ASME SEC IX - Welding Procedure and
performance qualification
What is the need for WPS & performance qualification?
• To ensure the safety of the welded constructions
• Bhopal tragedy,three mile island accident, Chernbyl accident,Breakage of ship in the midsea
Why ASME qualification & certification?
• To ensure that design practices,
manufacturing practices,
fabrication techniques, &
inspection techniques are
performed by personnel who are
qualified in accordance with good
engg. practices and standards
Selecting Your Welding Process1. The joint to be welded is analyzed in terms
of its requirements.
2. The joint requirements are matched with the capabilities of available processes. One or more of the processes are selected for further examination.
3. A checklist of variables is used to determine the ability of the selected processes(s) to meet the particular application
4. Finally, the proposed process or processes deemed most efficient are reviewed
Step 1 - Analysis of Joint Requirements
The first thing to look at is whether your weld joint is large or small, whether the joint is out-of-position or not, and whether the base metal is thick or thin.
In welding, the needs of any joint are expressed in four terms: Fast-Fill (high deposition rate), Fast-Freeze (the joint is out-of-position - overhead or vertical), Fast-Follow (high arc speed and very small welds), and Penetration (the depth the weld penetrates the base metal)
Fast-Fill is required when a large amount of weld metal is needed to fill the joint. A heavy weld bead can only be laid down in minimum arc time with a high deposition rate. However, Fast-Fill becomes a minor consideration when the weld is small.
Fast-Freeze implies that a joint is out-of-position, and therefore requires quick solidification of the molten crater. Not all semiautomatic processes can be used on fast-freeze joints.
Step 1 - Analysis of Joint Requirements
Fast-Follow suggests that the molten metal follows the arc at rapid travel speed, giving continuous, well-shaped beads, without "skips" or islands. This trait is especially desirable on relatively small single-pass welds, such as those used in joining sheet metal.
Penetration varies with the joint. With some joints, penetration must be deep to provide adequate mixing of the weld and base metal and with others it must be limited to prevent burnthrough or Cracking.
Analysis of Joint Requirements
Step 2 - Matching Joint Requirements With Processes
Information (on the deposition rate and arc-speed characteristics of each process from literature)on the ability of various processes to fulfill the needs of the joint
Step 3 - The Checklist
• Volume of Production• Weld Specifications• Operator Skill• Auxiliary Equipment• Accessory Equipment• Base-Metal Conditions• Arc Visibility• Fixturing Requirements• Production Bottlenecks
Step 4 - Review of the Application by Manufacturer's Representative
WPS – Welding Procedure Specification
PQR – Procedure Qualification Record
What is a WPS?
A WPS is a "Welding Procedure Specification" or "Welding Procedure" as it is commonly called. It contains the combination of variables used to make a certain weld. This includes the process (SMAW, FCAW etc.), the electrode type, electrical characteristics, base metal used, preheat and interpass temperatures, travel speed and position, post weld heat treatment, shielding gas and flow rate, and the type of joint being welded.
What is WPS in a layman view
point• WPS lists all the parameters required to
produce a sound weld to the specific code
• Specific parameters such as process,
technique,filler,current,voltage,etc., to be
included
• It should list a range on each parameter such
as amps = 110-150, voltage =17-22 with the
more essential or critical parameters more
closely defined or limited
• It should give enough details so that any
qualified welder could follow and produce the
desired weld.
Purpose of WPS Qualification
To determine that the weldment is capable of providing the required properties for the intended application.
WPS establishes the properties of the weldment and not the skill of the welder.
Welding Procedure Specification
It is a written document that provides direction to the welder for making production welds in accordance with code requirements. Any WPS must be qualified by the manufacturer. WPS specifies the condition (ranges) under which welding must be performed called variables. WPS addresses essential, supplementary essential and non essential variables
Procedure Qualification Record
It documents what occurred during welding the test coupon and the results of the test coupon.PQR documents the essential variables and other specific information and the results of the required testing. In addition, when notch toughness is required for procedure qualification, the applicable supplementary essential variables shall be recorded.
