asme ix wps

[rmx8004]

A plant owner user wants to use welding procedures of the original subcontracted piping fabrication company as its own, for maintenance welding. This is for welding to ASME B31.3, and ASME IX, for pressure classes up to 2500#.

Is this allowable? Is there anywhere in the codes which state this.

 

[metengr]

rmx8004;

Is this allowable? Is there anywhere in the codes which state this.

I am going to give you an answer that is either enforced by your inspection agency, code rules or is based on good engineering practice. The answer is NO.

The plant owner can use the past welding procedures to generate new procedures under their company name and qualify them along with their welders. This is the right way to do things and by the way if you intend to follow code rules, is required.

 

[stanweld]

Per 328.2.2, "Subject to the specific approval of the Inspector [appointed by Owner] welding procedures qualified by others may be used provided that the following conditions are met."

Review the Section for the conditions.

 

[metengr]

The reference to the above is only applicable for new code of construction activities and where an Inspector is employed by on Owner for these activities. With that said, using this approach for maintenance welding activities, which I interpret to mean welding performed on a regular basis to change out fittings, etc is not good practice, and does not really fall under this exception.

If you intend to perform maintenance welding as an onwer/user, an organization should qualify their own procedures and have a welding program or purchase standard welding procedures from AWS for a nominal fee.

 

[stanweld]

While the B31.3 Code is not intended for maintenance and repair, "The provisions of this Code may optionally be applied for those puposes..." ref 300(c)(2). In the vast majority of US refinery and chemical facilities, B31.3 is invoked by the Owner to be used for repair and maintenaance activities.

I agree with metengr that it is not good practice to use another organization's welding procedures as one's own; however, when repairs are required to be expedited, it is not uncommon for a maintenance contractor to use the Owner's qualified welding procedure to make a specific repair. It is most uncommon for an Owner to use the Contractor's or Manufacturer's welding procedures as its own.

 

[unclesyd]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong. They way I've seen this done is that the Owner and Contractor conduct a joint qualification with an inspector from each to witness the test.