En 12732 PDF

Trasporto e distribuzione di gas
NORMA Saldatura delle tubazioni di acciaio UNI EN 12732

EUROPEA Requisiti funzionali
FEBBRAIO 2005
Gas supply systems

Welding steel pipework
Functional requirements
La norma contiene i requisiti per la produzione e il controllo di

giunti saldati per l’installazione e la modifica di tubazioni e canaliz-
zazioni d’acciaio terrestri utilizzate nei sistemi per il trasporto e la
distribuzione di gas, ivi comprese le tubazioni in servizio per tutte
le gamme di pressione per il trasporto di gas naturale trattato, non
tossico e non corrosivo in conformità alla ISO 13686 quando:
- gli elementi delle tubazioni sono realizzati in acciaio al carbonio
non legato o leggermente legato;
- la tubazione non è situata in aree commerciali o industriali
come parte integrante del processo industriale su tali aree, ad
eccezione delle tubazioni e canalizzazioni utilizzate per il rifor-
nimento di queste ultime;
- la tubazione non è ubicata in impianti per uso domestico
secondo la UNI EN 1775;
- la temperatura di progetto del sistema è compresa tra -40 °C e
120 °C.
TESTO INGLESE
La presente norma è la versione ufficiale in lingua inglese della

norma europea EN 12732 (edizione aprile 2000).
ICS 25.160.40
UNI © UNI
Ente Nazionale Italiano Riproduzione vietata. Tutti i diritti sono riservati. Nessuna parte del presente documento
di Unificazione può essere riprodotta o diffusa con un mezzo qualsiasi, fotocopie, microfilm o altro, senza
Via Battistotti Sassi, 11B il consenso scritto dell’UNI.
20133 Milano, Italia www.uni.com
UNI EN 12732:2005 Pagina I

PREMESSA NAZIONALE
La presente norma costituisce il recepimento, in lingua inglese, del-
la norma europea EN 12732 (edizione aprile 2000), che assume co-
sì lo status di norma nazionale italiana.
La presente norma è stata elaborata sotto la competenza dell’ente

federato all’UNI
CIG - Comitato Italiano Gas
La presente norma è stata ratificata dal Presidente dell’UNI, con

delibera del 18 gennaio 2005.
Le norme UNI sono elaborate cercando di tenere conto dei punti di vista di tutte le parti
interessate e di conciliare ogni aspetto conflittuale, per rappresentare il reale stato
dell’arte della materia ed il necessario grado di consenso.
Chiunque ritenesse, a seguito dell’applicazione di questa norma, di poter fornire sug-
gerimenti per un suo miglioramento o per un suo adeguamento ad uno stato dell’arte
in evoluzione è pregato di inviare i propri contributi all’UNI, Ente Nazionale Italiano di
Unificazione, che li terrà in considerazione per l’eventuale revisione della norma stessa.
Le norme UNI sono revisionate, quando necessario, con la pubblicazione di nuove edizioni o
di aggiornamenti.
È importante pertanto che gli utilizzatori delle stesse si accertino di essere in possesso
dell’ultima edizione e degli eventuali aggiornamenti.
Si invitano inoltre gli utilizzatori a verificare l’esistenza di norme UNI corrispondenti alle
norme EN o ISO ove citate nei riferimenti normativi.
UNI EN 12732:2005 © UNI Pagina II

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 12732
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM April 2000
ICS 25.160.40
English version
Gas supply systems - Welding steel pipework - Functional

requirements
Systèmes d'alimentation en gaz - Soudage des tuyauteries Gasversorgungssysteme - Schweißen von Rohrleitungen
en acier - Prescriptions fonctionnelles aus Stahl - Funktionale Anforderungen
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 16 August 1999.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official
versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels
© 2000 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 12732:2000 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Page 2
EN 12732:2000
Contents Page
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2 Normative references . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3 Definitions and abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
4 Quality system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4.1 Welding contractors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4.2 Welders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.3 Welding supervisory/co-ordination personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.4 Testing personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
5 Welding consumables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
6 Production welding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
6.1 General requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

6.2 Joint preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
6.3 Preheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
6.4 Tacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
6.5 Welding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
6.6 Actions after welding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
6.7 Repair of weld defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
7 Special procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
7.1 Attachment of structural parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

7.2 Attachment of cathodic protection connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
7.3 Hot tapping and other welding work on pressurized pipelines and systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
8 Inspection of the weld joint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
8.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
8.2 Scope of inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
8.3 Non-destructive examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
8.4 Time of inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
8.5 Acceptance criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
8.6 Recording of test results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
9 Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
9.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
9.2 Archiving requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
10 Specific requirements for gas supply systems up to and including

16 bar MOP (distribution) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
10.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
10.2 Welders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
10.3 Welding supervisory personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
10.4 Production welding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
10.5 Acceptance requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
10.6 Requirements for records and documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
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EN 12732:2000
11 Specific requirements for gas supply systems

greater than 16 bar MOP (transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
11.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
11.2 Welders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
11.3 Welding supervisory personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
11.4 Qualification of welding procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
11.5 Production welding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

11.6 Destructive testing of production welds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
11.7 Acceptance requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
11.8 Requirements for records and documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
12 Specific requirements for metering, regulating and compressor stations . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
12.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
12.2 Specific requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Annex A (informative) Qualification for pipeline welders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Annex B (informative) Testing of the base material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Annex C (informative) Wall thickness compensation/Design examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Annex D (informative) Critical aspects for hot-tap welding or welding on

gas-pressurized pipelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Annex E (informative) Visual inspection of joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Annex F (informative) Manual ultrasonic testing of weld joints for wall thicknesses
between approximately 6 mm and 10 mm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Annex G (informative) Acceptance criteria recommendations for on-site production welds . . . . . . 38
Annex H (informative) Recommendations for brazing and aluminothermic welding

of anodic bonding leads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Annex I (informative) Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

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EN 12732:2000
Foreword
This European Standard has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 234 "Gas supply", the
secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication
of an identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by October 2000, and conflicting national
standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by October 2000.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
There is a complete suite of functional standards prepared by CEN/TC 234 „Gas supply“ to cover
all parts of the gas supply system from the input of gas to the transmission system up to the
inlet connection of the gas appliances, whether for domestic, commercial or industrial
purposes.
In preparing this standard a basic understanding of gas supply by the user has been assumed.
Gas supply systems are complex and the importance on safety of their construction and use has led
to the development of very detailed codes of practice and operating manuals in the member
countries. These detailed statements embrace recognised standards of gas engineering and the
specific requirements imposed by the legal structures of the member countries.
CEN/TC 234 will continue its work updating this Standard to the latest developments at regular
intervals.
This European Standard has been prepared under mandate M/017 given to CEN by the Commission of
the European Communities and the European Free Trade Association.
1 Scope
This European Standard contains requirements for the production and testing of weld joints for
the installation and modification of onshore steel pipelines and pipework used in gas supply
systems, including in-service pipelines, for all pressure ranges for the carriage of processed,
non-toxic and non-corrosive natural gas according to ISO 13686, where
- the pipeline elements are made of unalloyed or low-alloyed carbon steel;
- the pipeline is not located within commercial or industrial premises as integral part of the
industrial process on those premises except for any pipelines and facilities supplying such
premises;
- the pipework is not located within household installations according to EN 1775:1998;
- the design temperature of the system is between -40 °C and 120 °C inclusive.
With respect to production and testing of welds, this European Standard refers to basic
standards drafted by CEN/TC 121 and CEN/TC 138 as they exist up to the date of issue of this
standard.
This standard is not applicable to welds produced prior to the publication of this European
standard.
Clauses 4 to 9 describe general requirements which relate to all areas of application mentioned.
The following clauses contain specific requirements:
Clause 10: Supply systems for a maximum operating pressure up to and including 16 bar
(distribution)
Clause 11: Supply systems for a maximum operating pressure greater than 16 bar (transmission)
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EN 12732:2000
Clause 12: Metering, regulating and compressor stations
Table 1 assigns the application areas to quality requirement categories as a function of the
working pressure and pipe materials used.
Table 1: Allocation to quality requirement categories
Quality requirement Area of activity applies to

category
A Pressure range and base material 100 mbar

Group 1 according to EN 288-
3:1992
Rt 0,5 360 N/mm2
Examples of use
Mains and service pipes in gas
distribution systems
B Pressure range and base material > 100 mbar 5 bar

3:1992
Rt 0,5 360 N/mm2
Examples of use
Mains and service pipes in gas
distribution systems, pipework
in stations
C Pressure range and base material > 5 bar 16 bar

3:1992
Rt 0,5 360 N/mm2
Examples of use
Pipelines including pipework in
stations and gas distribution
systems
D Pressure range or base material > 16 bar*

Group 1 to 3 according to EN 288-
3:1992
Examples of use
Pipelines including pipework in
stations and gas transmission
systems
Note:
Rt 0,5 specified minimum yield strength according to EN 10208-2:1996.
*
Pipelines having hoop stresses at design pressure up to 30 % of specified minimum
yield strength and operated at a pressure up to 24 bar can be allocated to quality
requirement category C by the pipeline operator.
Additional requirements may be specified when, for example
- the strain on pipelines and systems;
- the materials;
- the line routing;
- the design or the welding technique
are considered critical.
This European Standard specifies common basic principles for gas supply systems. Users of this
European Standard should be aware that there can exist more detailed national standards and/or
Page 6
EN 12732:2000
codes of practice in the CEN member countries.
This European Standard is intended to be applied in association with these national standards
and/or codes of practice setting out the above-mentioned basic principles.
In the event of conflicts in terms of more restrictive requirements in national

legislation/regulation with the requirements of this standard, the national
legislation/regulation shall take precedence.
2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other
publications. These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the
publications are listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions
of any of these publications apply to this European Standard only when incorporated in it by
amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to
applies.
EN 287-1:1997 Approval testing of welders - Fusion welding - Part 1: Steels
EN 288-2:1992 Specification and approval of welding procedures for metallic materials -

Part 2: Welding procedure specification for arc welding

Part 3: Welding procedure tests for the arc welding of steels

Part 5: Approval by using approved welding consumables for arc welding

Part 6: Approval related to previous experience

Part 7: Approval by a standard welding procedure for arc welding

Part 8: Approval by a pre-production welding test
prEN 288-9 Specification and approval of welding procedures for metallic materials -
Part 9: Welding procedure test for on land and offshore site butt welding of
transmission pipelines
EN 439:1994 Welding consumables - Shielding gases for arc welding and cutting
EN 440:1994 Welding consumables - Wire electrodes and deposits for gas-shielded metal arc
welding of non-alloy and fine-grain steels - Classification
EN 473:1993 Qualification and certification of NDT personnel. General principles
EN 499:1994 Welding consumables - Covered electrodes for manual metal arc welding of non-
alloy and fine-grain steels - Classification
EN 571-1:1997 Non-destructive testing - Penetrant testing - Part 1: General principles
EN 583-1 Non-destructive testing - Ultrasonic examination - Part 1: General principles
EN 719:1994 Welding coordination - Tasks and responsibilities
EN 729-1:1994 Quality requirements for welding - Fusion welding of metallic materials -

