Pipe with Welded Connectors

API RECOMMENDED PRACTICE 5C6

THIRD EDITION, MAY 2018

REAFFIRMED, AUGUST 2024

Special Notes

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Copyright © 2018 American Petroleum Institute

Foreword

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iii
Contents

Page

1 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.1 Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2 Normative References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
3 Terms and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
4 Materials Information Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.1 Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.2 Pipe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.3 Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4.4 Additional Suggestions and Supplemental Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
5 Welding Procedure Qualification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
5.1 Written Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
5.2 Base Metal Groupings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
5.3 Welding Consumables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
5.4 Hardness Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
5.5 Charpy Impact Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
5.6 Postweld Heat Treatment (PWHT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
6 Welder and Welding Operator Qualification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
6.1 Testing Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
6.2 Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
7 Production Welding Controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
7.1 Qualifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
7.2 Use of WPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
7.3 Preheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
7.4 Fit-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
7.5 Postweld Heat Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
7.6 Welding Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
8 Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
8.1 Calibration of Measuring and Test Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
8.2 Connector Squareness and Alignment Verification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
8.3 Nondestructive Examination of Weldments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Annex A (normative) Simulated Postweld Heat Treatment (SPWHT) Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Annex B (informative) Suggestions for Ordering Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Annex C (informative) Supplementary Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Figures
B.1 Connector Dimensional Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
C.1 Rockwell Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
C.2 Vickers Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Tables
B.1 Purchaser Supplied Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

v
 Pipe with Welded Connectors

1 Scope
1.1 Purpose
This standard provides a practice for facility or field welding of connectors to pipe. The technical content
contains guidance and requirements for welding procedure qualification, welder performance
qualification, materials, testing, production welding, and inspection.

1.2 Coverage

This standard covers the weld fabrication of connectors and handling attachments, such as lift eyes and
landing pads, to pipe. This standard also includes practices used within industry and is intended to be
analogous to API 6A PSL 1 with additional requirements specific to the equipment fabrication.

2 Normative References
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this standard. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
standard applies (including any addenda/errata).

API Specification 2B, Structural Steel Pipe

API Specification 5L, Line Pipe

API Specification 5L, Line Pipe (46th Edition)

API Specification 6A, Wellhead and Christmas Tree Equipment

API Standard 1104, Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities

API Standard 20H, Heat Treatment Services—Batch Type for Equipment Used in the Petroleum and
Natural Gas Industry

Aerospace Material Specification 2750, Pyrometry

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section V, Nondestructive Examination

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division I, Rules for Construction of Pressure
Vessels

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX, Welding and Brazing Qualifications

ASTM A370, Standard Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products

ASTM E10, Standard Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials

ASTM E18, Standard Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Materials

ASTM E23, Standard Test Methods for Notched Bar Impact Testing of Metallic Materials

ASTM E92, Standard Test Methods for Vickers Hardness and Knoop Hardness of Metallic Materials
2 API RECOMMENDED PRACTICE 5C6

NACE MR0175/ISO 15156, Petroleum and natural gas industries—Materials for use in H2S-containing
environments in oil and gas production

ISO 6892-1, Metallic materials – Tensile testing – Part 1: Method of test at room temperature

3 Terms and Definitions

For the purpose of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.

3.1
axial alignment
Alignment to within specified tolerances of the connector centerline, to the centerline of the connector at
the opposite end of the pipe.

NOTE See Section 8 for additional information on alignment.

3.2
base metal
Metal to be welded or cut.

3.3
base metal grouping
System used to describe comparable base metal characteristics, such as chemical composition,
weldability, thermal processing, and mechanical properties.

3.4
calibration
Comparison and adjustment of instruments to a standard of known accuracy.

3.5
carbon equivalent
Equation where variables are defined by base metal composition.

NOTE The result can be used as information to help assess the base metal weldability.

3.6
casing
Steel pipe used in oil wells to seal off fluids from the wellbore and to prevent the walls of the hole from
sloughing or caving.

