Preview
Preview
1M:2020
An American National Standard
Specification for
Welding of
Austenitic
Stainless Steel
Tube and Pipe
Systems in
Sanitary (Hygienic)
Applications
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Approved by the
American National Standards Institute
March 5, 2020
3rd Edition
Prepared by the
American Welding Society (AWS) D18 Committee on Welding in Sanitary Applications
Approved by the
AWS Board of Directors
Abstract
This specification provides the requirements for welds in tubing systems in dairy and other food processing plants. The
document addresses qualifications, fabrication, extent of visual examination, acceptance criteria, and documentation
requirements.
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All standards (codes, specifications, recommended practices, methods, classifications, and guides) of the American
Welding Society (AWS) are voluntary consensus standards that have been developed in accordance with the rules of the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI). When AWS American National Standards are either incorporated in, or
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AWS American National Standards are developed through a consensus standards development process that brings
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This standard may be superseded by new editions. This standard may also be corrected through publication of amendments
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AWS does not monitor, police, or enforce compliance with this standard, nor does it have the power to do so.
Official interpretations of any of the technical requirements of this standard may only be obtained by sending a request,
in writing, to the appropriate technical committee. Such requests should be addressed to the American Welding Society,
Attention: Managing Director, Standards Development, 8669 NW 36 St, # 130, Miami, FL 33166 (see Annex A). With
regard to technical inquiries made concerning AWS standards, oral opinions on AWS standards may be rendered. These
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Such opinions represent only the personal opinions of the particular individuals giving them. These individuals do not
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In addition, oral opinions are informal and should not be used as a substitute for an official interpretation.
This standard is subject to revision at any time by the AWS D18 Committee on Welding in Sanitary Applications. It must
be reviewed every five years, and if not revised, it must be either reaffirmed or withdrawn. Comments (recommendations,
additions, or deletions) and any pertinent data that may be of use in improving this standard are required and should
be addressed to AWS Headquarters. Such comments will receive careful consideration by the AWS D18 Committee on
Welding in Sanitary Applications and the author of the comments will be informed of the Committee’s response to the
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comments. Guests are invited to attend all meetings of the AWS D18 Committee on Welding in Sanitary Applications
to express their comments verbally. Procedures for appeal of an adverse decision concerning all such comments are
provided in the Rules of Operation of the Technical Activities Committee. A copy of these Rules can be obtained from
the American Welding Society, 8669 NW 36 St, # 130, Miami, FL 33166.
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Dedication
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Personnel
AWS D18 Committee on Welding in Sanitary Applications
R. Howard, Chair A & D Constructors
R. D. Campbell, Vice Chair Bechtel National, Incorporated
L. Sturgill, 2nd Vice Chair Sturgill Welding and Code Consulting
S. P. Hedrick, Secretary American Welding Society
J. E. Campbell Machinery & Welder Corporation
S. R. Campbell Gramercy Extremity Orthopedics
C. Eskridge Worley ECR
L. Hanson Johnsonville Sausage, LLC
B. K. Henon Consultant
D. L. Jones Stryker Orthopedics
C. R. Martin Paragon Medical
R. A. Meeks AM Technical Solutions
J. K. Petter Quality Tank Solutions
W. L. Roth Welding Engineering Consultants
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Foreword
This foreword is not part of this standard but is included for informational purposes only.
The formation of the D18 Committee was approved in 1995 by the Technical Activities Committee and the Board of
Directors. The Committee was formed to respond to the request of the 3-A Sanitary Standards Committee (now the 3-A
Sanitary Standards, Inc., or 3-A SSI)1 for help in preparing welding standards for use in the manufacture and construc-
tion of dairy and food product processing plants. The 3-A SSI develops sanitary design standards for dairy and food pro-
cessing, packaging, and handling equipment and systems. Several members of the Committee are active members of 3-A
SSI, and the D18 Committee has maintained liaison with 3-A SSI.
This document supersedes AWS D18.1/D18.1M:2009, Specification for Welding of Austenitic Stainless Steel Tube and
Pipe Systems in Sanitary (Hygienic) Applications. Principal changes in the third edition involve enhancements to the
sections on welding procedure qualifications and qualification records.
