ASME IX PROCEDURE / WELDER QUALIFICATION

[MALJUD2030]

If 2 welders qualify a welding procedure (each welder does one half of the weld), and the weld is subject to radiography and mechanical testing as per ASME IX requirements in QW 451.1 do they have to carry out a performance test as per QW304?

 

[DekDee]

MALJUD2030,
See below

QW-304.1 Examination. Welds made in test coupons
for performance qualification may be examined by visual
and mechanical examinations (QW-302.1, QW-302.4) or
by volumetric NDE (QW-302.2) for the process(es) and
mode of arc transfer specified in QW-304. Alternatively,
a minimum 6 in. (150 mm) length of the first production
weld(s) made by a welder using the process(es) and/or
mode of arc transfer specified in QW-304 may be examined
by volumetric NDE.
(a) For pipe(s) welded in the 5G, 6G, or special positions,
the entire production weld circumference made by
the welder shall be examined.

 

[Mec.tec]

No there is no need carry out a separate performance test provided the minimum range of performance qualification as prescribed in QW-304.1 of ASME SEC IX i.e 150 mm are met.

 

[DekDee]

Baqar,

QW-304.1 Examination. Welds made in test coupons
for performance qualification may be examined by visual
and mechanical examinations (QW-302.1, QW-302.4) or
by volumetric NDE (QW-302.2) for the process(es) and
mode of arc transfer specified in QW-304. Alternatively,
a minimum 6 in. (150 mm) length of the first production
weld(s) made by a welder using the process(es) and/or
mode of arc transfer specified in QW-304 may be examined
by volumetric NDE.
(a) For pipe(s) welded in the 5G, 6G, or special positions,
the entire production weld circumference made by
the welder shall be examined.

QW-302.2 Volumetric NDE. When the welder or
welding operator is qualified by volumetric NDE, as permitted
in QW-304 for welders and QW-305 for welding
operators, the minimum length of coupon(s) to be examined
shall be 6 in. (150 mm) and shall include the entire
weld circumference for pipe(s),

 

[MALJUD2030]

Thanks Guys. As DekDee has pointed out, as the entire weld hasn't been completed by a single welder, he has to be qualified on a production butt with NDE or a performance qualification weld with bends. As our procedures are qualified in the 5G or 6G position, 4 side bends have to be tested which means the entire weld circumference has to be welded by one welder. To date I believed what Baqar has stated is correct.

 

[Mec.tec]

Dear Dekdee,

Please correct if i am wrong ,as per my understanding the concept here is still same i.e to cover a length of 150 mm for each welder to qualify. Means you can use two welders on a coupon of 12 inch pipe half welded by each welder for both procedure and performance qualification.Although practiclly it is difficult for welders to weld simultanously.

 

[SectionIX]

Folks,

Other considerations.

1. The welding process and material (s) are not specified. Welder qualification for GMAW-S via RT is not permissible, as well for some materials...see ASME IX QW 304 that follows:

Alternatively, welders may be qualified by volumetric NDE per
QW-191 When making a groove weld using SMAW, SAW,
GTAW, PAW, and GMAW (except short‐circuiting mode
for radiographic examination) or a combination of these
processes, except for P‐No. 21 through P‐No. 26, P‐No.
51 through P‐No. 53, and P‐No. 61 through P‐No. 62 metals.



Deekee,

Appreciating your reference, it indicates the entire weld circumference needs to be examined. It doesn't specify that the entire weld needs to be made by a single welder.

Just my 2 cents..

 

[DekDee]

Section IX

(a) For pipe(s) welded in the 5G, 6G, or special positions,
the entire production weld circumference made by
the welder[/u] shall be examined.

Based on that I would presume the only way you could use two welders is in the 2G position,
Regards,
DD