3.7
connector
Forging, machined to a geometry to function as a mechanical connection welded to pipe (casing).

3.8
connector parallelism
A measure of the connector face or plane with respect to the connector face at the opposite end of the
pipe.

3.9
Charpy V-notch
Impact testing in accordance with ASTM A370.
 PIPE WITH WELDED CONNECTORS 3

3.10
discontinuity
An interruption of the typical structure of a weldment, such as lack of homogeneity in the mechanical,
metallurgical, or physical characteristics.

NOTE A discontinuity is not necessarily a defect.

3.11
drift mandrel
A precision dimensioned cylinder sized to pass through or be inserted into the ends of pipe to locate
obstructions or to assure compliance with appropriate specifications.

NOTE Other drift configurations may be approved by the purchaser.

3.12
fabricator
The company responsible for welding.

3.13
grinding
Removing material from a pipe surface or weld by abrading, e.g. using a grinding wheel.

3.14
hardness test
A measure of the hardness of a metal, as determined by pressing a hard steel ball or diamond penetrant
into a smooth surface under standard conditions.

NOTE Results can be expressed in terms of Rockwell hardness number (HRB or HRC) or Brinell hardness
number (BHN); refer to ASTM E10 and ASTM E18 for added information.

3.15
heat affected zone
HAZ

Base metal zone adjacent to a weld that has had a metallurgical change induced by welding.

3.16
manufacturer
The company that manufactures the connector.

3.17
magnetic particle examination
A nondestructive test method utilizing magnetic flux leakage fields and suitable indicating materials to
disclose surface and near-surface discontinuity indications.

3.18
nondestructive exam
NDE
Inspection to detect internal, surface, and concealed defects or flaws in materials using techniques that
do not damage or destroy the items being tested.

3.19
pipe
Plain end pipe (casing) to which connectors are to be welded.
4 API RECOMMENDED PRACTICE 5C6

3.20
postweld heat treat
PWHT
Thermal heat treatment applied at the completion of a weld as specified on the welding procedure
specification.

3.21
radiographic examination
The use of X-rays or nuclear radiation, or both, to detect discontinuities in material and to present their
images on a recording medium.

3.22
squareness
A measurement of the connector with respect to the pipe axis adjacent to the pipe end.

3.23
weld
A localized coalescence of metals produced by heating the materials to the welding temperature, with or
without the application of pressure and with or without the use of filler metal.

3.24
weld reinforcement
Weld metal in excess of the quantity required to fill a joint; sometimes referred to as the weld cap on the
OD and weld protrusion on the ID.

3.25
welded attachments
Attachments are equipment such as lift eyes and handling pads described on the purchase order to
supplement standard design of connector to pipe.

3.26
welding consumables
Materials added to the coalescence of base metal (weld) that directly affects the weld metal’s properties.

3.27
welding procedure qualification record
PQR
A record of the welding data used to weld a test coupon.

NOTE The PQR is a record of variables recorded during the welding of the test coupons.

3.28
welding procedure specification
WPS
A written qualified welding procedure prepared to provide direction for making production welds.

3.29
visual examination
The primary evaluation of the fabrication weld joint.

NOTE 1 Visual aids and gauges are sometimes used.

NOTE 2 Inspection of welds can include quantitative and qualitative assessments of the joint.
 PIPE WITH WELDED CONNECTORS 5

3.30
welder performance qualification
WPQ
The qualification of a welder or welding operator.

NOTE The qualification requires the welder or welding operator to weld a test coupon in accordance with the
WPS; the test coupon is then tested in accordance with the applicable welding code; the qualification limitations are
provided in the requirements of the applicable welding code.

4 Materials Information Requirements

4.1 Documentation

When materials (pipe or connectors) are furnished by the purchaser, they should be accompanied by
traceable material test reports or data sheets stating chemical analysis, heat treatment condition, and
mechanical properties to allow for selection of welding procedure specifications by the fabricator.