Points to be considered for establishing WPS
• Code of construction
• Detailed drawing of weldment
• Material• Thickness• Configuration• Process
• Contract/Customer/ Code/TPI
• Preheat/Postheat/ PWHT requirements
• Skilled welder• Good welding
m/c with accessories
• Application
Variables• Preheat• PWHT• Joint design• Backing material• P Number• Welding Process• Filler metal• Electrode• Method of back
gauging
• Essential
• Non-essential
• Supplemental essential
Essential Variables
A change in welding condition which will affect the mechanical properties of the weldment.(Change in base metal, welding process, Filler metal, Electrode, Pre-heat, PWHT, etc.)
Non Essential Variables
A change in welding condition which will NOT affect the mechanical properties of the weldment.(Change in Joint Design, Methods of Back gauging, Cleaning, etc.)
Supplementary Essential Variables
A change in welding condition which will affect the Notch-Toughness (Impact) properties of the weldment.(Change in Heat input, Uphill or Down Vertical welding, Diameter of Electrode, Position, etc.)
Joints(QW:402)
• Joint Design• Backing• Baking
Material Type
Base Metal Classification Why P numbers?
To reduce the number of welding procedure qualifications, base metals have been assignedP-nos and for ferrous base metals which have specified impact test requirements, group numbers within P-nos are again givenP nos depend on composition, weldability & mechanical properties. •Group nos classify metals within P nos for procedure qualification where notch toughness requirements are specified. •The above assignments do not imply that base metals can be substituted without consideration of metallurgical properties,etc.,
P1 - P11 Steel
P21 - P25 Al alloys
P31 - P35 Cu alloys
P41 - P47 Ni alloys
P51 - P53 Ti alloys
P61 - P62 Zr alloys
Examples of P numbers
P1 C Steel
P3 1/2 Mo steels
P4 1 Cr 1/2 Mo steels
P5A 2 1/4 Cr 1 Mo steels
P6 13 Cr steel
P7 17 Cr steel
P8 Austenitic StainlessSteel
P9A 2 1/2 Ni steels
P10A Mn - 1/2 Ni - V steels
P11 9 Ni steels
Examples of P numbers
P1 C Steel
P3 1/2 Mo steels
P4 1 Cr 1/2 Mo steels
P5A 2 1/4 Cr 1 Mo steels
P6 13 Cr steel
P7 17 Cr steel
P8 Austenitic StainlessSteel
P9A 2 1/2 Ni steels
P10A Mn - 1/2 Ni - V steels
P11 9 Ni steels
Base Metal P NumbersBase Metal P Numbers
Base Metal for WPS Test Coupon Base Metal qualified
Px - Px PxPx - Py Px - PyP3 - P3 P3 – ( P3 / P1)P4 - P4 P4 – ( P4 / P3 / P1)P5A - P5A P5A – ( P5A / P4 / P3
/ P1) P5A – (P4 / P3 / P1) P5A – (P4 / P3 / P1) P4 – (P3 / P1) P4 – (P3 / P1)
Base Metal(QW-403)
• P. Number• Group Number• Specification• Chemical Analysis & Mechanical
Properties• Thickness Range• Pipe Diameter Range
P. No. & Gr. No COMMON NAME
TUBES PIPES PLATES FORGINGS CASTINGS
P1 Gr1 CARBON STEELS SA179 SA192 SA210GrA1 SA334Gr1 SA334Gr6
SA106GrB SA333Gr1 SA333Gr6
SA36 SA515Gr55 SA515Gr60 SA515Gr65 SA516Gr55 SA516Gr60 SA516Gr65
SA266CL1 SA350LF1
SA216WCA SA352LCA SA352LCB
P1 Gr2 -do-
SA210GrC
SA106GrC
SA515Gr70 SA516Gr70 SA299
SA105 SA266CL2SSA350LF2
SA216WCB SA216WCC SA352LCC
OTHER SPEC.
