What are the procedure qualification tests for automatic welding without filler metal additions on 24" diameter pipe of over 1/2" wall thickness?

The procedure qualification tests for automatic welding without filler metal additions on 24" diameter pipe with a wall thickness greater than 1/2" require a specific set of tests as outlined in relevant standards. The correct answer indicates a requirement for four tensile tests, sixteen nick breaks, and four side bends.

Tensile tests are carried out to determine the weld's strength and ductility, ensuring that the welded joint can withstand the operational stresses it will encounter. The requirement for sixteen nicks is particularly noteworthy as it reflects an emphasis on the thorough evaluation of the weld's integrity. Nicks are specifically designed to test the notch toughness of the weld under stress, which is critical when welding thicker sections of pipe to prevent premature failures. Having a higher number of nick tests ensures that any defects or weaknesses that may be present can be adequately identified and addressed.

The inclusion of four side bends serves to evaluate the ductility of the weld at a macroscopic level, ensuring that the entire welded assembly can distribute loads effectively without cracking. This test also checks the overall quality of the weld joint by observing how it performs under bending stresses.

Overall, this combination of tests (four tensile tests, sixteen nick breaks, and four side bends) provides a comprehensive evaluation of the weld