4.2 Pipe

4.2.1 Pipe may be supplied by the fabricator or the purchaser, as specified in the purchase order.

4.2.2 Pipe may be manufactured to the following as specified in the purchase order:

a) API 5L;

b) API 5CT; or

c) other industry, national, or international standards, or modifications to specifications or standards.

4.2.3 For API 5L grades with specified minimum yield strength of 60 ksi (413.7 mPa) and higher, the
following additional information regarding pipe manufacturing shall be provided:

a) process of manufacture (e.g. controlled rolling);

b) specific processing temperature ranges, if applicable; and

c) specific heat treatment temperatures, if applicable.

4.2.4 For API 5L PSL 2 submerged-arc welded longitudinal pipe, the following criteria apply:

a) Requirements

1) Specification: API 5L PSL 2.

2) Process of manufacture: SAWL.

3) Delivery condition: Thermomechanical rolled or formed (Condition M suffix to the grade), unless
otherwise agreed.

4) Plate shall be ultrasonically inspected in accordance to J.3.3.2.4 of API 5L (46th Edition) for
offshore service condition requirements.

5) Jointers shall not be furnished.

6 API RECOMMENDED PRACTICE 5C6

6) The WPS and PQR in accordance with Annex B of API 5L (46th Edition) shall be provided upon
request.

7) NDT system capability records shall be provided upon request and are to be in accordance with
Annex E of API 5L (46th Edition).

8) Both ends of each length marked on the OD of the pipe shall be in accordance with API 5L and
covered with a protective coating applied over each of these markings.

9) The out-of-roundness (ovality) at any point in the pipe length shall not exceed 1.0 % of the
specified diameter, in accordance with API 2B.

10) Unless otherwise specified on the purchase agreement, the maximum allowable straightness
deviation shall not exceed 0.15 % of the pipe length.

b) The purchase agreement shall include the following information:

1) API 5L PSL 2 SAWL pipe for use with welded connectors;

2) order quantity for each item;

3) specified outside diameter, wall thickness, and grade; and

4) length and length tolerance.

c) The purchase agreement shall also state which of the following provisions are applicable for the
specific order item.

1) If other than thermomechanical rolled or formed (Condition M suffix to the grade), delivery
condition as specified on the purchase agreement.

2) 9.15 of API 5L (46th Edition), weldability requirements as specified in the purchase agreement.

3) OD grinding of the weld cap for a minimum distance of 4 ft (1.22 m) from one end and 10 ft
(3.05 m) from the other.

i) The dimensional tolerance shall be +1/16/-0.0 in. (+1.6/-0.0 mm) for the weld bead height and
retention of the minimum wall thickness.

ii) At no point shall the weld bead after grinding be below the surface of the pipe, nor shall it be
raised above the parent metal by more than 1/16 in. (1.6 mm).

4) Full-length external surface coating shall be in accordance with API 5L.

5) Pipe shall be ID drift tested full-length at a frequency of 10 %, unless otherwise specified in the
purchase agreement. Unless otherwise specified, the drift mandrel dimensions shall be 98 % of
the calculated ID, 24 in. (609.6 mm) in length, and a notch for the weld cap is not allowed.

6) Longitudinal and/or transverse tensile tests before and after simulated post-weld heat treatment
conditions at a minimum frequency of one test per order, unless otherwise specified, for each
combination of diameter, wall thickness, and grade for each supplier chemistry type and mill
process. The purchaser shall also specify the heat treatment cycle time and temperature, and
acceptance criteria. These simulated post-weld heat treatment (SPWHT) tests shall follow the
procedure in Annex A, unless otherwise agreed.

7) Application of other markings, such as the API Monogram (e.g. in accordance with API 5L).
 PIPE WITH WELDED CONNECTORS 7

4.3 Connectors

Connectors may be supplied by the fabricator or the purchaser, as specified in the purchase order.