-do-
IS1239
API5LGrB
IS226 IS2062 BMC10 BMC16 BMC20
P3 Gr1 C – MOLY STEELS ½ Cr 1/2Mo
SA209T1 SA213T2
SA335P1 SA335Gr2
SA204GrA SAA387Gr2
SA217WC1
P4 Gr1 1Cr ½ MO 11/4Cr1/2Mo
SA213T12 SA213T11
SA335P12 SA335P11
SA387Gr12 SA387Gr11
SA182F12 SA182F11
SA217WC6
P5A Gr1 2, ¼Cr 1Mo SA213T22 SA335P22 SA387Gr22 SA182F22 SA217WC9
P5B Gr1
5Cr ½ Mo 9Cr1Mo
SA213T5 SA213T9
SA335P5 SA335P9
SA387Gr5
SA182F5 SA336Cl F5 SA182F9 SA336Cl F9
SA217C5 SA217C9
P5B Gr2
9Cr1Mo¼ V
SA213T91 SA199T91
SA335P91
SA387Gr91
SA182F91
P8 Gr1 P8 Gr2
18Cr 8Ni 25Cr-20Ni (Type 310)
SA213TP304 SA213TP304H SA213TP316 SA213TP321 SA213TP347 SA213TP347H SA213TP310H
SA376TP304 SA376TP304H SA376TP316 SA376TP321 SA376TP347 SA376TP347H
SA240TP304 SA240TP321 SA240TP347 SA240TP310
SA182F304 SA182F321 SA182F347 SA336F304 SA336F321 SA336F347 SA182F310
SA351CF3 SA351CF8 SA351CF3M SA351CF8M SA351CF10 SA351CF10M SA351CK20
P1/Group 1Carbon Steel
Tubes Pipes Plates Forgings Castings
SA179SA192 SA210GrA1SA334Gr1SA334Gr6
SA106GrBSA333Gr1SA333Gr6
SA36SA515Gr55SA515Gr60SA515Gr65SA516Gr55SA516Gr60SA516Gr65
SA266CL1SA350LF1
SA216WCASA352LCASA352LCB
P1/Group 2Carbon Steel
Tubes Pipes Plates Forgings
Castings
SA210GrC
SA106GC
SA515Gr70SA516Gr70
SA299
SA105SA266CL2SSA350LF2
SA216WCBSA216WCCSA352LCC
Other SpecificationCarbon Steel
Tubes Pipes Plates Forgings
Castings
IS1239 API5LGrB
IS226IS2062BMC10BMC16BMC20
P3/Group 1
Tubes Pipes Plates Forgings CastingsSA209T1 SA335P1
SA204GrASA217WC1
½ Cr ½ Mo - P3 Group 2Tubes Pipes Plates Forgings Castings
SA213T2 SA335Gr2 SAA387Gr2
½ Mo (C–MOLY STEELS)
P4/Group 1
Tubes Pipes Plates Forgings CastingsSA213T12 SA335P12 SA387Gr1
2 SA182F12 SA217WC
6
1¼ Cr ½ MoTubes Pipes Plates Forgings Castings
SA213T11 SA335P11 SA387Gr11
SA182F11
1Cr ½ Mo
P5A/Group 12¼Cr 1Mo
Tubes Pipes Plates Forgings Castings
SA213T22 SA335P22 SA387Gr22
SA182F22 SA217WC9
P5B/Group 1
Tubes Pipes Plates Forgings CastingsSA213T5 SA335P5 SA387Gr5 SA182F5
SA336Cl F5
SA217C5
9Cr 1Mo Tubes Pipes Plates Forgings Castings
SA213T9 SA335P9 SA182F9SA336Cl F9
SA217C9
5Cr ½ Mo
P5B/Group 29Cr 1Mo ¼ V
Tubes Pipes Plates Forgings Castings
SA213T91SA199T91
SA335P91 SA387Gr91
SA182F91
P8/Group 118Cr 8Ni
Tubes Pipes Plates Forgings
Castings
SA213TP304SA213TP304HSA213TP316SA213TP321SA213TP347SA213TP347H
SA376TP304SA376TP304HSA376TP316SA376TP321SA376TP347SA376TP347H
SA240TP304SA240TP321SA240TP347
SA182F304SA182F321SA182F347SA336F304SA336F321SA336F347
SA351CF3SA351CF8SA351CF3MSA351CF8MSA351CF10SA351CF10M
P8/Group 225Cr 20Ni (Type 310)
Tubes Plates Forgings CastingsSA213TP310H
SA240TP310
SA182F310
SA351CK20
Filler Metals(QW-404)
• AWS Number• SFA Number• F. Number• A. Number
• Size of Filler metal
• Flux trade name
• Consumable insert
• Electrode flux class
• Deposited Metal thickness range
Filler Metal F Numbers Based on usability characteristics i.e ability of welders to make satisfactory welds with given filler
