API St 1104-2021 PDF

Full title and description

API Standard 1104 — Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities (2021 edition). Standard that specifies technical requirements for welding, welder and procedure qualification, inspection, testing and acceptance criteria applicable to joining and repair of transmission and distribution pipeline systems and related facilities in the petroleum and natural gas industries.

Abstract

This standard provides requirements and guidance for the qualification of welding procedures and welders, production welding practices, inspection and non‑destructive testing, and acceptance criteria for welds on pipelines and related facilities. It is intended to ensure consistent, safe and reliable welded joints for onshore and offshore pipeline construction, maintenance and repair operations.

General information

• Status: Published / In force
• Publication date: 2021
• Publisher: American Petroleum Institute (API)
• ICS / categories: Welding; Pipeline construction; Petroleum and natural gas industry standards; Quality assurance and inspection
• Edition / version: 2021 edition
• Number of pages: Approx. 150 pages

Scope

Specifies requirements for the welding of pipelines and related facilities, including qualification of welding procedures and welders, production welding practices for various welding processes (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, SAW, mechanized and semi‑automatic methods), inspection and testing (visual, radiographic, ultrasonic and other NDT methods), criteria for acceptance and repair of weld defects, and documentation needed to demonstrate conformance. Applies to onshore and offshore pipelines, gathering lines, and associated facilities where welding is used as a primary joining method.

Key topics and requirements

• Welding procedure specification (WPS) development and qualification.
• Welder and welding operator qualification tests and records.
• Production welding practices and process‑specific parameters (preheat, interpass temperature, filler metal selection, joint preparation).
• Inspection and non‑destructive testing requirements (visual inspection, radiography, ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle, dye penetrant as applicable).
• Acceptance criteria for weld quality, classification of defects, and allowable repairs.
• Weld documentation, traceability and record retention.
• Health, safety and environmental considerations related to welding operations.
• Requirements for special conditions (high‑strength steels, sour service, low temperature service, offshore and subsea applications).

Typical use and users

Used by pipeline owners and operators, engineering and construction contractors, welding supervisors, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) inspectors, welding engineers, fabricators, regulatory authorities and certification bodies involved in pipeline construction, maintenance and repair. Also referenced by designers and operators when establishing contract specifications and welding quality programs.

Related standards

Commonly used in conjunction with other standards and codes such as ASME Section IX (Welding, Brazing, and Fusing Qualifications), ASME B31.4 and B31.8 (pipeline design and operation), AWS standards (for welding practice and inspection), ISO 15614 (welding procedure tests) and ISO 9606 (welder qualification). It is often incorporated by reference in pipeline specifications and national/regional regulatory frameworks.

Keywords

API 1104, welding, pipeline welding, welder qualification, WPS, NDT, radiography, ultrasonic testing, weld acceptance, pipeline construction, QA/QC

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: API 1104 (2021) is a technical standard that specifies requirements for welding of pipelines and related facilities, covering procedure and welder qualification, production welding, inspection and acceptance criteria tailored for the petroleum and natural gas industry.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers welding processes and techniques used to join pipeline components, how to qualify welding procedures and personnel, required inspection and non‑destructive testing, acceptance criteria for welds, and procedures for repair and documentation to ensure welded joint integrity.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Pipeline operators, construction and fabrication contractors, welding engineers, QA/QC inspectors, certification bodies and regulatory agencies use the standard to define and verify welding quality on pipeline projects.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: This document refers to the 2021 edition. For the current status (amendments, corrigenda or a newer edition) consult the publisher or the issuing organization to confirm whether a later version exists or if amendments have been released after 2021.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: API 1104 is part of the suite of API standards addressing pipeline and related facility design, construction and operation. It is commonly used alongside other API standards and recommended practices for pipeline systems.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Welding, pipeline, API 1104, welder qualification, WPS, NDT, radiography, ultrasonic testing, weld acceptance, QA/QC.