Forgings for connectors may be carbon steel, low alloy steel, microalloyed steel, or other types of
weldable materials based on the design requirements for strength, toughness, and other considerations.
Materials other than forgings may be used with purchaser approval.

4.4 Additional Suggestions and Supplemental Requirements

Refer to Annex B for additional suggestions and information when ordering. The supplementary
requirements are applicable only when specified on the purchase order.

Supplements to this standard are not intended to be considered as requirements except when specified
on the purchase order (see Annex C).

5 Welding Procedure Qualification

5.1 Written Procedure

Welding procedure specifications (WPS) shall be written and qualified in accordance with ASME BPVC,
Section IX, and as described in this standard.

The WPS shall identify essential, nonessential, and (when required) supplementary essential variables
specified by the ASME BPVC, Section IX for each welding process and material to be welded.

The welding procedure qualification records (PQR) shall record the essential and (when required)
supplementary essential variables associated with the qualification tests.

Both WPS and PQR documents shall be maintained a minimum of five years.

5.2 Base Metal Groupings

ASME BPVC, Section IX lists base metal groupings. However, at a minimum, base metal groupings shall
be based on material strength to ensure that weld joint strength meets the design requirements.

The base metal groupings shall be based on one or more of the following technical considerations.

a) Carbon equivalency equation, where:

CE =C + [( Mn + Si ) / 6 ] + [( Cr + Mo + V ) / 5] + [( Ni + Cu ) / 15] (1)

or

CE =C + ( Mn / 6 ) + [( Cr + Mo + V ) / 5] + [( Ni + Cu ) / 15] (2)

b) Composition parameter Pcm, where:

C + ( Si / 39 ) + ( Mn / 20 ) + ( Cu / 20 ) + ( Ni / 60 ) + ( Cr / 20 ) + ( Mo / 15 ) + ( V / 10 ) + 5B
Pcm = (3)

c) Material heat treatment condition.

8 API RECOMMENDED PRACTICE 5C6

5.3 Welding Consumables

The WPS shall identify the filler metal (consumable) AWS classifications that can be used with the
procedure.

If no AWS classification applies to the consumable, the commercial designation or brand name of the
consumable shall be documented as part of the PQR used to qualify the procedure.

Consumables not within the AWS classification system shall be specified on the WPS and become an
essential variable for that procedure.

5.4 Hardness Testing

When compliance of the welding procedure to NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 is specified by a supplementary
requirement, the fabricator shall perform hardness testing and record as part of the PQR in order to
determine the maximum hardness of the weldment.

Testing shall be performed in accordance with ASTM E18 for the Rockwell method and shall include, at a
minimum, surveys of the weld metal and the base material heat affected zones (HAZ).

When other hardness methods have been performed, results may be converted to Rockwell, as
applicable, in accordance with ASTM E140. The Brinell hardness survey is not acceptable for testing weld
metal heat affected zone in a PQR test.

5.5 Charpy Impact Testing

When impact testing is specified by a supplementary requirement, it shall be performed in accordance

with ASTM A370 using the Charpy V-Notch specimen.

A minimum of one set of three test specimens shall be removed at the 1/4 in. (6.4 mm) thickness location
of the test weldment for the weld metal, connector HAZ, and pipe HAZ, unless otherwise specified.

The root of the notch shall be oriented normal to the surface of the test weldment. The weld metal
specimens shall have the notched portion composed of 100 % weld metal. The base material HAZ
specimens shall have the notched portion sampling as much HAZ material as possible.

Results of testing shall comply to the applicable specified supplementary requirement. Refer to
supplements SR 27 and SR 28 (see C.2 and C.3).

