Guidelines FieldWeldingandCutting PDF
Guidelines FieldWeldingandCutting PDF
Guidelines FieldWeldingandCutting PDF
Field Welding
and Cutting
Ductile Iron Pipe
Last Revised:
May 2016
Ductile Iron Pipe Manufacturers have been successfully welding
Ductile Iron Pipe for many years and should be consulted on their
recommendations for field welding and torch cutting their product.
The Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA) does not
support indiscriminate field welding of Ductile Iron Pipe. However,
unforeseen circumstances might require field welding of retainer
rings, thrust collars, etc., onto the barrels of Ductile Iron Pipe.
This manual is intended as a guide for field welding and cutting cement-mortar lined and unlined Ductile Iron
Pipe. For welding or cutting special lined pipe, consult the pipe manufacturer. The procedures described are
intended to be used only by qualified welders having adequate skill and experience in the practice of the
appropriate welding and cutting methods for cast ferrous materials. Only such qualified welders should be
allowed to field weld and field cut restrained joints for Ductile Iron Pipe. Pipe manufacturers’ recommended
procedures shall be followed while exercising reasonable care. Care should also be exercised in the application
of the principles contained herein. DIPRA assumes no responsibility and disclaims liability for the design or
performance of pipe joints or pipe systems fabricated with this approach. Also, DIPRA assumes no responsibility
and disclaims liability for injury or damage to persons or property arising from the use of these procedures.
Introduction
Welding is a very important fabrication method in modern industry. If an alloy can be welded successfully,
its usefulness is clearly enhanced. Ductile Iron can be welded successfully to produce welds that have
mechanical properties comparable to those of the base iron. As with any base material, the success of
welding Ductile Iron depends on suitable equipment, correct procedures, qualified welders, and effective
quality control procedures.
Its phenomenal strength and impact resistance compared to Gray Iron, along with many other advantages,
created a rapid increase in demand for this product as engineers and utility officials realized that it could be
transported, handled, and installed with virtually no damage to the pipe. In service, Ductile Iron Pipe showed
that expense of repair was practically eliminated.
Ductile Iron is usually defined as a Cast Iron with primary graphite in the nodular or spheroidal form. This
change in the graphite form is accomplished by adding an alloy, usually magnesium, to molten iron of
appropriate composition. Properly treated iron will solidify with the graphite in the form of nodules or
spheroids. The distribution and shape of the graphite nodules are set when the metal solidifies in the mold
and will remain essentially unchanged during subsequent processing. Because of the mold cooling and rapid
iron solidification, the pipe must be annealed (heat treated) to produce the necessary proportion of ferrite
that imparts strength, ductility, and impact properties required by specifications for water service.
The annealing treatment relieves casting stresses and produces the microstructural transformation that
increases the toughness and improves ductility of the iron while maintaining the required strength. The
effectiveness of the magnesium treatment of the iron as well as the annealing treatment of the pipe is proven
by means of physical tests. The types of tests, test frequencies, and acceptance limits that are required are
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specified in ANSI/AWWA C151/A21.51 Standard, “Ductile-Iron Pipe, Centrifugally Cast, for Water.” The
acceptance test requirements of the ANSI/AWWA C151/A21.51 Ductile Iron Pipe Standard are:
1. Tensile properties of specimens machined from the pipe wall: ultimate strength, 60,000 psi minimum;
yield strength, 42,000 psi minimum; elongation, 10 percent minimum.
2. Charpy V-Notch impact strengths on specimens cut from the pipe wall: 7 ft-lb minimum at 70°F; 3 ft-lb
minimum at -40°F.
Ferritic Ductile Iron, as compared to Gray Iron, will have about twice the strength as determined by a tensile
test, beam test, ring bending test, and bursting test. The tensile elongation and impact strength of Ductile
Iron is many times that of Gray Iron.
As these photomicrographs show, Ductile Iron differs from Gray Iron in that its graphite is spheroidal, or nodular, instead of the flake form found in
Gray Iron. Ductile’s greater strength, ductility, and toughness are due to this change in microstructure
The annealing treatment for Ductile Iron Pipe relieves casting stresses and produces the microstructural transformation that increases the pipe’s toughness
and improves the ductility of the iron while maintaining the required strength.