Part 1: Guidelines for selection und use

Part 2: Comprehensive quality requirements

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EN 12732:2000
Part 3: Standard quality requirements

Part 4: Elementary quality requirements
EN 756:1995 Welding consumables - Wire electrodes and wire-flux combinations for

submerged arc welding of non-alloy and fine grain steels - Classification
EN 757:1997 Welding consumables - Covered electrodes for manual metal arc-welding of high
strength steels - Classification
EN 758:1997 Welding consumables - Tubular cored electrodes for metal arc welding with or
without a gas shield of non-alloy and fine grain steels - Classification
EN 760:1996 Welding consumables - Fluxes for submerged arc welding - Classification
EN 970:1997 Non-destructive examination of fusion welds - Visual examination
EN 1290:1998 Non-destructive examination of welds - Magnetic particle examination of welds
EN 1418:1997 Welding personnel - Approval testing of welding operators for fusion welding
and resistance weld setters for fully mechanized and automatic welding of
metallic materials
EN 1435:1997 Non-destructive examination of welds - Radiographic examination of welded

joints
EN 1668:1997 Welding consumables - Rods, wires and deposits for tungsten inert gas welding
of non alloy and fine grain steels - Classification
prEN 1708-1 Welding - Basic weld joint details in steel - Part 1: Pressurized components
EN 1714:1997 Non-destructive examination of welds - Ultrasonic examination of welded

joints
EN 1775:1998 Gas supply - Gas pipework for buildings - Maximum operating pressure 5 bar -
Functional recommendations
EN 10002-1:1990 Metallic materials - Tensile testing - Part 1: Method of test
EN 10204:1995 Metallic products - Types of inspection documents
EN 10208-1:1997 Steel pipes for pipelines for combustible fluids - Technical delivery
conditions - Part 1: Pipes of requirement class A
EN 10208-2:1996 Steel pipes for pipelines for combustible fluids - Technical delivery
conditions - Part 2: Pipes of requirement class B
EN 24063:1992 Welding, brazing, soldering and braze-welding of metals - Nomenclature of

processes and reference numbers for symbolic representation on drawings
(ISO 4063:1990)
EN 25817:1992 Arc-welded joints in steel - Guidance on quality levels for imperfections

(ISO 5817:1992)
EN 26520:1991 Classification of imperfections in metallic fusion welds with explanations

(ISO 6520:1982)
EN 27963:1992 Welds in steel - Calibration block No. 2 for ultrasonic examination of welds
(ISO 7963:1985)
EN 29692:1994 Metal-arc welding with covered electrode, gas-shielded metal-arc welding and
gas welding - Joint preparations for steel (ISO 9692:1992)
EN 45001:1989 General criteria for the operation of testing laboratories

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EN 12732:2000
ISO 13686 Natural gas - Quality designation
3 Definitions and abbreviations
For the purposes of this standard, the following definitions apply.

Symbols used in formulae are defined where they occur.
3.1 design temperature (DT): The temperature on which the design calculations are based.
3.2 gas: The gaseous fuel which is in a gaseous state at a temperature of 15 °C under atmospheric
pressure (1,013 25 bar absolute).
3.3 gas distribution system: The pipeline system including piping above and below ground and all
other equipment necessary to supply the gas to the consumer.
3.4 gas distributor: The private or public organization authorized to distribute gas to
consumers through a gas distribution system.
3.5 gas transmission: The activity intended to convey gas from one place to another through
pipelines in order to supply gas to distribution systems or to industrial consumers.
3.6 installation: Equipment and facilities for the extraction, production, chemical treatment,
measurement, control, storage or offtake of the transported gas.
3.7 maximum operating pressure (MOP): The maximum pressure at which a system can be operated
continuously under normal conditions.
Note: normal conditions are: no fault in any device or stream.
3.8 national requirements: Requirements following from national legislation or more detailed
or stringent national standards
3.9 onshore pipeline: A buried and/or above ground pipeline including those sections laid in or
across inland lakes or water courses.
3.10 pipeline: A system of pipework with all associated equipment and stations up to the point of
delivery. This pipework is mainly below ground but also includes above ground parts.
3.11 pipeline components: The elements from which a pipeline is constructed. The following are
distinct pipeline elements:
- pipe including cold-formed bends;
- fittings
EXAMPLE 1: reducers, tees, factory-made elbows and bends, flanges, caps, welding stubs,
mechanical joints.
- fabrications, manufactured from elements referred above;
EXAMPLE 2: manifolds, slug catchers, pig launching/receiving stations, metering and control
runs.
- equipment;
EXAMPLE 3: valves, expansion joints, insulating joints, pressure regulators, pumps,

compressors.
- pressure vessels.
3.12 pipeline operator: The private or public organization authorized to design, construct,
and/or operate and maintain the gas supply system.
3.13 pipework: An assembly of pipes and fittings.

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EN 12732:2000
3.14 pressure: The gauge pressure of the fluid inside the system, measured in static
conditions.
3.15 station: A plant or facility for the operation and/or processing of gas supply systems.
3.16 test pressure (TP): The pressure to which the gas supply system is subjected, to ensure
that it can operate safely.
4 Quality system
If required by the pipeline operator, a quality system shall be applied to pipeline welding. A
set of recommended quality requirements according to EN 729 is provided in Table 2, which
specifies the requirements of EN 729 for the different categories as defined in Table 1.
Table 2: Recommended quality requirements
Quality requirement category in

Requirement relating to: accordance with Table 1
A B C D
Quality system according to:
EN 729-1:1994 and EN 729-2:1994(complete) + + * *

EN 729-1:1994 and EN 729-3:1994 (standard) + + * *
EN 729-1:1994 and EN 729-4:1994 (elementary) * * - -
Welding coordination personnel:

according to EN 719:1994: welding engineer + + + *
welding technician1) + + * -
1)
welding specialist + * * -
Foreman welder with several years technical experience * * - -
Testing personnel according to EN 473:1993 * * * *
Welding procedure specification (WPS):

according to EN 288-2:1992 (except gas welding, procedure no. 311) * * * *
Approval of welding procedures according to one of the following standards:
EN 288-3:1992 (welding procedure test) + + * *

EN 288-5:1994 (using approved welding consumables) * * - -
EN 288-6:1994 (previous experience) * - - -
1)
EN 288-7:1995 (standard welding procedures) + + * *
EN 288-8:1995 (pre-production welding test) + * * *
prEN 288-9 (welding procedure test for site welding) + + + *
1) This may be applicable in category D for small projects or for materials with Rt 0,5 360 N/mm².
Explanation: * recommended
+ optional
- not recommended
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EN 12732:2000
4.1 Welding contractors
If required by the pipeline operator, contractors shall demonstrate their ability to perform
the work. Reference can be made to EN 729.
4.2 Welders
All welders shall be qualified for the work they are required to undertake.
The qualification should be carried out in accordance with an appropriate specification (see
clauses 10, 11 and 12).
The pipeline operator may accept welders provided it can be demonstrated that they have produced
welds of the required quality within the essential variables of the welding procedure.
4.3 Welding supervisory/co-ordination personnel
Welding tasks and responsibilities for welding shall be assigned to personnel with the
appropriate experience and technical knowledge. Where a quality system is required, these
personnel should be qualified to EN 719:1994.
4.4 Testing personnel
Destructive testing and non-destructive examination personnel shall be employed either by the
pipeline contractor or by the pipeline operator or by an independent testing company. All
companies providing such personnel should be certified. All non-destructive examination
personnel shall be qualified for the duties they are to perform in accordance with EN 473:1993 or
skill recognition by the pipeline operator.
5 Welding consumables
Welding consumables shall be in accordance with:
Shielded metal arc welding (prodedure no. 111) : EN 499:1994 and EN 757:1997
Gas metal arc welding (procedures nos. 135, 141) : EN 440:1994 and EN 1668:1997
Flux-cored arc welding (procedures nos. 114, 136) : EN 758:1997
Shielding gases : EN 439:1994
Submerged arc welding (prodedure no. 12) : EN 756:1995
Fluxes for submerged arc welding (prodedure no. 12) : EN 760:1996
The numbering of the procedures given in brackets is in accordance with EN 24063:1992.
All filler materials shall be certified as conforming to the relevant European Standard.
Batch testing of the filler materials can be required by the pipeline operator. The certificates
shall be in accordance with EN 10204:1995, type 3.1.B. The chemical composition of the deposited
weld metal shall be compatible1) with the parent metal.
Unless otherwise agreed, matching1) weld metal for girth welds shall be required. For the
selection of consumables, the use of Table 3 is recommended.
After filler material has been removed from its original package, it shall be protected or
stored in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements, so that its characteristics or
welding properties are not affected.
1)
taking into account any specific property requirements
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EN 12732:2000
Table 3: Matching filler material requirements
Steel specification Filler material requirements

to EN 10208-1:1997 and to EN 440:1994/EN 499:1994/EN 757:1997
EN 10208-2:1996**
Rt 0,5 Rm Rt 0,5 Rm KV
or
Designatio Designatio
Rp 0,2
n n
N/mm2 N/mm2 N/mm2 N/mm2 J
L 210 210 335 - 475 E35 355 440 - 570
L 245 245 - 440 415 E35 355 440 - 570
L 290 290 - 440 415 E35 355 440 - 570 47/32
L 360 360 - 510 460 E42 420 500 - 640
L 415* 415 - 565 520 E46 460 530 - 680

