What is the API 1104 Standard?

API 1104 is one of the most widely used industry standards published by the American Petroleum Institute for regulating pipeline welding. It applies specifically to carbon steel and low-alloy steel pipes.

The standard covers:

• Qualification tests for welding procedures (WPS)

• Welder and operator qualifications (WPQ)

• Girth welds (circumferential pipe welds)

• Repair and field welds

• Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods

• Acceptance criteria (RT, UT, VT)

• Control of welding parameter variables

How is the API 1104 welding test performed?

The API 1104 welding test is performed on pipe samples that represent actual field conditions.

The process generally involves:

• Preparation of the Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)

• Preparation of test pipes (based on diameter and wall thickness)

• Execution of welding (SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, etc.)

• Welder position tests (specifically 5G, 6G)

• Visual inspection (VT)

• Non-destructive testing (RT or UT)

• Mechanical tests (tensile, bend)

• Preparation of the Procedure Qualification Record (PQR)

• Welder qualification certification (WPQ)

Why is API 1104 applied?

The API 1104 standard is implemented to ensure high safety and leak-tightness requirements in pipeline systems.

Key reasons for its implementation include:

• Ensuring pipeline safety

• Standardizing field welding

• Reducing the risk of explosions and leaks

• Validating welding procedures

• Certifying welder qualifications

• International acceptance and regulatory compliance

What are the application areas?

The API 1104 standard is applied particularly in the energy and infrastructure sectors:

• Oil and natural gas pipelines

• Refinery piping systems

• Gas transmission lines

• Industrial process pipelines

• Pump and compressor stations

• Underground and above-ground pipeline systems

• Field repair welding applications

Equipment and Techniques

Equipment and techniques used under API 1104:

• SMAW (shielded metal arc welding) systems

• GTAW (TIG) root pass welding systems

• GMAW and FCAW semi-automatic systems

• SAW (submerged arc welding) equipment

• Pipe alignment and fixturing systems

• Non-destructive testing equipment (RT, UT, MT, PT)

• Mechanical testing devices

• Welding parameter recording systems

Advantages

• Enhances pipeline safety

• Offers standards suited to field conditions

• Is internationally recognized

• Clearly verifies welder qualification

• Ensures verification of leak-tightness and strength

• Serves as a mandatory reference code for large-scale energy projects

Disadvantages

• Testing can be challenging due to field conditions

• Requires high-precision NDT

• Operator experience is critical

• Retesting is required upon changes to procedures

• There is a heavy burden of documentation and record-keeping

Contact us

Conformity assessment and certification activities carried out under the API 1104 Pipeline Welding Test Procedure are conducted to verify the compliance of welded pipeline fabrications with international standards.

The inspection and certification processes carried out by our organization encompass the evaluation of the technical adequacy of pipeline welding procedures and the verification of code compliance.