Welding Qualifications: An Interplay

In my workplace, we do three kinds of welding qualifications: Welding Procedure Qualification. Welder Performance Qualification. Lot Qualification. The first two welding qualifications are common to any shop engaged in manufacture of Coded components. The third one, the Lot Qualification, is not a requirement of Section IX. Its’ requirement, instead, comes from the construction code … Read more

Practice Case 14 – Exemption to Supplementary Essential Variables

This article discusses a question which has become pertinent only after the 2021 edition of Section IX. The 2021 edition of Section IX exempts P-No. 8, P-Nos. 21-26, and P-Nos. 41-49 from several of the supplementary essential variables. In fact, this exemption is now applicable to all of the supplementary essential variables. However, what happens … Read more

Practice Case 13 – Multiple PQRs For A WPS

This article deals with an example of multiple PQRs used to support a single WPS, with a focus on the special exemption of QW 200.4 for root deposits. Consider the following questions asked in Interpretation IX-17-77. “Background: A combination GTAW and FCAW WPS is supported by two PQRs performed using the same base metals and … Read more

Practice Case 12 – Heat Input On A WPS

This article studies an example of two procedure qualifications with different heat inputs, qualified on different base metal thicknesses. How does one go about when applying these PQRs to a single production weld joint. How to reckon heat input on a WPS in such situation? Consider the following questions asked in Interpretation IX-92-87. “Background: Two … Read more

Practice Case 11 – Minimum Base Metal Thickness Qualified

This article explores the minimum base metal thickness qualified for production welding if the procedure has been qualified on base metals of dissimilar thickness. Consider the following questions asked in Interpretation IX-15-14. “Background: A SMAW procedure qualification test coupon consisting of two plates with the same P-Number but different Group numbers, and of different base … Read more

Practice Case 10 – Group Number In Welding

This article discusses a few examples showing change of Group Number in welding, which is a supplementary essential variable in ASME Section IX. How to judge applicability of a PQR for a production weld when only the Group number is different, while all other essential and supplementary essential variables are satisfied? The issue has been … Read more

Practice Case 9 – Welding Qualification For Tube-To-Tubesheet Welds

This article explores the question of using a WPS qualified on a groove weld for tube-to-tubesheet welding, while using a welder qualified on demonstration mock-ups of QW 193. And vice versa, using a welder qualified on a groove weld for tube-to-tube sheet welding, while using a WPS qualified in accordance with QW 193. The article … Read more

Practice Case 7 – Procedure Qualification On A Pipe

This article explores a few aspects around the concept of welding procedure qualification on a pipe test coupon. Is the full circumference of pipe necessary for qualifying the procedure? Does the answer change if we are talking about a welding performance qualification? Consider the following question asked in Interpretation IX-19-11. “Question: A groove weld procedure … Read more

Practice Case 6 – Backing For Welding Procedure Qualification

This article discusses this question: If a procedure qualification has been qualified with backing, can it be used only with backing? Can it be used for welding without backing as well? Is backing for welding procedure qualification an essential variable? Consider the following question asked in Interpretation IX-17-15. “Background: A PQR consists of a GTAW … Read more