F1 E XX20,XX24,XX27F2 E XX12, E
XX13,XX14F3 E XX10, E XX11F4 E XX15,XX16,XX18F5 ASS, Duplex SSF6 Bare rods ERXX
Filler Metal A Numbers Based on chemical composition
A1 Mild steelA2 C - Mo steelA3 Cr - Mo steel (Cr 0.4 - 2%)A4 Cr - Mo steel (Cr 2 - 6%)A5 Cr - Mo steel (Cr 6 - 10.5%)A6 Cr MartensiticA7 Cr FerriticA8 Cr Ni steels (Cr 14.5 - 30% Ni 7.5
- 15%)
A9 Cr Ni steels (Cr 19 - 30% Ni 15 - 37%)
A10 Ni steels (Ni 0.8 - 4%)A11 Mn Mo steels(Mn 1.25-2.25 Mo 0.25-
0.75%)
A12 Ni Cr Mo steels (Cr 1.5% Mo 0.25-0.8%
Ni 1.25 -2.8%)
Preheat(QW:406)
• Preheat temperature (Minimum)
• Interpass temp.(Maximum)• Preheat maintenance
PWHT(QW:407)
• Temperature range• Time range• Thickness range
Gas(QW:408)
• Gases Mixture % Flow rate
(e.g. 75% Ar 25%CO2)
• Shielding • Trailing• Backing
Trail shield
Electrical Characteristics(QW-409)
• Current (AC/DC)• Polarity (EP/EN)• Amps & Volts• W-Electrode type & size• Mode of Metal Transfer• Electrode Wire Feed Speed
range• Pulsing Current
METAL TRANSFER IN GMAW
Application
Thin sheet &
all position welding
capability
Globular transferGlobular transfer
Short circuit transferShort circuit transfer
Spray transferSpray transfer
Medium voltage & current
Low voltage & current
High voltage & current
Applications
Down hand position welding
Sheet thickness > 2 mm
Techniques(QW-410)• Stringer or Weave Bead• Orifice/Gas Cup Size• Initial or Interpass Cleaning• Method of Back Gauging• Oscillation• Contact Tip to Work Distance• Multiple or Single Pass• Multiple Or Single Electrode• Electrode Spacing• Peening• Others
Procedure Qualification PQR is a record of welding data to weld a test coupon. It also contains test results. Completed PQR shall document all essential variables including ranges. PQR to be certified accurate and shall not be subcontracted. If more than one process then weld deposit thickness for each process and filler metal to be recorded.
Procedure Qualification Several WPSs may be prepared from one PQR.eg. 1G plate PQR may support WPSs in 2G, 3G, 4G, pipe 5G, 6G etc provided other parameters are kept same.A single WPS may cover several PQRs eg. A single WPS may cover 1.6 mm to 32 mm thickness if PQRs for 1.6 to 4.8 mm and 4.8 mm to 32 mm thickness ranges.
Weld Orientation Plate groove positions 1G, 2G, 3G, 4GPipe groove positions 1G, 2G, 5G, 6GPlate fillet positions 1F, 2F, 3F, 4FPipe fillet positions 1F, 2F, 2FR, 4F, 5F1F - 0 to 302F - +15 -10 wrt 454F - 0 - 1253F - 125 - 235
Procedure Qualification When two or more procedures (diff processes or other essential variables) are used in one joint, use table for determining the applicable range of thickness qualified. Carry out tension test for each weld metal.
One or more processes from a combination may be deleted provided remaining metal meets the requirements.
