Once new piping is hydrotested on its own, the last weld joining it to the live or existing system usually cannot be pressure tested without testing the whole plant. Codes allow that closure weld to be accepted instead on in-process examination plus 100 percent radiography or ultrasonic testing. The best welder on the crew gets it, and it is inspected harder than any other joint.
Golden weld on the tie-in is tomorrow morning, give it to Mike and have the RT crew standing by.
Also heard as
- golden joint
- closure weld
- tie-in weld
Related terms
Hydro
A hydrostatic pressure test: filling a valve, piping system or vessel with water and pressurizing it to prove strength.
Butt weld
An end connection where a beveled valve or fitting end is welded straight to beveled pipe with full penetration.
Dutchman
A short filler piece of pipe cut in to close a gap or correct a misfit between two spools.