AWS D18.3/D18.3M:2015

An American National Standard

Specification for Welding of Tanks, Vessels, and Other Equipment in Sanitary (Hygienic) Applications

AWS D18.3/D18.3M:2015

An American National Standard

Approved by the American National Standards Institute

August 21, 2015

Specification for Welding of Tanks, Vessels, and Other Equipment in

Sanitary (Hygienic) Applications

2nd Edition

Supersedes AWS D18.3/D18.3M:2005

Prepared by the American Welding Society (AWS) D18 Committee on Welding in Sanitary Applications

Under the Direction of the AWS Technical Activities Committee

Approved by the AWS Board of Directors

Abstract

This specification provides the requirements for welding of tanks, vessels, and other equipment used in food processing plants and other areas where sanitary (hygienic) applications are required. The document addresses qualification, fabri- cation, extent of visual examination, acceptance criteria, and documentation requirements.

AWS D18.3/D18.3M:2015

ISBN-13: 978-0-87171-872-3

American Welding Society 8669 NW 36 St, # 130, Miami, FL 33166

©2015 by American Welding Society

All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America

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AWS D18.3/D18.3M:2015

Statement on the Use of American Welding Society Standards

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 made part of, documents that are included in federal or state laws and regulations, or the regulations of other governmen- tal bodies, their provisions carry the full legal authority of the statute. In such cases, any changes in those AWS standards must be approved by the governmental body having statutory jurisdiction before they can become a part of those laws and regulations. In all cases, these standards carry the full legal authority of the contract or other document that invokes the AWS standards. Where this contractual relationship exists, changes in or deviations from requirements of an AWS stan- dard must be by agreement between the contracting parties.

AWS American National Standards are developed through a consensus standards development process that brings together volunteers representing varied viewpoints and interests to achieve consensus. While AWS administers the process and establishes rules to promote fairness in the development of consensus, it does not independently test, evalu- ate, or verify the accuracy of any information or the soundness of any judgments contained in its standards.

AWS disclaims liability for any injury to persons or to property, or other damages of any nature whatsoever, whether spe- cial, indirect, consequential, or compensatory, directly or indirectly resulting from the publication, use of, or reliance on this standard. AWS also makes no guarantee or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information published herein.

In issuing and making this standard available, AWS is neither undertaking to render professional or other services for or on behalf of any person or entity, nor is AWS undertaking to perform any duty owed by any person or entity to someone else. Anyone using these documents should rely on his or her own independent judgment or, as appropriate, seek the advice of a competent professional in determining the exercise of reasonable care in any given circumstances. It is assumed that the use of this standard and its provisions is entrusted to appropriately qualified and competent personnel.

This standard may be superseded by new editions. This standard may also be corrected through publication of amend- ments or errata, or supplemented by publication of addenda. Information on the latest editions of AWS standards includ- ing amendments, errata, and addenda is posted on the AWS web page (www.aws.org). Users should ensure that they have the latest edition, amendments, errata, and addenda.

Publication of this standard does not authorize infringement of any patent or trade name. Users of this standard accept any and all liabilities for infringement of any patent or trade name items. AWS disclaims liability for the infringement of any patent or product trade name resulting from the use of this standard.

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, Technical Services Division, 8669 NW 36 St, # 130, Miami, FL 33166 (see Annex C). With regard to technical inquiries made concerning AWS standards, oral opinions on AWS standards may be rendered. These opinions are offered solely as a convenience to users of this standard, and they do not constitute professional advice. Such opinions represent only the personal opinions of the particular individuals giving them. These individuals do not speak on behalf of AWS, nor do these oral opinions constitute official or unofficial opinions or interpretations of AWS. 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 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 pro- vided 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.

AWS D18.3/D18.3M:2015

Dedication

The D18 Committee on Welding in Sanitary Applications dedicates this edition of the D18.3/D18.3M:2015, Specification for Welding of Tanks, Vessels, and Other Equipment in Sanitary (Hygienic) Applications, to Mr. Richard Smith, a charter member of the D18 Committee from its inception in 1995. Dick was a true friend and advocate of the American Welding Society and the sanitary industry. His dedicated efforts did much to advance the art and science of welding stainless steel materials for the food processing industry. He enthusiastically contributed to the three D18 specifications, including AWS D18.1, Specification for Welding of Austenitic Stainless Steel Tube and Pipe Systems in Sanitary (Hygienic) Applications, AWS D18.2, Guide to Weld Discoloration Levels on Inside of Austenitic Stainless Steel Tube, and AWS D18.3, Specification for Welding of Tanks, Vessels, and Other Equipment in Sanitary (Hygienic) Applications. The D18 Committee remembers Dick’s wis- dom and efforts with appreciation.