5.6 Postweld Heat Treatment (PWHT)

If PWHT is specified by the WPS, PQR testing shall be done with the test weldment in the postweld heat
treatment condition. PWHT shall be performed in accordance with the fabricator’s WPS or the written
procedure. Both furnace- and local resistance-type PWHT methods shall be considered acceptable.
Heating by direct flame impingement shall not be permitted.

The PWHT procedure or WPS shall specify the applicable PWHT temperature range and time at
temperature.

When SR 35 (see C.10) is specified on the purchase order, PWHT shall be in compliance with NACE
MR0175/ISO 15156.
 PIPE WITH WELDED CONNECTORS 9

6 Welder and Welding Operator Qualification

6.1 Testing Requirements

Welders and welding operators shall be qualified in accordance with ASME BPVC, Section IX.

6.2 Records

Records of welding performance qualification (WPQ) shall include the essential welding variables and
qualified ranges, as specified in ASME BPVC, Section IX.

7 Production Welding Controls

7.1 Qualifications

Welding shall be in accordance with a qualified WPS and should be performed by qualified welders or
welding operators.

7.2 Use of WPS

Welders and welding operators shall have access to and should comply with the welding parameters
specified in the WPS.

7.3 Preheating

Preheating, when required, shall be performed in accordance with the WPS or other written procedures or
specifications.

7.4 Fit-up

The weld joint fit-up shall take into account squareness. The fabricator shall develop a procedure for fit-up
methods. SR 34 (see C.9) of this standard provides an optional alignment procedure suitable to meet the
intent of this standard.

7.5 Postweld Heat Treatment

When required, PWHT shall be in accordance with the applicable qualified WPS or written procedure.

7.6 Welding Controls

The fabricator’s welding control system shall include procedures for monitoring, updating, and controlling
the qualification of welders or welding operators, and the use of a WPS.

Instruments to verify temperature, voltage, and amperage shall be serviced and calibrated in accordance
with written procedures or specifications. Temperature-indicating crayons may be used to monitor preheat
and interpass temperature.
10 API RECOMMENDED PRACTICE 5C6

8 Inspection

8.1 Calibration of Measuring and Test Equipment

Equipment used to inspect, test, or examine material or other equipment shall be identified, controlled,
calibrated, and adjusted at specified intervals in accordance with documented manufacturer instructions,
and consistent with referenced industry standards, to maintain the accuracy required by this specification.

8.2 Connector Squareness and Alignment Verification

Squareness of each connector welded to pipe shall be inspected to verify conformance with the following
requirements.

a) Squareness verification

Squareness is a measurement of the connector with respect to the pipe axis and shall be inspected
to assure compliance with the requirements set forth in this standard.

1) The maximum allowable deviation from square shall be 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) per 12 in. (304.8 mm).

2) All squareness measurements utilizing the pipe OD as a reference surface shall be taken at a
distance of no less than 2 in. (50.8 mm) away from the weld.

3) Squareness verification measurements shall be taken at two locations at a minimum at 90°

apart.

b) Alignment verification

When alignment verification is specified as a supplementary requirement (SR 34; see C.9), the
fabricator shall perform alignment verification as specified below.

Connector-to-pipe alignment verification is a measurement of one connector face relative to the

connector face on the opposite end of the pipe. The measurement includes axial alignment and
connector parallelism.

c) Equipment

Typical alignment verification equipment consists of a set of two fixtures, including a target and a
telescope (or other sighting or image projection device). These fixtures are positioned on opposite
ends of the joint being verified such that they are both parallel with the connector or pipe face and
centered with the axial centerline of the connector or pipe end. The target typically consists of a well-
defined center area (bull’s eye) with concentric target circles of a known diameter. The sighting
device should be of sufficient magnification to observe sight placement within the prescribed target
circle for the length of joint being fabricated [usually 40 ft (12.2 m)].

d) Alignment method

With alignment fixtures made up to the connectors (or pipe end), the connectors should
be manipulated and tack welded to satisfy the alignment acceptance criteria specified in SR 34
(see C.9).

