L51633 Investigation of WIC Test Variables

The Welding Institute of Canada (WIC) has developed a test for pipelines which determine threshold preheat levels necessary to avoid hydrogen cracking in the root region of circumferential welds. This test is simple to perform, reproducible and reasonably inexpensive. Experience has shown, however, that preheat levels determined by the WIC test are typically higher than normally required to achieve, sound, crack-free welds in the field.

Consequently, there is a need to characterize the WIC test in more detail even though significant work was performed by other researchers. Through further characterization, pipeline operators will be able to formulate safe and economical welding procedures with more accurate preheat levels. The following report describes the experimental approach, the processes used for analysis, the results, the conclusions drawn and the recommendations for future work.