Procedure Qualification Thickness limits
T Range of T max t Tests (transverse bend)
<1/16” T - 2T 2t 2T, 2 FB, 2 RB
1/16-3/8” 1/16 - 2T 2t -do-
3/8-3/4” 3/16 - 2T 2t -do-
3/4-1.5” 3/16 - 2T 2t if t<3/4 2T, 4 SB
2T if t>3/4
>1.5” 3/16 - 8” 2t if t<3/4” -do-
8 if t>3/4”
Procedure Qualification Thickness limits
T Range of T max t Tests (longtl bend)
<1/16” T - 2T 2t 2T, 2 FB, 2 RB
1/16-3/8” 1/16 - 2T 2t -do-
> 3/8” 3/16 - 2T 2t -do-
WPS for SMAW
Essential variables
Change in qualified Thickness
Change in P no
Change in F no of filler metal
Change in A no of filler metal
Change in deposited metal thickness
Decrease of more than 100 F in preheat
Change in PWHT
WPS for SMAW
Supplementary Essential variables
Change in Group no of base metal
Change in T limits for impact test
Change in dia of filler metal > 1/4”
Change in AWS class of filler metal
Change in welding position
Increase of more than 100 F in preheat
Change in PWHT Time and temp range
Change in current or polarity
WPS for SMAW
Non Essential variables
Change in Groove design, backing, root spacing, retainers etc
Change in dia of filler metal
Change in AWS class of filler metal
Change in welding position
Change in preheat maintenance
Change in current or polarity
Change in string/weave, cleaning, back gouging, peening, manual/automatic
WPS for GTAW
Essential variables
Change in qualified Thickness
Change in P no
Change in F no & A no of filler metal
Addition/deletion of filler metal
Change in size of filler metal, product form
Decrease of more than 100 F in preheat
Change in PWHT
WPS for GTAW
Essential variables (cond)
Change in single, mixture % gasDeletion of backing gasChange in shielding / trailing
gasChange in Closed to out
chamber technique
WPS for GTAWSupplementary Essential variables
Change in Group no of base metalChange in T limitsChange in AWS class of filler metalChange in welding positionIncrease of more than 100 F in
preheatChange in PWHT Time and temp
rangeChange in current/polarity, incr. in heat inputChange in multi to single pass,
electrodes
Welding Conditions
Specification, type and grade of Base Metal(s): SA106 Gr B
To Specification, type and grade of Base Metal(s): SA106 Gr B
Base Metal P or S-number 1 to Base Metal P or S-number 1Thickness: 0.218
Welding Process(es) used: GTAW followed by SMAW
Plate X Pipe (enter diameter if pipe or tube): NPS 2, Sch 80
Groove type (Single V, Double V, Single U, etc): Single Vee
Initial cleaning method: Solvent wipe and grinding
Backing (metal, weld metal, backwelded, etc): None / Weld metalFiller Metal (SFA) Specification: 5.18 / 5.1
Filler Metal or Electrode Classification: ER70S-2 / E7018
Filler Metal or Electrode Trade Name: Linde 65, Lincoln 7018+
Tungsten electrode type and size for GTAW: EWTh-2, 3/32"
Consumable Insert Class and size for GTAW or PAW: None
Backing Gas composition and Flow rate for GTAW, PAW, GMAW: Not Used Preheat Temperature (°F): 75
Position (F, V, OH, H or 5G, 3G, etc.) of weld: 5G
Progression (Uphill or Downhill): Uphill GTAW / downhill SMA
Interpass cleaning method: Wire brushing
Measured interpass temperature (°F): less than 400
Approximate Deposit Thickness for each filler metal or electrode type (in.): 0.093 (3/32) / 0.125
Current Type/Polarity (AC, DCEP, DCEN): DCEN/DCEP Postweld Heat Treatment Time and temperature: 1100-1200°F, 65 hr.
Visual Examination of Completed Weld: Acceptable Date of Test: 12/25/01
Bend Test X Transverse Root and Face (QW-462.3(a)) Side (QW-462.2)
Type Result Type Result Type Result
Face Acceptable Root Acceptable
Face Acceptable Root Acceptable
Alternative Radiographic Examination Results: N/A
Specimens Evaluated By: Dianna Ross Title: Leader Company: The Best Testing Company Ever
Welding Supervised By: James Brown Title Soloist Company: Joe-Bob's B&NPW Shop
Welder’s Name: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Stamp No: A1
We certify that the statements in this record are correct and that the weld described above was prepared, welded and tested in accordance with the requirements of Section IX of the ASME Code.
Performance Qualification
The basic criterion for welder’s qualification is to determine the welder’s ability to deposit sound weld metal.
The purpose of performance qualification test is to determine the welding operator’s mechanical ability to operate the welding equipment.