8.3 Nondestructive Examination of Weldments

A visual examination shall be conducted in accordance with API 1104 and with the following additional
requirements.
 PIPE WITH WELDED CONNECTORS 11

a) Weld reinforcement

Visual inspection shall be conducted to verify compliance with the following restrictions to both the
internal and external weld reinforcements. At no point shall the crown of the weld be below the
surface of the pipe, nor shall it be raised above the parent metal by more than 1/16 in. (1.6 mm).
Those welds where the raised height of the weld reinforcement exceeds the limits set forth may be
brought to within tolerance by grinding.

Weld reinforcement may exceed 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) when welding reduced bore connectors, girth weld
on end opposite the elevator lift end, and other special cases. The fabricator and purchaser may
need to consider drift and handling equipment requirements to ensure compatibility.

b) Radiographic examination

Radiographic examinations shall be conducted in accordance with API 1104. Discontinuities located
by radiographic examination shall be subject to the requirements in API 1104.

c) Production weld test frequency

Nondestructive testing consisting of radiographic and visual inspection shall be conducted on 100 %
of production welds.
 Annex A
(normative)

Simulated Postweld Heat Treatment (SPWHT) Procedure

The following is the test method for SPWHT procedure:

1) The tension test coupons for the SPWHT shall be cut as indicated in Figure 5b of API 5L (46th
Edition) for the longitudinal and transverse tension specimen, respectively. Location and orientation
of the specific tests shall be taken from the following positions on the pipe:

a) Pipe body: T90 or T180, L90 [refer to Figure 5b in API 5L (46th Edition); full-size rectangular
specimens are to be used where possible];

b) Seam weld: W [refer to Figure 5b in API 5L (46th Edition); full-size rectangular specimens are to
be used where possible].

2) The transverse coupon shall be heat treated before flattening.

3) Flattening of test pieces shall be carried out according to documented procedures. The flattening
procedure shall be identical to the one used for the mill production test or pre-SPWHT transverse
tension test. The flattening rate measured as crosshead travel speed should not exceed 2 inches per
second.

4) The furnace shall be qualified in accordance with the API 6A annex for qualification of heat-treating
equipment; API 20H; AMS 2750; or another internationally or nationally recognized standard.

5) The test coupons shall be measured by use of a contact surface thermocouple. The hold time shall
not commence until the contact surface thermocouple reaches the minimum required temperature.

6) The heat treating charts showing the coupons’ temperature as measured by the contact surface
thermocouple shall be recorded and included in the data packet.

7) The test coupons should be in the furnace during the ramp-up from room temperature, but shall be
placed in a furnace at a temperature under 600 °F (315.5 °C).

8) A ramp-up rate of 400 °F/hour (204.4 °C/hour) shall not be exceeded. If the actual connector
production ramp-up rate is known, it should be used as a goal.

9) The hold temperature shall be 1100 °F (593.3 °C) with a tolerance of +40/-0 °F (+22.2/-0 °C) unless
otherwise specified by the purchaser.

10) The minimum hold time at temperature shall be 3 hours/inch of wall thickness.

NOTE This is intended to cover the standard 1 hour/inch of pipe wall thickness plus the potential for two weld
repairs in the vicinity.
 PIPE WITH WELDED CONNECTORS 13

11) The test coupons shall not be removed from the furnace during the ramp-down from the hold
temperature.

12) The ramp-down rate shall not exceed 500 °F/hour (260 °C/hour) until a temperature of 600 °F
(315.5 °C) is reached, after which the samples can be air cooled with forced air blowers.

13) The longitudinal and transverse tension specimen’s dimensions shall be in accordance with
ASTM A370 or ISO 6892-1 where applicable.

14) SPWHT tension test acceptance criteria for both the longitudinal and transverse tension tests shall
meet the requirements within API 5L for the grade being tested, unless otherwise specified by the
purchaser. If acceptance criteria do not exist or are not defined by the purchaser, results shall be
reported for information only, including the seam weld yield strength and elongation.

