Dear Sir,

A B31.3 Interpretation Says

Interpretation: B31.3-7-02
Subject: B31.3-1987, Paras. 304.3.3 and 328; Spacing of Welds
Date Issued: May 24, 1988
File: B31-87-039
Question: In accordance with B31.3, are there requirements or guidelines on the minimum distance
between welds in a pipe?
Reply: No, except as provided in paragraph 304.3.3(e).
Para 304.3.3(e)refers to overlapping of reinforcement zones.
In oil and gas project, the code is normally not require about this issue, but it’s necessary to notify in
project’s Specification on welding & inspection.
Example:
Because of the HAZ overlapping, thus the weld-zone mechanical will be affected with no any support
documents that proving the soundness of weld specially in welding DSS – high corrosion material
(weld decay).
Because of the design capability and narrow arrangement, this issue can’t be avoid 100%. In such
case, a Technical query have to be issued and support by mock-up test. (Hardness test is normally to
be presented for closingthis issue).

Purpose of Welding proximity requirement is:

To avoid the overlapping HAZ, thus the lowering of weld-zone’s mechanical which is not covered in
WPS as approval status for welding configuration.
Weld proximity is covered by a number of international standards. Extracts from these standards are
shown below and summarized in the following table:

The welding is acceptable as per my opinion.

Normally the thickness of pad and welding details which is given in project standards will be
on the assumption that the branch is not intersecting a longitudinal weld, If it does then the
designer has to recalculate the reinforcement pad details.

As a good engineering practice, it should be avoided and it is the prime responsibility of

Fabricator and site engineer to avoid this.

Please see further opinions from experts of this group before coming to a conclusion.