ASME PQR / WQTC

[stevebro15]

Gents

Is it permissable to perform a welder qualification using a P1 to P1 welded with inconel when the supporting PQR was performed in P1 to P8 and welded with inconel.

Thanks in advance.

 

[weldtek]

Per ASME Sec IX - yes. See QW 423

 

[gtaw]

I'm not sure that I agree with weldtek's response without checking the F number of the filler metal used.

The welder must be qualified using a qualified WPS. There are a couple of ways to get a qualified WPS per ASME Section IX. A qualified WPS may be qualified by the contractor by testing, i.e., there is a supporting PQR, or in a number of limited cases the contractor can purchase a Standard WPS for AWS. One of the several essential variables that must be addressed is the F number assigned to the filler metal.

While it is permitted to use substitute base metals as noted, the welder must still use a filler metal with the same F number as that listed in the WPS because the F number is an essential variable. Check the F number of the filler metal used for welder qualification and compare it to the F number listed by the WPS and verify it is the same as that listed by the PQR. ASME Section IX, QW-432 will be helpful in verifying the same F number (filler metal) is being used.

Welding documentation is a "house of cards" built on the foundation called the PQR. The PQR must be correct if the WPS is to be correct. The WPS must be correct if the welder performance test report is to be correct. If either the PQR or the WPS is incorrect, the welder's qualifications are compromised as well.


Best regards - Al