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General Welding of Iron Pipes Weld Joint Design
Most weld joint designs commonly used for welding
Weldability of Ductile Iron carbon steels are generally suitable for welding
Due to their high carbon content, all cast irons have Ductile Iron (butt welding is not recommended).
a common factor affecting their weldability. During
the welding of cast irons, the iron immediately Preheating
adjacent to the weld metal is heated to its fusion or Preheating involves raising the temperature of the base
melting point. After welding, the entire heat-affected metal in the region to be welded to a predetermined
zone cools very rapidly. During this heating and temperature prior to carrying out the welding process.
cooling, some of the graphitic carbon dissolves and Preheating may be applied to help prevent cold-
diffuses into the iron, and, as a result, carbides tend cracking, reduce hardness in the heat-affected zone,
to form at the edge of the fusion zone, and high- reduce residual stresses, and reduce distortion.
carbon martensite and bainite tend to form in the
remainder of the heat-affected zone. The formation Normally, preheating of Ductile Iron Pipe is not necessary
and is impractical to do in the field. However, in extreme
of these hard, brittle microconstituents increases
cold weather one may find it advantageous to warm
the susceptibility to cracking. The lower surface-to-
the pipe weld area with a torch.
volume ratio of the nodular graphite in Ductile Iron as
compared to that for the flake graphite in Gray Iron
Shielded Metal-Arc Welding
results in less carbon dissolution and the formation of
Shielded metal-arc welding is the most common
fewer carbides and less high-carbon martensite.
welding process used on Ductile Iron Pipe in the
field. The equipment necessary for shielded metal-
Also, because of its localized nature, welding
arc welding is as follows:
produces thermal stresses in the weld area. Ductile
Iron Pipe, having a predominantly ferritic matrix, is
1. D.C. arc welder using reversed polarity.
capable of local plastic deformation to accommodate
2. Suitable welding electrodes.
these welding stresses and is therefore better
3. Welding cable, work-piece cable, electrode holder,
suited to absorb welding stresses than is Gray Iron.
gloves, shield and protective clothing.
Successful welds can be made by minimizing the
stress from contraction of the weld metal as it cools,
Electrodes for metal-arc welding are normally
the pick-up of carbon by the weld metal, and by covered with a flux coating. The coating can fulfill
controlling the rate of cooling. the following functions:
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These electrodes are capable of producing suitable for vertical welding and 5 to 15 amps for overhead
welds without preheating or postheating the welding with Inco Alloys International’s Ni-Rod
pipe or connecting piece. Nickel-iron electrodes 55X. The arc length should be kept as short as
are available from most of the leading electrode possible consistent with obtaining smooth operation
manufacturers and, although composition with and sufficient penetration and wash at the side
reference to nickel and iron content remains broadly of the joint. A slight weave of the electrode is
the same, differences in slag-stripping qualities and recommended, although this should not exceed
operation may be found in electrodes obtained three times the diameter (i.e., corewire diameter)
from different sources. Two nickel-iron electrodes of the electrode. When mild-steel components are
are Inco Alloys International’s Ni-Rod 44 and Ni- being joined to Ductile Iron Pipe, the center line of
Rod 55. Mild-steel, arc-welding electrodes are not the arc should be concentrated as far as possible
recommended for use with Ductile Iron because of onto the mild-steel component, which is thereby
the high risk of cracking at the interface of weld and made to absorb as much heat as possible from
base metal. the arc. The relatively low arc intensity associated
with the nickel-iron electrodes, coupled with the
Deposited metal from the ENiFe-CI electrode has sluggish metal-transfer characteristic, is conducive
a carbon content well above the solubility limit. to minimum heat input, giving minimum fusion and
The excess carbon is rejected as graphite during minimum carbide formation in the base iron.
