This project focuses on inspection of the welds on small bore, thin-walled components. It complements the active project on corrosion mapping for small bore pipework which had excluded weld inspection.
Currently, for small bore/thin-walled components, radiography is considered to be the default method for detection of local pitting in and around the weld root. However, there are other techniques such as TOFD and PAUT that have been highlighted by HOIS members as also being applicable.
HOIS has previously developed guidance for in-service weld inspection; however, the publicly available recommended practice (RP2) has not been updated since 2012. It is therefore hoped that the results of this trial programme will offer an opportunity to update the guidance and include specific recommendations for small bore thin-walled components.
Following issuance of the trial report, the decision was made by HOIS members to proceed with the revision of the current guidance document on the inspection of socket weld fittings. The revised guidance document was completed in early 2026 and is now available to HOIS members.
This project was completed in early 2026.