The D18 Committee on Welding in Sanitary Applications dedicates this edition of the D18.3/D18.3M:2015, Specification for Welding of Tanks, Vessels, and Other Equipment in Sanitary (Hygienic) Applications, to Mr. Richard Smith, a charter member of the D18 Committee from its inception in 1995. Dick was a true friend and advocate of the American Welding Society and the sanitary industry. His dedicated efforts did much to advance the art and science of welding stainless steel materials for the food processing industry. He enthusiastically contributed to the three D18 specifications, including AWS D18.1, Specification for Welding of Austenitic Stainless Steel Tube and Pipe Systems in Sanitary (Hygienic) Applications, AWS D18.2, Guide to Weld Discoloration Levels on Inside of Austenitic Stainless Steel Tube, and AWS D18.3, Specification for Welding of Tanks, Vessels, and Other Equipment in Sanitary (Hygienic) Applications. The D18 Committee remembers Dick’s wis- dom and efforts with appreciation.

AWS D18.3/D18.3M:2015

Personnel

AWS D18 Committee on Welding in Sanitary Applications

W. L. Roth, Chair The Procter & Gamble Company

R. Howard, Vice-Chair Consultant

P. Portela, Secretary American Welding Society

R. E. Avery Nickel Institute

R. D. Campbell Bechtel

1. E. Campbell Machinery & Welder Corporation

   1. A. Chin Auburn University

   2. Eskridge Jacobs Engineering

L. Hanson Johnsonville Sausage, LLC

B. K. Henon Magnatech, LLC

J. K. Petter Quality Tank Solutions

Advisors to the AWS D18 Committee on Welding in Sanitary Applications

J. R. Hannahs Consultant

M. P. Lang Fluor-Construction Technical Services

G. B. Melton TWI

AWS D18.3/D18.3M:2015

Foreword

This foreword is not part of AWS D18.3/D18.3M:2015, Specification for Welding of Tanks, Vessels, and Other Equipment in Sanitary (Hygienic) Applications, but is included for informational purposes only.

The formation of the D18 Committee was approved in October and November 1995 by the Technical Activities Committee and the Board of Directors, respectively. 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 construction of dairy and food product processing plants. The 3-A SSI develops sanitary design standards for dairy and food processing, packaging, and handling equipment and systems. Several members of the Committee are active members of 3-A SSI, and the Committee has maintained liaison with 3-A SSI.

This is the second edition of the D18.3/D18.3M specification and supersedes AWS D18.3/D18.3M:2005, Specification for Welding of Tanks, Vessels, and Other Equipment in Sanitary (Hygienic) Applications. This specification was prepared because a need was seen by the D18 Committee to address welding issues on tanks, vessels, and other equipment in san- itary applications not addressed by D18.1, Specification for Welding Austenitic Stainless Steel Tube and Pipe Systems in Sanitary (Hygienic) Applications.

A vertical line in the margin or underlined text in clauses, tables, or figures indicates an editorial or technical change from the 2005 edition. The following is a summary of the most relevant revisions to the D18.3/D18.3M 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 over- lap with AWS B2.1/B2.1M.

• The essential and nonessential variables for performance qualification in the first edition were eliminated and per- formance qualification is now totally in accordance with AWS B2.1/B2.1M.

• Several metric conversions were harmonized to current AWS guidelines.

SUGGESTIONS

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.

1 3-A standards are published by 3-A Sanitary Standards Inc., 6888 Elm Street, Suite 2D, McLean, Virginia, USA 22101.

AWS D18.3/D18.3M:2015

Table of Contents

Page No.

Dedication v

Personnel vii

Foreword ix

List of Tables xii

List of Figures xii

1. General Requirements 1

   1. Scope 1

   2. Units of Measure 1

   3. Safety 1

   4. Owner’s Responsibilities 2

   5. Welding Symbols 2

2. Normative References 2

3. Terms and Definitions 2

4. Qualification 3

   1. Procedure Qualification 3

   2. Performance Qualification 5

5. Fabrication Practices 6

   1. Mandatory Standard Practices 6

   2. Nonmandatory Standard Practices 6

6. Visual Examination Requirements 7

   1. Extent of Examination 7

   2. Prefinished Weld Visual Examination Acceptance Criteria 7

   3. Postfinished Weld Visual Examination Acceptance Criteria 8

7. Documentation 11

Annex A (Normative)—Weld and Adjacent Zone Finishes 13

Annex B (Informative)—Sample Forms 15

Annex C (Informative)—Guidelines for Preparation of Technical Inquiries 21

List of AWS Documents on Welding in Sanitary Applications 23

AWS D18.3/D18.3M:2015

List of Tables

Tables Page No.

1. Qualification and Verification Variables for Procedure Qualification 4

2. Weld Reinforcement—Groove Welds 8

List of Figures

Figures Page No.

1. Schematic Example of Surface Classification Zones 9

2. Acceptable and Unacceptable Weld Profiles (see 6.2.1) 10