solidification of the weld metal. This reaction causes
an increase in volume that tends to minimize weld By depositing narrow beads in short lengths one
shrinkage during solidification. This, in turn, reduces can reduce the cumulative effect of the stresses
residual stresses in the weld metal and the iron’s from shrinkage of weld metal. Each length of bead
heat-affected zone. should be allowed to cool until it can be touched
by hand before another deposit is made within
Care of Electrodes the area heated by the first bead. While one bead
Electrodes must be completely free from moisture is cooling, others are deposited at other locations
when used. Porosity in the weld can and often throughout the joint. All beads should be deposited
does originate because of moisture pick-up by the in the same direction. Another method to reduce
electrode coating. It is invariably due to the fact that shrinkage stresses is to peen a deposited bead of
the electrodes have been stored in unsatisfactory weld metal while it is still hot. Peening should be
conditions. Ideally, electrodes should be stored in an done with repeated moderate blows using a round-
oven maintained at a temperature of at least 250°F. nose tool and sufficient force to deform the weld
If they have not been stored under these conditions metal but without rupturing it. Effective peening
they should be baked for at least 1 hour at 480°F stretches the weld metal to help compensate for the
in a well-ventilated electric oven prior to use. The shrinkage that occurs during cooling. The peened
practice of drying electrodes by shorting them out metal is then allowed to cool before another bead
is not recommended. Excessive heating by this is deposited near it. By using a low welding current,
method, apart from having adverse effects on the a small-diameter electrode, and depositing multiple
power source, can damage the coatings and thus narrow beads, only the lower layer of weld metal
reduce their shielding efficiency when used. has a very high carbon content. Subsequent layers
of weld metal tend to temper and reduce hardness
Welding Procedures of the first layer. Complete flux removal is essential
Welding current for a particular electrode size after each weld pass before depositing further
should be within the range recommended by the weld metal since entrapped slag can impair the
manufacturer but as low as possible, consistent strength properties of the weld. Flux removal, in the
with smooth operation, desired head contour, case of nickel-iron electrodes, can usually be easily
and good fusion. When used in other than the flat accomplished with a pointed welder’s hammer or by
horizontal position, an electrode recommended wire-brushing.
for out of position welding, such as Inco Alloys
International’s Ni-Rod 55X, should be used. The
welding current should be reduced 10 to 20 amps
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Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welding FIGURE 1
Metal inert gas and pulsed-metal inert gas arc
welding using argon or argon-helium shielding-gas Shielded Metal-Arc Welding Process
with short-circuiting transfer is suitable for joining
Ductile Iron to itself and to mild steel. Because of
the relatively low heat input with this process, the
hard portion of the heat-affected zone is usually
confined to a thin layer next to the weld metal. As a
result, the strength and ductility of the welded joint
are about the same as those of the base metal.
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Field Welding Procedure For Field-Cut Procedure
Restrained Joint Ductile Iron Pipe 1. Measure the candidate pipe diameter (or
circumference) at the location of the cut to
Many restrained joint designs rely on a welded- be made to ensure that the pipe diameter and
on retainer ring around the spigot of the pipe to circumference are within the tolerance shown in
provide part of the means of restraint. This retainer Table 2. (Note: There are minimum laying lengths
ring is furnished factory-welded in position on the for restrained joint pipe. Consult manufacturer.)
pipe. The welding is performed by welders qualified
to produce high-quality, dependable welds. By
planning ahead, necessary field cuts of Ductile Iron
Pipe can normally be positioned in unrestrained
sections of the pipeline. However, if field cuts are
required in restrained joint pipe sections utilizing the
welded-on retainer ring, a loose factory-supplied
ring can be field-welded onto the barrel of the field-
cut Ductile Iron Pipe.
3/32-in 40–65
1/8-in 75–95
5/32-in 100–135
3/16-in 120–155
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6. Re-mark the location of the weld-on retainer ring
on the pipe as was done in Step 4.
7. Some restrained joint designs require the weld-
on retainer ring to be cut to length in the field. If
such is employed, fit the ring around the pipe and
mark and cut the ring to the length recommended
by the manufacturer. Normally the ring will be cut
“short” to accommodate lengthening during the
welding operation.
8. Clamp the weld-on retainer ring securely on
the pipe in the correct location.* This may be
Step 3. Cut the pipe at the desired location. Following the cut, the outside of the
cut end should be beveled smooth per the manufacturer’s recommendations. accomplished using the manufacturer’s special
welding jigs, fixtures, and/or C-clamps. If the
4. Mark the location of the weld-on retainer ring from clamping device bears on the inside of the pipe,
the cut end of the pipe per the manufacturer’s care should be taken to minimize damage to the
specifications. pipe lining. If welding fixtures and/or C-clamps
are used, the weld deposit should be applied in
circumferential intervals corresponding to the
movement of the clamps as recommended by the
pipe manufacturer.
