15 Feb
Pipe Welding Test Positions
Here are the five basic welding positions used for pipe welding tests. The most common one that’s used is the 6G position. There are 6 basic positions in welding, but only these ones are used for pipe welding tests. The number indicates the position, and the G indicates that it’s a grooved joint. For most pipe tests it will normally be a beveled joint with an open root, although there are other types of grooves and bevels that could be used. The 6GR is a restricted 6G position test that’s often used as a test for tube welders due to the tight quarters that they normally work in.
Source TC 9-237
Tags: 6g, 6gr, beveled, grooved, horizontal, pipe, rolled, root, tube, vertical, welder, welding
The 6GR test position has three types of restrictions.
Ring
Tubes
Box Type
The ring type restriction is typically illustrated in text books and some welding procedures. This test is not a qualified procedure! The AWS D1.1 code shows if but after talking to them it has not been tested so it is not a valid procedure or welding certification under this code.
The tube type restriction is used for tube welders and is a valid test under the ASME code. There are three tubes on this test. The tube welded in the middle one and has between 1/2 to 1 inch of clearance between the others. This is a boiler tubing test and it has the same clearance as the tubes that the welder will be welding in the field.
The box type restriction is used in shipyards and is the most difficult. This test is a pipe in the 6G position coming out of a wall with a ceiling that is 12″ from the center of the pipe where the weld joint is located (about 9″ of clearance to the outside of the pipe)and a wall that is 12″ to the right for right handed welders or 12″ for left handed welders. This test in most cases requires the use of a mirror to weld and the ability to weld with either hand. The catch with this test is that no matter where you position yourself the top of the weld can not be seen. Some other restrictions about this position are they raise the floor so you are on a odd crouched position and other times you need to weld it using a ladder because the pipe is about 6 feet off of the ground.
November 17th, 2010 at 9:15 am