Sanitary Welding Standards

Abstract

Austenitic stainless steel tube and pipe systems are a vital part of today’s sanitary (hygienic) processing facilities. Product contact surface welds in the tubular systems usually cannot be ground or conditioned, so it is essential that the as-welded surfaces are suitable for cleaning-in-place (CIP). The American Welding Society AWS Dl8 Committee was formed in respond to the request by the 3-A Sanitary Standards Committee for help in preparing welding standards for use in the manufacture and construction of dairy and food product processing plants. The 3-A Sanitary Standards Committees develop and promulgate sanitary design standards for dairy and food processing, packaging and handling equipment and systems. AWS D18.1:1999 Specification for Welding of Austenitic Stainless Steel Tube and Pipe Systems in Sanitary (Hygienic) Applications developed covers the requirements for gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) or TIG welding as it is also known, of austenitic stainless steel tube and pipe 1/4 in. (6 mm) diameter and larger. Sanitary processing systems is intended to include those systems handling products for human and animal consumption. Such products include dairy, meat, poultry, vegetable, beverage, and other products consumed by humans and animals. The paper also includes design and operation guidelines that have proven useful to engineers and users of austenitic stainless steel piping systems. Paper published with permission.