WI –7.5.5.1A - 2 Iss.

date 1/4/08
Hardness Testing Iss.5 /Rev.0
(Work instruction) Page 1 of 5

WI – 7.5.5.1A - 2

Hardness Testing
(work instruction)

Issue date………………………………………… 1 April 2008

Issue number……………………………………. Five
Revision number………………………………... Zero

Contents
▪ Cover Page ……………. Pg. (1)
▪ Purpose …………………. Pg. (2)
▪ Scope ……………………. Pg. (2)
▪ Instructions ……………… Pg. (2,3,4)
▪ Reference & forms ………. Pg. (4)
▪ Attachments

Quality Management System Stuff

Author
Eng. Mohamed Abu El-
Kassem
SGS/DSD Q.C Manager
Heliopolis
……………………………………….….

Reviewed by
Eng.Reda Abd El-Dayem ........... SGS/DSD Q.A
Manager
WI –7.5.5.1A - 2 Iss.date 1/4/08
Hardness Testing Iss.5 /Rev.0
(Work instruction) Page 2 of 5

1. Purpose
The purpose of this procedure is to describe the method & techniques to be utilized in
determining the hardness values of weldments and base metals using a portable
instrument.

2. Scope
This test method covers the determination of hardness value of metallic materials.

3. References
3.1 ASTM A833,E92,E384
3.2 ASME code section II , part A , SA 370
3.3 Manufacturer's operating manual for the portable instrument being used .
3.4 client specification

4. INSTRUCTION FOR HARDNESS TEST

4.1 Qualification
Test operator shall be trained to be able to perform the test and instrument
calibration .

4.2 Equipment

Test to be performed by using portable instrument such as equotip 3 or other approved

instrument.

4.3 Calibration
4.3.1 In process calibration checks shall be performed by tester before each shift
using calibration block.
4.3.2 Annual calibration
A complete calibration by a certified laboratory shall be performed every 12
WI –7.5.5.1A - 2 Iss.date 1/4/08
Hardness Testing Iss.5 /Rev.0
(Work instruction) Page 3 of 5

months .
4.3.3 The equipment shall be calibrated in accordance with manufacturer's
instructions.

4.4 surface preparation

The surface on witch the impression is to be made shall be clean and completely free
of scale oxides , grease , paints ……. Etc. as specified by the instrument
manufacturer , cleaning may be done by machining , polishing or any mechanicals
process.

4.5 Number or readings

4.5.1 For welded pipes

 Pipes up to 6'' OD covered by minimum one location this location

taken in three readings (HAZ , base metal , weld metal ) across the face of
weld Axis , at each reading minimum three values taken all values recorded
and shall be averaged to determine hardness value
 Pipe over 6'' covered by minimum , two locations 180° a part ,
otherwise client request.

4.5.2 For row materials

A minimum three readings taken per pipe at terminal and middle of pipe on
different axis .

4.6 Percentage coverage

4.6.1 Harp
Each harp shall have three tube per header tested , one at each end and one
in the center.

4.6.2 Furnace PWHT

5% of total welds in the Bach or three welds shall be tested as minimum

4.6.3 Local heat treatment

10% of welds shall be tested for P-no.5A,5B materials & 5% for P-no.1
Otherwise specified by client.
WI –7.5.5.1A - 2 Iss.date 1/4/08
Hardness Testing Iss.5 /Rev.0
(Work instruction) Page 4 of 5

4.7 Temperature

Test carried out at ambient temperature( 4 -38) ºC

4.8 If test results do not meet requirements , three additional readings on the same area
Of interest shall be taken.

4.9 Acceptance criteria

4.9.1 Harness value shall be within acceptable value as stated in codes or client
specification , for EX.,
P-no. 5A 158-350 VH
P-no. 5B 190-300 VH
4.9.2 If the hardness value dose not meet the required value ,a NCR shall be
issued .the item which does not meet allowable hardness value shall be
heat treated again And retested.

4.10 test record

Hardness test inspection reports shall be issued , the report shall contain as a
minimum the following information :
1. Customer /supplier
2. Applicable instrument & serial no.
3. Date
4. Project name &number
5. Type of material
6. Actual hardness readings
7. Item name or drawing no.
8. operator name &signature.

5. References & Forms:

Hardness test report (FWI- 7.5.5.1A-2-1)
WI –7.5.5.1A - 2 Iss.date 1/4/08
Hardness Testing Iss.5 /Rev.0
(Work instruction) Page 5 of 5