6 ALIGNMENT TOLERANCES FOR EDGES TO BE BUTT WELDED
6.1.6.1 Alignment of sections at edges to be butt welded shall be such that the maximum offset is not greater than shown below. Alternatively, offsets greater than those permitted below are allowable provided that the maximum offset is acceptable to the Inspector prior to welding and the requirements of paragraph 4.14 or Part 5, and the requirements of paragraph 6.1.6.2 are satisfied. If the vessel is operating at a temperature where the allowable stress is governed by timedependent properties (see paragraph 4.1.1.3), or if a fatigue analysis is required (see paragraph 4.1.1.4), the alignment of sections shall be considered in the design. (a) Cylindrical Shells The maximum allowable offset in welded joints in cylindrical shells shall be as given in Table 6.4 (b) Spherical Shells and for Hemispherical Heads Welded to Cylindrical Shells Joints in spherical vessels, joints within heads, and joints between cylindrical shells and hemispherical heads shall meet the requirements in Table 6.4. (c) Alignment tolerances at edges to be butt welded for quenched and tempered high strength steels shall be in accordance with paragraph 6.6.5.4. 6.1.6.2 Fairing of Offsets within Allowable Tolerances. Any offset within the allowable tolerance provided above shall be faired at a 3:1 taper over the width of the finished weld or, if necessary, by adding additional weld metal beyond what would have been the edge of the weld. If additional weld metal buildup is used, then it shall satisfy the requirements of paragraph 6.2.4.9. 6.1.6.3 Peaking Of Welds in Shells and Heads For Internal Pressure. (a) If the vessel is operating at a temperature where the allowable stress is governed by time dependent properties, see paragraph 4.1.1.3, or if a fatigue analysis is required, see paragraph 4.1.1.4, then the peaking height, dp , at Category A weld joints shall be measured by either an inside or outside template, as appropriate (see Figure 6.1). As an alternative, the peaking angle may be determined using the procedure described in Part 8 of API 579-1/ASME FFS-1. (b) The chord length of the template shall be the larger of or 300 mm (12 in.), but need not exceed 900 mm (36 in.). If the weld joint is in a torispherical or an ellipsoidal head, the inside diameter, D, shall be equal to the diameter of the spherical portion of the head. If the weld joint is in a 2:1 ellipsoidal head, D shall be equal to 1.8 times the nominal inside diameter of the attached cylindrical shell. (c) If the vessel is operating at a temperature where the allowable stress is governed by time dependent properties, or if a fatigue analysis is required, the allowable value of dp shall be determined using paragraph 4.14 and shall be shown in the Manufacturer's Design Report.