Fillet welding of plate
Vertical
Horizontal
Flat
overhead
1F
2F
3F
4F
GMAW in different positions
Welders Performance Qualification
The performance qualification tests are intended to determine the ability of welders to make sound welds
A welder is qualified by radiography of a test coupon or by radiography of initial production welding or by bend tests taken from a test coupon
Variables affecting the welders qualification
Welding conditions that affect the ability of welder to produce sound welds are qualification variables
• Welding process• Filler metal• Welding position• Joint backing• Thickness of test coupon
Welding process
• A change in welding process –
from SMAW to GTAW, for
eg.,requires the requalification
of the welder since skill required
to use one process is different
from another one.
Filler metals• Filler metals used in welding are
grouped based on their usability characteristics. These are assigned F-numbers
• Ordinarily welder is qualified for a F no and do the same in production
• SAW :F1-F4: Qualification in higher Fno entails qualfication for lower F nos of electrodes
Backing
• Joint backing includes any material placed at the root of the weld to support the liquid metal(e.g backing strip,non fusing bars, root weld with another process,etc)
• If a welder qualifies using a backing on the test coupon but the backing is removed for the production welding for a joint made from one side, then he must requalify
• If a welder qualifies using without a backing, for a joint with backing he is automatically qualified
Welders Performance Qualification
Welded QualifiedWithout Backing
Fx FxWith Backing
F1 F1F2 F2, F1F3 F3, F2, F1F4 F4, F3, F2, F1F5 F5, F1
Welders Performance Qualification
F No qualification with backingF1 with backing F1 with backingF1 without backing F1 with & without backingF2 with backing F1 & F2 with backingF2 without backing F2 with & without backing, F1 with backingF3 with backing F1, F2 & F3 with backingF3 without backing F3 with & without backing, F1, F2 with backingF4 with backing F1, F2, F3 & F4 with backingF4 without backing F4 with & without backing, F1, F2, F3 with backingF5 with backing F1 & F5 with backingF5 without backing F5 with & without backing, F1 with backing
Welding position(QW-405)• Welding test positions are defined differently
for plate and pipe• A change in welding position from that
qualified may require requalification• Certain test position qualify for more than one
production welding position
(E.g.qualification in 3G position qualifies the welder for vertical and flat positions)
• In vertical position welding, a change in welding progression from uphill to downhill would require requalification
• Qualification in difficult position qualifies for less difficult positions: E.g 6 G qualifies for all positions
Welders Performance Qualification
Weld Plate & pipe Pipe of ODFillet
>24”OD 2 7/8 - 24”
Plate 1F FPlate 2F F, HPlate 3F F, H, VPlate 4F F, H, O3F &4 F All
Welders Performance Qualification
Weld Plate & pipePipe of OD Fillet
>24”OD 2 7/8 - 24”
Plate 1G F F FPlate 2G F, H F, H F, HPlate 3G F, V F F, H, VPlate 4G F, O F F, H, O
Welders Performance Qualification
Weld Plate & pipe Pipe of ODFillet
>24”OD 2 7/8 - 24”
Pipe 1G F F FPipe 2G F, H F, H F, HPipe 5G F, V, O F, V, O AllPipe 6G All All AllPipe 2G + 5GAll All All
Welders Performance Qualification
Weld Plate & pipe Pipe of ODFillet
>24”OD 2 7/8 - 24”
Pipe 1F FPipe 2F F, HPipe 2FR F, HPipe 4F F, H, OPipe 5F All
Test coupon thickness
• The thickness of the production work determines the thickness of the plate or pipe test coupon to be welded
• Thumb rule is a welder is qualified to deposit in production welding two times the thickness of the weld deposited on the test coupon (e.g. test coupon of 9 mm qualifies a person to weld upto 19mm thick production weld)
• Some code makes once a weld of 1 inch is made, the welder is qualified to weld all thickness
Test coupon thickness(contd.)
• The weld deposit thickness(t) determines the thickness of the weld metal the welder is allowed to use in production not the thickness of the base metal in the test coupon.
• When welding a test coupon using more than one process or filler metal, the thickness of the weld in production depends on the deposit thickness for the process and the type of test of filler metal that was used on the test coupon.
