6.1.

6 ALIGNMENT TOLERANCES FOR EDGES TO BE BUTT WELDED

6.1.6.1 Alignment of sections at edges to be butt welded shall be such that the maximum offset
is not greater than
shown below. Alternatively, offsets greater than those permitted below are allowable provided
that the maximum offset is
acceptable to the Inspector prior to welding and the requirements of paragraph 4.14 or Part
5, and the requirements of
paragraph 6.1.6.2 are satisfied. If the vessel is operating at a temperature where the
allowable stress is governed by timedependent
properties (see paragraph 4.1.1.3), or if a fatigue analysis is required (see paragraph
4.1.1.4), the alignment of
sections shall be considered in the design.
(a) Cylindrical Shells The maximum allowable offset in welded joints in cylindrical shells
shall be as given in Table 6.4
(b) Spherical Shells and for Hemispherical Heads Welded to Cylindrical Shells Joints in
spherical vessels, joints within
heads, and joints between cylindrical shells and hemispherical heads shall meet the
requirements in Table 6.4.
(c) Alignment tolerances at edges to be butt welded for quenched and tempered high strength
steels shall be in accordance
with paragraph 6.6.5.4.
6.1.6.2 Fairing of Offsets within Allowable Tolerances. Any offset within the allowable tolerance
provided above
shall be faired at a 3:1 taper over the width of the finished weld or, if necessary, by
adding additional weld metal beyond
what would have been the edge of the weld. If additional weld metal buildup is used, then it
shall satisfy the requirements
of paragraph 6.2.4.9.
6.1.6.3 Peaking Of Welds in Shells and Heads For Internal Pressure.
(a) If the vessel is operating at a temperature where the allowable stress is governed by time
dependent properties, see
paragraph 4.1.1.3, or if a fatigue analysis is required, see paragraph 4.1.1.4, then the
peaking height, dp , at Category A
weld joints shall be measured by either an inside or outside template, as appropriate (see
Figure 6.1). As an alternative,
the peaking angle may be determined using the procedure described in Part 8 of API 579-1/ASME
FFS-1.
(b) The chord length of the template shall be the larger of or 300 mm (12 in.), but need not
exceed 900 mm
(36 in.). If the weld joint is in a torispherical or an ellipsoidal head, the inside
diameter, D, shall be equal to the diameter
of the spherical portion of the head. If the weld joint is in a 2:1 ellipsoidal head, D shall
be equal to 1.8 times the nominal
inside diameter of the attached cylindrical shell.
(c) If the vessel is operating at a temperature where the allowable stress is governed by time
dependent properties, or
if a fatigue analysis is required, the allowable value of dp shall be determined using
paragraph 4.14 and shall be shown in
the Manufacturer's Design Report.