15) If specified by the purchaser, surface Brinell (HBW 10/3000) hardness tests in accordance with
ASTM E10, or Vickers (Hv10) hardness tests in accordance with ASTM E92, shall be performed
before and after (pre and post) SPWHT on one of the base material tension test specimens away
from the calibrated area for information.

16) If specified by the purchaser, a Charpy V-notch impact test shall be performed on the pipe body after
SPWHT in accordance with API 5L and ASTM E23. The material shall meet the requirements in API
5L for the grade being tested, unless otherwise specified by purchaser.

17) The following shall be included in the report:

a) heat number and base metal chemistry (full spectrographic);

b) specified diameter;

c) wall thickness;

d) grade;

e) process of manufacture;

f) stress-strain curve;

g) yield strength and method;

h) tensile strength;

i) elongation,

j) heat treat charts, and, if applicable:

1) hardness test results;

2) CVN impact test results.

 Annex B
(informative)

Suggestions for Ordering Equipment

B.1 In placing orders for connectors to be welded to pipe in accordance with this standard, the
purchaser should specify the following in the purchase order.

B.2 Supplemental requirements that may be considered are listed below.

— SR 26: Hardness testing for the welding procedure qualification record (PQR) (see C.1);

— SR 27 or SR 28: Impact testing for the PQR (see C.2 or C.3);

— SR 29: Radiographic examination according to ASME BPVC, Section VIII (see C.4);

— SR 30: Magnetic particle examination according to ASME BPVC, Sections V and VIII (see C.5);

— SR 31: Production hardness testing (see C.6);

— SR 32: Full-length drift testing (see C.7);

— SR 33: End drift testing (see C.8);

— SR 34: Connector-to-connector alignment (see C.9);

— SR 35: Compliance to NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 (see C.10);

— SR 36: Ultrasonic examination (see C.11).

As supplements, these are nonstandard, but may be imposed and identified on the purchase order prior
to production work.

B.3 When selecting connectors for an application, care should be taken to assess the geometry of the
connector. The connector ID shall be large enough to allow passage of hardware that will subsequently
run through the connector. The connector OD shall be smaller than the openings through which it will be
run. The connector type shown in Figure B.1 is threaded, but this same consideration shall be given to
mechanical connectors.
 PIPE WITH WELDED CONNECTORS 15

Table B.1—Purchaser Supplied Information

Checklist Requirement
General Information
Specification
Quantity
Delivery date
Shipping instructions
Type of Pipe
Specification (include edition and grade)
Diameter
Weight per foot or wall thickness
Range
Type of Connector
Manufacturer’s designation
Connector dimensional considerations (see Figure B.1)
Description of welded attachments
(pad eyes, lift eyes, and so forth)
Radiographic examination in accordance to API 1104

Figure B.1—Connector Dimensional Considerations

 Annex C
(informative)

Supplementary Requirements

C.1 SR 26—Hardness Testing

For the purpose of welding procedure qualification testing, hardness tests across the weld and base
material heat affected zone (HAZ) cross section shall be performed and recorded as part of the PQR.
Hardness testing locations and frequency shall be by the Rockwell method or the Vickers 10Kg method.

C.1.1 Rockwell Method

The Rockwell testing location shall be as shown in Figure C.1. Additionally:

a) for a weld cross section thickness less than 1/2 in. (12.7 mm), four hardness tests shall be made in
each of the base materials, the weld, and the HAZ;

b) for a weld cross section thickness equal to or greater than 1/2 in. (12.7 mm), six hardness tests shall
be made in each of the base materials, the weld, and the HAZ; and

c) for each thickness, HAZ hardness tests shall be performed in the base material within 1/16 in.
(1.6 mm) of the weld interface and at least one each within 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) from top and bottom of
the weld.