A vertical line in the margin or underlined text in clauses, tables, or figures indicates an editorial or technical change
from the 2009 edition. The following is a summary of the most relevant revisions to the D18.1/D18.1M specification:
• The scope was clarified to point out that applicable portions could be used as needed.
• Several definitions, figures, and text were changed to more closely align with AWS A3.0M/A3.0, Standard Welding
Terms and Definitions, and AWS D1.6/D1.6M, Structural Welding Code—Stainless Steel.
• Welding procedure qualification requirements and sample forms were changed to be more consistent with AWS
B2.1/B2.1M, Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification, where possible.
• Qualification and verification variables for procedure qualifications in Table 1 were modified to eliminate overlap
with AWS B2.1/B2.1M.
• The qualification and welding variables for performance qualification in the second edition were eliminated and per-
formance qualification is now totally in accordance with AWS B2.1/B2.1M.
• Several SI conversions were harmonized to current AWS guidelines.
Comments and suggestions for the improvement of this standard are welcome. They should be sent to the Secretary,
AWS D18 Committee on Welding in Sanitary Applications, American Welding Society, 8669 NW 36 St, # 130, Miami,
FL 33166.
13-A standards are published by 3-A Sanitary Standards, Inc., 6888 Elm Street, Suite 2D, McLean, VA 22101.
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Table of Contents
Page No.
Dedication ....................................................................................................................................................................v
Personnel ....................................................................................................................................................................vii
Foreword......................................................................................................................................................................ix
List of Tables...............................................................................................................................................................xii
List of Figures.............................................................................................................................................................xii
1. General Requirements...........................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Scope ................................................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Units of Measure ..............................................................................................................................................1
1.3 Safety................................................................................................................................................................1
1.4 Owner’s Responsibility ....................................................................................................................................2
1.5 Welding Symbols..............................................................................................................................................2
2. Normative References............................................................................................................................................2
4. Qualification ...........................................................................................................................................................4
4.1 Procedure Qualification....................................................................................................................................4
4.2 Performance Qualification................................................................................................................................6
5. Fabrication Practices.............................................................................................................................................7
5.1 Mandatory Standard Practices ..........................................................................................................................7
5.2 Nonmandatory Standard Practices ...................................................................................................................7
5.3 Fabrication ........................................................................................................................................................7
5.4 Preconstruction Weld Samples .........................................................................................................................7
7. Documentation .....................................................................................................................................................13
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List of Tables
Table Page No.
1 Qualification and Verification Variables for Procedure Qualification ...........................................................5
2 Visual Examination Acceptance Criteria for the Outside Surfaces of Welds ..............................................10
3 Visual Examination Acceptance Criteria for the Inside Surfaces of Welds.................................................11
List of Figures
Figure Page No.
1 Examination Requirements Process Flowchart (Autogenous and Filler Metal)............................................9
2 Examples of Weld Discontinuity Limits ......................................................................................................12
3 Weld Discoloration Levels on Inside of Austenitic Stainless Steel Tube ....................................................13
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1. General Requirements
1.1 Scope. This specification covers the requirements for gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and plasma arc welding
(PAW) of stainless steel tube and pipe 1/4 in [6 mm] diameter and larger in the fabrication and construction of new
sanitary (hygienic) processing systems. This specification includes the welding of tube and pipe for the transportation
of sanitary (hygienic) system products and cleaning or sanitizing solutions. It includes manual welding as well as
mechanized or automatic welding, such as orbital welding. This specification addresses welding procedure and per-
formance qualification as well as visual examination requirements for as-welded surfaces and finished surfaces.
This specification is intended for new construction. However, the requirements may also be applied to maintenance
and repair of food processing equipment. When there is a conflict between this specification and a design specifica-
tion to which the equipment is being constructed, the applicable code shall govern on issues that apply to structural
design or structural integrity. This specification does not address requirements designed to prevent corrosion damage
during service or any structural design or integrity aspects of components or systems used for sanitary (hygienic)
applications.
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Sanitary processing systems are intended to include those systems handling products for human and animal consump-
tion, or for cleaning and sanitizing solutions used in these systems. Such products include dairy, meat, poultry, vege-
tables, beverages, personal care items (such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, cosmetics), and other products consumed
or used by humans or animals, which require freedom from contamination.
When this specification is stipulated in contract documents, conformance with all provisions of this specification is
required except provisions specifically modified or exempted by the Owner, their representative, or the contract
documents.