*
L 450 450 - 570 535 E46 460 530 - 680
L 485* 485 - 605 570 E50 500 560 - 720
L 555* 555 - 675 625 E55 550 610 - 780

E62 620 690 - 890
NOTES:
* For wall thicknesses > 8 mm a lower strength consumable can be used for the root and
hot pass.
** Fitting materials are to be specified in accordance with the appropriate EN standard.
Rt 0,5 Specified minimum yield strength measured in N/mm2.
Rm Tensile strength according to EN 10208-2:1996 measured in N/mm2.
Rp 0,2 0,2 % proof strength according to EN 10002-1:1991 measured in N/mm2.
KV Impact test value (Charpy-V method) obtained for full size specimen
(average/individual) measured in Joule.
6 Production welding
6.1 General requirements
All welding shall comply with the approved welding procedure specification.
6.1.1 Working area
The working space shall enable adequate access to the work area in order to provide a safe
environment and to allow satisfactory production and testing of a weld joint.
6.1.2 Layout of weld joints
Weld joints, in particular tie-ins, shall be arranged and designed in a way suited to the planned
welding and testing technique. The placement of tie-in welds is particularly important.
6.1.3 Types of weld joints
Unless otherwise agreed, pipes and pipeline fittings shall be connected using butt-welded
joints.
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EN 12732:2000
6.1.4 Joint edge preparation
Joint edge preparations shall comply with the appropriate EN standards and the approved welding
procedure. Appropriate EN standards include prEN 1708-1 and EN 29692:1994. The choice of joint
configuration shall take into account the welding technique, the welding position and the
accessibility of the joint.
6.1.5 Weld spacing
Weld spacing shall be sufficient to ensure the integrity of the joint.
6.1.6 Different wall thicknesses
When pipes of different wall thicknesses have to be joined together, special precautions shall
be taken to avoid stress concentration and weld defects.
When butt welding pipework of different wall thicknesses has to be performed, 6.2.2 below and/or
prEN 1708-1 shall apply. Annex C of this Standard should also be observed.
6.1.7 Pipe branches and nozzles
Forged fittings are preferred. Weld-on branches and nozzles are allowed.
6.1.8 Laminations
Additional precautions can be required where welding is performed in the area of laminations.
A recommended procedure for checking for laminations is given in Annex B.
6.1.9 Butt welded cross joints
Unless otherwise agreed, butt welded cross joints shall be avoided.
6.2 Joint preparation
6.2.1 Pipe end preparation
To ensure that the required weld quality is achieved, all necessary details concerning the joint
preparation have to be laid down in the welding procedure specification.
6.2.2 Alignment of the joints
Alignment clamps shall be used where possible; the details and how they are to be used shall be
included in the welding procedure specification.
Root misalignment is acceptable as far as it is not affecting the integrity of the joint. For
recommendations see Annex G.
Misalignment of pipes and pipelines made of steel grades with a minimum specified yield strength
Rt 0,5 less than or equal to 360 N/mm2 which is outside the tolerance range of the tables given in
Annex G may be compensated for by deformation, if agreed by the pipeline operator, by the use of
special equipment or by transition pieces. The heat-treatment condition of the material shall
be taken into account.
NOTE: The strength of thermomechanically treated as well as quenched and termpered steels
is, in some cases, permanently reduced by heating to temperatures above 580 C.
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EN 12732:2000
Root misalignment of pipes and pipelines of different wall thicknesses and made of steel grades
with a specified minimum yield strength Rt 0,5 greater than 360 N/mm2 which is outside the
tolerance range of the tables given in Annex G shall be compensated for by using transition
pieces.
During correction of excessive root misalignment, measures shall be taken to avoid defects.
Examples of permissible weld configurations are given in Annex C.
6.3 Preheating
Preheating shall be applied in accordance with the welding procedure specification.
6.4 Tacking
Whenever tack welds are used, they shall be made using the welding procedure designed for the
root pass. They shall be distributed equally around the circumference.
The tacks shall be free from cracks. Cracked tacks shall not be welded over, and shall be ground
out and rewelded.
6.5 Welding
Precautions shall be taken to:
- minimize hydrogen pick-up in the work, in particular for steels which are sensitive to
cold cracking;
- avoid condensation;
- avoid air movements in the pipe;
- avoid uncontrolled electrical current;
- minimize magnetic effects;
- avoid cold cracking;
- avoid arc strikes.
6.6 Actions after welding
After the weld is completed, weld spatter shall be removed. The weld surface shall be cleaned of
slag. The cooling process shall not be accelerated beyond the rate specified in the welding
procedure specification.
Where air temperatures are below 5 C and/or poor climatic conditions like wind or rain prevail,
or if the pipeline operator requires it, the weld joint shall be protected against excessively
rapid cooling.
Stress-relief heat treatment may be necessary.
6.7 Repair of weld defects
Weld joints which do not meet the specified requirements shall be repaired or cut out. On each
weld joint which requires repair, the faulty area shall be clearly marked. The marking shall not
be removed until the defect has been repaired and the repair work has been inspected. If more
than 20 % of the total weld exhibits defects requiring repair, or if several defective weld
sections amount to this length overall, the weld joint in question shall be cut out and rewelded
unless otherwise agreed by the pipeline operator.
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EN 12732:2000
Weld joints with cracks shall be completely cut out. However, in special cases, and where
approved by the pipeline operator, cracks may be repaired provided the cause of the crack has
been established beyond doubt and provided it is confirmed that the fault has been correctly
identified.
Repairs shall be retested non-destructively using suitable techniques.
If non destructive testing of a repair reveals that the area still has unacceptable
indications, the weld shall be cut out and rewelded unless otherwise agreed by the pipeline
operator.
7 Special procedures
Before special procedures as given below are carried out, the type and scope of testing of the
weld joint shall be specified. The scope of the testing shall be in accordance with 8.2. The
testing technique used will depend on the type and dimension of the weld pieces.
7.1 Attachment of structural parts
Structural parts shall be attached using a continuous weld. Intermittent welds shall not be
used.
When welding structural parts onto components made of steel grades with specified minimum yield
strength greater than 360 N/mm2, special measures shall be employed which take account of the
material characteristics.
EXAMPLE: buttering with low-yield/low-hydrogen electrodes.
These precautions shall be specified in the welding procedure specification.
7.2 Attachment of cathodic protection connections
Electrical bonds to the pipe surface must be made with a welding or brazing method which does not
alter the integrity of the metal. It shall be demonstrated by a performance test that the
metallurgical structure is not adversely affected.
To qualify for making cathodic protection connections, the operator's skill shall be tested
under site conditions before work begins.
When cable connections are made to the pipeline, the adhesion of the weld shall be verified.
Recommendations for brazing and aluminothermic welding of anodic bonding leads are given in
Annex H.
7.3 Hot tapping and other welding work on pressurized pipelines and systems
All hot-tap welding procedures shall include the following additional requirements:
Hot-tap welding shall only be carried out after sufficient research and development to ensure
the safety of the operation and the correct mechanical properties of the weld.
Prior to the execution of welding work on pressurized pipelines and systems, the pipeline
operator shall establish whether the design, the material and the construction condition of the
pipeline allows welding under operating pressure. Critical aspects for hot-tap welding shall be
included in the welding procedure specification and shall be subject to approval by the pipeline
operator. A list of critical aspects is given in Annex D for information.
Welding sleeves and split-tees greater than DN 50 nominal size for use on pipelines made of steel
grades with specified minimum yield strength greater than 360 N/mm2 shall be of the split full-
encirclement type or shall incorporate additional local reinforcement.
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EN 12732:2000
The longitudinal seam weld of a split attachment shall not be allowed to impinge on the pipe wall
of the pressurized pipe. Where the attachments are of steel grades with specified minimum yield
strength greater than 360 N/mm2 or are designed so that longitudinal contraction stresses can
cause deformation, the first circumferential fillet weld shall be completed before the second
is started. The cooling rate shall not be increased. Where tacks for installation purposes are
necessary in the area of the second circumferential weld these shall be ground out completely.
8 Inspection of the weld joint
8.1 General
Weld quality shall be ensured by inspection of the welds using destructive tests and/or non-
destructive examination. The results of these tests shall be documented. Non-destructive
examination shall be carried out in accordance with approved procedures and destructive testing
shall be as for the original welding procedure, i.e. EN 288-3:1992 or prEN 288-9.
8.2 Scope of inspection
The inspection shall comprise inspection during welding, final visual inspection, non-
destructive examination and destructive testing.
The minimum extent of non-destructive examination in respect of the quality requirement

category and the type/position of the weld joint is given in Table 4.
The pipeline operator shall select which welds are to be tested.
Where less than 100 % non-destructive examination is performed and the quality of the weld joint
does not meet the requirements, further welds shall be examined to determine the extent of the
problem. The cause of the fault shall be eliminated. Except when otherwise agreed, two further
welds shall be inspected for each rejected weld.
Table 4: Minimum extent of non-destructive examination
Quality Radiography
Visual
requirement or Surface
examination
category in Type/position of the weld joint ultrasonic crack
by welding
accordance examination test
supervisor
with Table 1 (see note 1)
A Circumferential welds, branches, See note 2 See note 2
nozzles and fillet welds; longitudinal See note 3
seams
Unconcealed pipe spans; pipelines on 100 % See note 4
bridges, pipeline sections crossing
railways, navigable waterways or landing
strips/runways
B Circumferential welds See note 2 See note 2
Branches, nozzles and fillet welds See note 2 See
note 2
Longitudinal seams 100 % 10 %
Unconcealed pipe spans; pipelines on 100 % See note 4
railways, major roads and motorways,
navigable waterways or landing
strips/runways
C Circumferential welds 20 % 10 %
Branches, nozzles, fillet welds 100 % 10 %
Weld joints not included in the pressure 100 % 100 %
test
Unconcealed pipe spans; pipelines on 100 % 100 %
strips/runways
continued
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EN 12732:2000
Table 4: Minimum extent of non-destructive examination (continued)
Quality Radiography
Visual
requirement or Surface
examination
category in Type/position of the weld joint ultrasonic crack
by welding
accordance examination test
supervisor
with Table 1 (see note 1)
D Circumferential welds 100 % 20 %
Branches, nozzles, fillet welds 100 % (See note 7) 20 %
(see note 5)
Sweepolets
Weld joints not included in the 100 % 100 %
pressure test (see note 6)
If pipelines/units are laid or 100 % 100 %
installed in built-up areas
Unconcealed pipe spans; pipelines 100 % 100 %
on bridges, pipeline sections
crossing railways, major roads and
motorways, navigable waterways or
landing strips/runways
Note 1: The proportion of both techniques shall be agreed.
Note 2: Representative random sample on the basis of the total number of weld joints made by a
welder during the course of one year.
Note 3: One destructive test of field weld per year by means of tensile and/or bending test
for welders qualified only for gas welding (procedure no. 311) or only for fillet welds.
Note 4: The pipeline operator shall specify the extent of non-destructive examination
taking into account the design conditions, for example:
- external loads in addition to internal pressure;

