STANDARDS WELDING AND NONDESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION SYMBOLS

INTRODUCTION One method for reducing the mass of information contained in documents (especially drawings) is through the practice of using symbols. This practice replaces written words and detailed graphic illustrations with specific symbols to convey the same information in an abbreviated manner. Welding and nondestructive examination symbols are a "shorthand" method for conveying pertinent information. This system provides a simple, yet powerful method of describing detailed information. For example, by using symbols the designer can easily communicate a vast amount of information regarding numerous aspects of the welding project to both fabrication and inspection p personnel. p Welding or examination symbols can provide a great deal of information; ; however, , they y must be used properly p p y to be effective. If misapplied or misinterpreted, the symbols can cause confusion, rather than aid in the understanding of some welding or testing detail. For that reason, it is important to understand how the welding and nondestructive examination symbols are used.

ONE SYMBOL MAY REPLACE THOUSAND WORDS

Elements of the Welding Symbol

It is important to understand some of the terminology relating to symbols, before describing the various parts of a welding symbol. A basic distinction is the difference between the terms weld symbol and welding g symbol y .

Elements of the Welding Symbol

The weld symbol indicates the type of weld, and when used, is a part of the welding symbol. The welding symbol is defined as "a graphical representation of a weld " It is a method of representing the weld symbol on drawings, weld. drawings and includes supplementary information and consists of the following eight elements. (1) Reference line (shown horizontally) (2) Arrow (3) Basic weld symbols (4) Dimensions and other data (5) Supplementary symbols (6) Finish symbols (7) Tail (8) Specification Specification, process process, or other reference NOTE. It is not necessary to use all elements, unless required for clarity

NONDESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION SYMBOLS

Location on Arrow Side Examinations to be made on the arrow side of the part shall be specified by placing the letter designation for the selected examination method b l below th the reference f line. li

Location on the Other Side Examinations to be made on the other side of the part shall be specified by placing the letter designation for the selected examination method above the reference line.

Location on Both Sides Examinations to be made on both sides of the part shall be specified by placing p g the letter designation g for the selected examination method on both sides of the reference line.

Location Centered on Reference Line When the letter designation has no arrow- or other-side significance, or there is no p preference from which side the examination is to made, the letter designation shall be centered on the reference line.

Examination Combinations More than one examination method may be specified for the same part by y placing p g the combined letter designations g of the selected examination methods in the appropriate positions relative to the reference line. Letter designations for two or more examination methods, to be placed on the same side of the reference line or centered on the reference line, , shall be separated by a plus sign.

Welding and NDE Symbols Nondestructive examination symbols and welding symbols may be combined.

Welding and NDE Symbols

ExamineExamine -AllAll-Around Examinations required all around a weld, joint or part shall be specified by y placing p g the examine-all-around symbol y at the junction j of the arrow and reference lines.

Field Examinations Examinations required to be conducted in the field (not in a shop or at the place of initial construction) shall be specified by placing the field examination symbol at the junction of the arrow and reference lines.

Radiation Direction The direction of penetrating radiation may be specified by use of the radiation direction symbol y drawn at the required q angle g on the drawing g and the angle indicated, in degrees, to ensure no misunderstanding.

Specifications, Codes, and References Information, applicable to the examination specified and which is not otherwise p provided, , may y be placed p in the tail of the nondestructive examination symbol.

Length of Section to be Examined To specify examination of welds or parts where only the length of a section need be considered, the length dimension shall be placed to the right of the letter designation.

Location of Section to be Examined To specify the exact location of a section to be examined, as well as the length, dimension lines shall be used.

When the Wh h full f ll length l h of f part is i to be b examined, i d no length l h dimension di i need be included in the NDE symbol.

Partial Examination When less than one hundred percent of the length of a weld or part is to be examined, with locations to be determined by a specified procedure, the length to be examined is specified by placing the appropriate percentage to the right of the letter designation. The selected procedure may be specified by reference in the tail of the nondestructive examination symbol. b l

Number of Examinations To specify a number of examinations to be conducted on a joint or part at random locations, the number of required examinations shall be placed l d in i parentheses th either ith above b or below b l the th letter l tt designation d i ti away from the reference line.

Areas of Revolution For nondestructive examination of areas of revolution, the area shall be specified by using the examine-all-around symbol and appropriate dimensions. The following illustration specifies:
(A) Magnetic particle examination of the bore of the flange for a distance of two i h from inches f the th right i ht hand h d face, f all ll the th way around d the th circumference. i f (B) Radiographic examination of an area of revolution where dimensions were not available on the drawing.

Areas of Revolution The symbol below specifies an area of revolution subject to an internal proof examination and an external eddy current examination. Since no dimensions are given, the entire length is to be examined.

Acoustic Emission Acoustic emission is generally applied to all or a large portion of a component, such as a pressure vessel or pipe. The symbol below indicates application of AET to the component without specific reference to location of sensors.