ISO 13916:2017

Overview

ISO 13916:2017 is an international standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that defines precise requirements for the measurement of preheating temperature, interpass temperature, and preheat maintenance temperature during fusion welding processes. Applicable primarily to fusion welding, ISO 13916:2017 can also be used for other welding techniques as necessary. This standard is critical for ensuring weld quality by accurately controlling temperature parameters that affect the metallurgical properties and structural integrity of welded components. However, it does not cover temperature measurements related to post weld heat treatment.

Key Topics

• Temperature Measurement Points
  Temperature should be measured on the surface facing the welder, typically at a specified distance from the joint edge based on material thickness-up to 50 mm for thicknesses less than or equal to 50 mm, or a minimum of 75 mm for thicker materials. In cases where thickness exceeds 50 mm, temperature must be checked on the base metal in proximity to the weld, and, if possible, on the side opposite the heat source to ensure accurate readings.

• Temperature Types Specified

  • Preheating Temperature (Tp): The temperature of the workpiece in the weld area immediately before welding begins, generally representing a minimum temperature.
  • Interpass Temperature (Ti): The temperature in the weld or adjacent base metal just before the next welding pass, often reflecting a maximum allowable temperature to avoid damage.
  • Preheat Maintenance Temperature (Tm): The minimum temperature to be maintained in the weld area if welding is interrupted, ensuring proper conditions for subsequent passes.

• Timing for Temperature Measurement

  • Interpass temperature must be recorded just before applying the next weld pass.
  • Preheat maintenance temperature should be monitored throughout any welding interruptions to maintain the weld area's thermal conditions.

• Measurement Equipment
  The standard recommends specifying the measuring devices in the welding procedure specification. Common instruments include:

  • Thermosensitive products such as crayons or paints
  • Contact thermometers
  • Thermocouples
  • Optical or electrical non-contact measuring devices

• Test Reporting
  Welding temperature measurement reports should refer directly to ISO 13916:2017 and include:

  • Measured preheating temperature in °C
  • Measured interpass temperature in °C
  • Measured preheat maintenance temperature in °C (if applicable)
  • Any deviations from the standard’s requirements

Applications

ISO 13916:2017 is essential for industries where fusion welding quality and safety are paramount, including:

• Oil and gas pipelines requiring stringent welding controls to prevent cracking
• Pressure vessel fabrication where temperature control influences mechanical properties
• Construction and heavy machinery manufacture relying on multi-pass welding processes
• Aerospace and automotive sectors demanding precise welding parameters for durability and performance
• Pipeline maintenance and repair operations where re-welding requires close monitoring of interpass and preheat maintenance temperatures

By adhering to this standard, organizations can ensure consistent weld quality, reduce defects related to improper temperature control, and improve overall structural safety and reliability.

Related Standards

ISO 13916:2017 complements and references other key ISO standards for welding quality and instrumentation, such as:

• ISO 17662 - Welding - Calibration, verification, and validation of equipment used for welding
• Other ISO standards covering welding procedure specification and qualifications, which emphasize proper documentation and control of welding processes

These related standards collectively support comprehensive welding quality management systems and promote internationally accepted best practices.

Keywords: ISO 13916:2017, welding temperature measurement, preheating temperature, interpass temperature, preheat maintenance, fusion welding standards, welding quality control, welding procedures, temperature monitoring, welding instrumentation.