- supports;
- expansion due to temperature.
Note 5: Where welds with incomplete penetration are used, the pipeline operator can require
100 %.
Note 6: Seams shall be tested 100 % by two different inspection techniques.
Note 7: For branches and nozzles, consideration should be given by the pipeline operator to
these methods.
Concluded
8.3 Non-destructive examination
The method or combination of methods for visual and non-destructive examination of the welds
shall be specified by the pipeline operator. Prior to commencement of welding, the non-
destructive examination procedures shall be submitted to the pipeline operator for approval.
In special cases, one inspection test method may be replaced by another.
Other forms of non-destructive examination can be required, depending on the material used, the
design and/or the welding technique.
Visual examination of welds should be carried out in accordance with EN 970:1997. Supplementary
recommendations are given in Annex E.
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EN 12732:2000
Radiographic examination shall be carried out in accordance with EN 1435:1997. If not otherwise
agreed by the pipeline operator, the image quality class shall be class A for categories A
through C and class B for category D. The test laboratory contracted for radiographic work
should be accredited to EN 45001:1989.
Ultrasonic examination shall be carried out in accordance with EN 583-1 and EN 1714:1997.
Supplementary recommendations are given in Annex F.
In procedures nos. 114, 135 and 136 in accordance with EN 24063:1992, the following additional
requirements shall be applicable.
In special cases supplementary ultrasonic examination can be required.
EXAMPLE: When short-circuit welding and/or where large thicknesses are involved.
In the first instance, the extent of this supplementary ultrasonic examination shall be 25 %.
Depending on the results of this examination, the pipeline operator can either:
- require supplementary examination or
- reduce the extent of this examination.
Dye-penetrant examination shall be carried out in accordance with EN 571-1:1997.
Magnetic-particle examination shall be carried out in accordance with EN 1290:1998.
The flow chart in Figure 1 identifies where the criteria for execution, extent and acceptance
for various non-destructive examination methods can be found in this and other documents.
Non-destructive examination procedures

according to 8.3
Application
Stations
Supply systems MOP < 16 bar Supply systems MOP > 16 bar Quality requirement cat.
Quality requirement cat. A, B, C Quality requirement cat. D A, B, C, D
Visual Magnetic Dye Radiographic Ultrasonic

examination particle penetrant examination examination
examination examination
Procedure:
Procedure: Procedure: Procedure: Procedure: prEN 583-1
EN 970:1997 EN 1290:1998 EN 571-1:1997 EN 444:1994 EN 1714:1997
Annex E EN 1435:1997 Annex F
Criteria: Criteria: Criteria: Criteria: Criteria:

Annex E Annex G Annex G Annex G Annex G
Annex G Table G.3
Figure 1: Non-destructive examination procedures and acceptance criteria

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EN 12732:2000
8.4 Time of inspection
All non-destructive examination shall be carried out before pressure testing, with the
exception of final tie-in welds which are not subjected to the pressure test (”golden welds”).
8.5 Acceptance criteria
The pipeline operator shall specify the acceptance criteria.
The acceptance criteria given in Table G.1 for radiographic findings and in Table G.3 for
ultrasonic findings are based on workmanship criteria. The pipeline operator can use EPRG
guidelines (see Annex G.2) or alternative acceptance criteria based on fracture mechanics
analysis and fitness-for-purpose criteria, provided they are fully documented and based on a
proven safe approach.
The results of the radiographic examination shall meet the acceptance requirements which are
given in clauses 10 and 11.
Weld defects detected by means of ultrasonic examination shall be evaluated in accordance with
the requirements of Table G.3.
The acceptance requirements for alternative examination methods shall be determined from case
to case.
8.6 Recording of test results
A clear relationship shall exist between the examination report, the radiographs and the weld
under examination, and shall be indicated in a sketch or pipe logbook.
9 Documentation
9.1 General
The documentation is intended to prove that the welding requirements and test provisions
according to this standard are fulfilled.
This documentation shall be compiled in such a way that traceability is ensured.
9.2 Archiving requirements
Documentation shall be archived in accordance with the pipeline operator's policy.
10 Specific requirements for gas supply systems up to and including 16 bar MOP
(distribution)
10.1 General
This clause contains specific requirements for the welding and inspection of gas supply systems
up to and including 16 bar MOP (distribution).
Table 1 defines the quality requirement categories.

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EN 12732:2000
10.2 Welders
Welders shall be qualified in accordance with EN 287-1:1997, taking into account the essential
variables as laid down in clause 6. For acceptance criteria in accordance with EN 287-1:1997
reference can be made to Annex G.1.
For gas welding (procedure no. 311) of pipes of category A, welders' qualification requirements
are to be defined by the pipeline operator.
Welders employed in the installation of buried pipelines shall have passed their welding
examination under site conditions. This requirement is deemed to have been fulfilled if the
examination is conducted in an area which simulates a pipe trench of the following dimensions:
- maximum length: 1,5 m
- maximum spacing between pipe wall and trench bottom: 0,4 m
- maximum spacing between pipe wall and trench wall: 0,5 m
Welders certificate shall clearly indicate, by reference to this standard, that the welders
qualification test has been performed under the conditions mentioned above.
10.3 Welding supervisory personnel
Welding specialists qualified to EN 719:1994 are qualified to act as welding supervisors

monitoring welding work on site. For welding work in quality requirement categories A and B, the
welding supervisor can be a foreman welder with several years specialized technical
experience.
10.4 Production welding
If feasible, working pits or bell holes should be constructed in the pipe trench. They should
have a minimum free length of 1,5 m at the weld area. The distance from pipe to bell hole bottom
should be not less than 0,4 m and from pipe to trench wall not less than 0,6 m.
Bell holes shall be kept free of water during welding work.
Segmental cuts up to 7,5 (tangents up to 15) are permitted for pipelines and systems for
quality requirement categories A and B. Segmental cuts up to 2,5 (tangents up to 5) are
permitted for pipelines and systems in quality requirement category C.
In areas subject to ground movements and at unconcealed pipe spans and at pipelines on bridges,
changes of direction using segmental cuts shall not be permitted.
10.4.1 Joint preparation
Socket joints according to prEN 1708-1 are allowed for all diameters in quality requirement
categories A and B, if approved by the pipeline operator.
Bell and spigot, socket or sleeve welds shall be set up so that the root gap of the fillet weld is
the minimum possible. No tools with sharp edges shall be used during this process. Where the end
of the socket shall be forged, it shall be heated to a forging temperature suitable for the
material quality.
The welding of alignment aids and similar temporary attachments onto pipelines should be
avoided. If necessary, alignment aids and similar temporary attachments can be used with the
approval of the pipeline operator.
10.4.2 Welding
All welding, including repairs and welding of patches for repair, shall be carried out in
accordance with the approved welding procedure specification.
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EN 12732:2000
10.5 Acceptance requirements
For radiographic examination reference can be made to Table G.1 or Table G.2.
For ultrasonic examination reference can be made to Table G.3.
10.6 Requirements for records and documentation
The following documents should be made available:
a) material certificate (only for category C);
b) welding procedure specification;
c) welding procedure approval record;
d) pipe logbook (only for category C);
e) welding procedure qualification record;
f) non-destructive examination reports;
g) radiographs;
h) pipe routing (as built).
11 Specific requirements for gas supply systems greater than 16 bar MOP (transmission)
11.1 General
This clause contains specific requirements for the welding and inspection of gas supply systems
greater than 16 bar MOP (transmission). These welding aspects shall be taken into account in
order to reduce the risk of weld defects. Table 1 shows the area of application.
11.2 Welders
Welders can be qualified according to EN 287-1:1997 or in accordance with a standard of the

pipeline operator. An example is given in Annex A.
If the pipeline operator has justifiable doubts regarding the skill of a welder in respect of
the welding work to be performed, requalification with additional requirements can be
required.
11.3 Welding supervisory personnel
The monitoring of welding work on site can be delegated from the welding supervisory personnel
in charge according to clause 4, Table 2, to a welding specialist qualified to EN 719:1994.
11.4 Qualification of welding procedures
The pipeline operator shall specify the requirements for the approval of the welding procedure
according to the relevant part of EN 288. Table 2 gives an overview of the recommended
requirements. The welding procedure shall be in accordance with EN 288-2:1992 and be submitted
to the pipeline operator for approval prior to commencement of welding.
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EN 12732:2000
For welding work on materials which have not been qualified by standard procedures according to
EN 288-7:1995, as well as for special designs, qualification of the procedure shall be carried
out according to EN 288-3:1992 or, as specified by the pipeline operator, according to
EN 288-8:1995.
EXAMPLE 1: cable connections for cathodic protection.
EXAMPLE 2: work on ”live-lines”.
EXAMPLE 3: installation aids.
11.4.1 Testing requirements for welding procedure qualification
As transmission pipelines are subject to external forces, care shall be taken to ensure that
weld defects cannot become critical.
For grades L 485 and L 555 according to EN 10208-2:1996, matching of base and filler materials
is required and the use of Table 3 is recommended.
Testing should be carried out in accordance with EN 288-3:1992 or prEN 288-9, as appropriate.
However. depending on service and/or conditions to be experienced by the pipeline, more

stringent requirements or additional tests can be specified by the pipeline operator.
EXAMPLE 1: overmatching of consumables.
EXAMPLE 2: impact testing.
EXAMPLE 3: transverse tensile testing.
EXAMPLE 4: all-weld-metal tensile testing.
11.4.2 Impact testing
In addition to prEN 288-9 and EN 288-3:1992, the following requirements are prescribed for the
weld metal notched in the centre of the weld and in the heat-affected zone.
Minimum impact energy:
- Steel grades with specified minimum yield strength less or equal to 360 N/mm2
Average 27 Joule (J)
Individual 20 Joule (J)
- Steel grades with specified minimum yield strength greater than 360 N/mm2
Average 40 Joule (J)
Individual 30 Joule (J)
NOTE: If the EPRG rules are specified by the pipeline operator, the Charpy-V requirements
of 40 Joule average, 30 Joule individual shall be used (see Table G.2).
In addition to the above-mentioned standards, testing is required for all pipe wall thicknesses
greater than 5 mm. Where subsidiary tests are necessary because of limited wall thickness, the
measured impact energy (KVP) shall be stated together with the test piece cross-section (SP)
measured under the notch in square millimetres.
For comparison with the requirements specified above, the measured energy shall be converted to
the impact energy KV (in Joules) using the formula:
8 × 10 × KV P
KV
SP
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EN 12732:2000
where:
KV is the impact energy for the full-size specimen, in Joules;