Step 4. Mark the location of the weld-on retainer ring from the cut end of the
pipe per the manufacturer’s specifications.
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12. Inspect the pipe lining for possible damage.
Cement-mortar linings are normally not adversely
affected by such welding procedures; however,
if cement lining damage occurs, it should be
patched in accordance with recommended
procedures as noted in ANSI/AWWA C104/A21.4
Standard, “Cement-Mortar Linings for Ductile-Iron
Pipe and Fittings for Water.” Contact the pipe
manufacturer for repair of special linings.
Step 10. Thoroughly clean the weld and ring* to remove all weld flux and splatter
so the pipe spigot is clean for proper gasket sealing and joint assembly.
11. Coat the ring* weld and ground pipe surface with
a smooth uniform coat of brushable mastic.
In addition to being cut with an abrasive pipe saw, a rotary wheel cutter, a
guillotine pipe saw, or a milling saw, Ductile Iron Pipe can also be cut with an
oxyacetylene torch if recommended by the pipe manufacturer. Cut ends and
rough edges should be ground smooth. For push-on connections, the cut end
Step 11. Coat the ring*, weld, and ground pipe surface with a smooth uniform should be beveled to the approximate profile of the factory supplied end.
coat of brushable mastic.
The ANSI/AWWA standard for Ductile Iron Pipe
requires factory gauging of the spigot end.
Accordingly, pipes selected for cutting should be
field gauged in the location of the cut and be within
tolerance as shown in Table 2 (next page).
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Torch cutting of Ductile Iron Pipe normally results
TABLE 2
in a heat-affected zone extending less than 1/4-inch
Suitable Pipe Diameters for Field Cuts and
from the cut face but might result in small cracks in
Restrained Joint Field Fabrication
this area which should be removed by grinding. Some
Nominal Min. Pipe Max. Pipe Min. Pipe Max. Pipe
difficulty might result in threading or machining in this Pipe Size Diameter Diameter Circumference Circumference
particular portion of the pipe due to hardening of the In. In. In. In. In.
metal. Such hardening does not interfere with push- 4 4.74 4.86 14 29/32 15 9/32
on or mechanical joint assembly or performance.
6 6.84 6.96 21 1/2 21 7/8
Pipe manufacturers who recommend torch cutting of 8 8.99 9.11 28 1/4 28 5/8
their pipe report best results are obtained by using a 10 11.04 11.16 34 11/16 35 1/16
No. 8 or No. 10 tip with approximately 75 psi oxygen
12 13.14 13.26 41 9/32 41 21/32
and 10 to 15 psi acetylene. For cement-lined Ductile
14 15.22 15.35 47 13/16 48 7/32
Iron Pipe, the best results are normally obtained when
the torch head is inclined approximately 60 degrees 16 17.32 17.45 54 13/32 54 13/16
to the direction of cutting. Cutting time for pipe 18 19.42 19.55 61 61 13/32
cut by oxyacetylene methods is approximately one
20 21.52 21.65 67 19/32 68
minute per inch of diameter for cement-lined pipe
and even less for unlined pipe. 24 25.72 25.85 80 13/16 81 7/32
References
1. American Cast Iron Pipe Company, “Instructions for Field Welding of American Restrained Ductile Iron Pipe Joints.”
2. ANSI/AWS D11.2 Standard, “Guide for Welding Iron Castings,” 1989.
3. ANSI/AWS A5.15 Standard, “Specification for Welding Electrodes and Rods for Cast Iron.”
4. ANSI/AWWA C151/A21.51 Standard, “Ductile-Iron Pipe, Centrifugally Cast, for Water.”
5. British Cast Iron Research Association, “The Joining and Fabrication of Nodular Iron Castings by Welding,” 1982.
6. INCO Alloys International, Ni-Rod 44 and Ni-Rod 55 Welding Electrodes.
7. INCO Alloys International, Ni-Rod 99X and Ni-Rod 55X Welding Electrodes.
8. Jefferson, T.B., “Metals and How to Weld Them,” Second Edition, Welding Engineer Publication, Inc.
9. The Lincoln Electric Company, “The Procedure Handbook of Arc Welding,” Twelfth Edition.
10. U.S. Pipe and Foundry Company, “Field Cutting and Welding Procedure for TR FLEX Pipe,” 1997 Edition.
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For more information contact DIPRA or any
of its member companies.