Welders Performance Qualification
Thk Max tk of dep. Metal Test<3/8” 2t 1FB, 1RB>3/8” 2t 1FB, 1RB>1/2” Max to be welded2SB
OD of test coupon Range of OD qualified
<1” Size welded - unlimitd
1 - 2 7/8” 1” - unlimited> 2 7/8” 2 7/8” - unlimited
Welders Performance Qualification
Test coupon More than 2 welders different procedure can do a single test coupon. Failure then both are failed.
Retest - 2 consecutive test coupons to pass Renewal if no welding for 6 months. Single test coupon plate/pipe, any thickness, material, position. If passed then complete previous qualification is restored.
Welders Performance Qualification
Variables for SMAW
Removal of backingChange in Pipe diameterChange in P numberChange in F NumberChange in thickness of weld
depositChange in welding position
Welders Performance Qualification
Variables for GTAWRemoval of backingChange in Pipe diameterAddition / deletion of filler metalAddition / deletion of insertChange in P numberChange in F NumberChange in solid filler to flux cored filler
metalChange in thickness of weld depositChange in welding positionRemoval of inert gas backingChange in current or polarity
Tests for Qualification
Tension test Minimum values for specified tensile strength For dissimilar joint, lesser of
the two valuesIf break outside weld, if tensile
st. value not < 5% of the base metal
Bend test No open discontinuity > 1/8” in any direction
Impact test In accordance with the section
Tests for Qualification
Radiography No crack or LOP or LOFAny elongated slag >1/8” for t <3/8”
1/3 t for t 3/8 - 2 1/4”
3/4 “ for t>2 1/4”Any group of slag in a line with
aggregate length t in 12 t unless separated by 6L
Max permissible dimension for rounded indication smaller of 20% of t or 1/8”
For thickness<1/8”, max no of accepted rounded indication 12 in 6” length
For thickness>1/8”, charts for max acceptable types of rounded indication
A 106 Gr B, Sch 160
C. R. Ratheeskumar
FCAW(S)
8"
P No.:1 Gr.:1
Yes(Root)E71T8-K6
6 6
FCAW(S) -19 mm Upto Max to be welded
FCAW(S)
2 7/8" & Above
With backingP 1 - P 11
ACTUAL VALUE RANGE QUALIFIED
A 106 Gr B, Sch 1608"
P No.:1 Gr.:1
Yes(Root)
E71T8-K6
6 6
FCAW(S) -19 mm Upto Max to be welded
6G All Positions
Down Hill
NA
DCElectrode Negative
Accepted
NA
NA
NA
NA
2 7/8" & Above
With backing
Down Hill
NA
DC
NA
Welding Research Institute, BHEL, Trichy, India.
P 1 - P 11
NDT / 250A / 03 Dt.23.2.04.
ASME BPV Code Section IX. Welder Identity Card issued
Electrode Negative
Welder’s Performance Qualification as per
Indian Boiler Regulations
Welder’s Performance Qualification as per IBR
Initial qualification of welders - Certificate valid for 24 months provided welder has been employed with reasonable continuity
If preceding three months, no welding carried out or if there is any doubt on welder’s stability then requalification needed
Welder’s Performance Qualification as per IBR
Requalification of welders must for the following
Omission of backing strip Change in class of electrode
Change in base metal to be welded(CS or AS)
Change in welding processChange from dc to ac and vice
versa
Tests for Initial Qualification
• Theoretical examination• Groove welds in plate - single or double vee 299 x 381 x 16 mm min size in flat, horizontal or vertical. Vertical or horizontal position also qualifies for all •Fillet weld in plate - 16 x 381 mm min in flat, horizontal, vertical or overhead. Horizontal or vertical also qualifies for flat. Vertical position also qualifies for flat, horizontal or vertical.
Tests for Initial Qualification
Pipe welding in the following positions (i) Horizontally rolled (ii) Horizontal turned (iii) Vertical fixed (iv) Horizontal fixed. Qualification in (ii) or (iii) also qualifies (i). Qualification in (iv) also qualifies (i) or (ii).
Branch to pipe weldingPipe size 127 OD x 10 tk. Tube 89 OD x 6 tk.
Tube welding with axis vertical and tubes of same size fixed in adjoining positions.
