API STD 1104 – 22nd Edition – Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities

API 1104 is a welding standard developed and published by the American Petroleum Institute (API). The full title of the standard is “Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities,” and it is widely used in the oil and gas industry. API 1104 provides guidelines for the welding of steel pipelines, related facilities, and other materials used in the construction and maintenance of pipelines.

Scope: API 1104 primarily focuses on the welding of pipelines, pipeline components, and related facilities such as compressor stations and pump stations. The standard covers a range of materials, including carbon steel, low-alloy steel, and high-strength low-alloy steel. It also addresses welding procedures, qualifications, and testing requirements.

Key Features:

Welding Procedures: API 1104 provides guidelines for developing and qualifying welding procedures for various materials and welding processes commonly used in pipeline construction. This includes details on preheat, heat input, and other parameters to ensure the quality and integrity of the welds.
Welding Qualifications: The standard outlines the requirements for qualifying welding procedures and welders. This involves testing the ability of welders to produce sound welds that meet the specified criteria, ensuring that they are qualified to work on pipeline projects.
Inspection and Testing: API 1104 includes provisions for the inspection and testing of welded joints. It outlines the methods and acceptance criteria for non-destructive testing (such as radiographic and ultrasonic testing) and destructive testing (such as tensile and bend tests).
Material Requirements: The standard specifies material requirements for base metals, welding consumables, and other materials used in pipeline construction. This ensures that the materials are suitable for the intended service conditions and contribute to the overall integrity of the pipeline.
Welding in Special Conditions: API 1104 provides guidance on welding in special conditions, such as low-temperature environments and corrosive conditions. It addresses the additional considerations and measures needed to ensure the performance of welds in these challenging situations.

Industry Application: API 1104 is widely adopted in the oil and gas industry, serving as a key reference for welding practices in pipeline construction and maintenance. Compliance with API 1104 is often required by regulatory bodies and project specifications to ensure the safety, reliability, and integrity of welded joints in pipelines and related facilities. Engineers, welding inspectors, and personnel involved in pipeline construction regularly refer to API 1104 to ensure the proper execution of welding procedures and the quality of welded connections.