B31.3 Closure Welds

A closure weld, also called a golden weld, as defined in the ASME B31.3 Process Piping Code, is the final weld connecting piping systems or components that have already been successfully leak tested.

If the strict rules of ASME B31.3 paragraph 345.2.3(c) are followed, the closure weld will not need to be leak tested. To qualify as a closure weld specific in-process, and volumetric examinations are required. The in-process examinations include some of the following, joint preparation, cleanliness, preheating, fit-up, internal alignment, WPS variables, filler metal confirmation, joint position, VT and MT or PT of root pass, VT between passes, VT of final weld, with RT or UT of the final.