How is EN ISO 15614-8 Tube-to-Tubesheet Welding Performed?

Tube-to-tubesheet weld testing is performed using special test setups that replicate actual production conditions.

The process generally involves:

• Preparation of the Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)

• Preparation of tube and tubesheet materials

• Fabrication of a test specimen simulating actual production

• Execution of the welding process (manual or mechanized)

• Visual testing (VT)

• Non-destructive testing (PT, RT, UT, or leak testing)

• Performance of required mechanical tests

• Macro-section examinations

• Evaluation of results

• Preparation of the WPQR (Welding Procedure Qualification Record)

What is the EN ISO 15614-8 Standard?

The EN ISO 15614-8 standard defines qualification tests for welding procedures for tube-to-tubesheet joints. This standard covers both manual and mechanized/automatic welding methods and mandates the performance of tests that represent production conditions.

The standard includes:

• Validation of the tube-to-tubesheet welding procedure (WPS)

• Test specimens simulating production conditions

• Control of welding parameters

• Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods

• Mechanical tests and macro-examinations

• Evaluation of heat input and welding sequence

• Verification of leak-tightness and joint integrity

Why is EN ISO 15614-8 Applied?

This standard is applied to meet high safety and leak-tightness requirements for tube-to-tubesheet joints.

Reasons for implementation:

• Pre-production validation of welding procedures

• Reduction of leakage risks

• Enhancement of pressure system safety

• Standardization of manufacturing quality

• Ensuring traceability

• Meeting international compliance requirements

What are the application areas?

The EN ISO 15614-8 standard is applied particularly in industrial systems requiring high safety:

• Heat exchangers

• Boiler systems

• Pressure equipment manufacturing

• Petrochemical plants

• Power generation systems

• Nuclear and high-safety process equipment

• Industrial tube bundle systems

Equipment and Techniques

Equipment and techniques used within the scope of EN ISO 15614-8:

• TIG (GTAW) and MIG/MAG welding systems

• Automatic and orbital pipe welding machines

• Special fixtures and pipe alignment devices

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

• Mechanical testing devices

• Macro-section examination equipment

• Welding parameter recording systems

This equipment is used to verify that the tube-to-tubesheet joint is technically secure and leak-tight.

Advantages

• Ensures high sealing reliability

• Validates the welding procedure under actual conditions

• Enhances safety in pressurized systems

• Reduces manufacturing defects

• Ensures compliance with international standards

• Establishes a traceable quality control process

Disadvantages

• Test setups can be complex

• Sample preparation costs are high

• The testing process can be time-consuming

• Requires high technical expertise

• Comprehensive inspection and documentation are mandatory

Contact us

Conformity assessment and certification activities carried out under the EN ISO 15614-8 Tube-to-Tubesheet Welding Test Procedure are conducted to verify the compliance of tube-to-tubesheet welded joints with international standards.

The inspection and certification activities performed by our organization encompass the evaluation of the technical competence of welding procedures and the verification of conformity processes.