corrosion research
2.3.1.16Provides for cost recovery involving accident investigations
2.3.1.17Provides that a senior executive officer must sign off on Integrity Management Plans
2.3.1.18PHMSA must report to congress on the effectiveness of leak detection systems
2.3.1.19PHMSA to study possible supply issues caused by pipeline failures and/or shut downs
2.3.1.20Mandates PHMSA and Homeland Security cooperate on security issues
2.3.1.21Provides for research grants
2.3.1.22Appropriations and minimum PHMSA staffing levels
2.3.2New Alert Notice - Damage Prevention
2.3.2.1Addresses recent construction related fatalities that have occurred in California, Texas, Virginia, Michigan and Wyoming
2.3.2.21st party – 2nd party – 3rd party
2.3.2.3Implement Common Ground Best Practices
2.3.3Research and Development
2.3.3.1develop new technologies for leak detection and damage prevention
2.3.3.2improve technology for pipeline operation, monitoring, and control
2.3.3.3improving pipeline materials.
PMSA is partnering with industry and can provide research funds. Generally, research is funded on a cost share basis, up to 50%.
Some of the projects that are associated with welding are: 1) Study of the alternate defect acceptance criteria for pipeline welds. This report has been a topic of discussion in your Appendix A subcommittee meeting. 2) Develop advanced welding repair and remediation methods for in-service welds. 3) Define and develop a phased array AUT system to detect, locate, and size flaws in pipeline welds. 4) A study of alternate welding processes for use in in-service welds. 5) Develop standards that control strength and toughness in higher strength girth welds. 6) Evaluation of hydrogen cracking in weld metal deposited with cellulosic electrodes. 7) Innovative welding processes for small and medium diameter gas transmission pipelines. 8) Optimizing weld integrity for X 80 and X 100.
2.3.4Government / Industry Pipeline Research & Development Forum coming up on Feb. 7 & 8, 2007 in New Orleans, LA.
More information on research can be found at
If you have a suggestion for a research project, please contact Gery Bauman, Jim Merritt or Robert Smith.
2.3.5Changes to DOT Regulations
§195.214 Welding procedures
Welding must be performed by a qualified welder in accordance with welding procedures qualified under Section 5 of API 1104, Appendix B of API 1104 or Section IX of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. The quality of the test welds used to qualify the welding procedure shall be determined by destructive testing.
§195.222 Welders: Qualification of welders.
Each welder must be qualified in accordance with section 6 or Appendix B of API 1104 or section IX of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, except that a welder qualified under an earlier edition than listed in § 195.3 may weld but may not re-qualify under that earlier edition.
2.3.6Will there be PHMSA Incorporation of the 20th Edition of API 1104 into Regulations?
No initiative underway
Historically adopted every other issue 13-15-17-19
Appendix A of the 20th edition does not adequately address X 80 or X100 pipe
PHMSA supports and encourages the development of a modernized version of Appendix A
Once the new version of Appendix A has been approved, API should urge PHMSA to quickly incorporate into Federal Regulations a version of API 1104 with a modernized Appendix A
For more information:
2.4API Washington DC Office – Andrea Johnson of the API Standards Group
New or Revised API Pipeline Standards
Recommended Practice 1133 – Guidelines for Onshore Hydrocarbon Pipelines Affecting High Consequence Floodplains
Recommended Practice 1166 – Excavation Monitoring and Observation
Other Standards relating to Pipeline
New or revised API standards in development in the following subject areas:
- 1165 SCADA Display
- 1110 Hydrostatic Pressure Testing
- 1113 Developing a Supervisory ControlCenter
Joint API/ISO Standards
- ISO 3183 passed FDIS ballot and 5L API Adopt Back ballot. ISO is probably 2 to 3 months away from publication. 5L will follow by at least a month, with Annexes.
- ISO 14313: ISO is working on revisions to 14313, but it is only at DIS. It is expected to be proposed to adopt-back as a new edition of 6D, but it may not be until next year.
Other ISO Standards Published (but none adopted as US/API standards):
13623Pipeline Transportation Systems
13847Pipeline Welding
15590-1Induction Bends
ISO 15589-1Cathodic protection of pipeline transportation systems - Part 1: On-land pipelines
21329Testing Procedures for Mechanical Connectors
15590-2,3Fittings Flanges
15589-2Cathodic Protection - offshore
ISO Standards Under Development:
16708Reliability based limit state methods for design
21809External Pipeline Protective Coatings
2.5SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
2.5.1Fracture Mechanics – Robert Gatlin
The Fracture Mechanics Subcommittee met twice during this meeting. First on Wednesday afternoon from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM, and then again on Thursday morning from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
The purpose of the meeting was to review Version 6 of the Appendix A draft. Several changes were made and agreement was reached on the final version by all subcommittee members present.
The Appendix A was presented to the full committee for a vote.
Motion was made and seconded that Appendix A go to letter ballot.