KVP is the measured impact energy, in Joules;
SP is the cross-section measured under the notch, in square millimetres.
The specimen shall be as thick as possible.
The verification test temperature shall be equal to the minimum design temperature or, if
agreed, to the minimum exposure temperature which can occur.
11.4.3 Transverse tensile test
The tensile strength of the joint, including the fusion zone of each specimen, shall be equal to
or greater than the specified minimum tensile strength of the pipe material. If the specimen
breaks in the weld metal, it shall be considered acceptable provided that the specified minimum
tensile strength of the pipe material has been achieved.
11.4.4 All-weld-metal tensile test
If an all-weld-metal tensile test is specified (information in addition to that contained in

the 3.1.B certificate to EN 10204:1995), the test specimen and the tests should be in accordance
with the appropriate EN standard. The yield strength should be equal to or higher than the
specified minimum yield strength of the parent metal.
11.5 Production welding
11.5.1 General requirements
If feasible, working pits or bell holes should be constructed in the pipe trench. They should
have a minimum free length of 1,5 m at the weld area. The distance from pipe to bell hole bottom
should be not less than 0,4 m and from pipe to trench wall not less than 0,6 m.
Bell holes shall be kept free of water during welding work.
Pipes, pipeline parts and other components which require marking (in accordance with
EN 10204:1995) shall be restamped or remarked next to the cutting line prior to cutting.
The minimum length of a single pipe to be welded into a pipeline shall be 0,5 times DN.
Where forged fittings are used in a tie-in situation, the fittings should have pipe-pups welded
to them before welding into the line so that the final tie-in is a pipe-to-pipe joint.
Segmental cuts shall be limited to 1,5 (tangents up to 3). When segmental cuts are used only
manual welding shall be allowed.
In areas subject to ground movements and at unconcealed pipe spans and at pipelines on bridges,
changes of direction by segmental cuts are not permitted.
11.5.2 Joint preparation
Absence of laminations shall be proven by ultrasonic testing or other appropriate means, before
branches, nozzles and structural parts are welded onto pipelines or other components and before
cutting is carried out (see Annex B).
Pipes and pipeline components shall be clamped in such a way that strain due to movement on the
weld during welding is avoided.
The welding of alignment aids and similar temporary attachments onto pipelines shall not be
acceptable.
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EN 12732:2000
11.5.3 Welding
During welding, particular attention shall be paid to:
- preheat temperature;
- the time lapse between runs;
- the number of runs before work can be interrupted;
- the total time for weld completion;
- the welding energy for root pass for downhill welding with cellulosic electrodes.
In cases where tie-in welds are not subjected to hydrostatic testing and when welding steel
grades from Groups 2 and 3 according to EN 288-3:1992, cellulosic electrodes shall be permitted
only at the discretion of the pipeline operator.
11.5.4 Repairs of weld defects
When an external repair of the root is carried out, it shall be made to a qualified procedure.
If a test of a repair weld shows that the area is still defective, the seam shall be cut out and
rewelded unless otherwise agreed by the pipeline operator.
11.6 Destructive testing of production welds
The minimum number of production welds to be tested shall be in accordance with Table 5. Welds
shall be tested in accordance with EN 288-3:1992 or, if required by the pipeline operator, in
accordance with prEN 288-9.
Table 5: Minimum number of production test welds as function of pipeline length
Pipeline length L Number of samples

km
1 < L 10 1
10 < L 50 2
L > 50 2 plus 1 further sample per length
of 50 km or part thereof
11.7 Acceptance requirements
For radiographic examination reference can be made to Table G.1 or Table G.2.
For ultrasonic examination reference can be made to Table G.2 or Table G.3.
When welding level grades from Groups 2 and 3 according to EN 288-3:1992 with wall thicknesses
greater than 10 mm which are not pressure-tested, then welds shall also be ultrasonically
examined (see Table 4, note 6). In case of welding with cellulosic electrodes, this examination
shall be carried out not sooner than 24 hours after the welding has been completed unless soaking
is performed.
In case the pipeline operator uses EPRG guidelines (see Annex G.2) or alternative acceptance
criteria based on fracture mechanics analysis and fitness-for-purpose criteria it is
recommended to perform the non-destructive testing of the welds by combination of two different
inspection techniques.
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EN 12732:2000
11.8 Requirements for records and documentation
Traceability of documents for each single weld joint shall be compiled which shall include
identification of the welders employed and the welds produced by them.
The documents as listed below should be verified and checked prior to commissioning.
Records and documentation should include:
a) requirements of the relevant authorities;
b) approval on installation;
c) contractual conditions;
d) planning and execution documentation;
EXAMPLE 1: specifications, welding instructions, calculations and computations, design

plans, part lists.
e) approval/certificate of suitability, also for subcontractors and suppliers if

applicable;
f) qualification of welding personnel:
1) qualification of welding supervisory body according to EN 719:1994 and area of

responsibility of welding supervisory body;
2) qualification of welders (welder's certificate);
3) qualification of operators of welding machines according to EN 1418;
g) qualification of test personnel:
1) qualification of test supervisory body according to the appropriate EN standard and

area of responsibility of test supervisory body;
2) qualification of testers according to the appropriate EN standard and duties of

testers;
h) proof of the suitability of the welding method according to EN 288 series;
i) certificates, authorizations, delivery confirmation for semi-finished products and

components;
j) written records on the execution of heat-treatment operations;
k) test records:
1) non-destructive examination and destructive tests;
2) soundness and strength tests;
l) report on special features of construction work as well as on special measures;
EXAMPLE 2: work under difficult conditions such as adverse, cramped conditions.
m) inventory and location of components;
n) pipe logbook;
o) if applicable, conformity declaration by the welding contractor, also by subcontractors

and suppliers;
p) approval records.
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EN 12732:2000
12 Specific requirements for metering, regulating and compressor stations
12.1 General
This clause contains specific requirements for welding on and inspection of stations. Table 1
defines the quality requirement categories.
12.2 Specific requirements
It is recommended that the same requirements are used for stations as for the general pipeline
construction, according to the quality requirement category. The requirements relating
particularly to construction below ground level are excluded. These include:
- examination of welders under site conditions (see 10.2 and 11.2);
- general requirements for working pits or bell holes (see 10.4, 11.5.1);
- destructive testing (see 11.6).
Additional measures can be required in certain circumstances.
EXAMPLE 1: When design temperature or vibration are considered critical.
EXAMPLE 2: When special materials are used for pipes and /or pipework.
EXAMPLE 3: When different grades of steel are being welded together.

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EN 12732:2000
Annex A (informative)
Qualification for pipeline welders (Girth welds and branch connections)
A.1 General
In the case of fully mechanised processes, before execution of approval test, welders should be
examined about functional knowledge appropriate to the welding unit as specified in Annex B of
EN 1418:1997.
A.2 Execution of approval test
a) The test pipes to be welded should be of pipeline steel according to EN 10208.
b) Welding technique should be:
- single side no backing (ss nb) or
- single side with backing (ss mb) or
- both side (bs).
c) Welding shall be performed in an area which simulates a pipe trench of the following maximum
dimensions:
- trench length: 1,5 m
- spacing between pipe wall and trench bottom: 0,4 m
- spacing between pipe wall and trench wall: 0,5 m
d) For pipes less than DN 400 the welder should complete the whole circumference of a joint.
e) For pipes equal or greater than DN 400 the welder should weld half the circumference of the
joint (12 to 6 o‘clock position) in which case he is qualified to weld over the entire
circumference.
A.3 Range of test pieces
Pipeline welders shall perform a test for the particular type of application. Parameters could
be:
- Welding process;
- Welding position;
- Filler material (including combinations);
- Pipe material.
For an overall qualification for all diameters the welder shall perform as a minimum two
different diameters in at least two positions.
EXAMPLE: the combinations PC/PF or PC/PG according to EN ISO 6947:1997.
For (cellulosic or basic) downhill or flux cored arc welding the diameters shall be :
- DN 150 with a wall thickness in the range from 4,5 mm to 9 mm and
- 400 DN 800 with wall thickness > 10 mm.

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EN 12732:2000
For other processes the dimensions should be:
- 50 DN 150 with wall thicknesses between 3,6 mm and 9 mm and
- 400 DN 800 with wall thickness > 10 mm.
Additionally, one DN 50 weldolet or equivalent in position PC on a pipe of at least DN 400 should

be welded.
A.4 Preparation
Filler material shall be approved, certified and commercially available. Welding shall be
carried out according to an approved welding procedure specification. 10.2 should be
maintained.
A.5 Execution of test welding
The pipeline operator shall nominate an examiner. Unless otherwise agreed a notified body shall
examine the qualification. The welder shall identify himself with an appropriate document.
Clear identification marks shall be present on the pipe before welding starts. Repairs during
welding are not allowed.
A.6 Inspection
Both non-destructive examination and mechanical testing are required.
After finishing welding, the examiner shall execute visual examination. The quality should meet
the requirements of Annexes E and G.1.
All test pieces shall be X-rayed according to EN 287-1:1997 and examined according to table G.1
quality requirement category D.
For automatic processes (metal active gas (MAG) welding/ metal inert gas (MIG) welding)
ultrasonic examination shall be carried out instead of radiography, when the wall thickness
exceeds 8 mm. Weld quality should meet the requirements of Annex G.3 of this standard.
The weldolet shall be subjected to Magnetic Particle examination only.
A.6.1 Testing girth welds
Mechanical testing shall be performed on each part of the joint welded in the relevant welding
position according to EN 287-1:1997. The four bend or fracture test pieces of 400 DN 800 test
weld shall be taken from the 1, 3, 4 and 5 o‘clock positions. For the small diameter welder
qualification test the weld test pieces shall be taken in accordance with EN 287-1:1997. For
cellulosic welds, a degassing heat treatment of 250 °C for up to 10 hours is recommended on
transverse bend test specimens.
A.6.2 Testing weldolets
Four macro specimens shall be taken from the fillet weld.
A.7 Approval range
A.7.1 Materials
When welding the combination as mentioned above the welder is qualified according to this
standard for welding all pipelines in all diameters, wall thicknesses and material according to
EN 10208 for the relevant procedures and positions.
The welder is only qualified to use the type of filler material for which he has been approved.
EXAMPLE: Cellulosic only qualifies cellulosic.

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EN 12732:2000
A.7.2 Dimensions
When separate qualifications are performed the range is as follows:
- DN 50 qualifies all diameters up to and including DN 100 (category: small diameter);
- DN 150 qualifies all diameters between DN 100 and up to and including DN 250 (category:
medium diameter);
- DN 400 qualifies equal to or greater than DN 250 (category: large diameter).
A.7.3 Technique
- Single side (ss) qualifies single side and both side (bs) and single side with backing (ss
mb).
- Single side with backing (ss mb) only qualifies single side with backing.
- Both side (bs) qualifies both side and single side with backing (ss mb).
A.8 Duration of validity
The duration of validity for the certificate is six months.
Non-destructive testing (NDT) records shall be maintained according to small, medium and large
pipe size categories, for the purpose of extending the validity of the welder certificates.
A.9 Certificate
The pipeline welder certificate shall be similar to that proposed in EN 287-1:1997
The certificate should clearly indicate by reference to this standard that the welders
certification test has been performed under the conditions stated in Annex A.
The original certificate is non-transferable and shall be directly in the possession of the
welder or the contractor during execution of the work.
The examiner present during test welding shall sign and stamp the original certificate.
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EN 12732:2000
Annex B (informative)
Testing of the base material (lamination test)
Ultrasonic test equipment should be used for lamination tests; wall thickness measuring
instruments should not be used for this purpose.
Transmitter/receiver twin test probes or a single-crystal probe with detection zone greater
than near field zone should be used.
Ability to detect a flat-bottom hole of 2 mm diameter and a depth of 40 % of wall thickness

