Technical Policy of Gazprom in the Field of Welding Production and Nondestructive Quality Testing of Welded Connections
Introduction. The article is based on the plenary report taken place on 22–24 September, 2015 in Minsk at the “Gazprom” branch meeting “Gas Transmission Objects. Nondestructive Testing of Welded Connections. Condition and Mainstreams”. Special attention is given to regulatory documents improvement for better implementation of advanced NDT means and materials compliant with “Gazprom” technical requirements. Method. Route and qualification tests of modern NDT systems were fulfilled. On the basis of the tests results the “Program for development of nondestructive methods for welds quality testing for the period 2015-2017” was developed. Results. Route tests have shown that full detection of inadmissible defects is only possible when radiographic and ultrasonic methods are used together. The tests have confirmed that the volume of testing with physical methods should be increased. The results have been processed and analyzed. Conclusions. The updated “Register of nondestructive instruments for welded connections quality testing” has been prepared and then approved. The regulatory document for NDT of welded T-joints with covers has been developed with the aim to estimate their applicability for future operations.