Figure C.1—Rockwell Method

 PIPE WITH WELDED CONNECTORS 17

C.1.2 Vickers Method

Vickers testing locations shall be as shown in Figure C.2. Additionally:

a) for a weld cross section thickness less than 1/2 in. (12.7 mm), four hardness tests shall be made in
each of the base materials and the weld; and

b) for a weld cross section thickness equal to or greater than 1/2 in. (12.7 mm), six hardness tests shall
be made in each of the base materials and the weld.

Figure C.2—Vickers Method

C.2 SR 27—Impact Testing

Impact testing shall be performed in accordance with 5.5 using Charpy V-notch specimens. Results of
testing in the weld and base material HAZ shall meet 15/10 ft-lbs (20.3/13.6 J) [avg/min] at 0 °F (-17.8 °C).

NOTE Set of test specimens to average a minimum of 15 ft-lbs with no individual specimen below 10 ft-lbs.

C.3 SR 28—Impact Testing

Impact testing shall be performed in accordance with 5.5 using the Charpy V-notch technique. Results of
testing in the weld and base material HAZ shall meet 15/10 ft-lbs (20.3/13.6 J) [avg/min] at -20 °F (-28.9 °C).

NOTE Set of test specimens to average a minimum of 15 ft-lbs with no individual specimen below 10 ft-lbs.

C.4 SR 29—Radiographic Examination

Radiographic examination shall be performed in accordance with ASME BPVC Code, Section VIII,
Division 1 UW-51.

C.5 SR 30—Magnetic Particle Examination (MPI)

MPI shall be performed in accordance with ASME BPVC, Section V. Acceptance criteria shall be in
accordance with ASME BPVC, Section VIII. Welds subject to MPI shall be identified on the purchase
order.
18 API RECOMMENDED PRACTICE 5C6

C.6 SR 31—Production Hardness Testing

The hardness testing method and acceptance criteria shall be agreed between the fabricator and
purchaser. In the event the purchaser has not specified the hardness testing method and acceptance
criteria on the purchase order, the fabricator’s standard method may be used.

The hardness test shall be performed once on each weldment at the following locations:

a) connector HAZ;

b) weld metal; and

c) pipe HAZ.

C.7 SR 32—Full-Length Drift

Each welded joint shall be drift tested throughout the entire length. Drift testing shall be performed with a
drift mandrel that is a minimum of 12 in. (304.8 mm) long. The connector manufacturer shall establish drift
diameter and tolerances unless otherwise stated on the purchase order.

C.8 SR 33—End Drift

Each welded joint shall be drift tested, passing the drift beyond the connector weld yet not the full length
of the pipe. Drift testing shall be performed with a drift mandrel that is a minimum of 12 in. (304.8 mm)
long. The connector manufacturer shall establish the drift diameter and tolerances unless otherwise
stated on the purchase order.

C.9 SR 34—Connector Alignment

Connectors on each welded joint shall be aligned and verified in accordance with 8.2. The acceptance
criteria for connector alignment shall be agreed upon by fabricator and purchaser. Acceptance criteria
should, at a minimum, consider connector manufacturer recommendations, connector make-up features,
and service application.

C.10 SR 35—NACE
Welding shall comply with the requirements of NACE MR0175/ISO 15156.

C.11 SR 36—Ultrasonic Examination

Ultrasonic examination shall be performed in accordance with the requirements specified on the purchase
order.
 Bibliography

[1] API Specification 5CT, Casing and Tubing

[2] ASTM E140, Standard Hardness Conversion Tables for Metals Relationship Among Brinell Hardness,
Vickers Hardness, Rockwell Hardness, Superficial Hardness, Knoop Hardness, Scleroscope
Hardness, and Leeb Hardness

[3] AWS D1.1, Structural Welding Code – Steel

200 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20001-5571

202-682-8000

Product No. G05C63