1.2 Units of Measure. This standard makes use of both U.S. Customary Units and the International System of Units
(SI). The latter are shown within brackets [ ] or in appropriate columns in tables and figures. The measurements may
not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently.
1.3 Safety. Safety and health issues and concerns are beyond the scope of this standard; some safety and health infor-
mation is provided, but such issues are not fully addressed herein.
Safety and health information is available from the following sources:
American Welding Society:
(1) ANSI Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes
(2) AWS Safety and Health Fact Sheets
(3) Other safety and health information on the AWS website
Material or Equipment Manufacturers:
(1) Safety Data Sheets supplied by materials manufacturers
(2) Operating Manuals supplied by equipment manufacturers
Applicable Regulatory Agencies
Work performed in accordance with this standard may involve the use of materials that have been deemed hazardous,
and may involve operations or equipment that may cause injury or death. This standard does not purport to address all
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safety and health risks that may be encountered. The user of this standard should establish an appropriate safety program
to address such risks as well as to meet applicable regulatory requirements. ANSI Z49.1 should be considered when
developing the safety program.
1.4 Owner’s Responsibility. The Owner or their representative shall provide a complete specification for the tubing or
piping system. This shall include designation of product contact surfaces (inside or outside surfaces), any required sur-
face finishes and allowable discoloration levels (see Figure 3).
1.5 Welding Symbols. Welding symbols shall be those shown in the latest edition of AWS A2.4 Standard Symbols for
Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination. Special conditions shall be fully explained by added notes or
details.
2. Normative References
The standards listed below contain provisions, which, through reference in this text, constitute mandatory provisions of
this AWS standard. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced standard shall apply. For dated references,
subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any of these publications do not apply.
AWS A2.4, Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination;
AWS A3.0M/A3.0, Standard Welding Terms and Definitions, Including Terms for Adhesive Bonding, Brazing, Soldering,
Thermal Cutting, and Thermal Spraying;
automatic welding. Welding with equipment that requires only occasional or no observation of the welding, and no
manual adjustment of the equipment controls.
Contractor. Any organization or organizations producing weldments intended to meet the requirements of this specifi-
cation. This includes the manufacturer, subcontractor, fabricator, erector, or other organization.
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discoloration. Any change in surface color from that of the base metal, usually associated with oxidation. Discoloration
may occur on the weld, heat-affected zone, or base metal of the weld joint such as a result of heating the metal during
welding. Colors may range from pale bluish-gray to deep blue, and from pale straw color to a black crusty coating.
easily accessible. Interior weld surfaces which can be visually examined with or without the use of simple tools, such as
mirrors and flashlights.
inaccessible. Interior weld surfaces which cannot be visually examined with either easily accessible methods or
remotely accessible methods.
mechanized welding. Welding with equipment that requires manual adjustment of the equipment controls in response to
visual observation of the welding, with the torch, gun, or electrode holder held by a mechanical device.
orbital welding. Automatic or mechanized welding of tube or pipe in which a welding arc rotates (orbits) around a sta-
tionary weld joint.
Owner. Organization that will operate the sanitary (hygienic) processing system, or the organization’s authorized repre-
sentative.
oxide island. A concentration of nonmetallic impurities (often oxides or nitrides) that may form in the weld pool and
solidify on the root surface or weld face.
pit. A surface imperfection the depth of which exceeds 25% of the smallest surface dimension of the pit, and whose
length does not exceed three times its width.
product. Any material in any form (liquid, powder, solid, slurry, etc.) for which the sanitary tubing or piping system is
designed to store, contain, or process.
product contact surface. Any surface that is exposed to the product or any surface from which materials may drain,
drop, or be drawn into the product.
qualification variable (performance). A variable in which a change to a value outside the range qualified by the
requirements in 4.2.8 is considered to affect the ability of the welder or welding operator to deposit sound weld metal
and shall require requalification of the welding personnel.
qualification variable (procedure). A variable in which a change to a value outside the range qualified by the require-
ments in 4.1.6 is considered to affect the applicable mechanical properties of the weldment, as specified in AWS
B2.1/B2.1M, and shall require requalification of the Welding Procedure Specification (WPS).
remotely accessible. Interior weld surfaces which cannot be visually examined without the use of borescopes or other
optical devices.