through to the respective rear wall should be ensured.
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EN 12732:2000
Annex C (informative)
Wall thickness compensation/Design examples
Figure C.1: Weld joint in the case of inadmissible high edge offset; transition piece with
counterweld (dimensions in mm)
Figure C.2: Weld joint in the case of inadmissible high edge offset; machined off on root side
Figure C.3: Weld joint in the case of inadmissible high edge offset; machined off on root side
and counterwelded (dimensions in mm)
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EN 12732:2000
Annex D (informative)
Critical aspects for hot-tap welding or welding on gas-pressurised pipelines
D.1 General
This annex refers to 7.3 and describes the general variables which should be maintained for hot-
tap welding or welding on gas-pressurized pipelines of category D (transmission pipelines).
Parts of them are essential and should be stated in the welding procedure specification. This
annex applies to:
- Split tees and repair sleeves nominal diameter DN 100
- Threadolets and weldolets nominal diameter DN 100
- Set-on branches nominal diameter DN 25
D.2 Definition
Temper bead method: A weld sequence whereby the heat-affected zone of the base material is
softened as much as possible.
D.3 Symbols
Hdm: Amount of diffusible hydrogen in 100 mg of weld metal.
D.4 Recommendations
D.4.1 Equipment
Mechanical control of welding current.
D.4.2 Supervision
Supervision should be performed by the pipeline operator or its nominee.
D.4.3 Safety precautions
Safety precautions should be taken and maintained in accordance with the pipeline operator's
standard or the authority's regulations.
Grouping of materials should comply with EN 288-3:1992, Table 3.
D.4.4 Identification
Prior to commencement of work, identification marks should be checked for compliance with the
operator's standard.
D.4.5 Filler materials
Filler materials should be in accordance with clause 5.
The pipeline operator may specify a special brand. For the application, filler material
requirements should be:
- specified minimum yield strength 400 N/mm2;
- ultimate tensile strength equal to or greater than 400 and up to and including 560 N/mm2;
- A5 26 %;
- KV 47 J/32 J;
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EN 12732:2000
- the verification test temperature in accordance with the pipeline operator's standard;
- Hdm 3 ml from 3 sets. Single value up to and including 3,5 ml is allowed;
- vacuum packaging should be specified;
- type of 3.1.B certificate in accordance with EN 10204:1995.
D.5 Weld preparation
Precautions should be taken to avoid arc strikes on the gas-pressurized pipeline in the case of
longitudinal weldments:
- by the use of backing strip;
- by adequate spacing between fitting and pipe.
Preparations should be in accordance with the appropriate EN standard.
D.6 Welding procedure
Description: The contractor should specify the applicable welding procedure. The welding
procedure should be approved by the pipeline operator.
Approval: Approval should be given if the welding procedure meets the requirements of the
pipeline operator's standard.
Qualification: The procedure qualification should be performed in accordance with the pipeline
operator's standard. (See also D.11).
Validity: The validity of the welding procedure qualification may be changed at the discretion
of the pipeline operator.
D.7 Performance of the welder
Welders should prove their competence prior to commencement of work. A test weld should be
executed and examined. (See also D.11).
The welding method and specimen should be approved by the pipeline operator.
The pipeline operator should qualify/approve the welders carrying out welding on gas-
pressurized pipelines.
Validity: The validity of the welders performance qualification may be changed at the
discretion of the pipeline operator.
D.8 Precautions
To avoid cold cracking and burn-through, the following precautions are recommended:
- Normalized steels (used before 1970) can be more sensitive to cold cracking. The pipeline
operator may take special measures by preheating and/or reducing gas flow.
- A minimum wall thickness for safe working should be maintained. As a consequence, a

maximum allowable rod diameter and minimum run-out length should be specified.
- Depressurizing of the pipeline should be considered for certain minimum wall

thicknesses.
- A minimum flow should be maintained for certain minimum wall thicknesses, at the
operator's discretion.
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EN 12732:2000
- A minimum distance between a fitting and other weldments should be specified by the
pipeline operator.
D.9 Execution
Seam preparation: Weld ends on the inside and outside of the fitting or sleeve should be ground
smooth.
Damaged surfaces: Minor surface damage can be repaired by grinding. Wall thickness reduction
should be limited to 95 % of the minimum allowable wall thickness unless otherwise specified. A
smooth transition to normal contour should be required with a maximum slope of 1:4.
Also applicable are 6.1, 6.1.5 and 6.1.8. With respect to 6.1.8, the pipeline operator should be
informed in the event of reportable defects.
There should be equal spacing between the fitting and the pipe.
The cap of the pipe seam weld should be removed by grinding, extending to 50 mm from each fillet
weld of the fitting.
Tack welding should be carried out by fully qualified welders.
Preheating for tack welds should be specified. If applicable, the minimum required length of
tack welds should be 50 mm. The maximum distance between tack welds should be 300 mm. Tack
welding should be specified in the welding procedure specification.
The pipeline operator should specify preheating parameters, if applicable. The welding
sequence should be specified in the welding procedure specification.
Unless otherwise specified, the maximum electrode diameter for wall thicknesses up to 7,0 mm
should be 2,5 mm. Above 7,0 mm wall thickness, 3,25 mm electrodes can be used. Above 10,0 mm wall
thickness, 4,0 mm electrodes may be used. Weaving is permitted up to twice the electrode
diameter.
Buttering may be used as a means of avoiding cold cracking. The pipeline operator can specify the
temper bead method. To avoid excessive shrinkage, the specified weld sequence should be
observed.
Each fitting shall be clearly marked.
D.10 Repairs
Each repair should require the pipeline operator's approval. Each repair should be specified
and documented. Repaired welds should be 100 % inspected.
D.11 Procedure qualification record/welder performance qualification
The pipeline operator can specify special welding conditions for the welding procedure approval
record . The procedure/performance test for welding on a gas-pressurized pipeline is optional.
Testing should be in accordance with EN 288-3:1992. The pipeline operator may specify
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EN 12732:2000
Annex E (informative)
Visual inspection of joints
E.1 General
This annex should be applied to all circumferential welds, branch and fillet welds. Visual
inspection of joints should be performed in accordance with EN 970:1997.
Requirements are based on acceptance criteria as laid down in Annex G.
E.2 Recommandations
In addition to the requirements of 8.4 of EN 970:1997, it should be verified that the face angle
between the parent metal and the weld metal is greater than 120 (see Figure E.1). In the case of
circumferential welds, undercuts (with reference to Table G.1 or Table G.2,) should be
permitted provided these have a smooth transition to the parent metal.
Figure E.1: Face angle between parent metal and weld metal
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EN 12732:2000
Annex F (informative)
Manual ultrasonic testing of weld joints for wall thicknesses between approximately 6 mm and
10 mm
F.1 General
Testing details for wall thicknesses between approximately 6 mm and 10 mm are specified to
ensure a precise distinction between geometric and defect echoes on the screen, where testing is
carried out within the 50 mm test range measured within the shortened projection distance.
Assessment of echo levels compared with circular disc reflectors as calibration values in this
wall thickness range is possible only to a limited degree because the test takes place in the
near field of the sound field.
For this purpose, the following equipment is to apply:
- Miniature angled test heads with 4 MHz nominal frequency, a beam angle of 70 and a fixed
installed measuring staff.
- Calibration block with groove and edges in accordance with Figure F.1a. The thickness
shall not deviate from the nominal wall thickness of the pipeline to be measured by more
than 10 %.
- Calibration block with bored hole in accordance with Figure F.2a. The block shall be made
from flat steel complying with EN 10025:1994, e.g. S 355 N, and shall have a minimum
cross-section of 36 mm x 20 mm and a minimum length of 140 mm.
Calibration of the ultrasonic tester and setting of the test sensitivity shall be carried out in
accordance with F.2.
F.2 Calibration
F.2.1 Adjustment of spacing
The calibration of the ultrasonic tester shall be carried out in the shortened projection
distance, actually in the 50 mm test range. The use of calibration block no. 2 according to
EN 27963:1992 is to be preferred.
Using a calibration block as shown in Figure F.1a, a groove at spacing a 1 (pos. 1) and a groove at
spacing a2 (pos. 2) or an edge at spacing a3 (pos. 3) should each be scanned and the corresponding
echo base points set to the shortened projection spacings shown in Figure F.1b belonging to the
spacings a1 and a2, or a3, as applicable. By this the echoes should be set to at least 80 % of
screen height.
F.2.2 Sensitivity adjustment when using the Distance Gain Size method
The shape and location of the sloping curve (reference line) for a circular disc reflector of
1 mm diameter is shown in the Distance Gain Size diagram for the test head. The shape and location
shall be specified by the test supervisory body, taking into account the respective acoustic
attenuation and transferred to the screen using a waterproof colour pen.
The test sensitivity will be determined on the basis of a cylindrical bored hole in the
calibration block as shown in Figure F.2a. The echo signal of the cylindrical bored hole will be
modulated to the level of the sloping curve using a dB amplification controller as shown in
Figure F.2b.
The amplification must then be increased by 8 dB. This amplification takes account of the
difference in sensitivity between the signal from a circular disc reflector of 1 mm diameter and
the signal from a cylindrical bored hole of 2 mm diameter with the same acoustic path.
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EN 12732:2000
NOTE: After the echo signal from the 2 mm cylindrical bored hole has been increased by 8 dB,
the sloping curve for the wall thickness range from 10 mm to 12 mm will correspond to a
circular disc reflector of 1 mm diameter (calibration standard). For the wall thickness
range from approximately 6 mm to 10 mm, the sloping curve will correspond only approximately
to a circular disc reflector of 1 mm diameter.
To summarize, the following dB additions apply for setting the required test sensitivity:
2 mm cylindrical bored hole in the calibration block set to the level
of the sloping curve x dB
increase in amplification + 8 dB
transfer correction + dB
test sensitivity = dB
The additional amplification of 8 dB only applies when a miniature angled test head with a
nominal angle of 70 and a nominal frequency of 4 MHz is used.
Miniature angled test heads with nominal beam angles other than 70 (e.g. 80) or ominal
frequencies other than 4 MHz (e.g. 2 MHz) are also usable. But in these cases the sloping curve,
the sensitivity adjustment and the increase in amplification has to be specified by the test
supervisory body.
Figure F.1a: Calibration block with rectangular grooves and edge (All dimensions are in mm)
Figure F.1b:Screen display for adjustment

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EN 12732:2000
Figure F.2a: Calibration block with cylindrical boring (All dimensions are
in mm)
Figure F.2b:Screen display for adjustment of test sensitivity

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EN 12732:2000
Annex G (informative)
Acceptance criteria recommendations for on-site production welds
G.1 Acceptance criteria according to EN 25817:1992
Table G.1: Acceptance criteria according to EN 25817:1992
Quality requirement
Assessment category to
category in accordance Type/position of the weld joint
EN 25817:1992
with Table 1
A+B Assessment category D

