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

Practice Case 4 – PQR With Dissimilar Thickness

This article discusses a couple of examples in which a PQR has been qualified with dissimilar thickness base metals. How should we use such PQRs? Please note that this discussion is contextual only with ASME Section IX. Please also note that this article is separate from the article ‘Practice Case 3 – WPS For Dissimilar … Read more

Practice Case 3 – WPS For Dissimilar Base Metal Thickness

This article discusses a few examples when the production weld comprises of dissimilar base metal thickness. What should the WPS for such production welds be like? How must the PQR for such welds look like? Consider the following problem asked in Interpretation IX-13-09. A WPS is qualified for a base metal thickness range of 13 … Read more

Practice Case 2 – Weld Thickness And Position In Welder Qualification

This article discusses an example of two different performance qualifications in a single coupon. Both the portions are welded by the same welder. The difference between the two portions is that of welding position: one portion is welded in 2G position, while the other in 4G. How are the qualified weld thickness and position to … Read more

Practice Case – 1: Deposited Weld Thickness For Welder Qualification

This article touches upon the the subject of qualified deposited weld thickness for a welder qualified in accordance with ASME Section IX. Consider the following problem asked in Interpretation IX-10-23. A welder was qualified on a groove weld test coupon of 10 mm thickness. The welder deposited 2.5 mm thickness of the groove using E6010 … Read more

Supplementary Essential Variables As Per ASME Section IX

This article addresses the subject of supplementary essential variables on a WPS, in accordance with ASME Section IX. Various supplementary essential variables, that appear under most processes under QW 250, have been discussed in some detail. At the end, a small portion is included to explain how to carry out requalification of a PQR when … Read more

Filler Metal On A WPS

This article some of the issues related to the subject of filler metal on a WPS. The entire discussion is done in the context of ASME Section IX, and might not be relevant to other codes. The article focuses special attention on use of unassigned filler metals on a WPS, and also rules regarding filler … Read more