Hey guys, I'm new to the forum, glad to be here and looking forward to getting to know you guys.

So here we go......I've been in the welding industry for around 30 years, everything to fish cookers to pressure vessels. I hold a CWI, ASNT NDT Level III VT, and an API 510. My question is recently the company I work for sent one of their design engineers for a "PE" cert. Since he got back weird things have been going on that I don't know if right or not. Most of the pipe fittings we build are to B31.1, B31.3, B31.4, B31.8, a few to API 1104. The other day while doing a visual weld inspection there was a 12" area that was slightly concave that I rejected. The "PE" said it was OK. I said it didn't meet the requirments of the code. He informed me that as a design engineer with a "PE" that he could override me and the code. Does this sound right? I have not read B31.3 in it's entirity, what does it say about this? Any info would be great.

Lizzyrocks,

Code is Code and can only be overrun by a written Code Case from the ASME Committee.

In B31.x there are ´many clauses which give the "DESIGNER" or "OWNER" the authority to permit deviations from the Code.
Out-of roundness for example is applicable to round designs only. If the designer designs an elliptical shape, and the stress is permissible, there is no problem, right?

B31.3 has got nice workds about DESIGNER qualification and experience, you should take a look in the 301 paragraph. PE is one of the qualifications in 31.3.

DK

thanks for the response. I read the secrtions ypu mentioned, nowhere did it say the designer could over ride snt-tc-1a. over in the inspection section it says all inspection shall be per section V. Section V says all inspection shall be per a written practice per snt-tc-1a, CP 189 or some other national board. Our written practice says we use snt-tc-1a. snt-tc-1a says only level II & III can evaluate results. Our engineers do not hold any NDT certs.

Lizzyrocks,
Does your company have a Quality Control Manual in place? If so, then it should clarify who has the end authority in matters of dispute.

In cases where I was "over ridden" in a dispute, I simply wrote my QC Inspection Report noting my inspection results as per para of applicable Code or standard or specification, filed a NCR and how the disposition of the NCR was handled.

CYA...

When we write our reports if the engineering dept doesn't like what we write they edit the report, then file it. It's crazy, we write them and sign them, then send then to engineering because the "PE" is over the quality team also. They look them over, make what changes they want then file them. He says because he's a "PE" he can do that???

As the level III VT I wrote the VT procedure, I had to send it to the "PE" for approval, he changed a few things, then signed his name to it as the author as being written and approved by him.

In the places where snt-tc-1a says a level III "shall" do something, he went back and added "The level III or authorized personel".......Can a person just "add" words to snt-tc-1a?.....crazy, just crazy.

Absolutely not! He cannot "edit" nor change a VT report that a SNT-TC-1A Level II or III VT inspector signed.



As a professional engineer PE he is not being very professional. Only Level III technicians can write procedures



When you were first trained & certified by testing by a Level III, your company had to have received a Written Practice and a NDT Personnel Qualification And Certification Program that was first authored or at the very least approved by a Level III. In the NDT PQCP, it will state "Scope: This procedure establishes the method for the qualification and certification of your company name nondestructive personnel in accordance with the requirements of SNT-TC-1A." The next section will state "General: This procedure establishes the general criteria for the qualification and certification of your company name NDT personnel whose job requires appropriate knowledge of the techinical principles and the applications underlying the functions they perform. No individual shall be responsible for performing inspection, testing, or examinations until they have been properly trained, qualified and certified NDT Level II or III in accordance with this procedure.

So has this PE been trained and qualified to peform inspections? I think NOT.

Your NDT PQCP shall state who has the overall responsibility in assuring the implementation of the written practice. I have never seen one that gives this authority to anyone other than to the President of the Company.

You should consult an NDT training/certification company about these issues. Personally I would bring this to the attention of the Owner(s) and at the very least keep copies of your original inspection reports before sending to the PE.

Thanks for all of your replies, you guys are great. This is an awesome forum and I look forward to consulting with you guys in the future.

In the long run I was seeking your responses for my own well being. I knew these things was not right I guess i was seeking some support. The PE in question is the CEO's son. So nothing will be done. If I say anything I'll just get in trouble. Thats the way family business's work I guess.

I feel better now, it's off my chest, thanks.

this thread is so funny. In anycase Lizzyrocks, the "PE" takes upon himself to assume responsibility for overiding your conclusion. So, that burden has been taken off your shoulders. You have done your job and will not be held responsible if that less than perfect weld caused an accident.

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Tim Lim

For the responsibility, an engineer's pay is a joke.

hello you man welcome here i am a also working like you so good to see here please tell me where are you in these days i have also come t work in USA Most of the pipe fittings we build are to B31.1, B31.3, B31.4, B31.8, a few to API 1104. are you still working or not ,,,

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