Circumferential welds except:
Serial nos. 2,3,4,5,6 = C
Serial no. 8
Branches, nozzles, fillet welds Long imperfections = C
Short imperfections = D
Serial no. 11
Longitudinal seams h 0,1 x T, but not more than
1,5 mm and a length of 50 mm
Unconcealed pipe spans; pipelines

on bridges, pipeline sections
crossing railways, major roads and
C Assessment category C
Circumferential welds except:
Serial nos. 12,13,14,15 = D
Serial no. 8
Branches, nozzles, fillet welds Long imperfections = C
Serial no. 11
Longitudinal seams h 0,1 x T, but not more than
Welds seams not included in the

pressure test
Unconcealed pipe spans; pipelines Same requirements as given

on bridges, pipeline sections in quality requirement
crossing railways, major roads and category D
Continued
Page 39
EN 12732:2000
Table G.1 (continued): Acceptance criteria according to EN 25817:1992
Quality requirement
Assessment category to
category in accordance Type/position of the weld joint
EN 25817:1992
with Table 1
D Assessment category B except:
Serial no. 8
Long imperfections = C
Circumferential welds Serial nos. 3,9,12 = C
Serial no. 21 (see note 1) = C
Serial nos. 24,25 not permitted

Serial no. 11
Branches, nozzles, fillet welds h 0,1 x T, but not more than
For crater pipes
(EN 26520:1991;
ref.no. 2024)
Same imperfections are
acceptable as serial
no. 5 = B
Longitudinal seams, sweepolets
Serial no. 16
Long imperfections = B
Short imperfections = C
Serial no. 17
weld joints not included in the

pressure test
Imperfection with:
l 10 mm
b 4 mm
If pipelines/units are laid/installed in
h 4 mm
built-up areas
acceptable
Serial no. 18 (see note 2)

Unconcealed pipe spans; pipelines on Serial no. 26 (see note 3)
strips/runways
NOTE 1: Internal concavity of any length is acceptable, provided the density of radiographic image of the
internal concavity does not exceed the density of the thinnest adjacent base metal. If it does exceed this, the
length is limited to 10 mm in any 300 mm of continuous weld or the total weld length, whichever is less. Serial
no. 21 includes burn-through.
NOTE 2: Permitted misalignment of surfaces:
Wall thickness (T) Permissible external Permissible internal

misalignment misalignment
T 10 mm 0,3 x T 1 mm on entire circumference
10 mm < T 24 mm 3,0 mm 2 mm over length DN
T > 24 mm 0,125 x T 2,5 mm over length 1/3 DN
NOTE 3: Accumulated length of all imperfections in each 300 mm of continuous weld shall not exceed
50 mm.
Concluded
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EN 12732:2000
G.2 Summary of requirements for defect acceptance levels and defect limits
The EPRG guidelines on the assessment of defects in transmission pipeline girth welds are based on
literature reviews, an extensive laboratory test programme, published experimental data and
accepted fitness for purpose methodologies. The guidelines are structured in three tiers and
specify defect acceptance levels in Tier 1 (good workmanship) and defect limits in Tiers 2 and 3
(fitness-for-purpose). The application of current welding standards can lead to quite different
defect limits. but the EPRG guidelines provide uniform acceptance levels and defect limits, with a
comprehensive technical justification [1].
[1] Gerhard Knauf and Phil Hopkins: The EPRG guidelines on the assessment of defects in
transmission pipeline girth welds, 3R international, 35 (1996), Journal number 10/11,
October/November, 1996, pp. 620-624
EPRG
EUROPEAN PIPELINE RESEARCH GROUP
a co-operation of European gas transmission and pipe manufacturing companies
Address:
Mannesmannröhren-Werke AG
Mannesmann Forschungsinstitut
Ehinger Straße 200, D-47259 Duisburg
Postfach 25 11 60, D-47251 Duisburg
MEMBERSHIP OF THE EUROPEAN

PIPELINE RESEARCH GROUP (EPRG)
BP International Limited, UK
BG plc, UK
British Steel plc, UK
S.A. Distrigaz, Belgium
Europipe GmbH, Germany
Gaz de France, France
ILVA/Lamiere e Tubi S.r.I., Italy
Mannesmannröhren-Werke AG, Germany
N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie, The Netherlands
Preussag Stahl AG, Germany
Rautaruukki Oy, Finland
Ruhrgas AG/PLE GmbH, Germany
Shell Internationale Petroleum Maatschappij B.V., The Netherlands
S.N.A.M. S.p.A., Italy
Table G.2.1:Summary of requirements for defect acceptance levels (Tier 1) and defect limits (Tier 2 and 3)
Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3
The defect acceptance levels used in Tier 1 can be from a

recognised, appropriate and acceptable transmission pipeline
girth welding code. Existing company standards, a CEN
Fitness for purpose defect limits.
standard, national standards ,API 1104, or BSI 4515 would be
appropriate, providing they are used within their known and
their defined limitations.
Wall thickness (T) is 7 mm T 25,4 mm. This Tier can be

Wall thickness (T) is 7 mm T 25,4 mm.
applied by agreement to wall thicknesses outside this range.
These defect limits are based on the assumption that each defect is confined to a single weld run of height not greater than
3 mm. If there is a suspicion of a defect being of depth greater than this weld run, it shall be repaired.
The Charpy V energy of the weld at the minimum design temperature for the pipeline shall be: average = 40 J, The weld toughness shall have an average Charpy V value of 40 J and a
minimum = 30 J using a full size specimen. (The number of toughness specimens, their orientation and location, minimum value of 30 J at the minimum design temperature for the pipeline
will be specified by the responsible engineer and take due account of the welding parameters, pipeline, its and a mean crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) toughness of 0,15 mm
operation and the weld defects expected.) Sub-size specimens should have toughness requirements reduced pro and a minimum CTOD toughness of 0,10 mm at the minimum design
rata with their dimensions. temperature. (The number of toughness specimens, their orientation and
location, will be specified by the responsible engineer, and take due
account of the welding parameters, pipeline, its operation and the weld
defects expected.)
Transverse API tensile tests should be carried out, with the weld reinforcement removed. The tests are acceptable if the specimens fail in the pipe material or if the specimens break in the
weld metal which has a tensile strength greater than or equal to the minimum specified tensile strength of the pipe material.
By agreement, further tests can be carried out to ensure that The defect limits are based on the assumption, and requirement, that the weld metal yield strength shall be equal to, or
the yield strength of the weld is equal to, or greater than, the greater than, that of the pipe material. The measurement of this yield strength, and the location, type and number of
yield strength of the pipe material. specimens, shall be by agreement.
The ratio of yield to ultimate tensile strength The ratio of yield to ultimate tensile strength of the pipe material
of the pipe material shall not exceed 0,90. shall not exceed 0,85.
This Tier can be applied to girth welds providing This Tier can be applied to girth welds providing that the applied axial
that the applied axial strain in the pipe is not stress is not greater than the pipe yield strength.
greater than 0,5 %.
The defect limits apply to pipeline girth welds that are between pipes of equal grade, thickness and are subjected to 100 %
non-destructive testing.
The minimum specified yield strength of the pipe material shall be 483 N/mm2.
Non-planar defects wich are surface breaking should be treated as planar defects.
Pipelines subjected to onerous fatigue duty or severe environmental loadings or effects may require higher levels of acceptance which are not included in this Annex G.2.
EN 12732:2000
Page 41
Page 42
EN 12732:2000
Table G.2.2: Summary of defect acceptance levels (Tier 1) and defect limits (Tier 2 and Tier 3)

Type of defect
Acceptance criteria Limit criteria Limit criteria
External profile Excess weld metal should be uniform and not more than 3 mm in height. It
should merge smoothly with the parent metal and not extend beyond the
original joint preparation by more than 3 mm each side. No area should have
the weld face lower than the adjacent pipe surface.
Internal profile The root bead or any concavity should merge smoothly into the adjacent
surface but at no point should the weld be thinner than the pipe thickness.
Root concavity - Length 25 % of weld circumference
- Depth 1,5 mm or 0,1 x T (if less)
Undercut (cap) - Length 50 mm 7xT
- Total 50 mm in 300 mm or 15 % of 7 x T in any 300 mm Figure G.1
circumference (if less)
- Depth 1 mm or 0,1 x T (if less) Assumed to be < 3 mm
Undercut (root) - Length 25 mm 7xT
Figure G.1
- Total 25 mm in 300 mm or 8 % of 7 x T in any 300 mm
- Depth 1 mm or 0,1 x T (if less) Assumed to be < 3 mm
Inadequate - Length 25 mm 7xT
root
penetration Figure G.1
Incomplete - Length 25 mm 7xT
(lack of)
root fusion Figure G.1
(lack of) cap
fusion Figure G.1
fusion
due to cold lap Figure G.1
Lack of - Length 50 mm 7xT
sidewall fusion
Figure G.1
Lack of - Length 50 mm 7xT
inter-run
fusion Figure G.1
- Total 50 mm in 300 mm or 15 % 7 x T in any 300 mm
of circumference (if less)
Continued
Page 43
EN 12732:2000
Table G.2.2 (continued): Summary of defect acceptance levels (Tier 1) and defect limits (Tier 2 and Tier 3)

Type of defect
Cracks Not allowed
Crater cracks 4 mm
Burn-through 6 mm
- Individual
- Total 2 per 300 mm
Porosity, - Individual 3 mm or 0,25 x T (if less)
T < 10 mm
- Total When projected radially through the weld, not
to exceed a total area of 2 % of the projected
weld area in the radiograph, calculated by
multiplying the length of the weld affected by
porosity, with a minimum of 150 mm, by the Figure G.1
maximum width of the weld.
Porosity, - Individual 6 mm or 0,25 x T (if
T 10 mm less)
- Total as for T < 10 mm 5 % of projected
area on
radiograph
Hollow bead, -Individual 50 mm
T < 10 mm
- Total 50 mm in 300 mm or 15 % of circumference (if
less)
Hollow bead, - Length 6 mm or 0,25 x T (if Figure G.1
T > 10 mm less)
- Total as for T < 10 mm 5 % of projected
area on
radiograph
Slag, - Length 50 mm
T < 10 mm
- Total 50 mm in 300 mm or 15 % of circumference
(if less) Figure G.1
Slag, - Length 40 % of
T 10 mm circumference
- Total as for T < 10 mm
- Width 3 mm
Inclusions, - Total 12 mm in 300 mm and 4 in 300 mm Figure G.1
T < 10 mm
- Width 3 mm or 0,5 x T (if less)
Inclusions, - Total 40 % of Figure G.1
T 10 mm as for T < 10 mm circumference
- Width 3 mm
Defect accumulation, 100 mm in 300 mm or 15 % of pipe circumference Figure G.1
T < 10 mm (if less), excluding porosity
(Root concavity is not included in accumulation calculations, unless it
causes
the weld thickness to be less than that of the pipe.)
continued
Page 44
EN 12732:2000
Table G.2.2 (concluded): Summary of defect acceptance levels (Tier 1)

and defect limits (Tier 2 and Tier 3)

