Is the airtightness test of the reinforcement ring conducted before or after heat treatment?
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For containers that require overall post-weld heat treatment, should the airtightness test of the reinforcement rings be carried out after or before the heat treatment?
After heat treatment, during the pressure test, a leak test for the reinforcement ring should be conducted first, followed by the pressure resistance test.
The airtightness test of the reinforcement ring should be conducted after heat treatment
After heat treatment, during the pressure test, a leak test for the reinforcement ring is conducted first, followed by a pressure resistance test.
After heat treatment, before the hydrostatic test.
Testing before processing makes it easy to detect problems early and take corrective action promptly; otherwise, re-heat treatment will be required.
I also agree quite a bit with the view expressed above: the airtightness test of the reinforcement rings should be carried out before heat treatment, to check whether these Class D welds meet the requirements; only after that should heat treatment be performed, and finally an overall pressure test should be conducted.
Before the pressure test after heat treatment.
After heat treatment, before hydrostatic testing
It should ideally be done after heat treatment. Some defects may become apparent after heat treatment. Personally, I think it’s best to carry out one machining step before heat treatment, and repair any defects promptly. Drill again after heat treatment. This way, local heat treatment might not be necessary. After all, pressing the reinforcement ring isn’t that troublesome.