The updated version of the Australian code for Pipeline welding (AS/NZS 2885.2) has recently been released and there are some changes that will help improve compliance and safety conditions of pipeline welding in the future.

These changes follow a lengthy process of collecting feedback and recommendations from Industry experts and representatives. Major areas of revision include qualification of personnel (welders, welding operators, welding supervisors, welding inspectors and welding engineers) and essential variables for the common pipeline welding processes and consumables. The Australian pipeline industry has seen a dramatic increase in design and construction activity in recent years and the revision reflects these changes.

One key change is the increased authority of a Welding Engineer on all pipeline welding projects. Previously, weld procedures could be designed and approved by welding supervisors that have extensive experience, but may not have the specialised scientific knowledge needed to ensure integrity. This practice is not recommended by many international regulatory bodies such as the American Welding Society (Ref B5.9-2006 Clause 5.7) and the Canadian Welding Bureau, but was considered the norm in Australia.

The joint technical committee ME-03 has addressed this critical loop-hole in the newest version of AS2885.2, and has placed the Australian Oil and Gas industry in the best position it has ever been into ensure the safety and integrity of assets, by recognising and standardising the role of Welding Engineers in the industry.

Welding is an advanced science and welding engineers have a comprehensive understanding of fundamental engineering principles, as well as knowledge of arc physics and chemistry and extensive practical experience. They also need to understand the complex interactions between metallurgical properties and mechanical properties of a weldment. Finally, they will have a critical understanding of welding defects management and mitigation, and an appreciation of how this affects the economics of weld design.

The required qualifications for approved welding engineers can be found in AS/NZS 2885.2 (page 24). At AWS we have two Welding Engineers with extensive experience and scientific knowledge, backed by industry-leading qualifications: Rahim Kurji is putting the finishing touches on a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering, focusing on hydrogen assisted cold cracking; and our principle Welding Engineer is Neville Cornish, who has a lifetime of welding and engineering qualifications, including status as a Chartered Engineer from the Engineering Council in the United Kingdom.

If you are unsure about your new requirements for welding procedure specification and design, contact us at AWS for a chat.