Tests for Requalification • No theoretical examination• Plate welding 152 length x 229 x 16 tk in 45 deg position. Weld to be done from underside.• Pipe welding with axis of pipe horizontal. • Branch to pipe as earlier• Tube welding axis vertical and tubes of same size in adjoining position. • Regular production weld to the satisfaction of competent authority
may be accepted as alternative to the above tests
Examination of the weld for initial Qualification
PLATE QUALIFICATION (Groove weld)
• Visual examination• Radiography• 2 no of Tensile test• 2 no each of Bend test - face and root
bend ( 3t for both C steel and alloy steel 180 deg bend)• 1 no Micro examination• 1 no Macro examination
Examination of the weld for initial Qualification
PLATE QUALIFICATION (Fillet weld)
• Specimen shall not fracture during load application• If fractures, no evidence of cracks / ICP / sum of inclusions and gas pockets < 51 mm• Macro examination shall show complete fusion• concavity / convexity < 1.6 mm• difference in leg length < 1.6 mm
Examination of the weld for initial Qualification
PIPE QUALIFICATION
• Visual examination• Macro examination• 2 no each of Bend test - face and root
bend ( 3t for C steel and 4t for alloy `steel 90 deg bend)
Examination of the weld for Requalification
PLATE QUALIFICATION • Radiography• 1 no each of Bend test - face and root
bend• 2 no of macro examination
PIPE QUALIFICATION• 1 no each of bend test - face and root
bend• Macro examination
A 106 Gr B, Sch 160
FCAW(S)
8"
P No.:1 Gr.:1
Yes(Root)E71T8-K6
6
FCAW(S) -19 mm
6G
Down Hill
NA
DCElectrode Negative
ACTUAL VALUE
Steps involved in qualifying the welding process & welder/
operator• A tentative welding procedure is
prepared• Test samples welded with the above
and parameters recorded on PQR• Tested as per required codes• If test is passed, the procedure has
completed qualification.• If test is not passed, the tentative
WPS value of the parameters are changed as deemed feasible
Steps involved in qualifying the welding process & welder/
operator
• The welder making the test samples to be used in qualifying the procedure is normally considered qualified.
• Other welder to be qualified weld test samples as per WPS and the samples are tested as per applicable requirements.
• A qualified WPS is usable for an indefinite length of time
• The welder’s qualification is normally considered effective for an indefinite period of time, unless the welder is not engaged in the specific process of welding for which she is qualified for a period of exceeding 6 months
Case study
Objective : To develop a WPS for pipe to pipe butt joint( dia. 406 * 12mm) of SA 106 GrC – SA106 GrC as per ASME sec IX
• Requirement of mechanical property: Impact toughness at room temperature
Tensile strength
Filling up of WPS- Draft
• WPS: No: Date:• Supporting PQR• Welding process : • Type : Manual/ Machine/Auto/
Semi Auto• Application:
Joints(QW:402)
• Joint Design• Backing• Baking Material Type
Base Metal(QW-403)
• P. Number• Group Number• Specification• Chemical Analysis & Mechanical
Properties• Thickness Range• Pipe Diameter Range
Filler Metals(QW-404)
• AWS Number• SFA Number• F. Number• A. Number
• Size of Filler metal
• Flux trade name
• Consumable insert
• Electrode flux class
• Deposited Metal thickness range
Welding position(QW-405)• Welding test positions are defined
differently for plate and pipe
Preheat(QW:406)
• Preheat temperature Min• Interpass temp.(Max.)• Preheat maintenance
PWHT(QW:407)
• Temperature range• Time range• Thickness range
Gas(QW:408)
• Gases Mix % Flow rate• Shielding • Trailing• Backing
Electrical Characteristics(QW-409)
• Current (AC/DC)• Polarity (EP/EN)• Amps & Volts• W-Electrode type & size• Mode of Metal Transfer• Electrode Wire Feed Speed
range• Pulsing Current
Techniques(QW-410)• Stringer or Weave Bead• Orifice/Gas Cup Size• Initial or Interpass Cleaning• Method of Back Gauging• Oscillation• Contact Tip to Work Distance• Multiple or Single Pass• Multiple Or Single Electrode• Electrode Spacing• Peening• Others
Filling up of WPS-Joints(QW:402)