Type of defect
Defect interaction, Inherent in defect accumulation criteria If a planar, slag or
T < 10 mm porosity defect is
separated from a planar
defect by a distance
smaller than the length
of the shorter of the
two defects, then
recategorize as a
single planar defect of
length equal to the two
individual lengths +
separation. Figure G.1
gives limits for
interacting planar
defects.
Defect accumulation, 100 mm in 300 mm or The larger of 7 x T in
T > 10 mm 15 % of pipe any 300 mm or 100 mm in
circumference (if any 300 mm, excluding
less), excluding porosity. Slag is not
porosity. included in the
accumulation
calculation, provided
pipe material strength
450 N/mm2. Figure G.1
Accumulation of planar
defects shall be 15 %
of circumference.
Accumulation of planar
and non-planar defects
shall be 40 % of
circumference.
(Root concavity is not included in accumulation calculations, unless it
causes
the weld thickness to be less than that of the pipe.)
Defect interaction, Inherent in defect If a planar, slag or porosity defect is separated
T 10 mm accumulation criteria. from a planar defect by a distance smaller than
the length of the shorter of the two defects,
then recategorize as a single planar defect of
length equal to the two individual lengths +
separation.
The recategorized Figure G.1 gives limits
planar defect should for interacting planar
have the same identity defects.
as the planar defect.
Concluded
Page 45
EN 12732:2000
Figure
G.1:Girth weld defects limits for Tier 3 (Wall thickness in mm)
G.3 Method and acceptance criteria for ultrasonic inspection assessment
G.3.1 Distance Gain Size method
The Distance Gain Size method should be used for the assessment of ultrasonic indications. The recording
limits given in Table G.3.1 are applicable. Indications of defect reflections which exceed the results in
Table G.3.2 are inadmissible.
G.3.2 Comparative Element method
When using the Comparative Element method, the test sensitivity after inclusion of the comparative line on
a 3 mm cross hole shall be increased by 6 dB. Assessment shall be in accordance with Table G.3.2.
G.3.3 General
Adjacent fault reflections at the same depth shall be separated by at least the length of the largest
individual fault reflection; if not, they should be considered as a continous fault reflection length.
The examination shall be performed in accordance with test rate 2 as given in EN 1714:1997. In critical
cases or to improve the assessment, the test rate should be increased or other additional test procedures
(e.g. radiographic examination) should be used.
Weld joints on materials which have a tendency to hydrogen-induced cracking shall be checked after the
post-welding diffusion of hydrogen, at the earliest 24 hours after the welding.
Page 46
EN 12732:2000
Table G.3.1: Recording of indications
Calibration standards and fault reflection lengths using the Distance Gain Size method
Calibration level - Sensitivity setting Fault reflection

circular disc amplitude below lengths
Wall thickness (T)
reflector calibration level to be recorded
mm
diameter by dB above this length
mm mm
6 < T 10 1,0 6 10
10 < T 15 1,0 6 10
15 < T 20 1,5 6 10
20 < T 40 2,0 6 10
T > 40 3,0 12 10
Table G.3.2: Assessment of indications using the Distance Gain Size method
Maximum allowable numbers and sizes of reflectors
Maximum allowable Echo level above

Number of indications
Wall thickness T * lengths of reflectors calibration level
per m of seam
in mm per echo** dB
mm
6 T 10 5 10 6
and 2 20 6
10 < T 20 10 10 6
and 3 20 6
and 1 10 12***
20 < T 40 10 10 6
and 4 25 6
and 1 10 12***
40 < T 60 10 10 6
and 4 30 6
and 1 10 12***
NOTES:
* If wall thicknesses differ, the lower wall thickness shall be decisive.
** For confirmed volume defects (not in the vicinity of the surface), fault lengths
exceeding the calibration levels by up to 6 dB can be allowed up to 1,5 times the allowable
length. Confirmation may take the form of a radiographic examination.
*** The acceptability of single, large defects shall be confirmed on the basis of random
samples, e.g. by means of radiographic examination.
Page 47
EN 12732:2000
Annex H (informative)
Recommendations for brazing and aluminothermic welding of anodic bonding leads
H.1 Joining techniques
Full details of the joining technique and associated equipment should be submitted to the pipeline
operator for approval prior to use and should conform to the manufacturer‘s recommendations.
H.2 Procedure qualification
Prior to starting, the contractor should submit a preliminary welding procedure specification to the
pipeline operator for approval. The procedure should be qualified by making three consecutive test joints
in the presence of the pipeline operator on material to be used in production. The test material should be
selected by the pipeline operator to represent the upper quartile of the carbon equivalent range.
The electrical resistance of each joint should be measured and should not exceed 0,1 . The mechanical
strength of the joint should be tested by means of a sharp blow from a 1 kg hammer.
All three test joints should be sectioned and prepared for metallographic examination. The following tests
should be performed on the sections.
a) Copper penetration measurement

The depth of copper penetration below the surface of the pipe material should be measured
metallographically. The fusion line of the weld or braze should not be more than 1mm below the pipe
surface. Intergranular copper penetration of the pipe material should not exceed 0,5 mm beyond the
fusion line when a micro-section is examined at a magnification not exceeding x 50.
b) Hardness survey
Each section should be tested using a 10 kg load. A traverse should be made across the weld zone as shown
in Figure H.1 and should consist of at least six impressions; two in the heat-affected zone each side of
the weld/braze and one in the parent metal each side of the weld/braze. The hardness values should not
exceed 325 HV10, or they should be as specified by the pipeline operator.
Weld/braze metal Parent metal

surface
1 2 4 6
3 5
Weld heat-affected zone (visible after etching)

NOTE:Hardness impressions 2, 3, 4 and 5 should be entirely within the
heat-affected zone and located as close as possible to the fusion
boundary.
All dimensions are in millimetres
Figure H.1:Recommended locations for hardness traverses and impressions for brazing and aluminothermic
welding
H.3 Operation qualification
Prior to carrying out production work, each operator should complete three test joints which should pass
the tests for electrical conductivity and mechanical strength (hammer test) required in H.2. All welding
and tests should be witnessed by the pipeline operator.
Page 48
EN 12732:2000
H.4 Production joints
The attachments should be located at least 150 mm from any seam or circumferential weld. The weld area
should be clean, dry and free from oil, grease, mill scale or other foreign matter. Preheating should be
applied as specified in the approved procedure.
All attachments should be tested for mechanical resistance strength (hammer test), followed by an
electrical continuity test, both as recommended in H.2.
Should any attachment prove to be defective, it should be carefully removed, ensuring that the parent
material thickness is not reduced below the specified tolerances. Rejoining should be carried out at a new
location on the pipe.
Page 49
EN 12732:2000
ANNEX I (informative)
Bibliography

Part 1: General rules for fusion welding
EN 444:1994 Non-destructive testing - General principles for the radiographic examination of

metallic materials using X-rays and gamma-rays
EN 462-1:1994 Non-destructive testing - Image quality of radiographs - Part 1: Image quality

indicators (wire type) - Determination of image quality values
EN 462-2:1994 Non-destructive testing - Image quality of radiographs - Part 2: Image quality

indicators (step/hole type) - Determination of image quality value
EN 1712:1995 Non-destructive examination of welds - Acceptance criteria for ultrasonic

examination of welded joints
EN 10025:1994 Hot rolled products of non-alloy structural steels; technical delivery conditions
(includes amendment A1: 1993)
EN ISO 6947:1997 Welds - Working positions, definitions of angles of slope and rotation
UNI
Ente Nazionale Italiano La pubblicazione della presente norma avviene con la partecipazione volontaria dei Soci,
di Unificazione dell’Industria e dei Ministeri.
Via Battistotti Sassi, 11B Riproduzione vietata - Legge 22 aprile 1941 Nº 633 e successivi aggiornamenti.
20133 Milano, Italia

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Trasporto e distribuzione di gas

NORMA Saldatura delle tubazioni di acciaio UNI EN 12732

Gas supply systems

La norma contiene i requisiti per la produzione e il controllo di

La presente norma è la versione ufﬁciale in lingua inglese della

UNI EN 12732:2005 Pagina I

La presente norma è stata elaborata sotto la competenza dell’ente

La presente norma è stata ratiﬁcata dal Presidente dell’UNI, con

UNI EN 12732:2005 © UNI Pagina II

Gas supply systems - Welding steel pipework - Functional

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 16 August 1999.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels

3 Definitions and abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

4.1 Welding contractors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

6.1 General requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

7.1 Attachment of structural parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

8 Inspection of the weld joint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

10 Specific requirements for gas supply systems up to and including

11 Specific requirements for gas supply systems

11.5 Production welding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

12 Specific requirements for metering, regulating and compressor stations . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Annex A (informative) Qualification for pipeline welders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Annex B (informative) Testing of the base material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Annex C (informative) Wall thickness compensation/Design examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Annex D (informative) Critical aspects for hot-tap welding or welding on

Annex E (informative) Visual inspection of joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Annex G (informative) Acceptance criteria recommendations for on-site production welds . . . . . . 38

Annex H (informative) Recommendations for brazing and aluminothermic welding

Annex I (informative) Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

- the pipeline elements are made of unalloyed or low-alloyed carbon steel;

- the pipework is not located within household installations according to EN 1775:1998;

The following clauses contain specific requirements:

Clause 12: Metering, regulating and compressor stations

Table 1: Allocation to quality requirement categories

Quality requirement Area of activity applies to

A Pressure range and base material 100 mbar

B Pressure range and base material > 100 mbar 5 bar

C Pressure range and base material > 5 bar 16 bar

D Pressure range or base material > 16 bar*

Additional requirements may be specified when, for example

- the strain on pipelines and systems;

- the line routing;

- the design or the welding technique

are considered critical.

codes of practice in the CEN member countries.

In the event of conflicts in terms of more restrictive requirements in national

EN 287-1:1997 Approval testing of welders - Fusion welding - Part 1: Steels

EN 288-2:1992 Specification and approval of welding procedures for metallic materials -

EN 288-3:1992 Specification and approval of welding procedures for metallic materials -

EN 288-5:1994 Specification and approval of welding procedures for metallic materials -

EN 288-6:1994 Specification and approval of welding procedures for metallic materials -

EN 288-7:1995 Specification and approval of welding procedures for metallic materials -

EN 288-8:1995 Specification and approval of welding procedures for metallic materials -

EN 473:1993 Qualification and certification of NDT personnel. General principles

EN 571-1:1997 Non-destructive testing - Penetrant testing - Part 1: General principles

EN 583-1 Non-destructive testing - Ultrasonic examination - Part 1: General principles

EN 719:1994 Welding coordination - Tasks and responsibilities

EN 729-1:1994 Quality requirements for welding - Fusion welding of metallic materials -

EN 729-2:1994 Quality requirements for welding - Fusion welding of metallic materials -

EN 729-3:1994 Quality requirements for welding - Fusion welding of metallic materials -

Part 3: Standard quality requirements