Pipe Welding Inspection Gage

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This bevel, land, space and cap gage is specifically designed for the pipeline welder and welding inspector. The "Gage" has many uses, all of which have important roles in the preparation for quality pipe welding. The welding inspection gage is intended to be used during the construction of pipelines and piping systems.

Use the Gage often when quality weld joint preparation and fit-up are required, along with determining final cap width and height. Its usefulness starts in the pipe gang and finishes up on the firing line.

Use the Gage often when quality weld joint preparation and fit-up are required, along with determining final cap width and height. Its usefulness starts in the pipe gang and finishes up on the firing line. It comes in an durable and handsome leather case that fits conveniently in a shirt pocket.

Weld Joint Space

Successful welding starts with the proper Bevel, Land and Space. The Gage has a three dimensional purpose which includes the Space dimension beginning with a space of a dime (.047"), the space of a penny, 1/16" (.062"), followed by a space of 3/32" (.093") and 1/8" (.125")

Electrode Diameter

Determining the diameter of the electrode can be done using the Gage as shown below. Some electrode manufacturers are now making electrodes in millimeters and these can be checked also.

Bevel Angle

The bevel most commonly used for vertical-down pipeline welding is 30°. For in- plant welding and other applications, a bevel angle of 37 1/2° may be specified, usually for vertical-up welding. Both of these bevel angles are part of this gage. The inspector can assure that the pipe has the proper bevel for the intended application. The Gage is being used to verify a 30° bevel angle in the below photo.

Determining the Correct Land (Root Face)

API 5L, Specification for Pipe, states that the Pipe Lands are to be 1/16" ± 1/32". The corners of the gage have machined notches with the minimum land (.032"), the maximum land (.093") ,the nominal land (1/16") and the land I recommend for most root pass applications is the width of a nickel (.080").

Pipe End Alignment

When the pipe ends have been aligned, it is important to determine the proper alignment in regard to Hi-Low. The Eighteenth edition of API 1104 states that the maximum Hi-Low is 1/16" unless it is distributed evenly all the way around the pipe. The Gage is shown measuring a Hi-Low of 1/16" (.062") which is actually within code.

Weld Cap Height

After the weld has been completed, the height of the cap is important from a visual inspection standpoint. API 1104 states that the height of the cap should not be greater than 1/16". The Gage has a means to verify both a 1/16" and a 1/8" cap height. Some specifications may impose a maximum of 1/8" cap height regardless of the location. The photo shows the gage may be used for determining the cap height, as well as, the width of the bevel and the finished weld.