When cutting pipe with a heat number, at what point do you transfer the number?

Transferring the heat number before cutting the pipe is crucial for maintaining accurate traceability of the material. The heat number is a unique identifier that corresponds to a particular batch of pipe material, and it ensures that all necessary documentation and quality control measures associated with that batch are linked to the correct section of pipe.

By transferring the heat number before cutting, you ensure that the entire piece of material can be tracked back to its original manufacturing lot. This is especially important for compliance with safety and regulatory standards in pressure piping applications, where the integrity of the material is critical. If the heat number were to be moved after cutting, there is a risk of losing this essential identification and traceability, potentially leading to issues if any defects or failures arise in the future.

This practice helps in avoiding mistakes that could occur during the cutting process and ensures that any subsequent sections of the pipe can be properly identified in relation to the original heat treatment characteristics, mechanical properties, and any relevant certifications.