sanitary (hygienic) applications. Those applications where the metal surface condition is such that it can be cleaned to
meet the requirements of products consumed or used by humans or animals, which require freedom from contamination.
termination. Completion point of a weld pass. Other terms commonly used are tail off, slope down also called downs-
lope, sign off, and feather out.
verification test (performance). A sample weldment, representative of production welding conditions, intended to con-
firm the welder’s or welding operator’s ability to meet the requirements of 6.3.
verification test (procedure). A sample weldment intended to confirm that a WPS revision to a verification variable
meets the requirements of 6.3.
verification variable. A variable in which a change as described in 4.1.6 may prevent the weld from meeting the
requirements of 6.3.
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weld finishing. A postweld process that leaves the weld area in a noticeably different condition than as welded. Finish-
ing processes include, but are not limited to mechanical (e.g., grinding, polishing, bead blasting), chemical (passivat-
ing or pickling), or electrochemical (electropolishing) treatments.
welding variable. Any controllable parameter or condition which is listed on the WPS.
4. Qualification
4.1 Procedure Qualification
4.1.1 A written qualified WPS shall be followed for each weld in sanitary applications. The WPS may be in any con-
venient format provided all the welding variables of 4.1.6 are recorded. A sample WPS form is shown in Annex B.
4.1.2 Standard Welding Procedure Specifications (SWPSs) and welding procedures qualified to AWS B2.1/B2.1M or
earlier editions of this document may be used provided all welding variables required by the latest edition of this docu-
ment and AWS B2.1/B2.1M are addressed, and a successful documented verification test is performed to ensure the
requirements of 6.3 are met.
4.1.3 The welding variables required to be addressed for each procedure shall be those specified in 4.1.6.
4.1.4 The evaluation of procedure qualification test weldments shall be as listed in 4.1.4.1 through 4.1.4.4. The actual
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welding variables used during the qualification tests shall be recorded in addition to the results of destructive testing and
visual examination. The welding Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) may be in any convenient format provided all
the welding variables of 4.1.6 and the results of all tests are recorded. A sample PQR form is shown in Annex B.
4.1.4.1 The procedure qualification shall be by standard test weldment as required in AWS B2.1/B2.1M, Specifica-
tion for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification, except that the additional variables of 4.1.6 apply.
4.1.4.2 The procedure qualification test weldments shall be visually examined on all surfaces.
4.1.4.3 The destructive test sample preparation shall be as required in AWS B2.1/B2.1M except that bend speci-
mens shall not be flattened prior to bending. The maximum radius at the edge of the bend specimens is 1/16 in [2 mm].
4.1.4.4 If any test fails, the procedure fails, and a new welding procedure qualification test weldment shall be made
and tested.
4.1.5 Acceptance Criteria of Procedure Qualification Test Welds
4.1.5.1 Visual examination may be conducted with or without magnification (no more than 10x magnification).
The results of visual examination shall meet the acceptance criteria of 6.3 in the as welded condition.
4.1.5.2 After visual examination, the destructive testing required by AWS B2.1/B2.1M or AWS B4.0, Standard
Methods for Mechanical Testing of Welds shall be performed.
4.1.5.3 Tension specimens shall meet the acceptance criteria in AWS B2.1/B2.1M.
4.1.5.4 Bend specimens shall meet the acceptance criteria in AWS B2.1/B2.1M, except that the maximum permit-
ted open discontinuity size is the lesser of 1/16 in [2 mm] or 1/2 T, where T equals the base metal thickness of the quali-
fication specimen.
4.1.6 Welding Variables. The welding data and qualification variables in AWS B2.1/B2.1M plus the additional qual-
ification and verification variables in Table 1 shall be included on both the PQR and the WPS. The types of welding vari-
ables found in Table 1 are qualification (Q) and verification (V) variables, as defined in Clause 3.
A change in a qualification variable to a value outside the range qualified in AWS B2.1/B2.1M and Table 1 requires
requalification of the WPS or a new WPS. A change in a verification variable to a value outside the range permitted by
Table 1 may be made without requalification, but requires successful completion of a verification test weld that meets the
acceptance criteria of 6.3. This also requires a revised WPS or a new WPS.
Any other testing shall be as required by AWS B2.1/B2.1M or as mutually agreed by the Owner and Contractor.
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