The letter ballot will be the entire appendix A.
For:18
Against 0
Abstentions 0
If approved, it will be sent out as an errata.
So after approved it will be sent out with all 20th editions.
2.5.2Mechanized Welding – Don Thorn
Meeting Jan. 24, 2007
Attendees:
Don ThornWayne Klemcke
Mark TinneRobert Robinson
Bill MarhoferRobert Hippe
Ronnie WiseBrian Laing
Jordan Hunter
- A continued discussion of weld cap height as stated in 7.8.2, and wording suggested as “should” vs. “shall” took place and again was forwarded to WP & WQ subcommittee for consideration.
- No outstanding issues were referred from the chairman for consideration.
- General discussion of the need to reach agreement on Appendix A revision took place.
The meeting concluded to join the Fracture Mechanics subcommittee meeting at 3:45 PM.
2.5.3Modifications, Interpretation, and Policies - Wayne Klemcke
The first order of business was to elect a new Chairman.
Wayne Klemcke was unanimously elected Chairman.
The following five Technical Inquires were addressed:
Inquiry numbers 1104-0304-05, -I-0522-06, -I-0522-06 (2nd use of same number), -I-0123-06, and one with an unassigned number were reviewed.
Interpretations were drafted for four of the five. The fifth (the Inquiry without an assigned number) will be forwarded to both the Subcommittee on NDT and the Subcommittee on WelderQualifications for their input, prior to issue of the interpretation.
2.5.4Maintenance Welding – Bill Bruce
The Maintenance Welding Sub-Committee was called to order at 8:00 AM on January 25, 2007. A total of 12 participants attended the meeting.
The following is a description of the significant items that were discussed:
Procedure and Welder Qualification for Weld Deposition Repairs – The status of revisions necessary for future editions of API 1104 to allow procedure and welder qualification for weld deposition repairs was discussed. A first draft of the necessary revisions, which was produced by Bill Amend following the January 2005 meeting, and the new section pertaining to this in CSA Z662 were discussed. The group reconfirmed that this would be a useful addition to Appendix B and accepted the offer of Bill Amend, who was unable to attend the January 2006 meeting, to continue his work on this. The chairman offered to distribute the draft produced by Bill Amend and the relevant sections of CSA Z662. The intent is to have a draft of the necessary revisions for review at the January 2008 meeting.
Branch and Fillet Weld Revisions – The issue pertaining to the definition of a branch weld and differentiation between branch and fillet welds for procedure qualification was discussed. At the January 2006 meeting, proposed revisions to the new definition of branch weld that is now in the 20th edition were drafted and agreed upon. The chairman of the Welding Procedure and Welder Qualification Sub-Committee, Alan Holk, had agreed to draft a letter ballot containing the proposed revision, but this was not done. Dave Culbertson agreed to bring this to Alan Holk’s attention.
ASME In-Service Welding Activities – The activities of the ASME Post-Construction Sub-Committee regarding in-service welding were discussed. Jim Cox described the background pertaining to this activity, which includes the development of a document that addresses the requirements and precautions associated with in-service welding. Matt Boring, who is a member of the ASME sub-committee, provided a copy of the latest draft of this document for the chairman to distribute to the sub-committee for review and comment. Matt Boring offered to take over from Jim Cox as a liaison person between these two groups.
Other Discussion Items – A variety of other issues were discussed. These included welder re-qualification intervals, the applicability of the 19th and 20th editions of Appendix B and API 1107, time delay prior to inspection for hydrogen cracking, the need for a guidance document for API 1104, issues pertaining to “multiple qualification” of in-service welders, determination of chemical composition for pipelines in operation, and heat-affected hardness limits for in-service welding. The chairman offered to distribute information pertaining to some of these issues.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:30 AM.
2.5.5Nondestructive Testing Procedures - Chuck Woodruff
1.There were 8 attendees, 3 members and 5 visitors.
2.Issues discussed included:
a.Radiographic requirements for double wall exposures with double wall viewing (DWE/DWV) IQI sensitivity issues. A report was submitted by Tom Reeder via email and discussed by Dave Culbertson. An initial result of testing indicates that wire IQI selection should be based on 2 times the wall thickness instead of 1. Item returned to NDT task group for further evaluation before submittal for Subcommittee consideration.
b.Proposed wording and illustrations describing acceptable wire IQI images, wire locations, and placement within the IQI packets. Tom Reeder submitted drawing for consideration. Item returned to NDT task group for further consideration.
c.Interpretation and evaluation of parallel indications. Ask Andrea if interpretations to parallel indications other than slag lines have been addressed in any previous interpretations specifically parallel indications such as internal undercut. In Paragraph 9.3.11 does aggregate mean the accumulation of IU on both sides of the weld is that counted as one indication or two. Consider clarification that parallel internal undercut lines should be added together as an aggregate length per 9.3.11.a. This item to be dropped from the NDT subcommittee’s agenda because the current wording is clear as written.